I received this tripod today:

http://www.bogenphoto.com/product_temp/templates/templates.php3?sectionid=368&itemid=2158

According to Bogen, the 728B utilizes Teflon coated plates for fluid-like movement.

Much to my dismay, I found the pan and tilt movements surprisingly stiff and clunky and anything but "extremely smooth" as Bogen advertises. A remote Sony tripod I recently used had more fluid-like movements than this!

I'm going to try the lighter weight 718B which is supposed to have smoother movements than the 728B. If this doesn't work out, either, I'll order another Sony tripod, save $80 and get a bubble level, to boot!

Dorothy

Can you adjust the stiffness? Perhaps there's something wrong with the head. It happans.

Thanks, Frank. I wish I knew how to adjust the stiffness. Perhaps the teflon has degraded. I'm anxious to hear B & H's assessment.

Disappointing, too, are the leg hinges which are excessively tight and require an earnest effort to open and shut.

Dorothy

I'm not familar with that head. Perhaps it's a Bogan code? I would just send it back.

A lot of the larger Manfrotto/Bogan legs have loosening snaps that are almost dangerous for your fingers, I've noticed.

I don't know what cam you have, but if it's a small cam the Manfrotto 055pro with Manfrotto 128RC head is pretty good. The head is very smooth for a "fluid action" head. The legs are veru good but the snaps are a bit tight.

If you go here, http://www.manfrotto.com, you can get the Bogan code for it.