Is this light four-section tripod from Slik as good as it looks?

The Slik Pro 340DX is a compact and light four section tripod, with tubular alloy legs and a die-cast 'spider' that comes with a three-way, pan and tilt, quick release head and two control handles. It is finished in black and looks very smart.

The letters 'AMT' emblazoned on the tripod stand for 'Aluminium Magnesium Titanium' alloy. This is the material used in the construction of the leg tubing and is claimed to be 40% stronger than standard aluminium alloy normally used in tripod leg tubes, though not as strong as carbon fibre.

Available with or without the SH-705E three way head that was supplied for review, the Slik Pro 340Dx is rated for a maximum load of 5kg, or about 11lbs.

You can examine the Slik Pro 340DX in more detail by going to our captioned product picture gallery. But in summary, we liked the Slik Pro 340DX apart from a number of key issues:

Could be improved:

• Leg locks not inspiring and could be made to slip alarmingly easily.
• Black enamel finish seems easy to damage.
• Head quick release has no safety lock.
• Centre column cannot be reduced in length for very low profile use.
• No alternatives to the fitted leg feet for varying terrain.

What we liked:

• Neat and lightweight design.
• Foam grips on all three legs.
• Solid and easy to use leg pivot locking mechanism.
• Solid three way head

Overall:

If the Slik Pro 340DX had better leg locks, we'd happily recommend it, but that one concern prevents us from doing so. If you aren't intending to test the load limits of this tripod, maybe using it for a relatively lightweight camera, then the Slik Pro 340DX is worth considering as long as you don't want to get very low. You should also consider carefully if a handled three way head like the SH-705E is the best choice for your preference compared to a simpler and more compact ball-head.

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Here is a gallery of shots that examine the Slik Pro 340DX more closely:

Find more in the rest of this review article:

Read our review conclusions on page 3 of this review.Finally, there is a list of product specifications on page 4.

Conclusions

The Slik Pro 340DX looks promising on paper and when you get it out of the box. But the poor leg locks dents confidence in the 5kg maximum load specification and the lowest height the tripod can be used at is limited by the long centre column.On top of that the quick release plate has no safety lock. There are better tripods in the same category as the Slik Pro 340DX, and for less money.

Find more in the rest of this review article:

Don't forget our pictorial tour of the Slik Pro 340DX. Finally, there is a list of product specifications on page 4.

Find more in the rest of this review article:

Read our review conclusions on page 3 of this review and don't forget our pictorial tour of the Slik Pro 340DX too.