Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony VCT-80AV Remote Control Tripod for use with Compatible Sony Camcorders

Though I have used professional video tripods from Sachtler and Bogan Manfrotto in the past with full-sized professional video cameras, they are a bit of overkill for a prosumer grade compact HDV video camera. And, the inexpensive Silk tripods and the like are too shaky and flimsy to use for serious video work.

But for my Sony HC7 HDV video camera, Sony's VCT-80AV tripod is perfect. The legs are much sturdier than a lightweight consumer tripod, but it doesn't sacrifice lightness and compactness to achieve it. The head is a single stage fluid design that balances the camera nicely and provides for a fairly smooth pan and/or tilt motion. The quick release plate secures well to the tripod head and is easy to attach to the camera. The center column has a locking knob to secure it at whatever level you choose.

The best feature of the VCT-80AV is the panhandle with built in Sony remote control. It is comfortable and easy to use with all of its features well position for quick control of the camera.

the VCT-80AV is sturdy enough for light professional work, but compact and lightweight enough to carry on a backpacking trip.

A great all around tripod to shoot events and interviews. I use it with my Sony HDR-SR12 camcorder. Easy to attach the connecting AV cable so you can control the camera's zoom (fast or slow) and start and stop recording. The tripod does a lot for what it costs and it is very stable.

If your uses are for fast action sports requiring fast pans, you may want to consider a more expensive carbon fiber or aluminum tripod, the Sony VCT-80AV is made of hard plastic. These heavy dudy tripods have separate heads with mechanisms that facilitates smooth tight pans and are more suitable in rough environments.

Using this with a HD-SR12 camcorder. Has bubble level which is fantastic. Also has remote cotrol which has a slow zoom feature that I constantly use. Fantastic option. However, the pan/tilt movements are really stiff. You can obviously adjust the tension but it is either stiff or you loosen it until it is just too loose. Still a fantastic tripod. Glad I bought it!

I bought this unit since I recently purchased a HDR SR11 hard drive camcorder. My wife and I spend a lot of time taking video of horses in horse shows. I have a regular professional camera with all the bells and whistles; however, she was having to spend hours holding the camcorder. This tripod works great with the AV connector...its made for it. The selling point was the built-in remote control. It has variable speeds and works ABSOLUTELY great. The price is well worth it because I do not have to hear my poor wife complaining of back aches; and by the way the videos are less shaky....She is a tall girl so the high of the tripod falls a bit short. However, you can elevate it and place masking tape on it to hold its extended position....results....great video.

The VCT-80AV enhances the features of my Sony camcorder as it is very user-freindly and intuitive in its design. The system allows me to concentrate on filming my subject and less time on figuring out the locations of the buttons I need to press. The panning and tiling is very smooth and allows easy following of very active grandchildren and pets with no jerking motion. The only negetive issue is that I had to buy a padded case to replace the one that came with it for improved protection.