Fairfield, CT—With 3-section legs and a 4-way head, the new ProMaster Epoch 328/4W tripod kit is a blend of classic looks and contemporary technology.
“The ultimate photographic experience, however, is about much more than snapping a picture with a phone. It involves the tactile joys of using equipment designed with care and purpose, and the satisfaction that occurs when the process is equally fulfilling as the results,” announced ProMaster.
Consequently, the company built the Epoch for stability, precision and a high-end feel. Furthermore, the 3-section design of the Epoch makes it a solution for landscapes, astrophotography, time lapses and long exposures in tough weather. Its pan/tilt head also makes it an option for macro and architectural work, as well as for use with spotting scopes and binoculars.
ProMaster Epoch 328/4W Tripod Features
The Epoch’s three rigid leg sections are made from high-strength, thin-wall aluminum. With a light silver finish, the legs have the outward appearance of a stainless-steel tripod, however, they are lightweight. Fewer leg sections means fewer joints, and fewer joints means more strength. There are two locks on each leg. The smallest leg section has a 22mm diameter to provide stability. Further, you can open and close both twist locks at the same time, so each leg is fully extended in a seconds, even while wearing gloves. Additionally, the tripod’s leg locks are machined from aluminum with a black and silver design that pays homage to the scalloped focusing ring found on classic camera lenses.
What’s more, ProMaster added a soft grip on one of the legs for more comfortable carrying, especially in cold weather. The Epoch’s feet connect with ⅜”-16 ports, so you can swap them with ProMaster’s all-terrain feet. Also, spring-loaded aluminum push buttons on the tripod’s collar lets you independently adjust each leg to one of three positions. A ⅜”-16 connection port is also on the collar’s side for attaching accessories. 
Plus, you can reverse or shorten the 2-piece center column for ground-level work. Its height is adjusted by a twist-style collar lock that matches the design of the leg locks. A metal weight hook on the column also adds stability.
Additionally, the tripod legs have a maximum working height of 71-3/4 inches and a maximum working height with the column down of 55-3/4 inches. The minimum working height is 6-3/8 inches with a folded length of 25-5/8 inches. With a weight of 3 lbs.,15-1/8 ounces, the leg section diameters are 28mm, 25mm and 22mm. Plus, the tripod handles a maximum load of 22 pounds. It will also operate down to temperatures of -4ºF.
Pan/Tilt Head 
ProMaster believes that 4-way heads are a superior tool when precision is needed. Consequently, the Epoch features a modern head with a dovetail (Arca-type) quick-release system. Unlike ball heads that move in any direction, a pan/tilt head can offer a level of precision that’s achieved when each axis has its own controls. This allows you to isolate your camera’s movement to one direction at a time while honing your composition.
Further, the head’s arca-type dovetail quick-release mount makes it easier to use with L brackets (which mount in a sideways direction) as well as telephoto lenses (which typically mount in a front-to back-direction). All four of the head’s movements also have their own scales. This is helpful for panoramic photography or when it is necessary to repeat a particular setup. Plus, three bubble levels aid in setting the head up properly and in keeping horizon lines correct.
While many heads have a base rotational movement, ProMaster added a top movement with this head. As a result, you can rotate the camera above any tilt you have applied to the controls below it. Using the top rotation lets you swivel the camera in a vertical motion, which is different from using the base rotation in a panning motion. Either movement changes a composition in a different way.
The ball head has a height of 4-5/8 inches as well as a base diameter of 1-7/8 inches. It weighs 1 lb., 5-7/8 ounces without the QR plate.
In the Box
What’s more, ProMaster continued the Epoch’s vintage aesthetic with a brown canvas carrying case. The padded bag has both a handle and a shoulder strap. It uses a drawstring closure and has a small, zippered accessory pouch for storing tools, a remote release or other small accessories.
The ProMaster Epoch 328/4W tripod kit includes the Epoch 328 tripod legs; the Epoch 4-way pan/tilt head; an 1816 dovetail (Arca-type) quick-release plate; hex wrenches; and a padded canvas storage bag. The kit has a suggested retail price of $299.95.
