Velbon Maxi 347GB Tripod and Case - Black

I already own a Velbon CX 530 tripod but I wanted a more compact one that would easily fit into a backpack or, if strapped on the outside, would not be gigantic and unwieldy. Having searched the web and looked at a variety of options, including Slik, Manfrotto and Giotto, I chose this one. I found several reviews from professional photographers who were impressed with its sturdiness and I also wanted one that would be under 45 cm folded and over 140 cm extended. It's a lot to ask for because common sense says that the smaller it is folded, the less it will be when extended, but Velbon have excelled themselves with their four-section trunnion leg system and a centre column which gives just under 43 cm folded and 158 cm extended. The feet of each leg have a rubber cup which can be screwed in to allow a spike to extend and the pan and tilt head is an absolute joy. It's reasonably lightweight (2.6 lbs - 1.2 kg) and looks great. Top marks to Velbon for this little beauty!

Really light and easy to set up. I bought 2 (one for my brother).There are two downsides tot his tripod:- the QL plate attaches to the camera with a screw that needs to be re-tighten constantly.- the click mechanism to attach the camera is a bit funny at times and I would recommending triple checking the camera is safely attached before getting your hands off it.I would still recommend buying it, as it is good value for money; if you are aware of these two areas and take precautions, you should have no trouble.

It's compact and fits in my daypack, it's very sturdy and just works as I would expect. I can only recommend it!

Great value for money. Love how it collapses into an easy to carry size from extending as high as a person!

Basically a good product, let down by a poor quality bag with a short handle (it cannot be carried over your shoulder) and a rather awkward head plate system.