The UT 45L 6-Section Aluminum Tripod with PHD-42Q 4-Way Head is a sturdy tripod that folds out to a working height of 61.6" from the tiniest of packages. At less than a foot long (11.6") when its twist-lock legs are retracted and folded up 180° (so the feet meet the included 4-way head), the UT 45L is perfect for stowing in a backpack or even a tote bag, for the ultimate in low-profile yet high-performance camera support. Lightweight for traveling, the tripod weighs just 2.73 lb and supports up to 6.6 lb.
The tripod's maximum height is 5.3 times its folded length. The secret to the UT 45L's tight package is its section count: the aluminum-alloy legs have six each, and the center column has two.
The PHD-42Q head features four dimensions of adjustment: 360° panning, back-to-front tilt, and tilt to either side. There are independent controls for pan and tilt.
The included quick-release plate is the Velbon QB-62. A carry case is also included.
| General | |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 6.6 lb (3 kg) |
| Maximum Height | 61.6" (156.5 cm) |
| Maximum Height w/o Column Extended | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Minimum Height | 11.4" (29.0 cm) |
| Folded Length | 11.6" (29.5 cm) |
| Weight | 2.73 lb (1.23 kg) |
| Head | |
|---|---|
| Head Type | 4-way panhead |
| Quick Release | Yes, with 1/4"-20 screw |
| Legs | |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum alloy |
| Diameter | Max. leg diameter: 0.94" (24mm) |
| Head Attachment Fitting | 1/4"-20 screw |
| Leg Stages/Sections | 5/6 |
| Leg Lock Type | Twist lock |
| Independent Leg Spread | Yes |
| Spiked/Retractable Feet | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Center Brace | No |
| Center Column | |
|---|---|
| Center Column Type | Rapid |
| Center Column Sections | 2 |
| Bubble Level | Not specified by manufacturer |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 8 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-8
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Velbon UT 45L 6-Section Aluminum Tripod with PHD-42Q 4-Way Head:
Very good product, you should use if you have a heavy camera!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Velbon UT 45L 6-Section Aluminum Tripod with PHD-42Q 4-Way Head:
I was looking for a heavy-duty, yet compact tripod that would be easy to fly with. I was tired to have to carry on my tripod, or having to check a hard case solely for a tripod. This guy is perfect for all of those purposes. It's so compact that I can pack it in my laptop carry on case. In addition, it is super study, made of metal parts, and even thought the head might not be the most fluid in the world - it works perfect for what I need - straight forward video production and still photography.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Velbon UT 45L 6-Section Aluminum Tripod with PHD-42Q 4-Way Head:
I purchased this tripod to take to the London Olympics as photographic equipment was restricted to a maximum of twelve inches in length. It is a clever device and very compact. With a little practice I was able to remove it from it's carry-bag and fully extend it and mount the camera in less than thirty seconds. The tricky part is learning to unlock the leg sections. It is not difficult, it just takes a little practice to unlock all the sections of the leg when you twist the foot. It is stable enough for a D300 and 70-200 2.8 if you let it settle a little.
I am pleased with it and recommend it to anyone that wants a compact tripod for travel or to carry in a daypack.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Velbon UT 45L 6-Section Aluminum Tripod with PHD-42Q 4-Way Head:
I bought this tripod just for travelling and it is light and it is small. It is also not all that easy to open and adjust. OK for when you really have to have a tripod on a trip.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Velbon UT 45L 6-Section Aluminum Tripod with PHD-42Q 4-Way Head:
I travel a great deal with my Canon 60D with my walkaround 18-200mm lens. I often shoot video with my 60D and need a tripod for stability, but flying with a regular tripod was a pain. I tried using a smaller comsumer-style tripod, but it was not strong enough to hold the weight of my lens. This tripod is plenty strong enough to hold my heavy camera and large 18-200 lens, yets folds into a very, very compact items for traveling. It was EXACTLY what I was looking for, and I'm very happy with my purchase.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Velbon UT 45L 6-Section Aluminum Tripod with PHD-42Q 4-Way Head:
I've been able to use it for a short period of time. I put my Canon T2i and Tamron 28-75/2.8 on it.
This is a travel tripod. It folds very small, and extends high enough for me to look directly into the viewfinder (I'm 5'9"). I did not expect it to be rock solid and its not. But it is more solid than I would have guessed based on the number of legs and size. The legs firm up when you tighten/lock them, making the joints unflexible. The only flex is from the legs, and there is some, mostly on the thinnest section. However, if a problem its easy to just leave the last section unextended. Much more solid that way and you only lose a few inches in height.
The head feels a bit cheap. Not super smooth. Its very hard to find settings that allow for some movement, but doesn't flop over.
The legs are easy to use, but its difficult to know when they are locked or unlocked. Unlocking, there is a big of a click when each section loosens. But locking, it just tightens. No click. So its difficult to be sure its locked.
It doesn't get really low to the ground, but if you flip over some legs almost to the vertical, you can make it work. This isn't important to me.
In the end, I wanted something really small for carrying around (best tripod is one you have with you) and extends to full height. This fits the bill. Its more solid than I expected. And the head seems a bit cheap for a $200 tripod.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Velbon UT 45L 6-Section Aluminum Tripod with PHD-42Q 4-Way Head:
this is the most amazing tripod ever, for one reason only. it compacts itself really really small, I carry it in a very small bag.
I always hated tripods because they were bulky.
the locking system is new to me but works perfectly after a little practice.
couldn't be happier.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Velbon UT 45L 6-Section Aluminum Tripod with PHD-42Q 4-Way Head:
Light and small, but not the sturdiest thing ever made. I
Displaying reviews 1-8