Velbon EL Carmagne 630A Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 13.2 lb (6 kg)

Comments about Velbon EL Carmagne 630A Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 13.2 lb (6 kg):

I was searching for a tripod that was both light enough to permit a modest amount of walking around (I'm not a serious hiker) and very stable. While I've only been using it for a few weeks, so far I'm delighted with it. I chose this three-section model vs. a four-section because stability was more important to me than super small size for travel.

Comments about Velbon EL Carmagne 630A Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 13.2 lb (6 kg):

Looked at a lot of tripods. None had these features for the price. Great value. Very happy with this purchase.

Comments about Velbon EL Carmagne 630A Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 13.2 lb (6 kg):

These legs are used primarily to support a spotting scope for birding. Especially appreciated a reversible screw which made mounting the head simple. Lightweight, very stable, adjustable. The legs have numbers printed on them making it very easy line up. Only complaint is lack of any documentation, but sending an email to the company, I received the directions I asked for. Very solid product

Comments about Velbon EL Carmagne 630A Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 13.2 lb (6 kg):

I bought this tripod for a long trek through a remote area of Iceland. I love my Gitzo, but needed to shed as many pounds from my gear as possible without compromising quality. With the center column secured in its down position, it held up admirally even with large lenses. Well worth the price tag.

If there's any con to write about, I guess it would be that I'd like to be able to secure the center column a little bit more (you can still twist it a bit when it's secured), or have a lightweight plate available for purchase to replace the column entirely. The Pros far outweigh the cons, though.

Comments about Velbon EL Carmagne 630A Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 13.2 lb (6 kg):

using this with a qhd71q ball head and think it is great!

Comments about Velbon EL Carmagne 630A Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 13.2 lb (6 kg):

I finally got around to buying this tripod in early 2006 to replace my heavy (6.2 pounds) Bogen/Manfrotto 3221 (black version of the very popular 3021). At $290, it is about as cheap as there is in the carbon fiber genre. Price wasn't the top priority, though, as I had considered going the Gitzo route, but ultimately, I am not a fan of twist locks at all and I couldn't pull the trigger on one, so the Velbons looked all the more enticing. Plus, they were lighter than an equivalent Gitzo at the time I was looking. It was a no-brainer. I just needed a basic tripod that did exactly what my Bogen did, but in carbon fiber to shed a couple of pounds. I don't need the shorter packing height and extra bit of hassle of a four-leg section tripod. Well, I am happy to report that I really like my 630. It's obviously a lot lighter than my Bogen, and I should've made this move years ago. The included neoprene grip and pad on the upper legs are nice as well. The 630 sits about 3 shorter than the 3221 at maximum height without the center column extended, which is noticeable as I'm always raising the center column a bit, but that really hasn't been a factor. This is a very well-built and solid tripod, though it wouldn't fare as well as my 3221 if I ever had a run-in with a mountain lion where I might need to take a few swings!The legs are nice and have are a fair bit stiffness to spread apart, which I really like. They aren't going to loosely move and flop about as you're carrying it.My only minor gripes are with the center column and the rubber feet:The two-piece, aluminum center column is split in a very odd place. It's basically an 80/20-split. If you need to shoot low to the ground, you'll just have to unscrew the longer piece. It would've been nice if it were dissected a bit more evenly so I could leave the bottom piece off, but with just the top, it only extends a measely couple of inches, which usually isn't enough for my 6-foot frame.As for the rubber feet, they're of a harder rubber/plastic material which don't grip as nice as what I'm used to on surfaces such as slickrock. However, they should be replaceable if one chooses, but this really hasn't been a factor to come into play for me.For reference, I shoot a 3.6-pound 4x5 and a 5D with up to the 100-400. This tripod is rock-solid, which you'll notice by handling it alone.I should've written this review long before now as I honestly can't recommend this unit enough. I've already converted one friend! I will very shortly be adding the 530 legs to my inventory to shed a bit more weight for backpacking and to have a second set of carbon fiber legs as a backup.

Expertise: Advanced amateur

Problems Encountered: The only real problem I have with these legs is the center column's 80/20-split. If you want to leave the bottom portion off, you cannot extend the remaining top portion at all.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Bogen 3221 (black version of the popular 3021)

Comments about Velbon EL Carmagne 630A Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 13.2 lb (6 kg):

My wife bought the El Carmagne 630A Tripod legs for mybirthday, and I must say, this tripod exceeded my expectations.I'm shooting with three wildly different cameras these daysa Canon S3 IS (great for when I don't want to lug a lot ofequipment just to take casual shots), a Nikon N75 (yes, Istill use film now and then) and a Nikon D80. The heaviestlens I use is a Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-SVR Autofocus Lens.I have kept current with the debates about tripod materialssuch as lava and carbon fiber, and I am aware that my newVelbon doesn't have the brand recognition and respect ofGitzo and other high-end legs.Still...I'm impressed. The legs are steady, stable,lightweight and easy to set up. I love the flip locks (justlike on my 14-year-old entry-level Slik U8000!), and theVelbon legs play nice with my Kirk BH-3 ball head.The only thing I am not pleased about with the Velbon is thedocumentation: there isn't any! No manual, no warranty card,no nothing! And you won't find a manual by Googling Velbonand going to their web site, either. That's why I gave it only 3 stars for meets expectations.I know how to use a tripod. I just expected a manual, awarranty/registration card, and other documentation to beincluded in the box.

Expertise: Prosumer

Problems Encountered: No documentation included.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Since 1970? Vivitar rangefinder, Nikon FM, Nikon FM2, Nikon 5005, Nikon N75, Canon S3 IS, Nikon D80. And a bunch of other, forgettable cameras and equipment.

Items I Recommend: Kirk BH-3 ball head