Velbon EL Carmagne 640A Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 13.2 lbs (6kg)

Comments about Velbon EL Carmagne 640A Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 13.2 lbs (6kg):

After years of lusting over Gitzos Carbon Fiber Mountaineer series, I finally had the cash together to buy a CF tripod. I went to my local pro photo supply house and saw the gorgeous Gitzo, but what really caught my eye was the Velbon (of all things) sitting next to it, with the same weight, a taller overall height, and a leg lock/release system that is SO MUCH EASIER to operate. The outstanding leg lock system, coupled with the light weight, solid feel even with telephotos lenses, and padded legs sold me. The fact that it was almost 50% less expensive was just a bonus. I've never looked back. Yes, some pros look at me like they're superior with their gitzos, but I can put my tripod away and move to the next shooting location, following the light, while they fiddle with the twist locks on their prestige tripod.

After three years, the finish has held up great, despite many cold days on Northwest rivers, hundreds of hours in a boat, and two month long trips across Europe. No complaints at all. A remarkable piece of equipment.

Coupled with an Acratech ball head, it's a lightweight, ultra fast tripod. Period.

Comments about Velbon EL Carmagne 640A Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 13.2 lbs (6kg):

Although this is a "Made in China" product, it feels solid and hopefully is stronger that its Sunpak cousin. I bought this tripod mostly for the clip leg locks which are much faster to adjust than the usual friction lock types. As I haven't given it a real field test yet, I can't say how reliable it really is, but it has a solid feel.

Comments about Velbon EL Carmagne 640A Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 13.2 lbs (6kg):

Light, BIG and very stable. I have another Velbon aluminum tripod that is nice, but if you put much weight on it, it can shake. This one however is rock solid and doesn't weigh any more.

I also like the lever-actuated clamps for the leg adjustments. I have other tripods that use the twist-locks, but I can never tell how secure they really are. When I put $4,000 on the tripod, I like to know the telescoping legs are not going to collapse.

Comments about Velbon EL Carmagne 640A Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 13.2 lbs (6kg):

I've wasted so much money over the years trying many other brands and types of tripod for travel and location shooting, and this is definitely the most compact, lightest, most rugged, best overall quality tripod I've ever owned. And surprisingly, it stays looking new even after rough handling.

Comments about Velbon EL Carmagne 640A Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 13.2 lbs (6kg):

I travel a lot so I needed a tripod that was light, compact when folded, had flip locks, and tall enough that I don't have to bend. If you have similar requirements and don't want to spend an arm and a leg, then you should seriously consider this tripod. The quality is top notch and it's extremely sturdy. The only thing I think could be added to improve it is retractable spiked feet, but besides that, there's nothing else I could want in a travel tripod.

Comments about Velbon EL Carmagne 640A Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 13.2 lbs (6kg):

I searched for a tripod that would meet all my needs... light enought to take hiking, tall enough that I didn't have to stoop to use it, compact enough to be easy to take with me and strong enough to stand up to abuse. After two weeks of hard use while hiking thru the heat and cold of Arizona, and working well after being assaulted by dust and sand and rain, this tripod impressed me.
I was worried that the last section of a 4-section leg might be flimsy, but this is a nice, solid stand that didn't twist or bend. The locks held even when being asked to help support me as a walking stick when I was scrambling over rocks, something I am sure that Velbon doesn't design it to do.
Coupled with a Giottos MH-5001 pan head it more than easily held my Nikon D80 with a 400mm lens and doubler. I really appreciated the foam covered upper sections, it made it very comfy to carry, both in my hand and across my shoulder.
The only slight knock against it is the catches that allow the legs to spread wide are sometimes a little bit tough to use when your hands are very cold or you are wearing gloves.
Overall I am very satisifed with this purchase, it was worth the little bit more to get something that fit my exact needs. At less than the price of a good lens it's a worthy investment. It comes with a carrying case, stone bag and accesory hook. A lifetime warrenty is a nice added perk!