The Velbon VS-443D 4-Section Aluminum Versatile Tripod with Ball Head features a geared center column that tilts a full 180°, so it can be set at a 90° lateral position or at any other angle along the way. It can also be inverted, making the tripod perfect for macro photography. Its legs offer three angle positions, one of which allows the tripod to be set at a very low 9.45".
The VS-443D tripod features four-section aluminum legs with flip locks. With the center column and leg stages fully extended, the tripod reaches a maximum height of 63.2".
The included QHD-53D ball head features a quick-release mechanism with plate, plus a bubble level. The ball head enables 90° tilt to better accommodate lateral shooting. In this mode, the geared center column offers a special function for video shooting: You can zoom slowly and accurately with the full camera.
| General | |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 11 lb (5 kg) |
| Maximum Height | 63.4" (161.0 cm) |
| Maximum Height w/o Column Extended | 55.1" (140.0 cm) |
| Minimum Height | 9.45" (24.0 cm) |
| Folded Length | 22.8" (57.9 cm) |
| Weight | 4.08 lb (1.85 kg) |
| Head | |
|---|---|
| Head Type | Ball head |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Quick Release | Yes |
| Height | 3.86" (98mm) |
| Weight | 0.68 (310 g) |
| Legs | |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum |
| Diameter (Top Leg Section) | 0.91" (23mm) |
| Head Attachment Fitting | 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 |
| Leg Stages/Sections | 3/4 |
| Leg Lock Type | Flip Lock |
| Independent Leg Spread | Yes |
| Spiked/Retractable Feet | No/no |
| Center Column | |
|---|---|
| Center Brace | No |
| Center Column Type | Geared, reversible, tilting |
| Center Column Sections | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Bubble Level | Yes |
Reviewed by 1 customer
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Comments about Velbon VS-443D 4-Section Aluminum Versatile Tripod with Ball Head:
I am very pleased with this tripod. It is a unique combination of a boom-type center column that can be positioned at any angle, plus the center column is geared, which makes it even more precise in its movements.
The tripod is quite sturdy (considering its low weight), and appears to be well-made, with metal used in most areas, not plastic.
The head is nice, for a small ball-head. It is about the same size as a Manfrotto 484, and somewhat better, IMHO. It can be easily removed and replaced with another head if you want (just like with a tripod that is sold as legs-only).
My only concern is with the clamps that secure the leg sections. They are plastic, not adjustable, and not quite as robust as I would like (for example, not nearly as sturdy as on Manfrotto tripods). Time will tell if they hold up.
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