Velbon - Choosing a Tripod

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Which of the following is closest to the system that you
intend to use on the tripod?

Recommended Solutions:

Ultra MAXi M | Ultra MAXi L |
CX 200

Recommended Solutions:

Sherpa 435 | Sherpa 555R
Ultra MAXi M | Ultra MAXi L | Ultra LUXi M | Ultra LUXi L

Recommended Solutions:

GEO E-630 | GEO E-640 | GEO E-640L
Sherpa+ 630
Sherpa 600R | Sherpa 750R

Recommended Solutions:

Video C-400 | Video C-500 | Video C-600 | Video DV-6000 | Video DV-7000

Recommended Solutions:

GEO E-530 | GEO E-630
Sherpa 200R | Sherpa 250R | Sherpa 600R
Video C-600

How do you choose a tripod?
There's a whole forest of different three-legged models out there, so where do you start? Follow this easy to understand advice and we are confident you'll find the perfect match. It really isn't as complicated as it may seem and it will definitely be worth a little effort.

Which Velbon is right for you?
Velbon offer a number of ranges. Whatever the range the coding gives an indication of size. So 400 series is small, 500 series are medium and 600 series large. Different sizes and most with a choice of different heads. Here are the ranges explained.

GEO
Unique Carbon Fibre/Basalt composite with Magnesium for ultimate lightweight strength
Our range topping models are for the discerning photographer who appreciates the best. Many years of development have lead to Velbon's unique composite of Formula 1 grade carbon fibre and basalt (volcanic rock) giving incredible strength combined with ultra light weight. Remember, not all CARBON FIBRE is equal so it's good to be able to trust the world's no.1. Magnesium furniture is used further enhance their low weight. Other features include: shoulder clips to allow the legs to be set at 3 angles plus a splitable centre column, for low level photography, built-in spiked/rubber feet and ultra quick release centre column. Combine with the PHD or QHD heads for a total lightweight tripod experience.

Sherpa+
Advanced aluminium with Magnesium for ultra lightweight value
The latest range from Velbon, Sherpa+ tripods combine advanced aluminium technology with magnesium shoulder/clips, etc, to offer tripods that are lighter than many of our competitors carbon fibre models at a much lower cost.
Low-level options and rubber/spike feet are as the range-topping GEO's and the options of PHD or QHD heads remain although you may also consider the excellent value PH157Q head.

Sherpa TRADITIONAL
Aluminium and metal for strength and value
Our trusty Sherpa Classics have supported many outfits over the years. The high quality metal construction, together with aluminium tubular leg sections, results in a very reliable tripod that, combined with Velbon's PH157Q head, will give many years of excellent service. If being lightweight is not your primary concern, the Sherpa CLASSIC models offer remarkable value. Stability and quality engineering are the main range benefits – whilst not as lightweight as the GEO and Sherpa+ ranges, compared to tripods of the past they are positively featherweight. Try them and we are sure you'll be impressed.

Sherpa TRAVEL
Advanced lightweight compact tripods
Another NEW addition the Sherpa range, these TRAVEL tripods take advantage of the lightweight technology of more compact models and combine that with our mini aluminium Ball Heads. This combination offers the travelling photographer a perfect solution for Bridge cameras, Compact System Cameras and smaller D-SLR models.
Multi leg positions and detachable centre column allow for low-level photography, making our TRAVEL tripods a very versatile proposition indeed. Pop one in your camera bag and enter the world of tripod photography.

Ultra
Compact System Tripods with unique technology
The popular Ultra series uses patented TRUNIONED leg system allowing leg sections to completely retract within themselves, resulting in especially compact tripods that expand to full size. Even at mini sizes the Ultra legs can be set at three different positions and the centre column can be split to allow for low-level photography.
There's another surprise in store, a very clever twist lock mechanism for the legs. A single anti-clockwise twist releases all of the leg sections, then, at any point, just twist clockwise and the leg is securely locked. Simple and effective, making these travel companions very quick indeed.
Topping the legs are some clever little 3-Way Pan Heads, sporting up to 3 spirit levels. These lightweight aluminium heads allow you to shoot at any angle. The LUXi head features 2 handles, for quicker control, which cleverly store inside each other for easy transportation. All heads have quick release plates.

CX
Remarkable value aluminium tripods for beginners
Velbon's value range of tripods have started many photographers on the road to steady image capture. Top sellers for several generations, these simple tripods are remarkably low priced. Available in a number of sizes to suit your outfit, they feature 3-way pan heads with quick release, braced leg supports for extra stability, crank handle on the centre column for fine height adjustment, a spirit level and even a case.

Which head?
We have put all our technical expertise to work to achieve what we genuinely believe are the best and lightest heads on the market today. The NEW range of Velbon PHD 3-Way heads are incredibly light and sophisticated, with unique features such as extendable handles and ergonomic grips. We challenge you to find better anywhere! And our magnesium ball heads...size for size we genuinely don't believe you'll find lighter. Have a look for yourself. And there's nothing in the rule book that says you can't have both!

PHD Pan Heads
For 3-way you could say 3D because that is what they basically are. Each of the handles moves the camera in 1 dimension. Either panning left to right, tilting up and down or moving the camera from landscape to portrait. Precise movement can be achieved in each direction without disturbing the other. The extra precision is gained at the expense of speed and compactness, so here is your choice. [Strangely, 3-way heads are most popular in Japan and the UK with Ball heads being most popular on mainland Europe and the USA. However Ball heads are gaining ground here now because speed and small size are becoming more important.] Our numbering system is simple - choose the head that starts with the same number as your tripod code begins, i.e. Sherpa+ 530 with PHD-54Q

QHD Ball Heads
A simple ball head is such a pleasure to use, light and compact. The camera becomes your control. Just release the lever, compose and lock. Quick and easy. Our ultra light magnesium ball heads are the perfect companions to our ultra light carbon fibre/basalt/magnesium GEO or aluminium/magnesium Sherpa+ legs and our aluminium are ideal for compact travel models. There are other controls on board for panning and tension. Our numbering system is simple - choose the head that starts with the same number as your tripod code begins, i.e. GEO E-630 with QHD-61Q

PH157Q Single Arm Head
This metal head is remarkably good value. Well established as our most popular head, the single handle controls both the pan and the tilt operation with a separate twist-lock for portrait shots, making it ideal for spotting scopes and video as well as normal photography. While not our lightest option, the PH157Q is an excellent work horse and an excellent budget option.

FHD - Fluid Heads
These heads are designed specifically to provide smooth movement when shooting movies. Our fluid heads are superbly designed with a single long handle, that can be adjusted for you most comfortable position, a large plate, for secure/positive fixing and tension control, so that you can vary the speed of your pan/tilt

All our heads come with quick release plates. The ball heads have a non Q/R option because here the facility is less necessary as the top requires a simple twist to attach to the camera/lens. By loosening off the head this can be achieved almost as quickly. The benefits are an even smaller, simpler, lighter and less expensive head with no shoe constantly attached to the camera. Your choice.

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