Velbon EL Carmagne 540A Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 8.8 lb (4 kg)

"Lightweight, Super Compact, It goes up and down in a flash. It is very stable even at full extension. I'm amazed at how tall this little thing gets."

"I had a hard time choosing between this and the Manfrotto 190CXPro4. I am looking for a lightweight, but sturdy tripod that I can use when I travel or for wedding/party pictures.



I finally decided to go with Velbon 540A because of the following: 16.5" folded length, 2.7 lbs weight, tripod case, tripod apron (stone bag), height markings, neoprene cover to protect the legs and for extreme weather (I live in Canada!), and of course noteworthy to mention is the LIFETIME WARRANTY!



I bought a Manfrotto ballhead though - the 322RC2, and it works really well with what I use the tripod for! The 322RC2 ballhead helps me satisfy what I wanted from the Manfrotto 190CXPro4 - where the center column can be swung over to horizontal without removing the head.



Velbon 540A is definitely the best carbon fiber tripod in its class- in terms of features, durability, quality and price. I can see myself using this for a vey long time!"

"To bad Jack, in the previous review, didn't go ahead and review the tripod. The load rating issue isn't a fault of the tripod! That aside, this tiny tripod is extremely stable for it's size. The largest load I use on it is a Nikon D70s, SB600 and a 105mm VR. (I'm using a Markins Q3 as my travel head.) The tripod dampens vibrations like a champ, and has no problem with this load.I needed a small, travel tripod that would hold up under use, and after months of searching I chose the Velbon. I just couldn't justify the cost of the travel Gitzo's when every review I read on the Velbon's was positive, and the price difference was substantial. I haven't used it long enough to testify to it's longevity, but it is very well built.When folded, this tripod is shorter than the length of my Lowepro Magnum AW, which it gets strapped to when I'm traveling. The lever locks make set-up quick and easy, and they clamp down extremely tight. (Something I wasn't used to using relatively cheap, off-the-shelf aluminum tripods.) The minimum height is great for macro photography.The head bolt thread size is 3/8, which means you'll need a bushing/adapter to mount heads which typically use 1/4 threads. To bad tripod manufacturers and/or head manufacturers don't include one of these with their products.While still pricey, this tripod is a relative bargain given it's load rating and carbon fiber construction.It comes with a stone bag for adding extra weight (for extra stability) and a fairly nice storage bag that will store the tripod with a head attached.If you're in the market for a very compact, lightweight tripod for travel, the Velbon 540A should be at the top of your list.



Expertise: Amature



Problems Encountered: No problems other than thread size differences between the tripod and head.



Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Sunpak model El-Cheapo



Items I Recommend: A decent head. (If you want the best: Markis, Kirk, RRS, Novoflex.)"

"Nicely compact, sturdy, light weight, well priced.



Best feature is the leg locks in CF format.

Most if not all other CF tripods are twist-lock.



One reviewer did point out the 25 lbs spec some retailer quoted is incorrect. Around 8.8 lbs is the accurate #. Would have been a 10 stars (;-)) if it did support 25 lbs. 5/5 is my rating for supporting 8.8 lbs."

"First used this tripod when renting a tripod setup for a vacation. It is EXTREMELY light. I walked around all the time with it over my shoulder, and the camera mounted to it. It folds up short for travel, and it is VERY sturdy.



I paired this with a Markins Q3E Ballhead. Perfect combo."

"This is a very compact and strong tripod. I have looked at many different brands and different models before I make the decision to purchase this one. Other tripods are either too big too heavy or not strong enough to support my equipment. I used this tripod with the Acratech V2 head. It feels stable when I put my D300 and 70-200mm lens on top of it. I really loves its light weight and strong build."

"I have not had this tripod long but, feel it will be with me for a while! It has a very solid feel to it and is compact. I was a little concerned about getting a 4 leg instead of the 3 but it's working out so far. Fully extended I feel I could put my entire 165lbs on it. I really like that rock solid feel. I chose to get the PH-237Q head since the kit version looked way to bulky with 2 adjustment knobs. This is a very compact and solid feeling unit as well. So, all and all the whole set up is perfect for me and well worth the money. I feel I got what I paid for in a well made tripod and head. I use this with a Pentax k10d or spotting scope.



Expertise: Advanced Amature photographer



Problems Encountered: None so far. I don't like the carry case is all.



Items I Recommend: PH-237Q for ultra compactness"

"I've owned 8 - 10 tripods and now look for details. Nice tobe able to adjust the tension on the leg clamps, leg angleadjusts are very solid, and 2 piece center column is smooth. The reviewer below should note the correct 8.8#'s in specson this page. I do however think this is very conservative. I'm enjoying it with the 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action BallHead by Manfrotto, a Nikon D200 and sometimes the Tamron 200- 500 mm Zoom (good lens).



Expertise: Pro for 8 years - technical stuff



Problems Encountered: Nice if it came with an additional 4 column extension and abubble level on the tripod itself.



Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Bogen, Guittzo, Slik, Velbon, Vivitar, Linhof (not mine to keep)"

"I've been using this tripod for a couple of months and havenot been disappointed in the least with its performance. Itslight weight makes it a joy to carry on excursions and daytrips; it provides a stable platform for my 30D and 70-200f/4, even with a brisk breeze; and the quick release legs,with inch-markings, extend and retract easily.



Problems Encountered: I haven't encountered any problems with this tripod. I didfind, however, that the supplied case is not particularlycomfortable or convenient, so I so I added an after-marketcarrying strap.



Items I Recommend: Padded carrying strap"

"The tripod is light and sturdy. [...]"