I'm looking for a relatively inexpensive, lightweight tripod and have come across the Velbon EL Carmagne 540A Carbon Fiber model, which seems to offer what I need.
Would appreciate hearing anyone's experience with this or similar models from Velbon, particular regarding ease of use and reliability.
I've got a 530, which is very similar... a bit taller, 3 segments instead of 4.
I've only had it for a couple months now, so I can't comment on its reliability, but if the tripod I replaced it with is any indication (a 20 year old aluminum Velbon, in perfect condition despite years of (ab)use), I'm not too worried. It does seem very sturdy, and I don't doubt it will hold up as well as its predecessor.
Ease of use? It's great. The flip legs are very good (much better than Manfrotto) There's markings on the legs to make it easy to extend each the same amount. The center column slide has good variable tension. The leg wraps are big and soft. And the bottom of the center column has a loop on it that I use to attach a strap. The only thing missing is a bubble level.
I hate twist locks, so Gitzo, Feisol, Benro, and Induro are automatically off my list. Of the remaining brands Velbon seemed the best. I liked it much better than the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021BPro and 055MF3's I used.
I've had the 540 for over a year and have a manfrotto quick disconnect plate on the head. Best and lightest tripod i've ever had. It was so light when i first got it i was concerned about it's strength and durability, no problem there, also got a strap so i can carry it over my shoulder when i go on hikes.
I just recently sold my Velbon 540A to another FM member, mainly because I got such a great deal on a Gitzo G1228LVL. The Velbon is certainly very well-made, light, and easy to use. The center column is also a cinch to remove for packing in a suitcase for travel. No real shortcomings that I can identify. I think it's a big step up from the current crop of Chinese knock-offs hitting the market, for about the same money. Here's a link to some detail pics of my ex-setup:
I bought my Velbon 540A from Dean (above post). I've used it twice, and its everything that Dean says. Light, compact, durable and easy to carry, either strapped to a backpack or slung over the shoulder. I'd definitely recommend one if you don't want to spend the bucks on a Gitzo.
Thanks again to all, especially Dean for the pics--you've helped me make up my mind to get the Velbon.
However, I'm still agonizing over which model, preferring the 540A for its lower weight (2.7 pounds), but concerned that the 53.4-inch maximum height may be require more back-bending than I would like. The 640A seems like a good compromise at 61.4 inches and 3.2 pounds (in contrast to the 630A at 64.2 inches and 3.4 pounds). Any opinions on the height question?
Anyway . . . it looks like a new tripod is in the works, which my father-in-law said this afternoon he wants to treat me to! I'm looking forward to giving up using his eight-pound Bogen 3020, which I like very much except on outings that involve day hikes or long walks.
I've had an excellent metal Velbon for years and just bought the carbon fiber Neo Carmagne 530. I like their tripods and think they are really well made. It leaves choosing a tripod head a bit of a puzzle, the head is now heavier than the tripod. More importantnly the clasps that open and close on the leg segments are well made. I once bought a cheap metal Chinese tripod only to realise that the clasps were made of cheap nasty plastic that were difficult to open and close and wore on my hands, so I relaised they were probably the most important part of the tripod.
Moshe, the 530 is a bit taller than the 540. 50.8" vs 44.2" (center column collapsed). It's larger when folded than the 4-section 540, of course.
Also, check out www.wolfcamera.com... when I bought my 530 they were significantly cheaper than B&H. They don't carry all the models, but you might save some money.
Dean, which Gitzo bubble level is that attached to your old 540A? I see two models available on B&H: one for "Series 1" tripods and one for "Series 2" tripods. That's a pretty nifty level, and would be a better solution than the adhesive bubble level I was planning to stick to my pan head!
p.1 #10 · Anyone using Velbon carbon fiber tripod?
FWIW, I've been using the Manfrotto 3028 Super 3-D Head (on my father-in-law's Bogen 3020 tripid), which suits me just fine.
I managed to find the 3028 head, which weighs in at 1.2 or 1.4 pounds (depending on whose numbers you want to believe) for $20 (from AMV Broatcast Sales in NY).
p.1 #11 · Anyone using Velbon carbon fiber tripod?
Moshe benAsher wrote:
Thanks again to all, especially Dean for the pics--you've helped me make up my mind to get the Velbon.
However, I'm still agonizing over which model, preferring the 540A for its lower weight (2.7 pounds), but concerned that the 53.4-inch maximum height may be require more back-bending than I would like. The 640A seems like a good compromise at 61.4 inches and 3.2 pounds (in contrast to the 630A at 64.2 inches and 3.4 pounds). Any opinions on the height question?
Anyway . . . it looks like a new tripod is in the works, which my father-in-law said this afternoon he wants to treat me to! I'm looking forward to giving up using his eight-pound Bogen 3020, which I like very much except on outings that involve day hikes or long walks.
You really don't want to extend the center column if you can avoid it. But, remember to add in the height of your ballhead/clamp, and also the distance from the camera base up to the viewfinder. When you get that measurement, stick a piece of tape on the wall and see if you're comfortable with the height. FWIW, I'm about 5'10", and didn't find the height of the 540A to be much of an issue, but I really like the short length for hiking/traveling.
p.1 #12 · Anyone using Velbon carbon fiber tripod?
Dean, great suggestion!
When I add in the 3.75 inches for the Manfrotto 3028 3-D head and 2.5 inches from the baseplate of my 30D to the VF, I get a total of about 60 1/2 inches, which is perfectly adequate.
p.1 #13 · Anyone using Velbon carbon fiber tripod?
CKrueger wrote:
Dean, which Gitzo bubble level is that attached to your old 540A? I see two models available on B&H: one for "Series 1" tripods and one for "Series 2" tripods. That's a pretty nifty level, and would be a better solution than the adhesive bubble level I was planning to stick to my pan head!
I used the bubble level for the Gitzo 1-series. It works OK, but not as easily as an actual leveling base on the tripod would.
p.1 #14 · Anyone using Velbon carbon fiber tripod?
I'm a happy Hakuba hg503mx user...Velbons sister co. Essentially identical construction, but with twist lock legs. I went with a RRS BH-40 LR ballhead, a very lite combo indeed.
p.1 #15 · Anyone using Velbon carbon fiber tripod?
I had the 530, the 3 section equivelent. The tripod is light, far too light for its stability IMO with a 70-200 lens and it shows in the photos even when the tripod is weighed down. Having the tripod legs as the lightest part of the equation (head/camera) needs a Gitzo and the accompaning price to make happen, not Velbon. The materials, especially the locks are flimsier than the manfrotto ones and not as adjustable. I now have a Manfrotto MF3 and don't regret the extra price or weight in the slightest, it's a far far better tripod.
p.1 #16 · Anyone using Velbon carbon fiber tripod?
Beni, I had the opposite experience. I had a Manfrotto 055MF3, and sold it for a Velbon 530.
Its flip locks were horrible. They were jerky in their motion, they didn't clamp strongly enough, and their shape made them difficult to operate with gloves. Not only that, but it was less stable than my 530. With my 5D+100-400 (a much more challenging load than the 70-200 when at 400mm), my hot shoe bubble level would wiggle as I walked around the tripod indoors, mirror slap gave upset the level a troubling amount, and the slightest touch to the lens hood (ie: what you might get from a breeze) was enough to severely upset the tripod.
The Velbon El Carmagne 530 exhibited none of these problems. It dampened vibrations and shocks much better, using the exact same camera/lens/head setup. Given that vibration simply isn't a problem, I don't see how spending megabucks on a Gitzo could really help.
The Manfrotto was my first choice because I've heard so many good things about the 055's and 3021's. I would have rather kept the 055MF3 rather than pay to ship it back. But it was extremely disappointing in use. Add to that the fact that just about every piece of Bogen/Manfrotto display equipment at my local camera shop is suffering from slip or looseness from wear/abuse and I'm not to keen on Manfrotto reliability, either. I don't know that Velbon is any better, but as my only piece of Velbon kit is a 20-year-old tripod and head that work as good as new despite some heavy use/abuse, I'm willing to give them a shot.
Thanks for the info, Dean. I'm going to pick one up... my head doesn't have a level on it, so this is the easiest way for me.
