Does anyone have experience with a Velbon Sherpa pro tripod? I have had a look at one in a store along side Manfrotto and Gitzo tripods and they look every bit as good. I always hear a lot of praise for the Gitzo tripods but never have heard much of Velbon. Does anyone know where they are made? Thanks.
Not that model, but I bought the El Carmagne from Dean (above post). Very sturdy, well-made, and travels well on a backpack. If the sherpa model is at least equal to the El Carmagne, you probably can't go wrong.
I'm very happy with the Velbon EL Carmagne 540A. (If you haven't done so already, you might want to check out the reviews of this model on the B&H web site.)
It's very light, stable, and easy to use, and I've been impressed with the quality of materials and manufacture.
Incidentally, I also wondered why Velbon tripods aren't talked about much in the forums--but was also impressed their price-performance ratings, and haven't been disappointed in the least with the 540A.
I have one - the 740 model. Excellent sturdy and light tripod. Center column consists of two pieces - you remove the longer piece and the tripod can then go low to the ground. Leg locks are excellent!
I have the Velbon Sherpa Pro 631 (the carmagne under a different name I think) and it's excellent. The BH55 fits like it was designed for it. It's very light but with very thick legs.. Vibration is damped well and the twist locks are positive, act like the new gitzo g-lock (as I understand it) and only take 1/4 to 1/3 of a turn from loose to lock.
Thanks everyone. They do look excellent in the stores, I thought they where comparable with the Gitzos. I was just worried because I hadn't heard much of them but this is all positive feedback.
The only negative I've experienced is that occasionally the leg hinge will lose it's normal stiffness and need a quick tighten (once every month or so) so I carry an allen key with me. No problem.
I endorse Tim's view . I have the Sherpa Pro 630 , paired with the Markins M-10 . Less than half the cost of the Gitzo equivalent and just as good in my view .
I have the velbon el carmagne 640a and have owned it for close to 3 years now. It has gone through every abuse possible. snw, sand, dunked in streams, dropped etc.I bought it thinking i would get a gitzo latter but have never looked back. Mine is paired with a giant graf studio ball and easily holds my digital gear as well as my 4x5 feild camera.
