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Vanguard Veo 265CB
This lightweight travel tripod is sturdy enough to take quite a load
Choosing what photo gear to take on your travels can be tricky, especially when it comes to deciding whether or not to take a tripod. Travel tripods are designed to be the ideal size and weight for photographers on the move, but they often lack the strength and stability needed to provide a good, reliable base. However, at just 1.5kg and measuring just 39cm in length when packed down, the new carbon fibre Veo 265CB is a small, sturdy tripod that makes an ideal travelling companion. Once the five-section lever-lock legs are extended the maximum working height reaches a very respectable 150cm, and the standout feature is the small ball head that outperforms those on many other travel tripods and has a maximum load rating of 8kg – more than enough to comfortably hold a Nikon D810 with 24-70mm lens fitted. You can also pan the head through 360 degrees without releasing the ball, a feature not usually found on a head of this size. Features and performance are matched by the build quality and design – you can, for example, adjust the tightness of the clamps if you find them loosening over time. The tripod comes with a carry case with a strap, making it easy to carry or secure to a backpack.