Velbon geo e635d
£409/$470
an old-school tripod that keeps things simple
Sold as separates rather than a complete kit, this Velbon outfit is a stickler for tradition. It doesn’t even show off its carbon fibre legs, as all three of the upper sections are shrouded in comfort padding. The two lower sections are released by clip-locks that are quick and easy to operate, as well as to adjust with an Allen key. Calibrated, numerical markings are printed on the two lower sections, making it easy to extend all three legs to the same length. The QHD-53D head also incorporates three spirit levels to aid the levelling for both landscape and portrait orientation shooting.
Sliding levers on the spider enable easy selection of three available leg angles, and the rubber foot pads can be screwed in to expose retractable metal spikes. In other respects, the Velbon seems quite basic. Latter-day features like swingup legs, a pivoting centre column and a retractable leg for use as a monopod are all absent. Similarly, the ball head has a single locking knob with no independent friction adjuster or pan-release. At least the centre column, which is made from metal rather than carbon fibre, has a two-section design. This enables you to unscrew the lower section for low-level
shooting, with the legs set to their widest angle. Performance
Good rather than great, the Velbon is rigid. But, its centre column is oddly long and, when extended towards the top of its travel, it becomes quite prone to vibrations. The maximum load ratings of 4kg for the legs and 5kg for the head are the lowest in the group, and the tripod feels a little less solid than most.