Why is it that time drags when you have something to look forward to at home.

My wife rang this morning to say my new Tripod had arrived, and the day seems to have lasted three times longer than normal. I bet if she had told me the in-laws were visiting the day would have flown by!

Anyway, just a couple of hours until I get to play with my new toy! It’s a Velbon Luxi F, which seems perfect for my needs, sturdy, light and pretty tall. Range of heights from 19cm to 161cm! (I’m 6’4 so don’t wan to constantly stoop) Also holds 3kg’s recommended and 5kg’s max, but only weighs 1.2kg’s itself.

Just need to persuade wife to leave out a couple of pairs of shoes so I can pack it for my hols (I’m sure no one needs 14 pairs of shoes for a 2 week holiday!

[stevegreen]

How much did you get it for Nick?

I have borrowed a cheap tripod from my nephew and have only used it very occasionally. I can see the value in them though and that one looks like a nice one.

Hi Steve,

The best price I found was from Jessops. £75 including postage. It has a 2 lever pan and tilt head. Did I mention it folds to about 39 cm's? It is just what I need.

This is the Jessops stock code - 5004161 - and description - Velbon Ultra Luxi F Tripod.

If you want the ball head version it is £94 plus postage I think. No idea why, as this model is sometimes cheaper in other stores.

EDIT: You can get the ball head for £75 plus postage from here http://www.devoncamera.co.uk

they also do a very light and compace one, the Maxi F, which is 750gms and about 30 cm's folded. But only extends to 122cm.

I was not going to spend this much, but it seemed a good deal and it should last me for my occasional tripod use.

Hope this helps.

[beachy]

[QUOTE=Nick Cartwright]Hi Steve,



they also do a very light and compace one, the Maxi F, which is 750gms and about 30 cm's folded. But only extends to 122cm.


just have to correct you on that one nick, ive just bought the maxi f myself closed it,s 36cm and fully extended it,s 152cm which makes quite a difference to 122cm, picked mine up from my local jessops for £65, a great little range of tripods though as i'm sure you've found with yours,it fits in my backpack a treat and was just what i was looking for over the past few weeks.

I stand corrected, I posted and then looked at the Velbon site. Then left work for hom.

I was just going by some dimensions i'd read in a mag. 152cm is very good, the 161 of the Luxi F bring the camera to Eye level for me, and I'm 6'4! I don't really need it that high, could have saved myself a few of bob!

Also very impressed how low it goes!

I don't think you could go far wrong with any of the range, for the price and compactness. Also, Jessops have good prices for the Pan and Tilt versions, but the ball heads seem to be a bit more.

[Mark123]

Hi Nick

What do you think of the tripod now you have used it? What camera you using on it?

I just bought the same one today - will try it out when I get home this evening!!

Hi Mark,

Haven’t had much time to use it, but had a little play the day it arrived. My first impressions are all pretty positive (bear in mind I have not really had a tripod before, except a £15 one I used to video a friends wedding years ago).

Things that impress me are: -

The flexibility of the leg and centre column arrangement.
The compactness and weight
The reasonably smooth head
Quick release head which is far better than the one on the cheapo ‘pod (never had confidence in it)
The included bag is very handy.

Things I have slight concerns about: -

The thinnest bottom leg sections are not completely rigid – However, as the tripod is quite tall, so you may not always need to extent the lower legs.

There is no hook to hang a stabilising weight from, although I think the screw in end cap of the centre column has a threaded hole, which would take a suitable hook.


Overall I am very happy, It seems well made and feels pretty robust. I think I will never be more than an occasional tripod user, and this is ideal due to it’s flexibility and size. I can’t see me needing a new tripod at any time in the future.

I use it with an Olympus E-500, I don’t have any massive lenses (just the 2 kit lenses), but the tripod can take a fair bit of weight, and because you can spread the legs you should be able to get it stable, even with a hefty lens on the front.

Thanks