Sandokan Posted September 7, 2006 Share #1 Posted September 7, 2006 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi, I have seen that the Velbon 630 and 631EL are quite cheap at the Warehouse Express (online) - around £139 & £159, which is half what other carbon fibre tripods go for (all without head) and less than other places. What do you think of these? Thanks . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 7, 2006 Posted September 7, 2006 Hi Sandokan, Take a look here Tripods?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
richam Posted September 7, 2006 Share #2 Posted September 7, 2006 I originally got a Velbon, which is compact, and quick to set up. OK for backpacking, but I found that the aluminium construction tended to be a bit shaky, or oscillate if touched nudged by the wind or something like that. Even a SLR mirror slap would cause vibrations noticeable with long lenses. I since got a carbon fiber pod that dampens and minimizes such motion. So, it's a choice between low cost with some vibration problems with the aluminium construction, or go with the more solid and dampened carbon fiber construction that costs considerably more. You can rate compactness and weight from the specification sheets, and judge those features for yourself. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest leica_mage Posted September 7, 2006 Share #3 Posted September 7, 2006 If you're going to use a tripod, you might as well go all the way and forget about compactness and weight. Wood or carbon fibre are the way to go. Check out the tests in LFI I think it was Dec. 2005 or Jan. 2006. Best, Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
calshot Posted September 7, 2006 Share #4 Posted September 7, 2006 I have the Velbon CF 641 I required this one because it has the ability to work close to the ground. Not as good has my old Benbo but sufficient. Combined with the LC1 and Elpro I seem able to do resonable close up stuff. Comes wth nice bag a hook and a stone bag.Also you should be able to get a free pan head.Not had it long but I think its ideal with a light weight unit such as mine.This is the carbon fibre model.They also do a couple of other lightweight types but I don't think they are fibre? Rob Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandokan Posted September 7, 2006 Author Share #5 Posted September 7, 2006 Thanks Guys, Both the 630 and 631EL are carbon fibre - which is why I am amazed at the price. I also think they have a hook for adding stabilizing weights. I want something to slow me down but not to be so cumbersome that it is impossible to use. I think I will try them and do a comparison with the manfrotto. Thanks Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
richam Posted September 8, 2006 Share #6 Posted September 8, 2006 Didn't realize you were referring to Velbon carbon fiber construction. Anyway, my comments still apply. The dampening effect of well constructed carbon fiber pods is a very useful thing. Please keep us posted on how well they work out. Mike Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
albertwang Posted September 8, 2006 Share #7 Posted September 8, 2006 Advertisement (gone after registration) I like my Manfrotto monopod actually. Small and works well even in snow. The carbfiber tripods are the best ones... I think that LFI did a review of various tripods a few issues back this year? Anyways, a good tripod has wonderful balance and solid feng shui. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimF Posted September 8, 2006 Share #8 Posted September 8, 2006 Both the 630 and 631EL are carbon fibre - which is why I am amazed at the price. Could they be made in China? If you try a search for Benro on e*** you'll find reasonably priced copies of Gitzo legs (eg, £149 for a copy of the 1128 Mk II, which when I checked, its apparently discontinued successor had been selling for £349 at Warehouse Express!). What the quality is like I couldn't say. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
calshot Posted September 9, 2006 Share #9 Posted September 9, 2006 Ravi Do you have a copy of the Velbon spec brochure? It list's the full spec details. I will post you my copy if you havn't got one. Rob Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_n Posted September 9, 2006 Share #10 Posted September 9, 2006 Strongly consider a used Gitzo if you are on a budget. A good G-1227 or 1228 can be had for around $300. You will never need another tripod. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandokan Posted September 9, 2006 Author Share #11 Posted September 9, 2006 Tim - thanks for the tip for Benbo. Robin - thanks for the offer of the Velbon catalogue, but I managed to get one Peter - I think the 1227/8 are replaced by the 1257/8 so I will try to find the older one as they will be discounted. All - many thanks. I think I have to go to a few shops and try them/see them before I make a decision. It is not as simple as I thought ... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_n Posted September 9, 2006 Share #12 Posted September 9, 2006 Ravi you are right - the G-1257 and 1258 are now the current models. You may be able to find a deal used or new. The Gitzo copies look good but are generally not built to the same tolerences/standards. The Gitzos are incredibly well built. I have a Linhof Profi II ballhead on my G-1228 for my Leica M cameras. Overkill? Maybe, but you need as stable a support system as your lens is good. It is amazing that people will spend a small fortune on glass then scrimp on the support. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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