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Hi,
I'm looking for a lighter tripod to carry on long walks. I currently have a Manfrotto 055PRO which I find gets too heavy and bulky after a couple of miles (2.4kg).
I was looking at the Manfrotto MagFiber legs, but then came across the Velbon Sherpa carbon fibre range, and was attracted by the price. Does anyone have any experience of these? I'm looking at the Sherpa PRO CF-641EL in particular.
How stable are they? I'll be using medium format gear on it (Bronica SQ-Ai) which weighs in at about 2kg. And whay about build quality/reliability?
Any comments appreciated!
Thanks,
Ed.
There was a tripod test in Digital Photo a month or so ago. I don't have it to hand right now, but I'm sure there was a carbon fibre Velbon in there, though can't remember the exact number.
I have one of the MagFibre range, and I find it comfortable enough to carry around for quite a while. Stability is good, as I use a Canon 70-200 f/2.8 lens which ain't exactly light, and a 300 mm f/2.8.
Sorry can't help on the Velbon, but you did mention the MagFibre so I thought I'd comment on that.
Keith.
A friend of mine has the exact model you are looking at - the Sherpa PRO CF-641EL.
From what Ive seen its a great tripod, and incredible value for all the bits that come with it. Cant say for MF gear, but his Canon EOS30 and 70-200 F2.8 are stable on it.
I was considering getting one, and only opted for the more expensive magfibre 055 because I got a good deal on it in the states.
I would say go for it - a quality tripod at a good price.
adam.
Thanks Keith and Adam.
The Velbon does look great value at 169 from Warehouse Express. The Manfrotto one I was looking at is the 190MF4 for 208. I want to go for 4-section legs as I want a more compact tripod than the 055.
I looked at the Gitzo G1198 and G1298 as well. The Gitzos seem a bit lighter, but more expensive.
Ah, decisions, decisions!
Ed.
Its very compact Ed - and comes with a nice little bag. I was amazed when I saw just how small it was - from that moment onwards I wanted one. My 055 is four sections as well as I find it so much easier to travel with, especially when taking it on planes.
Adam.
Ah yes... the Manfrotto 055MF4 might be an option as well. I had forgotten that they did a 4-section 055. I see T4 Cameras have it for 195 inc VAT. I think the 055 would be better suited for MF gear than the 190.
So Adam, what made you go for the Manfrotto in the end, rather than the Velbon? Was it just a matter of price?
For me, I think it comes down to a choice between the Velbon at 169 and the Manfrotto at 195.
Ed.
It was the price, and Im ashamed to admit - the name. Although the Velbon looks to be an excellent tripod; as the Manfrotto worked out at about the same price, it made sense to me to buy this one. I would have got the Velbon if it was cheaper in the US than the Manfrotto, but couldnt find it.
The MF4 is a great tripod and only let me down once (as discussed previously on here)! Coupled with the 322RC2 grip ball head, its superb (but the Manfrotto heads will also work on the Velbon).
OK, I think I'm going to go for the Velbon!
I know what you mean about the Manfrotto name though. My 055PRO has been rock solid and looks like it will last a lifetime. But it's just too much to carry around all day.
I'll see how I get on with the Velbon. Having a bag to carry it in will make a difference too!
Cheers,
Ed.
Well, I received the Velbon 641EL today. It certainly looks like a nice piece of work. Very stable and compact, and seems to be of a very high build quality.
Unfortunately it was supposed to be supplied with a case, which is missing. There are also no instructions or guarantee card or anything, and the packaging shows some evidence of having been opened, so I guess this tripod was returned minus these items and resold to me. I'm pretty peeved about this as I'm going on holiday in a few days and really don't want to have to send the whole thing back for a replacement. So I'm hoping Warehouse Express will send me a case without me having to return the tripod. I'll have to ring them in the morning and see what they say.
Ed.
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