Velbon Ultra 455 Tripod With PH-G40D Head Review

Features
Handling & Performance
Verdict

The Ultra 455 tripod and PH-G40D panhead kit from Velbon is an aluminium tripod described as a medium-duty travel tripod. Designed for prosumer photographers, the tripod stands at a max height of 1.62m and can take a camera up to 2.5kg in weight. Here, we take a look at how it performs. 

Velbon Ultra 455 Tripod Features

The Velbon Ultra 455 comes in its own fabric bag with zip. It compacts down to a size of 42.5cm, making it easy to throw over your shoulder for a day out. 

When removed from the bag, you'll see that to save space and make the tripod more streamlined when stored away, one of the 3-way pan head handles is screwed into the other. This simply unscrews and fixes into the available hole to give you a fully functional pan head. There are 2 turning levers and one turning knob which all operate smoothly. 

The tripod features Velbon's unique twist-lock TSS (Trunnion Shaft System). This makes it really easy to operate the legs as you only need to turn them slightly to lock and unlock them. There is a small foam grip and tough rubber foot on each leg. 

There are 3 leg angles available and the centre column can be unscrewed and removed for when working low to the ground. The tripod is capable of lowering down to just 21cm from ground level. The 3-way pan head has a quick lock release plate with rubber grip and circular spirit level to help you keep the tripod level. 

There is a star knob on the side for lowering and raising the centre column.

Key Features

• Aluminium construction
• 3-way pan head with quick release plate and spirit level
• 3 leg angles 
• 1.62m max height
• 2.5kg max load 
• Compacts to 42.5cm
• Comes with carry bag

Velbon Ultra 455 Tripod Handling & Performance

The tripod feels and looks well made with a black matte finish. The chunky rubber feet on the bottom of each leg do a good job of preventing the tripod from slipping when set up. 

We were a little confused initially by the pan head handles being screwed into each other for storage - this is a great idea for keeping things as compact and bulk-free as possible. You simply unscrew the back handle and screw it into the hole on the underside of the camera plate to achieve locking of the camera tilt.  

Everything moves smoothly and is well damped. To extend the legs only a small turn is required thanks to Velbon's TSS locks - you feel a click every time a section is unlocked. The grip around the rubber feet and inch long foam padding help make the turning more comfortable and possible even with thick gloves on.

The leg angle is operated by a catch at the top of each leg - simply push the catch along to the desired position. When the legs are brought back in the catch will click back to the original position. 

The centre column can be raised or lowered easily by turning the star knob on the side of the tripod. When working at low level, the bottom part of it can be unscrewed and removed by simply unscrewing it. 

We attached a Canon EOS 600D with 50mm f/1.4 lens to the tripod and operated everything without any issues. The tripod weighs nearly 1.5kg which isn't bad for an aluminium model and adds to the reassuring sturdiness. Even when at full height, the tripod holds firm with little flex. 

Value For Money

The Velbon 455 Ultra is available for £129 from WEX Photographic. This is an incredibly reasonable price for a tripod of such good build quality. With the head and carry bag included it represents great value for money and will be ideal for beginners and enthusiasts looking to purchase their first tripod without breaking the bank.

If you need a tripod with a centre column capable of tipping to 180 degrees then the Vanguard Alta Pro is available at £159, however this tripod only has 3 leg sections and is much larger when compacted at 72.5cm. 

If you have a strict budget, then the Slik Pro 340DX is available for £99 if you want something lightweight, however it doesn't feature twist lock legs for ease. 

Velbon Ultra 455 Tripod Verdict

Overall, the Velbon Ultra 455 tripod will be a great purchase for those on a budget that want a step up from a basic tripod. With features commonly found on more expensive models, such as a smooth and well-damped pan head with built-in spirit level and easy to operate twist lock legs, there is no denying the value for money of this tripod. 

It's well made and compacts down to a really portable size, as well as being easily carried in its fabric bag. We are happy to highly recommend it. 

Velbon Ultra 455 Tripod Pros

Sturdy
Good rubber feet
Easy to grip twist leg locks
Great value for money

Velbon Ultra 455 Tripod Cons

No insulated grip to protect hands in the cold
 

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
VERDICT

 

The Velbon Ultra 455 tripod is a geat value product with lots of features for the money.