Customer Reviews

Velbon El Carmagne 530 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Pan Head and Case

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Being new to photography,I purchased the Velbon Carmagne 530 carbon fiber tripod with PH-250B magnesium head for my Canon A95 camera, based upon several other favorable reviews. I wanted a lightweight but durable tripod that was easy to use. This tripod has fulfilled all expectations with its superb quality and close tolerances--there isn't a sloppy component anywhere and it looks as if it were made for the space program. The matt-black finish is beautiful. The carbon fiber legs (the main sections have a black foam covering) extend smoothly and are secured easily with snap-locks. The locking mechanism that controls the splay of the legs works beautifully, allowing the tripod to be positioned for macro shots of ground-level subjects. The 3-way panhead is adjusted with a locking knob and two removable handles (one of which must be removed to store the tripod in the included carrying case--no big deal). The tripod should be able to support even SLRs with telephoto lenses. Fully collapsed, the tripod is roughly 26" long and is easily transported with the case's carrying strap. Although I may never use the "stone" bag (for weighting the tripod down) including it was a thoughtful touch. More expensive models extend to greater heights, but I preferred the fewer leg sections (three) of the model 530. If you think you'll be doing a lot of indoors and outdoor photography and value superb engineering and quality, consider this tripod. It is worth the price, but be prepared to spend over $200. Now having tried a carbon fiber-magnesium tripod, I would never go back to a run-of-the-mill metal one.

I already have one Velbon 530 and just ordered my second one via Amazon. The one review on here was exactly correct.

I can add that this tripod is rated to handle over 13 pounds (you REALLY don't want to put a PRO $8000 camera setup that weighs 11 lbs on a $39 tripod that can handle 4 lbs), important to me since I have Nikon Pro digitals with those lens you see at football games. It is really steady and with most carbon fiber/magnesium tripods starting at $400, it's also a bargain.

I have used this Velbon El Carmagne 530 tripod for 6 months on my Canon 1D MKII with 300/f2.8 or 400/f4 lenses (8 to 10 pounds total weight). Great price for a great tripod. Same build quality as more expensive carbon fiber tripods. Very light yet very sturdy with high load capacity. Come with tripod carry case and trap. Comes with sandbag hook. The center post can be dismantled to allow the tripod legs to spread apart and thus lower the camera to the ground for an "ant's eye view" perspective. The tripod head is very simple but with great build quality and is easily replaceable for a more sophisticated ball head or gimball head.

I've had a Velbon aluminum tripod (used for my Minolta X370) for 25 years. I've used it several hundred times and have never had a single problem. So when I started shopping for a tripod to support my much more expensive and heavier digital equipment, then found the CF530, it seemed like a no brainer. I found it here on Amazon, but wanting it that day, I called the big box store and they had it in stock, and to my surprise, for less than here on Amazon. Sorry Amazon, but a deal's a deal.

Okay the nuts an bolts... Lightweight, it straps to my backpack camera bag and unless I'm hiking for miles doesn't make a big difference. The leg clamps, while plastic, have never failed and are extremely easy to use. There are increment marks on the legs, which really only help on level ground, but helpful none the less. I've never had to use it w/ the legs spread, but have tested the leg locks and they are also easy to use. The tilt and pan head locks well and move's easily but I'm going to upgrade to a ball head for a single action adjust instead of dual. It does come w/ the bag which is a bit cheap and I don't use it, but it is adequate. Lastly Velbon has included a weight sling and hook on the center pole. The sling is a bit of a pain as it has to wrap around the legs using velcro straps and takes a couple of minutes to attach. However thats the bad w/ the good, because it's a great accessory and might save your gear on a windy day.

All in all, a great buy and highly recommended. A win win for all that's included, price, and ease of use. I'm confident you'll have no regrets in purchasing this tripod.

Got one today and am very pleased. A good deal for the money. Sturdy, light weight, and all of the controls just work very well. I particularly like how you can fold in/out both of the clamps on each leg at the same time with one hand, which speeds up the process.

And you don't *have* to remove one of the handles to put it in the bag. You can leave the top unzipped a little ways and carry it with the one handle sticking out a bit.

The only negative I can find is that the leg clamps are made of plastic, which makes me wonder how long it will last. But for $200, that's fairly cheap for a high quality, light weight tripod like this, so as long as it lasts a few years, I'll be happy. And then maybe my next tripod will be one of those $600 jobs.

Update, Oct. 17, 2009:

I've used it quite a lot since buying it, and still like it very much. Everything I wrote before, still applies. But I wish it had a quick-disconnect plate (this is only significant if you attach/remove the camera often) and a smoother movement of the head (have to break loose the friction sometimes, to get it moving). But then, if it had those features, it probably would would cost a lot more than $200.

I had foolishly bought a couple of cheap tripods and they actually worked. My camera (Canon EOS Rebel XT) did not fall on the ground. But when I went to a 75-300 lens and Speedlight 430EX external mflash, it got shaky. Bit the bullet and got a really good one. Carbon Fiber legs, Magnesium Pan Head. It's actually lighter than the old cheap ones and I really would not hesitate to put an 8X10 view camera with a long lens on it. Solid as a rock, set-up and teardown very quick with the snap-locks, Pan-head smooth as silk. Everything I hoped for when I bought it and even more. Highly recommended.

I love this tripod. It is extremely stable. At first I got it for my canon camera, but now use it for my rather large video camera and it works great with that too. It is not extremely light. But I still attach it to my backpack and lug it along. Nice to have. Motion is smooth and locks work great. Comes with a holster that I don't use.

I bought this, but wish i got the 540 instead.... why? because the 540 is only a little price difference, but the 530 is long and for me, just an inch too big, the 540 would probably have fit in my carry=on better.... but as a tripod, this thing is freaking amazing!

This tripod is light and easy to use. The camera must be screwed onto the base. There is no quick release or shoe. A lever on the thumb screw helps to release or to put that extra twist on the shoe screw. The overall height is excellent. The legs can be made to extend out to provide a very low setting. Markers on the legs allow the user to extend each leg to the same length. The only thing missing, that I wish this unit had is a bubble level. I will have to add my own. A bubble level is needed when doing multiple panning shots that you wish to stitch together. In some of my shots, horizontal lines are on a slight angle. I think a bubble level would eliminate this. All in all a very good unit for the money.

I bought this tripod for my Nikon D200 setup. I was using, till now, a cheap $20 tripod from Ritz. I must say, this is one heck of a sturdy tripod. I was looking for something from Bogen-Manfrotto and around the $150 mark. But I found this at Best Buy for $199 (I didn't buy this from amazon) and once I checked it out, I didn't mind the extra cost, at all. Its light and sturdy. Exactly what I was looking for, since I travel quite a bit and need portability. If you're shooting in a studio with a fixed setup maybe you want something heavier and sturdier. The head is detachable, which is good cause I might want to replace this head with a ball-head sometime in the future, but the default head works great. This is highly recommended and you might want to check up Bestbuy for the $199 deal.