Velbon DF-40 Deluxe Lightweight Photo/Video Tripod with 3-Way Panhead and Quick Release Shoe

by Velbon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 21.8 x 4.5 x 4 inches ; 2.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000167TXY
• Item model number: DF-40
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #43 in Electronics > Camera & Photo > Tripods & Monopods > Tripod Legs
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 4, 2005

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Velbon DF-40 dual-function tripod is designed for use as both a photo and video tripod. The DF-40 is distinguished by such features as a three-way quick- release pan head for tilts and pans, a sure-grip handle that's positioned on the left side for easy access to the main camera controls, and a geared center column with a preset friction control system. The three-section tubular aluminum leg assemblies, meanwhile, not only set up quickly and easily, but are also outfitted with radial leg braces for extra stability. Other details include quick side-lever leg locks and rubber-tipped feet, an all- black-matte professional finish, and a height range of 20.5 to 57 inches. The DF- 40, which supports up to 10 pounds of camera equipment, weighs a mere 2.6 pounds.

Product Description

Velbon DF-40 Dual Function Lightweight Tripod with 3-Way Fluid Panhead

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Adequate but flimsy, February 2, 2009

By 

Michael A (Bern, Swizterland) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Velbon DF-40 Deluxe Lightweight Photo/Video Tripod with 3-Way Panhead and Quick Release Shoe (Electronics)

I've been using an old metal tripod for over twenty years and wanted something modern, lightweight and affordable. The DF-40 is all three of the things for which I asked. However, in hindsight I see now that I needed to add criteria such as "well-made" or "quality" to the list I was using to determine my purchase.

The stand itself is adequate and what I expected for the price but the plastic head feels quite flimsy and even when locked down still has a bit of wobble to it. Enough so that shooting without a cable release or IR remote may well cause an unintended motion blur which kind of defeats the reason for using a tripod. All of the knobs and levers feel equally frail and I am willing to bet that something breaks on this tripod within the first half dozen uses. When I first mounted my D-80 to it, I was a little hesitant to move my hands away because the weight seemed a bit much for the head.

It seemed like a good value as the next major price point is significantly higher, but now that I have received it and given it a thorough look, I would not have purchased the DF-40 had I been able to see and touch it first.

EDIT (Please Read) - I've now had the product for about four months now and it has held up far better than I anticipated. The fragile knobs I thought would break still feel fragile, but they haven't broken yet and I carried the tripod in a backpack for about two weeks and it held up fine. Thus I feel it necessary to upgrade my review - I now believe the product to be a good buy and although the page won't let me change my star rating, I would now give this tripod 4 stars.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Time Marches On, October 27, 2007

By 

Geoffrey F. Beneze "geoffbeneze" (Tempe, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Velbon DF-40 Deluxe Lightweight Photo/Video Tripod with 3-Way Panhead and Quick Release Shoe (Electronics)

The DF 40 stands next to my 35 year old, well beaten, much traveled VGB-3. The designs are very very similar. The methods are the same. The materials are largely the same, minor differences in some places due to weight, others due to improved materials (today), so (albeit few, IMO) for cost savings.

I've loaded the DF with the same "standard load" of camera, lens and other such that I used with the VGB. Then I added four pounds in lead bars.

Everything is stable, no wobble, no creaking or groaning.

I paid for quality in Velbon over three decades ago, and now have gotten quality AGAIN by purchasing Velbon.

That seems a pretty simple concept to me (G)
geoff beneze

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great tripod at any price--But the deal is what hooked me!!, May 28, 2007

By 

Willyd "Willyd21" (Northeast Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Velbon DF-40 Deluxe Lightweight Photo/Video Tripod with 3-Way Panhead and Quick Release Shoe (Electronics)

I've been researching and pricing tripods for about a month now, but when this deal came along with free shipping, I couldn't resist. I have looked at the Velbon DF-40 in photo departments of stores and really like the versatility and quality of this model, and when I received my order from Amazon, several days early and in excellent condition, I was NOT disappointed. It does everything I need a tripod to do, and it's very easy to transport just about anywhere because of it's compact size. Super product form Velbon and super service from Amazon--Who could ask for more??