Velbon ULTRA MAXIS 50'' Compact Travel Photo/Video Tripod with Ball Head

by Velbon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 13 x 3 x 3 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000167TZC
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: December 10, 2003

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Velbon Ultra-Maxi-SF travel tripod is ideal for a digital camera. With a 50 inch maximum height and 12.5 inch folded length, the tripod sports a lightweight, sturdy design. There is no need to lock down knobs or levers, the internal leg locking twist design does the job. Weighs only 1.6 pounds, also includes a carrying case.

Trunnion Shaft Legs
The legs of most tripods are joined to the head via bolts through the top of each leg, however the Ultra Maxi incorporates non-piercing bolts: (i.e. each leg extends the entire inside length of the outer leg casing), making the tripod extremely compact when folded, yet when extended the tripod measures a full 155 centimeters. This unique system is called the Trunnion Shaft System (TSS). Suitable for most compact digital cameras and camcorders.

Product Description

Designed primarily as a lightweight, compact travel tripod, the Ultra MAXi s Tripod incorporates a unique leg-locking system which allows it to extend more than 4.4 times its folded length. By twisting the oversized knurled rubber feet of the tripod 45 degrees counterclockwise, the leg section can be drawn out entirely. This system also speeds set-up time. A perfect tripod for travel, at home or abroad! Head Type - Ball Head (not removeable) Weight - 1.7 pounds Color - Titanium

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A nice lightweight and easy to use tripod, August 5, 2006

By 

J. Bradford (VA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Velbon ULTRA MAXIS 50'' Compact Travel Photo/Video Tripod with Ball Head (Electronics)

This was my first and only (so far) tripod, so I can't say how it compares to other tripods, but I've been having a great time with it. The carrying bag that comes with it has a rather small strap, which might be too small for some people - it easily fits in a backpack or camera bag though.

The locking/unlocking mechanism for the legs works pretty well, as does the head swiveling. I thought it might be too lightweight to hold a Canon Rebel XT plus a big lens, but I haven't had any problems with shake on long duration shots with a fairly heavy macro or 300mm telephoto.

The main thing this tripod lacks, in my experience with it so far, is a quick release system for the camera. These can be purchased separately though (and placed on the camera), so the option is there - for a price - if you need it.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent hiking tripod, July 31, 2006

By 

Seattle Hiker (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Velbon ULTRA MAXIS 50'' Compact Travel Photo/Video Tripod with Ball Head (Electronics)

I'm sure that hardcore photographers will dis this tripod, but I am very happy with it. It is remarkably light, very compact due to the lack of locking knobs on the legs, and fits right in a small backpack. I bought it so that on hikes I would have a tripod in case I needed one and it serves that need perfectly. It's steady enough to hold my SLR with a 200mm lens, which is as big as I'm going to carry into the woods.
If you're serious about photography you'll want a heavier model when you're not traveling far, but you won't do better than this one if you're carrying your gear on your back.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great product!, July 28, 2006

By 

G. Hou - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Velbon ULTRA MAXIS 50'' Compact Travel Photo/Video Tripod with Ball Head (Electronics)

Small, light, and short when folded, long and sturdy enough for a DSLR with a lens when stretched. A very good product for travel.