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Nikon 200-400mm VR vs 300mm AF-S II
Velbon 630 Champagne Tripod
The carbon fiber Velbon 630 tripod is a lightweight three section
tripod with reversible center column and is marketed in the USA by Hakuba
(mail order price $280). The tripod weighs 3.0 lbs and stands
50.5" with legs fully extended (center column lowered). A
taller, 4 sections, Velbon 640 model is also available. The tripod
can be secured to either 1/4" or 3/8" heads via a
reversible bolt. Photo at right shows the tripod with the Velbon
PH-268R Fluid Panhead.
The tripod operates smoothly and securely, even under the considerable weight of a 400mm f2.8 lens. The legs extend and retract with a smooth, confidence inspiring swoosh sound. The locking mechanism is a twist type.
The angle of the legs are continuously adjustable, with three preset angles. In most cases the tripod is setup using the normal leg angle depicted in all the photos on this page. It is not unusual for the angle adjustment to get altered between setups (e.g. during transport), which can come as somewhat of a surprise during setup. While this is simple to correct, it is a minor annoyance.
The
tripod comes with a stone bag which attaches to the legs. When
loaded with weight, the stone bag tends to bow the legs of the
tripod inward slightly. More bothersome, however, is the nuisance
caused when lifting the tripod. The weight of the stone bag
collapses the legs and makes it very difficult to reposition the
tripod. These factors, along with the time it takes to attach the
bag in the first place, make it useless.
A much
more practical solution is to simply attach an equipment bag or
backpack to the center column using an inexpensive clamp.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a carbon fiber tripod, the Velbon 630 is a terrific bargain and performs in the same class as competitors costing twice as much. Lightweight, strong, and excellent build quality. Surprisingly, this tripod is not carried by the major mail order houses, but a search can quickly locate one.
Other Views
http://acratech.net/velbon_630_tripod.htm
http://luminous-landscape.com/reviews/velbon-acra.shtml
Posted 6/4/3