Vanguard VEO 235AB Aluminum Travel Tripod with Ball Head for Sony, Nikon, Canon, Fujifilm Mirrorless, Compact System Camera (CSC), DSLR

As a photography enthusiast who shoots primarily outdoors/landscapes, a tripod is a must. For that kind of photography many rely on relatively large, stable tripods to support big lenses or for long exposures. I have a Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 carbon fiber tripod with a Vanguard BBH-100 magnesium ball head that is steady as a rock and suitable for long exposures and big glass. It is not especially heavy for a CF tripod, but it is relatively large, meaning it can be awkward to carry and it occupies a fair amount of space in my checked baggage. There are occasions where such a big tripod is overkill, so I wanted a lightweight travel tripod. I ended up buying an Oben CT-3431 carbon fiber travel tripod. Weighs a bit more than three pounds and works well. However, my wife needed a travel tripod so I bequeathed her the Oben and went on the hunt for a replacement for myself.Because I was familiar with Vanguard, I started with them and researched their travel tripod offerings. After reading some reviews and I decided on this model. I opted to stick with aluminum. The weight savings (a few ounces) the CF model would offer just wasn't enough to justify the extra $120 or so. And, I don't expect to need the extra bit of stiffness that CF provides when I travel. If that's necessary, I'll use my Manfrotto.So, we went on a photo trip to New Mexico; her with the Oben and me with the Vanguard. Both are stable platforms. However, Vanguard's flip locks are faster and easier to deal with. It's impossible to visually tell when the Oben's legs (and other tripods with twist locks) are fully locked and ready. It's also faster to collapse the Vanguard and several times my wife was muttering about having the more expensive but less convenient tripod. So, after a week's steady use I can attest to its practicality, strength and overall value.First and probably foremost, the 235AB is very well made. The legs and all the components are nicely machined; one of them has a rubber cover for cold weather and easy gripping. The leg clamps are firm and easily manipulated. A push-button on each leg permits quick adjustments for low-to-the-ground shooting. The feet have spikes for outdoor use and rubber feet for other surfaces. (Neither my Oben or Manfrotto have spikes.) The head operates very smoothly. The camera plate and the deck (Arca-compatible) on which it mounts are both rather small. I use a Black Rapid 70mm Arca camera plate that covers the spirit level, but otherwise fits well and provides good stability. (I don't rely on a tripod spirit level for landscape shots; there are alternatives.) The center column swings up and down for storage or carrying. It's a nice feature and results in a compact package. The 235AB doesn't have a monopod option like some travel tripods. At the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta I used mine as a makeshift monopod by extending one leg and got excellent low-light shots at dawn and dusk..I would not use this tripod for a large, heavy rig in windy weather or for long night shots. There is no center column hook for ballast. There is an eyelet where one could use a carabiner and suspend ballast for added stability. But, for travel in ordinary conditions, this is an excellent tripod that will provide enough stability for most photographers who don't need their full size legs.

Good for travel where one needs something small and light...but I would not use it as my one and only tripod unless I had a lightweight camera mounted on top. I like the different leg angles where it would offer more stability for certain situations. I ordered the pan head but upon receipt don't like it as its only a one way....back and front, not side to side. Bummer, as I like pan heads vs ball heads. I do like the flip locks on the legs vs the ones that are the screw type. One is never sure if they are all tight with those. Four screws x 3 legs, that's a time consuming task to assemble and disassemble. Anyway, for a small lightweight tripod, its good. If you want something a bit bigger, heavier and way more sturdier check out the Slik 340.

This Tripod is the best one I ever had. I bought it for the solar eclipse. The head is really nice to operate and fast to fix. The tripod can easy hold my Canon 700D and a 150-500mm lens even in the most extreme angles. The feet have spikes that you can push into non solid ground which will increase stability of the tripod. Also the fact that the head can be turned upside down makes the tripod useful for macro photography. It comes with a very nice bag to transport ist and is not that heavy, so you can carry it all day long.

I've had the VEO 235AP with the pan head for shooting video for about 8 months now and so far it's been really good. The quality is very good and the tripod legs are very stable and solid compared to other travel tripods I've test. However, the pan head is not very good. I really like that the pan head folds up, but the screws to adjust the pan and tilt are spotty at best. It's very difficult to adjust to where you can pan or tilt smoothly. I turn the knob like 1mm and it's too loose, turn it back it won't pan smoothly. Also the quick release plate requires a tool to tighten it down, or a really strong fingernail. I expected better as I've used others are are better at panning. But overall I it's a solid travel tripod and I do like it for the price, just wished the pan and tilt was better.

Bang for the buck, a great travel tripod. Folds up small, descent support. Sure, there are sturdier tripods out there but if you are a serious landscape shooter who uses a cable release and takes wellnplannned scenic shots, you are buying a different tripod. This is more for the average to light tripod user where size and weight are just as, if not more important. I used to have a full size tripod but you know what...it stayed in the car or home. This one goes with me. The best tripod is the one you have at the moment.