Home > Consumer Reviews > Velbon El Carmagne 530 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Pan Head and Case

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 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 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.