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

I've had a Velbon aluminum tripod (used for my Minolta X370) for 25 years. I've used it several hundred times and have never had a single problem. So when I started shopping for a tripod to support my much more expensive and heavier digital equipment, then found the CF530, it seemed like a no brainer. I found it here on Amazon, but wanting it that day, I called the big box store and they had it in stock, and to my surprise, for less than here on Amazon. Sorry Amazon, but a deal's a deal.

Okay the nuts an bolts... Lightweight, it straps to my backpack camera bag and unless I'm hiking for miles doesn't make a big difference. The leg clamps, while plastic, have never failed and are extremely easy to use. There are increment marks on the legs, which really only help on level ground, but helpful none the less. I've never had to use it w/ the legs spread, but have tested the leg locks and they are also easy to use. The tilt and pan head locks well and move's easily but I'm going to upgrade to a ball head for a single action adjust instead of dual. It does come w/ the bag which is a bit cheap and I don't use it, but it is adequate. Lastly Velbon has included a weight sling and hook on the center pole. The sling is a bit of a pain as it has to wrap around the legs using velcro straps and takes a couple of minutes to attach. However thats the bad w/ the good, because it's a great accessory and might save your gear on a windy day.

All in all, a great buy and highly recommended. A win win for all that's included, price, and ease of use. I'm confident you'll have no regrets in purchasing this tripod.

OK, I admit I just spent about a grand which I should not have for a used Canon 20D and a nice 28-135 USM IS lens to attach to it. I love them both dearly. SO much, I was not willing to put them on my old $30 tri that I trusted my Olympus P&S with. So, I sucked it up and went shopping for a real tri. This tripod rocks! Light, tough, carry bag, stone bag...and only $199 at a Big Box store. I liked it better than the Manfrotto they had, and it was only $15 bucks more. No level. That's a drawback. Quick release legs with quality spring-action...legs are marked with numerics for easy adjustments...sweet...LOve it. May add different head..in the distant future. For now, can't beat this deal.

I was considering a Manfrotto 055XB but it is just too heavy to lug around. Even the 055MF model is 5 pounds, not to mention very expensive. I spent hours in the camera stores comparing models. From the moment I picked this one up I liked it, mainly because of it's light weight. It's less than 4 lbs! Second, to my surprise, it was tall enough for me, and third, the price. This tripod is just as stable as the manfrottos, much lighter, and comes with a very nice magnesium head. It does not have a quick release head, but a tightening lever that makes attachment and removal pretty quick and easy. I can live with the extra second or two that it takes to connect. It also comes with a great warranty and a very nice carrying bag. For a well built, carbon fiber and magnesium tripod at a great price, I highly recommend it.

This is a tripod that matches excellent design and functionality with great form. It's sturdy and provides superb options for all situations. It is the best I've seen for the price and easily supports several of my cameras without issue.

The tripod is very light and easy to use. With this tripod, you do not need a monopod.