Velbon Ultra Maxi SF Tripod with Ball and Socket Head
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Perfect Travel Tripod
  • Ball and socket is lacking, but size, wieght and sturdiness are second to none
  • Backpack Tripod
  • Short little thing...
  • Excellent Tripod
Velbon Ultra Maxi SF Tripod with Ball and Socket Head

Manufacturer: Velbon
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

Digital Cameras Digital Cameras | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
Tripods Tripods | Accessories | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
Still Cameras Still Cameras | Complete Tripod Units | Tripods | All Accessories | Accessories | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
Camcorders Camcorders | Complete Tripod Units | Tripods | All Accessories | Accessories | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
Still Cameras & Camcorders Still Cameras & Camcorders | Complete Tripod Units | Tripods | All Accessories | Accessories | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
Tripod Heads Tripod Heads | Tripods | All Accessories | Accessories | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics | Ball Heads | Camera Rotator Heads | Geared Heads | Other Heads | Pan & Tilt Heads | Panoramic Heads (QTVR) | Video Heads
Tripod Legs Tripod Legs | Tripods | All Accessories | Accessories | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
Similar Items:
  1. Velbon QRA-3 - Quick release adapter Velbon QRA-3 - Quick release adapter
  2. Velbon Ultra Maxi F Tripod with 4-Way Pan Head Velbon Ultra Maxi F Tripod with 4-Way Pan Head
  3. Velbon Ultra Luxi SF Tripod with Ball and Socket Head Velbon Ultra Luxi SF Tripod with Ball and Socket Head
  4. Nikon Lens Pen Cleaning System Nikon Lens Pen Cleaning System
  5. Nikon ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control for D50 & D70 Digital SLR Cameras Nikon ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control for D50 & D70 Digital SLR Cameras

Product Features:
  • Compact, lightweight travel tripod suitable for modestly sized digital and film cameras
  • Twist-lock leg system requires simple twist and pull to adjust leg height
  • 2-section center column and multi-angle legs for low-angle photography (6.2 inches)
  • Sturdy die-cast aluminum alloy ball-head system with suggested 6.6-pound load capacity
  • Includes carrying case; measures 12.87 inches when folded, weighs 1.65 pounds

ASIN: B00020H3H6
Release Date: 2004-04-23
Velbon Ultra Maxi SF Tripod with Ball and Socket Head

Product Description

Whether you need a tripod for a digital, 35mm, medium or large format camera, video camera, binoculars or scopes, Velbon has a model with the quality, craftsmanship and exact features to meet your needs. Ultra MAXi series are new Twist & Lock leg systems designed for fast and easy set-up, with the benefit of other MAXi features.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Perfect Travel Tripod.......2007-07-30

I'll admit I was skeptical of paying $120+ for such a tiny tripod, but my skepticism was unfounded. This tripod is great. I just returned from 10 days in Eastern Europe and the compact size and ultra-light weight of this tripod made it perfect for the killer stairs of the Prague Castle. The legs deploy and collapse with a simple twist and the unit feels very solid considering its light weight. I was shocked to see guys walking around with full-sized tripods, I can only imagine what a pain that was.

One recommendation: pick up the Velbon QRA-3 - Quick release adapter, as manually fastening the camera to the tripod for each use will get old quickly. I just ordered mine from B&H PhotoVideo (about $30 w/shipping). There are other quick-releases out there, but the velbon unit weighs just 2 oz and should compliment the tripod well.

4 out of 5 stars Ball and socket is lacking, but size, wieght and sturdiness are second to none.......2007-07-19

I'm fairly new to the world of photography and I needed a tripod that was relatively inexpensive. My other primary concern was that it's light and folds up small. I was planning on taking this tripod with me hiking and travelling so it needed to easily fit into my backpack and shouldn't add too much weight. After reading some reviews of the more inexpensive brands, I decided to spring for it and spend the money on this Velbon.

Sturdiness:
Very sturdy, even with extension arm. Wind really wasn't a problem at all and never did I feel like it was going to collapse under the weight of my dSLR.

Portability:
This is where this tripod really shines. Folded up, it's a little over 1 foot long. It fits across the bottom of my backpack with ease, takes up no space at all. It's also very light, I really don't notice a difference on my back when it's in the bag and when it's out of the bag.

Height:
To be honest, I wish it unfolded just a few inches taller. It comes up to about my chest (neck if the extension arm is extended). That can make composing hard shots sort of a pain on the back, but for it's folded size, it's a concession I'm glad to make

Ease of use:
The ultra maxi both shines and falters here. The twist lock motion of the legs took a few days to get used to, but once I got the hang of it, it was incredibly easy to use. Just 4 clicks when twisting one way unlocks, 4 clicks the other way locks. VERY nice, VERY simple (once you get used to it). The real setback of this tripod is the included head. First, the lack of quick release is a REAL hindrance. I found myself not using it sometimes because I didn't feel like screwing/unscrewing my camera onto it. I'm also always afraid I'm going to drop the camera during this process. Once I did get it screwed on, the ball and socket were hard to adjust. In essense, you can only adjust one tilt plane at a time (first, you have to adjust the forward/backward tilt, rotate the ball socket, then adjust the left/right tilt. This was sincere pain.


So in conclusion, I'm very happy with this purchase. I'll probably be replacing the head with a quick release version that's also easier to adjust, but all in all, I'm glad I spent the money (it was a little out of my budget).

5 out of 5 stars Backpack Tripod.......2007-07-18

The tripod is just what I needed, it is light, folds small enough to fit in my backpack and sturdy enough for my spotting scope. Amazon shipping was really slow but the price was right.

2 out of 5 stars Short little thing..........2007-06-08

This tripod is short and the ball head is a bit cheesy but mostly metal so if you have strong hands you can get it to clamp pretty tight to hold gear that is off balance or heavier then what the head is rated for. I'm not really a fan of the twist locks but the aluminum seems sturdy enough as long as you are easy on it.

I was well aware of the size and quality when I bought it, as it was purchased with the purpose of being able to bicycle tour and take landscape shots with. With these things in mind, unless you are buying it for a small person/child I would skip this one. If you need light weight and don't mind spending only slightly more, Manfrotto makes several options that are taller and will be more versatile.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Tripod.......2007-05-22

Excellent tripod which is very compact and also easy to extend and set-up.
Velbon Ultra Maxi SF Tripod with Ball and Socket Head + Accessory Kit
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Velbon Ultra Maxi SF Tripod with Ball and Socket Head + Accessory Kit

    Manufacturer: Velbon
    ProductGroup: Photography
    Binding: Electronics

    Other Accessories Other Accessories | All Accessories | Accessories | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
    Product Features:
    • Velbon Ultra Maxi SF Tripod with Ball and Socket Head
    • Velbon QRA-3 Quick Release Adapter
    • Lens Pen Cleaning Tool

    ASIN: B000W3B6I0
    Velbon Ultra Maxi SF Tripod with Ball and Socket Head + Accessory Kit

    Product Description

    Ideal for photographers on the move, the Ultra Maxi SF is the lightest of Velbon's four Ultra models, with a weight of only 1.65 pounds and a folded length of only 12.87 inches. As a result, you can take this tripod virtually anywhere, including on train trips through Europe or hikes into the mountains. The tripod is distinguished by its unique "twist-lock" leg system, which requires only a quick twist and pull to extend the legs to the proper height, and another twist to lock them in place. Users will also appreciate the two-section center column and multi-angle legs, which let you take the Ultra Maxi SF all the way down to 6.2 inches for serious low-angle photography (the maximum height is 48 inches). And thanks to the sturdy PH-343 ball and socket head, it's easy to position the camera in a variety of angles. The Ultra Maxi SF, which offers a suggested load capacity of 6.6 pounds (enough for most 35mm and digital cameras), comes with a carrying case. +PLUS+ ACCESSORY KIT: - Velbron Quick Release Adapter - Lens Pen

    TechPower Premium Battery Charger for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX3 Digital Camera
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      TechPower Premium Battery Charger for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX3 Digital Camera

      Manufacturer: Batteryheads
      ProductGroup: CE

      Other Accessories Other Accessories | All Accessories | Accessories | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
      Digital Camera Digital Camera | Battery Chargers | Batteries, Chargers & Power Supplies | All Accessories | Accessories | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
      All Camera & Photo Chargers All Camera & Photo Chargers | Battery Chargers | Batteries, Chargers & Power Supplies | All Accessories | Accessories | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
      All Batteries, Chargers & Power Supplies All Batteries, Chargers & Power Supplies | Batteries, Chargers & Power Supplies | All Accessories | Accessories | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
      Battery Chargers Battery Chargers | Batteries, Chargers & Power Supplies | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics | Bar Code Scanner | Calculator & Watch | Notebook | Telephone | Two-Way Radio
      Product Features:
      • Charger kit is UL approved and mounts directly to an A/C wall outlet. Kit also includes DC car adapter.
      • This charger is for charging your battery only. The charger does not work as an AC adapter or docking station for your digital camera or camcorder.
      • Charger automatically switches to handle voltage inputs from 100 volts to 240 volts. Great for travel!

      ASIN: B000TM4OZQ
      TechPower Premium Battery Charger for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX3 Digital Camera

      Product Description

      This TechPower Battery Charger is specifically designed to charge the batteries for your Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX3 Digital Camera. TechPower Battery Chargers feature the latest battery charging technology, the highest quality components, and meet or exceed OEM specifications. TechPower Battery Chargers are designed to charge your battery in the most efficent manner possible. All TechPower products have a one-year limited warranty and a thirty-day money back guarantee. The TechPower name, images, and contents of this Batteryheads listing are protected by trademarks and copyrights. Copyright © 2007 Batteryheads
      TechPower Premium Battery Charger for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX3 Digital Camera
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        TechPower Premium Battery Charger for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX3 Digital Camera

        Manufacturer: Batteryheads
        ProductGroup: CE

        Other Accessories Other Accessories | All Accessories | Accessories | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
        Digital Camera Digital Camera | Battery Chargers | Batteries, Chargers & Power Supplies | All Accessories | Accessories | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
        All Camera & Photo Chargers All Camera & Photo Chargers | Battery Chargers | Batteries, Chargers & Power Supplies | All Accessories | Accessories | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
        All Batteries, Chargers & Power Supplies All Batteries, Chargers & Power Supplies | Batteries, Chargers & Power Supplies | All Accessories | Accessories | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
        Battery Chargers Battery Chargers | Batteries, Chargers & Power Supplies | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics | Bar Code Scanner | Calculator & Watch | Notebook | Telephone | Two-Way Radio
        Product Features:
        • Charger kit includes UL approved charger with custom battery plate, AC wall adapter, and DC car adapter
        • This charger is for charging your battery only. The charger does not work as an AC adapter or docking station for your digital camera or camcorder.
        • Charger automatically switches to handle voltage inputs from 100 volts to 240 volts. Great for travel!

        ASIN: B000UMHTHA
        TechPower Premium Battery Charger for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX3 Digital Camera

        Product Description

        This TechPower Battery Charger is specifically designed to charge the batteries for your Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX3 Digital Camera. TechPower Battery Chargers feature the latest battery charging technology, the highest quality components, and meet or exceed OEM specifications. TechPower Battery Chargers are designed to charge your battery in the most efficent manner possible. All TechPower products have a one-year limited warranty and a thirty-day money back guarantee. The TechPower name, images, and contents of this Batteryheads listing are protected by trademarks and copyrights. Copyright © 2007 Batteryheads
        TechPower Premium Battery for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX3 Digital Camera
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          TechPower Premium Battery for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX3 Digital Camera

          Manufacturer: Batteryheads
          ProductGroup: CE

          Other Accessories Other Accessories | All Accessories | Accessories | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
          All Batteries, Chargers & Power Supplies All Batteries, Chargers & Power Supplies | Batteries, Chargers & Power Supplies | All Accessories | Accessories | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
          Batteries Batteries | Digital Camera | Accessories | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
          Digital Camera Digital Camera | by Use | Batteries | Batteries, Chargers & Power Supplies | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics | Lithium Ion
          Product Features:
          • Capacity: 800 mAh
          • Voltage: 3.7 volts
          • Chemistry: Li-Ion

          ASIN: B000REP2NY
          TechPower Premium Battery for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX3 Digital Camera

          Product Description

          This TechPower rechargeable battery pack is specifically designed to work with your Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX3 Digital Camera. TechPower rechargeable battery packs feature the latest battery technology, the highest quality components, and meet or exceed OEM specifications. TechPower battery packs are designed to last longer and have reduced memory effect. All TechPower products have a one-year limited warranty and a thirty-day money back guarantee. The TechPower name, images, and contents of this Batteryheads listing are protected by trademarks and copyrights. Copyright 2007 Batteryheads

          Cheap Consumer Electronics:

          1. Battery for Averatec 3150 3200 Replaces SA84634000000
          2. Bogen-Manfrotto 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate (3157N)
          3. Bogen - Manfrotto 3275 / 410 Compact Geared Head with Quick Release - Supports 11.1 lbs
          4. Bogen-Manfrotto 484RC2 Mini Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate (3157N)
          5. Bogen-Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System
          6. Bogen-Manfrotto 685B Neotec Monopod Deluxe with Safety Lock (Black)
          7. Bogen-Manfrotto 725B Digi Tripod with Integrated Ball Head with Dove Tail Plate and Carrying Bag (Black)
          8. Bogen - Manfrotto Rapid Connect Mounting Plate for 785SHB Modo Mini Tripod Head & 715 Mini Digi Tripod Head
          9. Duracell Camcorder Battery for: Fujix H128SW
          10. Duracell Camcorder Battery for: Fujix P650

          Cheap Consumer Electronics List

          Cheap Consumer Electronics