Velbon CX-540

This is an excellent tripod, when used in the horizontal format. It is very sturdy and durable, even surviving sand in the mechanisms.

In my opinion, the quick-release is one of the best features of this tripod - in horizontal format. With it, I can rapidly switch between landscape shots to tracking a bird in mid-air.

The pan-and-tilt head is well-oiled and turns smoothly. However, I dislike that you can only pan/tilt down. In order to tilt upward, you must release the camera, and re-insert it the other way. This is inconvenient for taking photos of a subject down low, then trying to take some when it moves higher. You have two choices:

#1. Release the camera/re-attach - clumsy looking, especially when using a neck strap and trying to capture a fast-happening moment.

#2. Tilt the tripod backward, with the front leg in the air - loose stability, and people look at you funny.

However, I like that there are little notches on the head, which show the angle it's tilted - VERY useful for panoramas, especially when shooting the "tile" kind.

The biggest disadvantage is the following:

• If you are taking a vertical shot, the camera can (and quite often will) partially un-screw itself from the quick-release, sliding with the lens pointing down. If it is a heavier camera, this can cause the tripod to wobble. If it is lighter, like my FZ7K, the tripod won't wobble. But it is annoying to be digging in your bag, look up, and the camera is awkwardly positioned. Or, when shooting portraits, it's no fun having to actually support the camera with your hand in order to prevent it from tipping down.
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I would recommend the Velbon CX-540 for people who:

• Want a not-so-expensive tripod.
• Want a sturdy tripod.
• Need a quick-release.
• Want a cheaper alternative to a full-fledged panoramic tripod.
• Often use horizontal format, such as landscapes.

I would not recommend the Velbon CX-540 for people who:

• Want to shoot low-level macros. (Under 60cm).
• Want an extremely lightweight tripod.
• Need to shoot vertically often.
• Want a tripod that can fit in a pocket, or small suitcase.

• Cheaper than many others.
• Very sturdy & durable.
• Good-looking.
• Great quick-release – in horizontal format.
• Relatively compact.
• Bubble-level – excellent for landscapes, checking to make sure the tripod is not skewed.
• Easy leg operation.
• Well-oiled, smooth-turning head.
• Smooth-operating center column.

• No instruction manual came with it.
• Quite heavy – enough to make you want to leave it at home sometimes. Also can cause a sore back when carried for a while.
• A nightmare when shooting vertically, due to a quick-release that doesn't screw on tightly enough.
• Handle is on the right side, this is can be hard when panning, because a camera is operated with the right hand. (Right-hand overload, and nothing for the left).
• Pan-and-tilt head.
• Non-removable center column – low level macros are impossible.

• No name mini tripod.
• Canon monopod 100.

Haven't contacted Velbon. Great, friendly & helpful at London Drugs.