This gear fits in the Mini-Trekker although I needed to slightly modify a pair of dividers making them into one longer divider. I have not used the tripod carrier since I ship my small travel tripod in my checked-on suitcase. Flagstaff Onsite Truck Repair

None .. .

Carbon Fiber
Very low price by comparison
Best weight to load capcity ratio of any tripod I could find on the market
Weight bag and carrying bag included
Numbered leg extensions
Smooth, easy, sturdy legs
Easy center column
Very low shooting position
Very light weight

Not a well known brand to most
No foot spikes included


This is saying a ton!

Ok, ok, ok.... I know...I know... I know! Manfrotto and Gitzo are the bomb diggity. Let's look at a few things her shall we! How about price, durablitlity, weight, and load capacity? For years I used a rugged aluminum Manfotto that worked well, but it clanked a bit and weighed as much as my 300mm f/2.8 Nikkor - ok, that's an exageration, but not by much. I was in the market for a light weight tripod that would offer moderate loads and would not cost more than a professional lens! Don't get me wrong, a great tripod is worth the dollars as it will make or break your photos, but I did not want to "upgrade" at a high price. So I started looking arround. Every nature photographer on planet Earth uses Gitzo except for like six people and they use Manfrotto. Wedding pros like both Gitzo and Manfrotto as well. So, I was about to get into debt with a Gitzo as their carbon fiber frames hold substantially more weight then the Manfrottos, then I founf Velbon. Now you might be familiar with Velbon's consumer products that you can pick up at Wal-Mart, etc. However, don't discredit the company's professinal line because of the cheap stuff. As an individual that is obsessed with quality and always looking for it at a good price I began the long comparisons of the giants and the little guys. I was looking for low weight, high load capacity, acceptable height, sturdy constuction, and a low price... enter the Velbon EL Carmagne 630!

Note: Velbon may have changed the name the Sherpa - not sure though.

Some feathres that I really wanted were a rapid center column and lever leg locks. These are both preferences, but the center column is a must for combining the types of shooting I do: nature, weddings, portraits, sports. I would rather have it and the weight than not and have it weigh less. Leg locks were desirerable, but twist would have worked too.

Manfrotto's Carbon Fiber models did not offer enough load capacity - only about 12 lbs. This is good, but not for large lenses, cameras and moving heads. I wanted something in the 24+ lbs. range.

Gitzo Velbon
G-1329 Mountaineer Carbonfiber EL Carmagne 630A Winner

Max height = 72.1" 64.2" Gitzo
Minimum height = 17" 5" Velbon
Folded length = 28" 22.4" Velbon
Load capacity = 26.5 lbs 25 lbs Gitzo (small)
Sections = 3 3 -
Leg Lock = Twist Flip lock Velbon (me)
Rapid Column = Included Included -
Weight = 5.24 lbs 3.4 lbs Velbon
Cost = $670 $290 Velbon


In the end Gitzo offered 8" more height and supported an extra 1.5 lbs, but was 6" longer when closed, lost 12" on minimu height, added 65% more weight, and more then double the price. The leg locks were a personal preference and Velbon offered that as well. This was a no-brainer!

I have been working with the unit for several months now and love it. The legs have numbered markers for even adjustmens, etc. The legs are covered in neoprene foam. The legs are sturdy, smooth, and quiet. The legs came with a weight pouch for a better center of gravity and I have used it in all kinds of odd positions. My Really Right Stuff BH-55 head fits beautifully on it and has supported everything I have thrown at it. I in no way regret this pruchase. It is highly recommended!!!!

Customer Service

Not needed!

Similar Products Used:

Gitzo and Manrotto. Overall build is perhaps better with these brands (very slight), but pros and cons are strongly in favor of Velbon