Vanguard VEO Tripod, 3GO 204CB & Leofoto Ballhead MBC-20
I have been experimenting with small tripods in recent times. This past summer I ordered a model from Vanguard, the VEO 3GO 204CB carbon tripod. Upon arrival I examined the size and weight: 1.8 lbs. or 0.741 kg
You probably know the feeling when you leave the tripod at home and you come across a situation where you would need one and now you try to prop the camera somewhere, to get the right angle and a half decent image. Other times I have carried my larger tripod with me and not used it once, equally frustrating and you felt the extra weight the whole trip.
I am more likely to have this tripod with me at all times, due to its compact size and weight.
So for the first time I have really lightweight option when hiking in the high country. I have taken this setup with me even on an initial mountain-bike trip, something I’d never do with any larger tripod.
Until recently my preferred option was the Rollei CT-5C carbon tripod with a Sirui ball head. Don’t get me wrong, this is my prime setup, but it weights in at 4.39 lbs, or 1.64 kg.
In the past I have also used a small table tripod under similar circumstances. At times it worked fine, more so in the city, but in the great outdoors it meant that I had to get close to the ground, even with an articulating LCD screen, often laying in wet grass. Other times on rocky slopes or glacier sanded rock faces it proved uncomfortable at best, some times I felt like a contortionist. So I knew I wanted something taller, jet at the same time my goal was to stay light, under one Kilo.
In the end my research boiled down to two options an Sirui Traveler 5C and aforementioned model from Vanguard. The decision was made, when I noticed that the center column on the Sirui was always extended. It does not pass trough a fitting between the 3 legs. To get from this extended position to a shorter one, just the legs extended, one needs to unscrew the center column. I knew this would drive me crazy, it requires extra setup time, so I passed.
As indicated earlier my Rollei setup, where I can stand up straight is my preferred way to go, but for quick ascents, hiking with extra gear for overnight camping, this is my new lightweight option. Initial results despite the lightness of this tripod are promising. Although on my initial outing I noticed in the morning that the head had come loose, and with a multi tool I barely managed to tighten 2 allan screws, to take the first long exposure shot prior to sunrise. Well I fumbled but in the end managed. But I learned that in the future I will have the proper small Allen-keys with me to be prepared.
Oh, here I need to mention that I changed the ball head from the original Vanguard, to the smallest Leofoto ball head MBC-20. This head weights in at 0.091kg or 2.9 ounces. There is a lever for tightening the ball and a screw knob for opening the ArcaSwiss clamp, as well as a turning paddle mechanism within the screw knob for the panorama turn feature of the top part of this ball bead. Surprisingly enough this feature actually has a bit of resistance, with the slightest bit of adjustment, just enough to make it workable. Not great but o.k., considering it’s weight and size, its quite ingenious!
What I do not like compared to the Rollei legs, I often need to loosen the twist locks more than a quarter turn to extend or collapse the legs. It’s a bit of a hassle.
I will be using this light setup in the future and we will see if at some point I come up with a long term review. Have fun out there being active and doing photography!
