Velbon DF-60 Dual Function Light Weight Tripod

very versatile; well built, easy to use; i especially like the crampon like bases which ensure stability in slippery surfaces and that the camera mount is removeable

I do have to agree with the dissenting reviewer, this should not be labeled a 'light weight' tripod. I have a Zeikos tripod slightly shorter (and much lighter) that handles my small digital camera and camcorder fine, but when the tripod is lighter than the camera, it is a recipe for disaster. This was the case with my Nikon D90 DSLR with 75-300 telephoto lens, I needed a more sturdy and stable tripod to hold the camera without tip-toeing around it to set up my shot. The Velbon DF-60 tripod does just the trick at a very reasonable price.

Another reviewer mentioned that he had to rotate the tripod around to get the head level. I experimented with this on a level surface and found this to be a potential issue. Using a small torpedo level, I checked the nice, built-in bubble on the tripod, set legs so that was centered, and then, panning the head around, found it was tilted slightly to the right, in the leg configuration I would use to normally set it up. I checked the pan/tilt assembly (used to swing camera 90 degrees for portrait shots) to make sure it was clean, but it 'wants' to come down another degree or so. For outdoor/landscape/general shooting, this should not pose a noticeable problem. Doing studio work, portraits, seascapes, etc., I find that if I swing the legs around so the "Velbon" label on the legs is between my knees, the head is level, left-to-right.

People should also check the nifty leveling screws at the bottom of the tripod legs, the three of them should be consistent so the base will be level on a level floor. I find the feature of exposing the spikes for outdoor/icy work to be real nice, I've used it already.

It would have been nice if this came with a case, but the Amazon recommended (at bottom of product page) nylon case that I purchased at the same time is just the right size and very good for the price: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002E1TYK/ref=oss_product - it comes with a shoulder strap.

Also, I missed it in the product description - "featuring... quick release camera platform", in other words, the base plate for the quick-release that mounts to the camera. So, in error, I also bought a "Velbon QB-5W - Quick release plate" for a few dollars, and now have two, which might not be a bad thing. The QR plate is flat on the bottom and I've been leaving it semi-permanently attached to the base of the D90 DSLR for now. It clicks into the head of the tripod securely and I feel comfortable with it, though I do wish there was a positive lock, as mentioned previously.

So, now I've got the light-weight Zeikos for hiking and checking with the luggage when traveling, and now this fine Velbon DF-60 for studio-quality work, as well as being light enough to pack around if a lot of tripod shooting is anticipated.

Now it's home is near the kitchen patio door, where I can quickly bring it out on the deck and snap the camera on for long-exposure sunset and telephoto shots here in Colorado Springs.

In short, for the price paid, this tripod is heavy and sturdy enough to do studio-quality work, and light enough that it travels well while handling relatively heavy DSLR/telephoto setups. Thanks for reading, Lorin Boyack

Compared to what else you have to chose from, this is great quality for under $50.

This tripod is exactly what I was looking for. It is sturdy enough to handle minor bumps without damage. It got to me quicker than expected - which is a plus.

Calling this tripod light weight is like calling a PC portable. I purchased this tripod exclusively for use at my daughter's school functions, dance recitals, etc. Although the quality appears to be excellent for the price, I returned it immediately after removing it from the box as I had no intention of lugging around something that is trying to pass itself off as a light weight tripod. I was able to purchase a Sunpack QSX 2001 locally with virtually identical specs weighting about one - third the weight of the Velbon and same build quality.