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BUYERS’ GUIDE
The Vanguard VEO 3+ 263CPS is a modestly priced carbon-fibre tripod with an Arca-compatible three- way pan head. Included is an innovative Multi-Angle Central Column (MACC) that works as a mount for attaching accessories. The MACC moves almost 360° in any direction and can be applied as a multi-mount with included adapter. So you can mount your monitor next to your camera, for example. It extends to 173.5cm/68.3in and has a maximum load capacity of 10kg/22lb. The unit folds down to 77.5cm/30.5in and weighs 2.3kg/5.1lb. Its 26mm carbon-fibre legs have three sections, and one leg can be removed and converted into a monopod – and it’s supplied inside a padded bag. VANGUARD VEO 3+ 263CPS £380/$430 vanguardworld.co.uk
SIRUI BCT-2203 VIDEO TRIPOD KIT £1284/$1099 mtfservices.com
spirit level on the base keeps things aligned, along with a second level on the head. Metal spiked feet dig into the dirt, covered with rubber feet to avoid damage to floors. The head has three-step drag adjustment, while nearly all friction can be removed for practically resistance-free motion. There’s a seven-step adjustable counterbalance.
Sirui’s carbon-fibre BCT-2203 houses a top-quality head with adjustable counterbalance and drag, plus a spreader. It also comes with a seriously smooth pan and tilt head, the Sirui 75mm BCH-20. The kit arrives safely slotted into a good-quality carrying case, has two pan handles and both a mid-level and ground- level spreader. An illuminated
Pros: Good for stills and locked-down video Cons: No dedicated fluid head
Pros: Affordable carbon
Cons: Drag is only three steps
VELBON DV-7000N £249/$220 velbon.net
For an attainable system with an old-school look, go for Velbon’s DV-7000N – a full-size video tripod from the brand’s рrо range. On top is the Vеl-Flо 9 fluid hеаd, which has a smooth pan and tilt movement adjustable by separate dials. It provides large pan and tilt locks. There are 29mm aluminium uрреr legs and a central brace, which can be altered with a locking knob. It has a gеаrеd сеntrе соlumn that moves when you crank a side handle. This adds some complexity, but you can adjust head height precisely. Maximum payload is 6kg/13.2lb.
Pros: Budget option
Cons: Old-school engineering
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