VANGUARDWORLD.CO.UK First tests
In this section
› Canon EOS M200 › Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S › K&F Concept Canon EF lens to
› Hahnemühle Natural Line › Tamron 24mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 › Epson Expression Photo XP-970
Sony E-Mount adapter › Kase Filters K9 holder
PRICE: £109.99
Sometimes, only a monopod will do – and this new unit fromVanguard offers a flexible and versatile addition to any photographer’s kit Vanguard VEO 2S CM-264TR
SPECS
› Price £109.99 › In the box VEO 2S CM-264TR, smart phone connector › Key features Foldable feet, ball joint for smooth panning, 1/4in screw thread, rubber hand grip, fitted wrist strap and caribiner › Leg sections Four › Leg locks Twist grips › Material 26mm carbon fibre › Maximum height 163cm › Folded length 55cm › Maximum payload 6kg › Weight 800g
position, and putting them back in place simply requires pulling the feet out and folding them up. It’s a quick process. I tried the Vanguard VEO 2S CM-264TR with a range of cameras and lenses, from mirrorless with a prime and full-frame DSLR with telephoto lens, to medium-format with a zoom lens; I shot both stills and video. I switched off any image stabilising features for the test, and the monopod performed as expected, giving that extra stability and comfort with a telephoto lens. It also enabled the use of slower shutter speeds without compromising sharpness. I was shooting at 1sec at 200mm on full-frame with good technique and a steady stance, with no problem. The VEO 2S CM-264TR proved a fine monopod so I tried a more extreme test, using it as a free- standing makeshift tripod fitted with a Fujifilm GFX 50R with 32-64mm zoom. On a very calm day on firm ground, and using the ten seconds self-timer, I set an exposure time of 30secs. Impressively, I got pin-sharp results at its lowest extension then with one and two leg extensions in use, and it only faltered when fully extended. The experiment shows the unit’s potential even in this unlikely scenario. WC
A tripod is the most stable camera support but it’s not always practical, nor does it suit every occasion. When you need to move around quickly or use a long telephoto, a monopod is the best option. The Vanguard VEO 2S CM-264TR is a carbon fibre monopod so it’s a lightweight unit, but it also has three lockable feet that fold out and can be locked when required. It comes supplied with a smart phone adapter, and with the fitted 1/4in screw thread a camera or long lens with tripod mount can be fitted directly
onto the device. If preferred a ball head can be used, but you will need a 3/8in adapter, which is not supplied. The mounting plate is smooth and there are no rubber grips, the addition of which would help security between the camera or ball head. The four section legs are locked with twist grips and these work very effectively, and even pushing down with my fully body weight did not elicit any movement. Maximum extension is an impressive 163cm, which should suit all but the very tallest photographers. With the legs folded up, the unit is just like any standard monopod and a rubber knob helps keep the feet mechanism off the ground – if it’s very muddy or sandy you may end up having to do some extra cleaning. The feet simply fold down and click into LEFT/BELOW A ball joint at the bottom enables users to adjust the level of stability, and the monopod to pan. The three feet can be flipped up for transport and deployed very quickly and easily. The unit extends to a maximum height of 163cm
Verdict The VanguardVEO 2S CM-264TR is a really handy piece of kit, and quickly proved an indispensable addition tomy outfit. Of course, just provide that extra stability, the VEO 2S CM-264TR performed really well and could even be pressed into service as a make- shift tripod when the conditions were right it doesn't replace a tripod but rather supplements it. To
and care taken. At £109.99, the
VanguardVEO 2S CM- 264TR is great value and extremely useful.
PROS Great in use, compact, excellent working height, good extra stability with the three feet out CONS A rubber finish on the top-plate would givemore grip when a camera or ball head is attached
44 Photography News | Issue 73
photographynews.co.uk
Powered by FlippingBook