Velbon DF-60 Dual Function Light Weight Tripod

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

Manufacturer does not believe in providing any printed documentation for this product. No instructions, no warranty. I contacted them 3 weeks ago on their website - no response.

I liked the specifications and reviews and purchased Velbon DF-60 from Amazon. I am an occasional photographer, who handles the equipments gently. However, on the third day, the locking mechanism for one of the legs broke. Assuming that it is a one time problem, I returned the tripod and bought another Velbon DF-60 from Amazon. This also broke after two months. Even when gently used, the cheap plastic parts break. I will never buy another Velbon product.

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.

Really worth the money. I was kinda iffy about ordering this sight unseen and I had never heard of the company...as I really wanted a sturdy tripod but didn't want to spend over $75. I can say this is an excellent tripod and based on this product I would say that if all their products are of the same quality then I would try other of their products and have recommended them to friends.I like to do a lot of night shooting with my digital camera (Fuji Finepix S6000fd which is a great little camera). This winter the little spikes at the ends of the legs really helped stabilized the tripod in the ice. I was also comfortable walking away from the camera and knowing it would not fall over in the wind. The only way the camera was falling over is if someone bumped into the tripod. I also really like the quick release feature of the tripod to capture pictures quickly away from the tripod.My only two reasons for not giving it 5 stars are 1) it didn't come with a case which would have been nice and 2) I am a little concerned about the screws getting stripped in the panning handle, but so far my fears have been unfounded. All things considered I was really happy with my new tripod.

Like the other reviewer - I checked out tripods at a camera store. Hadn't heard of Velbon, but a quick Internet search showed them to be a recognized name in tripods. I needed a tripod for my Nikon D50 (especially with the 70-300mm zoom lens), and perhaps a video camera, and the DF-60 fit the bill - lightweight, quick to set up, leveling bubble, detachable baseplate, etc. Sure, it's pretty much all plastic, but if you take care of your equipment - shouldn't make that much difference for non-professional use. It's stable enough with the built-in leg brace spreader. The price at the camera store was almost $70 - Amazon beat them by a mile. Received it in a few days. So far - everything I though it would be. Highly recommended if you need a lighweight tripod. Now I need to get a bag so I can sling it over my shoulder.