Rob Barron
Loves the place
Registered: September 2006
Location: Poole, Dorset
Posts: 5957
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Review Date: Thu November 2, 2006
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Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Price you paid?: £170.00
| Rating: 8
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Pros:
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Strong, light, relatively cheap, 4-section
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Cons:
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Nothing I can think of
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The little picture to the left here gives a slightly misleading view as it makes the legs look very short. Although they are relatively short because there are 4 sections and not three, they are really not hugely different to most other tripods.
The main reason for me looking for a new tripod was that I had a metal tripod that was stonkingly heavy and really only suitable for use in a studio. Carting it around on a walk was a non-starter as I have ankylosing spondylitis in my spine (otherwise known as a bad back for the technical ones!) hence my search for a strong and stable platform for my camera but a lot less heavy.
The Sherpa Pro is not the lightest but is certainly light, a lot lighter than any metal tripod other than the cheapo ones which are designed for video camcorders and blow over in a force 1 breeze! This weighs a tad under 1.5kgs which is very good. Bear in mind that any head you add to this will add weight to it. I have added the Manfrotto 322RC2 grip action ball head, a wonderful bit of kit which I have reviewed here: 322RC2 HEAVY DUTY GRIP BALL HEAD this adds 650gms bringing the total to about 2.1Kgs, much more portable and manageable.
The legs are made of carbon fibre so they are very light but very strong. The 4 sections are of an anti-twist design so they remain very stable and the standard spread platform is good and wide. Because this is designed to be light, wind is always a consideration. To help with strong conditions, there is a good sized hook that attaches to the bottom of the centre column. They kindly give you a stone bag as well but frankly I just stick either my camera bag or whatever my beloved has chosen to put my packed lunch in on and it gives it as much stability as I would ever need. It wouldn't stay still in a howling hurricane but then I am not stupid enough to stand outside in a howling hurricane trying to take photos! I know, lack of commitment but hey, I am rather attached to the idea of living :o)
Each leg can be set to varying degrees independently as there is no leg brace. They adjust right down to 90 degrees so you can get the camera right down onto the floor if you want to. The centre column is splitable so you can remove most of its length, allowing the last part to sit right down low. Independently adjustable legs is vital for landscape work on rough terrain, not just the leg length which is always adjustable but the angles.
The locks are standard lever type which is fine as that is what I am used to. i know some prefer the more modern twist n lock type but I tried a few out and wasn't sure I really trusted them to be locked instantly and stay locked when I added my bigger lenses. I am sure they probably do but I just feel I trust this type more so I am happy to keep those. The legs have handy measurement marks down the sides so you can see easily if you have got the legs out the same when you are adjusting them. Yes, you can always close the tripod and see but that is less desirable when the tripod is all loaded up with a big lens and things.
As well as being a splittable column, it is also removable and reversible so if you are into macro and want a firm platform that allows you to swing the camera into awkward positions, you'll find this very adaptable.
Velbon is one of those names that some people will equate to cheapo tripods, I certainly had one made by them that I would not bother using these days, but they do an excellent range from the cheap and cheerfuls right through to professional level and this one is much closer to the latter. It feels very sturdy and I can attach it to the back of my Lowepro Mini trekker and happily walk around with it on my back.
Given that some of the Gitzo/Manfrotto carbon fibre tripods cost between £300 and £400, this Sherpa Pro is superb value. Admittedly it was on special offer from WarehouseExpress when I got it for £170 instead of £240 but as of now it is still on the same offer.
I have used various tripods and heads but I have to say my Sherpa Pro CF 641EL and Manfrotto 322RC2 grip ball head is for me a dream combination that meets my needs down to a tee.
I would recommend this tripod to anyone looking for an affordable but strong carbon fibre tripod.
Cheers,
Rob
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;)
;)
