Velbon Ultra Luxi-F

[Jim Last]

Has anyone tried any of Velbon's new ranges, Maxi F, Maxi SF, Luxi F and Luxi SF?

Their website dosn't really show or talk about stability.

Whilst I fully appreciate that when you have a tripod that measures under 40cm or 16" when closed, stability and strength are an issue, Velbon seem to say that these new ranges are reasonably solid and stable based on their small size and light weight.

I can't find any instock locally and was wondering if anyone has trialed one of these either in a store or brought one. Also If you have any suggestions of other makes that offer the same compact sizes and great stability then please let me know :)

[BigConig]

Has anyone tried any of Velbon's new ranges, Maxi F, Maxi SF, Luxi F and Luxi SF?

Their website dosn't really show or talk about stability.

Whilst I fully appreciate that when you have a tripod that measures under 40cm or 16" when closed, stability and strength are an issue, Velbon seem to say that these new ranges are reasonably solid and stable based on their small size and light weight.

I can't find any instock locally and was wondering if anyone has trialed one of these either in a store or brought one. Also If you have any suggestions of other makes that offer the same compact sizes and great stability then please let me know :)

I have the sf and I love it. It's very stable with my D70 on it. I wish it were a bit taller and will probably get a LUXi-F in addition for the extra height. But I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it for a very good, very portable tripod

[PixChick]

Olympus C-5060 WZ & Panasonic Lumix FZ20 (RIP)
There's more to life than zoom ... zoom ... zoom

with your FZ-20?? Are you selling it and just keeping the 5060? Or are you going to keep both? Just curious.

[Jim Last]

with your FZ-20?? Are you selling it and just keeping the 5060? Or are you going to keep both? Just curious.

Hi PixChick,

I have traded my FX20 in for an exchange to the C-5060, thus the 'RIP' (Rest In Peace). I still feel I have quite a few opinions on the FZ20 and it's various uses and as such decided to leave it in my signature, more as a 'I had and used one' sort of thing.

[Jim Last]

I have the sf and I love it. It's very stable with my D70 on it. I wish it were a bit taller and will probably get a LUXi-F in addition for the extra height. But I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it for a very good, very portable tripod

Did you try both the Maxi and Luxi? Is the slightly thicker leg sections of the Luxi worth the increase in cost?

The Luxi-SF extends to 121cm, how much more would you say would be ideal?

The Maxi-F extends to 152.5cm and the Luxi-F to 161cm.

Am I glad to have found someone that has used one :) No stores seem to stock at the moment and aren't the most forth comming with accommodating my requests.

[BigConig]

Did you try both the Maxi and Luxi? Is the slightly thicker leg sections of the Luxi worth the increase in cost?

The Luxi-SF extends to 121cm, how much more would you say would be ideal?

The Maxi-F extends to 152.5cm and the Luxi-F to 161cm.

Am I glad to have found someone that has used one :) No stores seem to stock at the moment and aren't the most forth comming with accommodating my requests.

I also have a maxi 343e, the LUXI is well worth the extra cost in my opinion. I only use the Maxi for my little Sony L1 (although it would work with larger point and shoots, it shakes like crazy with an SLR on it). Not only are the larger diameter legs much more rigid, but they also have a 3 position lock where the legs hinge. They give a much more secure "positive" feel.


http://home.rochester.rr.com/bigconig1/vel1.jpg


They also allow the legs to swing out a lot wider which is great for table top macro stuff. Very table even with a big camera like my D70 with a 400mm prime on it.

http://home.rochester.rr.com/bigconig1/vel2.jpg

I will probably pick up a LUXI-F to get the extra height I need for a few local places where I shoot off bridges with high railings. the SF can't quite clear them. I prefer the ball head to a pan head, but I figure I will either swap the heads or pick up another ball head at some point.

[Jim Last]

Thanks BigConig, certainly helps to see them in the flesh alongside each other.:)

I am starting to think that the Luxi is going to be my choice, most likely with the pan head for the ease of panoramas and the extra height.

[skyrocketfw]

I'm interested in getting LUXi for my FZ20. Is it strong and sturdy enough for using with FZ20?

Between pan/tilt head and ball & socket head, which is more pactical? Which one is a better choice?

If I get pan/tilt head, will I be able to change the head to ball & socket head later (and vice versa)?

Thanks.