Vanguard VEO 2GO 204AB Aluminium Travel Tripod

It looks as though the most recent version of this tripod may have solved the main issue, which is the first centre column. The tripod is light and compact which is what I wanted, for hand luggage-only trips. Its downfall is the fixed, extended, centre column which decreases its stability. The lack of stability is obviously a compromise for the lightweight and portability aspect, but a centre column which lowers would have really helped with the stability. If the latest version fixes this then that would be well worth buying over this one.

The laws of physics cannot be broken. An object cannot be lightweight and super sturdy at the same time, yet it all depends on how sturdy you need it to be.I bought this tripod for two reasons - size and weight. In those departments, this little pocket rocket cannot be beaten. Folding down to an incredible 32.5cm and weighing a mere 770g, this tripod is a traveller's dream. How often are you about to set off on an excursion, you grab your camera, you look at your tripod, and a certain dread fills you at the thought of schlepping it along for the whole day.Portability is the most important aspect for me regarding photography. You know what they say what the best camera in the world is: It's the one you have with you.I have a Panasonic GH5 camera which comfortably falls within the load limitations of this tripod. The ball head which comes with the tripod is small but very solidly made and carries the camera well. I cannot fault the construction quality of this tripod.As I mentioned at the beginning, you cannot expect to defy the laws of physics and you need to know exactly what you can and can't expect of this tripod. For indoor use it is absolutely fine. Once you get outdoors and the wind starts blowing a bit heavier, all bets are off. This tripod simply doesn't have the weight to stay steady - especially when the central column is extended to the max height of 1.3m. If you don't extend to top section of the central column, it becomes a lot more stable, but you max out at a height of 1.13m. The tripod does come with a built-in hook to add weight to the legs, but the spindly neck at full extension will generate swing in a stronger wind. As long as you are aware of these physical limitations, this is a great little tripod. I cannot end this review without mentioning that this tripod fits brilliantly inside the Vanguard VEO Flex 35M shoulder bag. The bag has a compartment specifically for this size tripod, which makes it a pleasure to discreetly carry a tripod without screaming - photographer!

Beautifully made carbon fibre, folds quickly down to 32cm long (12 inches) and weighs in at about 720grams. Bought them for compactness to go on walks and be able to easily take pictures. I wanted a tripod that would bring the camera up to 5ft off the ground. Only use for stills. It has done what I wanted so recommended. What is not so good is that the centre column does not go downwards, so the camera at its minimum is further off the ground than I expected. Compactness and lightness means fundamentally unstable, so only good for shorter shutter speeds. Long exposures would only work if kept to lowest to ground setting, likewise would not be great for video with even the slightest wind. Obviously no video head. So if you won't a brilliant quality compact and very functional tripod going from around .7m to 1.6m high, mainly for stills perhaps, that you can easily carry on a rucksack then this could well be it. I dropped a star for not going lower to the ground.

I’ve only used it for a short while, after upgrading from a Manfrotto travel tripod.I find the lightness of the Vanguard tripod, as well as the folded down size to be the most useful features. I can fit 2 x Sony mirrorless camera, this tripod, a few lenses and a water bottle comfortably in a small messenger bag.This was my main reason for getting this tripod, as I do a lot of cityscape, night shot and landscape, so need portability.The legs fold up and down quickly, the locking switch on the legs works well, and the it’s quick to set up.The only downside for this tripod is the quick release plate has to be slid into place and tightened.My Manfrotto had a small switch to release it, and the process was a lot quicker.But it seems worth it for having a sturdier, more portable tripod.

As a landscape photographer I needed a new tripod that would be stable enough for my DSLR and potentially rougher weather conditions, but also be lightweight and easy to carry. Prior to this purchase I had a full length Vanguard aluminium tripod and one of their smaller travel ones too. I needed something that fitted in between these two, that was easy to travel with but gave me the height of the full length tripod. After a lot of research into various models, brands and prices, I was not disappointed after purchasing this. It fits all my needs and is nothing on my back or in my hand to carry. It compacts down easily but extends out to a full length tripod. This will now be my go to tripod to take out and about! This is a fantastic range and the product justifies the price.

Well it’s a good little design and the top swivel works well for manoeuvrability and it’s got good stability for something designed to be compact and lightweight.However....one of the bottom sections of the legs dropped out the other day. I assume something securing it inside the leg section in to which it contracts has broken?So now I have a leg that constantly falls out through gravity alone. So I have to question the durability of the product? But based on other reviews which are good I’d suggest mine is just faulty?I’d like to send it back, but I can’t be without a tripod at the moment as I’m taking works shots all day for the foreseeable future. So slightly stuck.