Velbon VEX640 Camera Tripod with Transport Bag

Really superb - solid, well priced and better value than the portable Manfrotto at nearly a third of the Manfrotto's price

I haven't used it yet, but it certainly looks impressive from setting it up and inspecting it. It feels solid. The pan and tilt is impressively smooth - better than I had expected. The carrying bag is better quality than I expected. A minor imperfection is that the extension of the legs is not as free-running as I would have liked with the catches released - otherwise it would have been 5 stars.

Could be more lighter but I am very pleased and it has a mini level.

Bought for a Christmas present and they were delighted

True, it doesn't say 'verified purchase'; I bought it on a whim whilst at John Lewis'. I don't have very heavy cameras (Lumix bridge jobs), but I do add a clamp, an arm, and a tablet for tele-prompting, and on that basis have no doubt this would hold a good old average dSLR any day. It just sits there! This is surprisingly sturdy for its weight, and quite a feisty build.I'm now getting an Velbon EX-Macro - for quick video 'note taking' and practice at a desk - on the basis that I expect to receive one of the sturdiest desk-tripods I can afford. And, I do agree, they had a Manfrotto sitting next to this one at JL's. Neat, slightly smoother action; but I'm sorry, for that price difference I'm not pro and/or posh enough. That said, I don't need that super-flexible, ultra-smooth head, which this, of course, doesn't quite have.It's still at the very least 4.5*/5* for the price alone! This thing does the trick; it's a keeper and this one won't go to the charity shop after a while of use.

Used this tripod with a variety of cameras, the heaviest being D700 (995g without lens) - whilst really lightweight, I've had no problems with feeling it's unsturdy, etc. Easy to transport and easy to use. Overall really happy with this tripod, but would note that the head isn't detachable.