Vanguard VEO 265AB Travel Tripod with TBH-50 Ball-Head

I bought this tripod after doing quite a lot of research into the various options for a portable travel tripod. This tripod seemed to have the best features for my needs. I didn't fancy going for carbon fibre as I've heard too many stories about them shattering. I shoot using either a Nikon D800 (heavy!) or a D7200, and a variety of full frame lenses, so I went for this one over the 235AB as it has an impressive 8kg load capacity.I love how small it folds down to (39cm) and attaches perfectly to my camera backpack. It does include its own travel bag with shoulder strap if required, which is nicely padded and also a brilliant compact size.The tripod folds out really easily and is very sturdy, even at its full height, with the D800 mounted to the top! The ball head is really easy to use and has a little bubble to help you get it flat. One nifty feature which made me go for this one over a Manfrotto travel tripod was the panorama feature. Underneath the ball mount, is a screw allowing you to pivot the whole camera/ball mount 360 degrees.The only downside for me (and its only very minor!) is the mounting plate. It comes with an Allen key to fasten to your camera, but I would have preferred a screw with a handle so you can attach by hand, instead of having to find the Allen key in your camera bag!

Bought this as a travel tripod to complement the bigger heavier Vanguard that I normally leave with a gimble head fitted. It is very well finished and first use suggests that it has the necessary stiffness to be of use for long exposures in windy conditions. It's also nice and neat to pack and carry - it will easily fit in hand luggage, let alone a suitcase. One criticism - the quick release plates for the TBH50 head on this tripod are not compatible with those on the SHB100 which I have from my other Vanguard, and the SBH100 isn't ideal for fitting to the 265 due to its bulk. Maybe Vanguard ought to work harder on compatibility of their quick release plates across their range.

After a lot of research and flicking back and forth comparing tripods and brands I took the plunge and ordered the VEO 265AB. The swaying factor was the max load of 8kg as sometimes I am working with long heavy lens and it's weight so ideal for travel. When it arrived I was surprised by how light it really is, yet feels solid and well made. I love how quickly this tripod can be ready to go. The camera is not as quick to get off of the tripod as some others but I personally find this makes me feel it's more secure.Overall more than happy with my purchase and would recommend to anyone who wants a good sturdy lightweight tripod, suitable for any situation.

Build quality not as expected. The design itself should work in theory. But the main flaw is that there is no proper locking mechanism for the centre stock, due to the swivel feature, which I don't really need or use. Hence I would rather go for something that has less features, but offers better quality. Other than that, it is fairly light and small, which is great, but using it when fully extended is not really useable as it gets a bit wobbly due to the number of foldable sections. More links leading to loss of rigidity. The ball head is great. Tightens and stays in position very well. And the arca swiss release plates are also good.

This tripod looks good and fits the bill in terms of size and weight for travel, but it's not as robust as you might think. I bought this for an overseas trip and accidentally knocked it when it was fully extended. The leg bent and wouldn't push back, meaning that I no longer had a tripod I could fold away. It is usable but won't be travelling home with me, so was rather a waste of money.

Returned a Vanguard Alto Pro 263AB for this as it's more compact, lightweight and perfect for attaching to my backpack for a days walking. For a tripod with 5 section leg extensions, it's remarkably stable with my preferred camlock type leg locking system. TBH-50 ballhead is okay but don't expect it to match up to its weight limit as I've found it struggled with my D7200 c/w 70-300 lens.

Great tripod. Have used it a number of times since I bought it. Strong and very quick and easy to prepare. For the price I paid I don't think you'll find another tripod anywhere as good without paying a lot more money. Very pleased with it.

Nice, sturdy, versatile, light. The Ball head keep firmly my Nikon D750 with a Sigma 105 2.8. The macro head is very small and portable, thus I keep it wherever I go, in case of need.