Velbon Videomate-638 Video Tripod Height 171 cm Black

I haven't had this long at all, but have already put it to some good use. I didn't know what to expect as the price was quite low for a tripod with a fluid head. I have read many comments saying it is not a true fluid head, but for me that technical point doesn't really matter as it does give a very smooth pan and tilt action. I will still find it hard to dispense with the heavy-duty rubber band use to pull the handle, but that is more down to habit than any shortcomings with the fluid head itself.There are quite a number of plastic parts on the tripod, but that doesn't detract from the quality feel of it. The tripod certainly seems sturdy and the legs do give a good spread and hold my DSLR with telephoto very well.There are thumb screws on the head to enable it to be locked off on position which works well, although they could do with a more positive action, but this is a minor issue and maybe me not being fully used to it yet. There is also a small bubble level built into the tripod to enable it to be positioned horizontally. The adjustable height slider has a nice smooth action too, and this can also be locked off.EDIT - I have had three of these tripods now. The first one ended up with a broken leg clamp, so the leg wouldn't lock in position. Fortunately, I returned it within the one-year time frame and Amazon replaced it. The second tripod, was bought to match the first so I could mount a motorised slider on them both, and it works fine still. The replacement for the first tripod has now failed again, exactly on the plastic leg lock too. The tripods are great, but probably not up to sustain hard use. I have now replaced all my video and DSLR camera mounts etc with the Swiss/Arca system so have full compatibility with all my cameras and fluid heads. I now have twist-lock Carbon fibre tripods and the remaining Velbon is relegated to the cupboard as a spare.

Brilliant tripod, light weighted for a fluid head, amazingly fluid and solid.Really easy to use, not wobbly at all, I absolutely love it!I used to use Manfrottos and this is a great low budget alternative .

Great video tripod with fluid headPros:-Very smooth panning-Fairly light weight and compact-Very sturdy and stableCons:-The bag that came with the tripod is kinda cheap

A sturdy, stable and lightweight aluminum tripod. The tripod is mostly aluminum, but it has some plastic parts, I don't find this an issue but some may. It is very lightweight and easy to carry, especially with the bag that is included. The tripod is stable when set on the ground. The quick release plate can just be clipped on and it holds well. The bubble level was a positive surprise that I wasn't even aware of.I bought this tripod to do videography, and I'm very pleased with the smooth panning capabilities, but I don't find the tilts as smooth and they're a bit harder to achieve, but still doable. The tripod can be extended with the handle on top of extending legs, and it can also be used for cool slider-like videography shots. The fluid head is not detachable, which was a bit of a letdown, but I don't feel the need for separate legs so it doesn't bother too much.I use this tripod for videography, and I'm very pleased with the smooth panning capabilities, but I don't find the tilts as smooth and they're a bit harder to achieve, but still doable. The tripod can also be extended with the lever even further on top of extending the legs, and it can also be used for cool slider-like videography shots. The fluid head is not detachable, which was a bit of a letdown, but I don't feel the need for separate legs so it doesn't bother too much.All in all, great budget tripod, especially for videography because of the fluid head's great panning and tilting capabilities.

The tripod was an excellent buy. Not too heavy, not too light. The pan and tilt movement is really smooth.My only fault with this is that the spirit level is not too well placed. All in all an excellent tripod and nice and easy to use.Comes with a bag too.

A great tripod. A very practical size, light, easy to move around when the legs are spread out. It pans & tilts very smoothly, has it's own bubble level and comes complete with a case. I use it for wildlife photography/video, solar & planetary astronomy. If you want to get up & go and when you get there set up & look this is ideal.

Tilt up / down - yes, this works. Excellent.Pan side to side - works, but very, very stiff - far too stiff to be useful. Loosening the knob has no effect.Up / down gear - doesn't work at all. Rigid, Immovable.have ordered replacement but not hopeful.

Having previously owned a Velbon Tripod I was disappointed to find that the pan & tilt head had a lot of movement between the head and tripod base - as though the central post on which the head rotates was not fitted correctly and certainly not what was expected of a brand new item. Returned to Amazon for full refund - had thought of buying another but see price has increased by over £10!