Velbon Maxi 343

Hi all, the more I look at the Velbon Maxi 343, the more I think this

is the tripod I am looking for. I need a lightweight, compact tripod

for backpacking that can extend enough for me to use it without the

center column (I am 6'0). My only question is: can the small ballhead

successfully hold my Nikon N80 plus grip and a decent lense, such as

a 24-85 G or a 75-240? Thanks in advance.

I fell for Herb Keppler's glowing review of this pod and mail-ordered one for light duty use (645 RF's mainly). I was expecting more rigidity and the ballhead wouldn't even hold these relatively lightweight cameras vertically. I've heard that the 3 way head is more substantial feeling but after having tried the version that I did, I can't really think of a good application for one (maybe 35mm RF?). I am certain that the lens/camera combos you mention would be too much weight and vibration for these units to control. I was fortunate that the dealer took mine back.

That is disappointing news. Anyone else with any experience with this pod?

I used it with a light setup Elan IIe and 28-135 when driving around Ireland. After 1.5 weeks of use, one of the legs fell apart. Unfortuantely I chucked the box so B&H would only replace it. (Which they did with no fuss.) I was very happy with up to the point it broke.

 

I've not used the one I got as a replacement. I'll probably eBay it. Apparently we're supposed to bite the bullet and just buy the 1227/1228.

I bought this tripod a year ago for the same reasons you want it now. But I must say it is not sturdy at all, and in my opinion only good enough for very small point-and-shoot cameras. I use it nowadays for a small telescope.

I have not owned the Maxi 343, but I tested one out at a local camera shop along with the Ultra Maxi series. I was not impressed with the rigidity of the legs nor with the stability of any of these tripods. I ended up getting a Slik Sprint Mini tripod instead and I have not regretted this. The Sprint Mini has independent leg spread, a removable center column and interchangable heads. The whole thing with head weighs less than 2 pounds and I take it with me on trail runs. It supports my Nikon N70 with either a 24 f/2.8 or my 100mm series E f/2.8 with no problems. The independent leg spread is invaluable to my shooting style and can really help solve stability problems as well. The only downside for some people is the Sprint Mini's maximum height of 43.3". This does not hamper my style of shooting, however I know some people for whom this is a problem. You might look at the Slik Sprint Pro if this is the case, as it has a maximum height of 63.1". I have never tried the Pro, so perhaps others can comment on this. Overall, I have also been impressed with the construction quality of the Sprint Mini. This tough little tripod has been through quite a bit of abuse in the past few months and still works fine. I would recommend that you at least look at the light tripod offerings from Slik.

 

--josh

Well, I have a different story to tell. I like mine. I've had it for over a year, and while not used a whole lot, it has held up well. I found the head adequate for a Canon Elan IIe with a 28-135 IS lens, and barely passible with a 70-300. I also like the little ball head and it does hold the above gear in both horizontal and vertical format, but really isn't ever very steady if the wind is blowing.

 

I didn't really expect a tall, 2 pound, $100 tripod to be all that steady anyway, but it is as good as I expected. If moderately low cost and low weight are important, I find it a good tripod. But I'm glad it's not my only tripod.

Mine also fell apart on its very first major field trip. One leg fell off.

I second the recommendation for the Slik Sprint series (Mini or

Pro). It is in the same size and price category as the Velbon Maxi

343 (if not cheaper).

i am sorry to hear the news of velbon 343 E (as it 'only' costs around 60 here)

 

i wonder if any users of manfrotto/bogen 714B would find this better/a lot better than the 343E??

 

the 714B costs around 100 and is light