Vanguard VEO 235AP tripod at a glance:
- Unique rapid column rotation for compact transportation and instant set-up
- Five-section aluminium-alloy legs with three angle options
- Compact two-way fluid pan-and-tilt head with retractable handle
- Low-angle shooting option
- Very strong leg locks
- Price: £149
- Website: www.vanguardworld.co.uk
Crafted for the photographer who wants to travel, Vanguard’s VEO 235AP, resplendent in its red and black anodised finish, is as good looking as it is practical. The compact size is made possible by the rapid rotating centre column that swings 180° to place the centre column and pan-and-tilt head between the tripod’s legs, contributing to a folded length
of just 14.9in (38cm).
The head takes a standard Arca plate, and I found it more than adequate for supporting mid-sized DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. The adjustable panning action is smooth and perfect for video work, as well as for holding binoculars or a spotting scope.
Each leg has four strong snap-action locks, which allow a higher carrying capacity than other tripods of this type. The leg angle can be adjusted to three positions by a push button that is simple to operate. I like the inclusion of a short centre-column adapter, which gives photographers the option of capturing low-angle or macro images.
Vanguard VEO 235AP tripod – Key features
Rotating centre column
The rapid column rotation ensures compact transportation and instant set-up.
Folding pan-and-tilt head
The two-way pan head, with Arca Swiss-compatible release plate, has a quick-fold handle that minimises the folded length of the tripod.
Legs and locks
The VEO 235AP has five-section aluminium-alloy legs, and strong snap locks for high load strength and easy height adjustment.
Vanguard VEO 235AP tripod – Verdict
The Vanguard VEO 235AP has all the features and qualities of an excellent travel tripod, and can easily attach to a small backpack or messenger bag if you don’t want to use the included carry case. A soft rubber-grip handle on one leg ensures easy handling in any conditions and the folding head design contributes to the small and rugged nature of this tripod, which would be at home in most travel environments.
SCORE: 4 out of 5
You may also consider:
Manfrotto Befree travel tripod ball head kit
Price: £139
Website: www.manfrotto.co.uk
This tripod folds down to 15.75in (40cm) and has legs that can be spread independently, with two-position angle stops. The legs fold up around the ball head, making it compact.
Velbon Ultra 355 Tripod with three-way head
Price: £89
Website: www.velbon.co.uk
With Velbon’s trunnion shaft legs giving a compact folded size but decent working height, this model has a three-way pan-and-tilt head for stills and video.
Vanguard VEO 235AB
Price: £99.99
Website: www.vanguardworld.co.uk
If you like the look of the VEO 235AP but would prefer a tripod with ball head, consider the VEO 235AB instead. It is essentially the same tripod, fitted with Vanguard’s TBH-50 head.
