Product Description

Designed primarily as a lightweight, compact travel tripod, the Ultra MAXi s Tripod incorporates a unique leg-locking system which allows it to extend more than 4.4 times its folded length. By twisting the oversized knurled rubber feet of the tripod 45 degrees counterclockwise, the leg section can be drawn out entirely. This system also speeds set-up time. A perfect tripod for travel, at home or abroad! Head Type - Ball Head (not removeable) Weight - 1.7 pounds Color - Titanium

Product Details

• Brand: Velbon
• Model: MAXiS
• Dimensions: 3.00" h x 3.00" w x 13.00" l, 9999.00 pounds

Features

• 50-inch maximum height, 12.5-inch folded length
• Lightweight, sturdy design
• No need to lock down knobs or levers with internal leg locking twist design
• Includes carrying case
• Weighs 1.6 pounds

Amazon.com Product Description
The Velbon Ultra-Maxi-SF travel tripod is ideal for a digital camera. With a 50 inch maximum height and 12.5 inch folded length, the tripod sports a lightweight, sturdy design. There is no need to lock down knobs or levers, the internal leg locking twist design does the job. Weighs only 1.6 pounds, also includes a carrying case.

Trunnion Shaft Legs
The legs of most tripods are joined to the head via bolts through the top of each leg, however the Ultra Maxi incorporates non-piercing bolts: (i.e. each leg extends the entire inside length of the outer leg casing), making the tripod extremely compact when folded, yet when extended the tripod measures a full 155 centimeters. This unique system is called the Trunnion Shaft System (TSS). Suitable for most compact digital cameras and camcorders.

Customer Reviews

Not worthy of the money
it's hard to tune in and out to shorten or extend the legs, and when you hold the camera, you don't want to get your hands dirty by holding the legs which may stick into the dirts to tune it back in. also, it's not always tuning the far end first then the upper ones, so it's awkward once a while.

A nice lightweight and easy to use tripod
This was my first and only (so far) tripod, so I can't say how it compares to other tripods, but I've been having a great time with it. The carrying bag that comes with it has a rather small strap, which might be too small for some people - it easily fits in a backpack or camera bag though.

The locking/unlocking mechanism for the legs works pretty well, as does the head swiveling. I thought it might be too lightweight to hold a Canon Rebel XT plus a big lens, but I haven't had any problems with shake on long duration shots with a fairly heavy macro or 300mm telephoto.

The main thing this tripod lacks, in my experience with it so far, is a quick release system for the camera. These can be purchased separately though (and placed on the camera), so the option is there - for a price - if you need it.

Excellent hiking tripod
I'm sure that hardcore photographers will dis this tripod, but I am very happy with it. It is remarkably light, very compact due to the lack of locking knobs on the legs, and fits right in a small backpack. I bought it so that on hikes I would have a tripod in case I needed one and it serves that need perfectly. It's steady enough to hold my SLR with a 200mm lens, which is as big as I'm going to carry into the woods.
If you're serious about photography you'll want a heavier model when you're not traveling far, but you won't do better than this one if you're carrying your gear on your back.