Vanguard is a reputable company when it comes to photo and video-related products for 30-years and when it comes to tripods, the company’s reputation is partly due to the quality of their tripods.
Vanguard has continued to grow as a company and now integrating an optics-line which have won over hunting and bird watching enthusiasts, the company continues to thrive.
But in this day and age where there is plenty of competition when it comes to tripods, fortunately Vanguard is known for its quality for their monopods, tripods, mounts and ball and pan heads.
The product that I am reviewing is the Vanguard VEO 235AB Tripod, a tripod that keeps travel in mind and comes with an exclusive rapid column rotation for compact transportation and instant setup, extra low angle photography option, rubber/spike convertible feet dependent on terrain and soft rubber handle for better grip in any type of weather.
I. WHAT’S IN THE PACKAGE
Inside the package is the Vanguard VEO 235AB Tripod. The Vanguard VEO 235AB Tripod that has four quick flip leg locks and adjustable spikes and adjustable anti-slip rubber feet for use in outdoor terrain.
The folded height of the tripod is 14.8″ and an extended height of 57.1″. The tripod weight is 3.3 pounds and has five section 23mm aluminum alloy legs with a3 different leg angle options. The tripod has a maximum capacity of 13.2 pounds.
Also, one of the legs has a soft rubber handle with a thin but non-slip grip.
Also, included with the Vanguard VEO 235AB Tripod is a TBH-50 ball head with a large ergonomic main locking knob, bubble level and arca-swiss quick release. A quick shoe is also included.
Also, included is paperwork for Vanguards 5-Year-Limited Warranty.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
I tested the Vanguard VEO 235AB Tripod in a variety of situations. But it’s major strength is that it comes with five sections and because of that, this tripod can be bent in various angles and make it very low. This is ideal for both photographers and videographers who want to capture things at various heights or need more versatility when it comes to positioning.
I felt the leg clips on the VEO are much better than any of the Vanguard tripods that I have reviewed in the past. Previous clips were just plastic, these clips have metal and look more durable.
Comparing to another Vanguard product, the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminum and the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AGH Aluminum tripod, the 263’s can reach 68 inches extended height while the VEO 235AB is 57.1. Both 263’s feature comfortable cushy grips on all three legs, while the VEO 235AB has a non-slip grip on one of the legs. I wish that all three legs on the VEO 235AB had the non-slip grip but the 263 tripods are much more expensive.
So, if you want a center column that can go higher and has grips on all three legs, then the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminum and the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AGH Aluminum tripod are worth looking at.
But you have a center extending column on the Vanguard VEO 235AB Tripod that can elevate which is a plus and a lever to tighten it.
But while the legs show versatility with how far it can be bent and angled, another plus about the Vanguard VEO 235AB is that it comes with a ballhead.
The maximum load capacity of 13.2 pounds is another plus, but if you want more, then the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminum offers up to 15.4 pounds.
But the biggest selling point for me is that the Vanguard VEO 235AB tripod is 3.3 pounds. This is important because not only can I fit it in my backpack or bag, it’s perfect to fit in my carry-on luggage. This is also important that the Vanguard VEO 235AB tripod is small enough to lock up in a locker. Granted, I would remove the ballhead, which adds another two inches in height.
Because of how light the tripod is, one may want to have small sandbags available, if going into areas where you need the tripod to be weighted down and there is quite a bit of wind in the area.
JUDGMENT CALL:
The Vanguard VEO 235AB Tripod is a versatile tripod. It works perfectly for those who travel, works perfectly for those who need to shoot high and low, cost effective in the fact that it comes with a ballhead and because it has five sections, it makes it small enough to fit in a bag and at 3.3 pounds, makes it a bit easier for transporting. In fact, I don’t think I will bring the monopod for international travel, because I’m confident the Vanguard VEO 235AB Tripod is all I need, especially for multi-mile walking, hiking, etc.
I really like the improvement of the leg clips, better more durable clips than I have seen in previous Vanguard tripods. The spiked tips that you typically find in monopods are on this tripod is another plus.
But at $149, there are a two things that I wish this tripod offered.
For one, the center column would have been wonderful if another three to four inches were added, so it could match the same size of the legs at its smallest point. Those extra three-four inches are actually important for me to get the additional height, especially photographing crowd shots at concerts and music festivals. But I can get the extra height needed from using a pistol grip head. Granted, for those who do a lot of low shots, would probably want the center column to be smaller.
Second, it would have been wonderful to have the non-slip grips on all three legs, not just one. I do prefer the cushion-based grips that were featured on all three legs of the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminum.
Overall, the Vanguard VEO 235AB Tripod offers quite a bit for its pricepoint, while not perfect, it’s still a fantastic tripod, especially for those who travel frequently and are needing something light, durable and can shoot high or low.
Recommended!
