Product Description

The DF-series is a dual function tripod designed for use as both a photo and video tripod. The panheads feature a sure-grip pan/tilt control handle positioned on the left side for easy access to main camera controls. The leg assemblies all feature 3-section tubular aluminum legs, radial leg braces for extra stability and convenient tripod setup. Quick side-lever leg locks for easy leg adjustments. All black professional finish.The DF-40 DF Tripod is a deluxe lightweight dual function model ideally suited for use with both compact 35mm cameras and mini camcorders. The 3-way quick release panhead (QB-4LC) is designed for fluid smooth pans and tilts. Other features include a geared center column with preset friction control system, leveling bubble, 20mm wide leg and rubber tipped feet.

Product Details

• Brand: Velbon
• Model: DF-40
• Dimensions: 4.50" h x 4.00" w x 21.80" l, 3.05 pounds

Features

• Dual-function tripod suitable for both still camera and camcorder use
• 3-way quick-release pan head; geared center column with friction control
• Sure-grip handle is positioned on left for easy access to camera controls
• 3-section tubular aluminum legs with side-lever locks and rubber-tipped feet
• Adjusts from 20.5 to 57 inches; supports up to 10 pounds; weighs 2.6 pounds

From the Manufacturer
The Velbon DF-40 dual-function tripod is designed for use as both a photo and video tripod. The DF-40 is distinguished by such features as a three-way quick- release pan head for tilts and pans, a sure-grip handle that's positioned on the left side for easy access to the main camera controls, and a geared center column with a preset friction control system. The three-section tubular aluminum leg assemblies, meanwhile, not only set up quickly and easily, but are also outfitted with radial leg braces for extra stability. Other details include quick side-lever leg locks and rubber-tipped feet, an all- black-matte professional finish, and a height range of 20.5 to 57 inches. The DF- 40, which supports up to 10 pounds of camera equipment, weighs a mere 2.6 pounds.

Customer Reviews

Adequate but flimsy
I've been using an old metal tripod for over twenty years and wanted something modern, lightweight and affordable. The DF-40 is all three of the things for which I asked. However, in hindsight I see now that I needed to add criteria such as "well-made" or "quality" to the list I was using to determine my purchase.

The stand itself is adequate and what I expected for the price but the plastic head feels quite flimsy and even when locked down still has a bit of wobble to it. Enough so that shooting without a cable release or IR remote may well cause an unintended motion blur which kind of defeats the reason for using a tripod. All of the knobs and levers feel equally frail and I am willing to bet that something breaks on this tripod within the first half dozen uses. When I first mounted my D-80 to it, I was a little hesitant to move my hands away because the weight seemed a bit much for the head.

It seemed like a good value as the next major price point is significantly higher, but now that I have received it and given it a thorough look, I would not have purchased the DF-40 had I been able to see and touch it first.

EDIT (Please Read) - I've now had the product for about four months now and it has held up far better than I anticipated. The fragile knobs I thought would break still feel fragile, but they haven't broken yet and I carried the tripod in a backpack for about two weeks and it held up fine. Thus I feel it necessary to upgrade my review - I now believe the product to be a good buy and although the page won't let me change my star rating, I would now give this tripod 4 stars.

Time Marches On
The DF 40 stands next to my 35 year old, well beaten, much traveled VGB-3. The designs are very very similar. The methods are the same. The materials are largely the same, minor differences in some places due to weight, others due to improved materials (today), so (albeit few, IMO) for cost savings.

I've loaded the DF with the same "standard load" of camera, lens and other such that I used with the VGB. Then I added four pounds in lead bars.

Everything is stable, no wobble, no creaking or groaning.

I paid for quality in Velbon over three decades ago, and now have gotten quality AGAIN by purchasing Velbon.

That seems a pretty simple concept to me (G)
geoff beneze

Great tripod at any price--But the deal is what hooked me!!
I've been researching and pricing tripods for about a month now, but when this deal came along with free shipping, I couldn't resist. I have looked at the Velbon DF-40 in photo departments of stores and really like the versatility and quality of this model, and when I received my order from Amazon, several days early and in excellent condition, I was NOT disappointed. It does everything I need a tripod to do, and it's very easy to transport just about anywhere because of it's compact size. Super product form Velbon and super service from Amazon--Who could ask for more??