Avella VD501L Carbon Fiber Video Tripod Kit 74 Inch with Fluid Head for Camcorders and DSLR Cameras

When I discovered on Amazon a Carbon Fiber Tripod for this price point, I sat here looking at my computer screen for a bit, thinking about the risk I was about to take. My finger was hovering over my mouse undecided to hit the "place order" button. Then I got to thinking "Well at best, if the fluid head isn't good, I can at least use the carbon fiber legs with another fluid head I have so it's worth a shot for the price... and I placed the order. This tripod was delivered to me yesterday and as I unboxed it, I already had a good feeling as far as its overall weight and design. The legs are smooth and solid, and the locking mechanisms are of the twist variety which is super great. - - - I set it up and mounted my new Sony PXW-Z280 camcorder which is about 7lbs with the extended battery so let's say 7.5lbs. The head was smooth up down left and right. The ONLY thing that caught me off guard was the half ball wasn't tightened onto the head very well so when I tested the swivel lock, the head still moved loosely a bit and no matter how tight the locking screw was it still moved. I noticed it was moving where the half ball and the head mount were married together, so I unscrewed the locking handle and with the provided tools I was able to tighten all the bolts right up... and yes they were very loose so that was definitely the reason. ... speaking of things the tripod comes with, it also comes with two quick release plates... release plates I might add that mount very easy and smooth onto the fluid head mount. I will give this product a 4 out of 5 star rating based on it being a budget tripod at a 4 star level with 5 star pro attributes. ~ AlexanderOct 5th 2018 update: I just posted a new photo (footballl game about to start) and as you can see it’s still going strong. Well worth it.

ProsThis was the only carbon fiber tripod on Amazon with a fluid head this tall for under $350, and it beat that price by a massive margin, so as far as value goes, that's a great start.It's light enough that I can lift it with just my pinky, but still sturdy enough that I trust it to easily hold my camera on.It's very stable, and has very grippy feet that are hinged.The legs extend easily with the open/closed knobs instead of turn friction closures.Comes with two head plates.The fluid head is articulated enough that even if you set it up on an uneventful surface or adjust the legs unevenly, you can still get the head level.ConsThe bubble level is tucked away underneath the plate mount on the head, so you can't ever actually look straight down at it to check if you're level. You have to look from the side and do your best, especially since this shades it from light, so if it's dark it's even harder than normal.There's not a hook for hanging weights for extra stability.NeutralThe shortest this goes is 34 inches, and that might be a bigger deal to some people than others.The lower leg knobs are partially obstructed by rubber loops/grips on the feet. This can be annoying, but not so much to me that I'd call it a negative.

A little heavy but solid

Man what a killer deal. The head is good for basic video work (Ill use better heads, but nice to have a backup), holds a decent amount of weight (bare dslr/mirrorless). The tripod is tall, strong, and lightweight. It doesn’t weigh less than my aluminum tripod of similar caliber, but I expected that at this price for carbon fiber. 5 stars for how sturdy it is and for the easy controls

So about 2 months ago one of the leg adjusting knobs broke off. The screw that attaches it broke. I have been using the know to make adjustments but that's not a long term solution as I may lose it. Product support has expired so I'm trying to figure out a way to contact for a replacement screw.

I've only had it a short bit and used it for one video shoot, but so far I love it! The head seems really smooth when panning and tilting. Light weight, but sturdy (I bought the carbon). Comes with a nice carrying bag and an extra plate!

With all my camera gear set up on the tripod I can still carry it with one arm. Amazing job with the head too! I use the head on my suction cup mounts as well! One more thing, Great customer support!

Needed a taller tripod and this one fit the bill perfectly. The fluid head provides smooth pan and tilt.