The Vanguard VEO 3 263AO is a full-sized aluminium tripod made to provide a firm basis for even the priciest spotting scopes when they are zoomed in to their greatest extent.
A VEO PH-28 2-way pan head with a single telescoping handle that regulates movement is mounted on top of the tripod. When loosened, it's simple to follow a bird in flight, and when the bird lands, you can easily lock it in place by turning the handle. For ultimate control, you can also change the friction using the handle to enhance the drag. While doing all of this, maintain a hand free to change the spotting scope's focus or zoom.
The fast release system is also Arca compatible, allowing you to mount any spotting scope with an Arca compatible foot straight to the head without the need for a quick release plate, including VEO and Endeavor spotting scopes, maximizing stability for observation. It comes with an additional big quick release plate with a spring locating pin for any spotting scope to be mounted to if you don't have an Arca compatible foot.
This tripod folds to 71 cm and extends to 176 cm, or 143 cm with the middle column down, making it ideal for even the tallest birdwatcher. When you are setting up, no wildlife will be startled by the silent twist leg locks on the 3-section, 26mm diameter legs. Additionally, they are made to be simple to clean, helping you to extend the life of your tripod.
The rubber feet detach so that the included spiked feet can be applied, and there is a retractable hook to attach additional weight for added stability.
The tripod includes a low angle adapter and three easily adjustable leg angles (20°, 50°, and 80°) for low angle viewing or shooting. Alternately, all you need to do is turn the middle column around, and you're good to go.
Two 3/8" threads for tripod support arms are located on the side of the central canopy spider, allowing you to attach the accessories of your choice. These threads include bayonet slots on either side that ensure maximum stability on tripod support arms with that feature.
If you don't need the entire tripod, just take out one leg, fasten it to the centre column, and you'll have a 183cm-long monopod.
Outstanding quality is ensured by the use of aircraft grade aluminium in the load-bearing parts during CNC manufacturing. The easy clean twist locks can also be fully unscrewed for maintenance, allowing you to clean the leg locks after usage for maximum lifespan.
This head-leg combo provides the ideal foundation for observation or digiscoping (for example, with a VEO PA-65 Universal Digiscope Adapter).
If you want a reliable tripod for your spotting scope, check out the VEO 3 spotting scope tripods.
Features
VEO PH-28 Arca compatible 2-way pan head
Locking mechanism in handle, leaving second hand free to adjust focus/zoom
3-section 26mm diameter aluminium legs
Weighs 2.4kg with an 8kg load capacity
Extends to 176cm and folds to 71cm
Noise-free and easy clean twist lock leg adjustments
Tripod leg converts to a monopod in 3 easy steps
Two 3/8” threads with bayonet fittings for attaching tripod support arms
Low-angle adapter and 3 easy-set leg angles for macro/low-angle photography, or simply reverse the centre column
Rubber/spiked feet
Perfect for digiscoping with the VEO PA-65 Universal Disgiscope Adapter (not included).
Also, available in carbon
Technical Specifications
Tripod Style Traditional Full Sized Tripod
Multi-Angle Central Column No (Can use VEO MT-12)
Reversible Central Column Yes
Low Angle Adaptor Yes
Material Aluminium
Weight 2360g
Folded Length 710mm
Maximum Height Central Column Extended 1760mm
Maximum Height Central Column Down 1430mm
Minimum Height 240mm
Maximum Load Capacity 8kg
Leg Diameter 26mm
Leg Sections 3
Leg Lock Easy clean twist lock
Leg Angles 3 (20°, 50° and 80°)
Feet Type Rubber Feet and Spiked Feet
Hook For Hanging Extra Weight Yes (or Alta SBM available separately)
Monopod Leg Yes
Head Attachment Thread 1/4" and 3/8" thread
Tripod Head VEO PH-28
Head Style 2-way Pan Head that locks using handle
Arca Swiss Compatible Yes
Quick Shoe QS-61P
Separate Pan Lock No
Friction Control No (though can adjust friction by turning handle)
Bubble Level on Head 1
Tripod Bag Yes
Accessories Quick release plate, spiked feet, low angle adapter and tripod bag
Suitable For Mirrorless Yes
Suitable For DSLR Yes
Suitable For PRO Kit No
Warranty 2 Years
Extended Warranty 10 Years
Series VEO 3 Spotting Scope Tripod
Colour Black
Other Can also be used for photography, but no separate pan lock