Agrian’s 4×5 field camera and my Nikon F4 mounted on the centre column in horizontal orientation.
I’d been researching for an upgrade professional grade tripod when I was asked to do a review the Vanguard VEO 3+ 263 tripod with the BH-160 ball head. After extensive testing I was so impressed I bought one.
Adrian taking meter reading at the Long Island locks.
Adrian shooting at Long Island locks, Rideau River in background.
Like yourself I have a substantial investment in high quality cameras and lenses so it makes sense I’d shoot with a tripod of equal quality…. mounting my camera(s) on a consumer tripod would not make sense. Not to worry – you won’t need a friendly bank manager, it’s reasonably priced.
Closeup composition with the two cameras in horizontal orientation
Vanguard tabletop set-up for macro composition of gourdes.
The VEO BH-160 ball head is rated for 33lbs as is the VEO 3+ 263 tripod, which extends to a lofty 68”. With the centre column in the horizontal position I mounted my Nikon F4 with the 2.8 100mm macro Laowa and my 4×5 Linhof with the f5.5 270mm Tete-Arton making exposures of 5 seconds on a blustery day… tack sharp negatives!!!
Offset set-up with Nikon F4
Detail of VEO BH-160 ball head
I need a tripod that’s truly weather tolerant with precise ‘lock-up’ controls large enough so I don’t have to take my gloves off. Speaking of ‘lock-up’ including the leg extensions this tripod is flat out superb…truly confidence building! The tripod can be articulated into any configuration I’ll ever need and it will remain rock solid for extended exposures.
Centre column accessory hanging hook
Hex wrenches (keys)
Leg spikes
Close-up of MA1 adapter for a camera or accessories.
There are a few other thoughtful features I rather like: the mounting plate is Arca compatible, the carrying bag is padded with a zippered inside pocket for the ‘spiked feet’, it has a stabilization hook, it comes with two hexagon wrench keys and the instructions are well illustrated. Very tidy indeed!
Vanguard padded carrying bag.
My approach to making photographs is on the journalistic side. However, I’m becoming more exacting and enjoying a more thoughtful, slower approach to shooting – a good tripod is essential for this and I’m happy to report it’s working.
The autumn colours are alive so good shooting my friends!
Adrian with the two camera set-up
Me loading a holder in my 4×5 Linhof Color Kardan at Upper Canada Village.
Items discussed
About the Author – Crombie McNeill
PHOTONews Flash is honoured to see our contributing editor Crombie McNeill featured in CTV News Ottawa. Tune in to hear Crombie’s story and his mission to help those experiencing homelessness.
Crombie McNeill is a unique artist. He’s a world travelled photographer with numerous awards and has been recognized as one of the best editorial photographers in North America. His credits include Time, Newsweek, ELLE, Life, National Geographic, Sports Illustrated, Chatelaine, Paris Match, McLean’s, En Route to name but a few.
His Odyssey lead him from the Arctic to high fashion magazine shoots to Olympic Games, World Cup events, the depths of the Great Barrier Reef to the altitude with the Snow Birds, interwoven with civil war in Africa, Royalty, presidents to paupers world wide. Not to mention frozen toes at the North Pole.
His photography has been exhibited in galleries across Canada, the United States and Europe and has three books to his credit.
Not one to leave behind the uniqueness of traditional film he’s evolved a blending of photography with both hand applied and computer processing to produce truly unique images.
“The art of photography for me” says Crombie “is to convey a timeless essence with a hint of mystery”.
The National Archives predicts he will be credited as one of Canada’s most significant photographers and is on the list for The Order of Canada. The National Art Gallery of Canada has some of his fine art B&W prints included in their permanent collection.
Crombie is now happily retired, in that he no longer accepts editorial or commercial assignments He now lives in Aylmer, with his wife Sue. “This retirement”, he’s delighted to says, “allows me the freedom to search for those magical B&W images, and to determine the ideal technique by which it should be captured and presented.
Crombie often returns to the peaceful amber glow of his wet darkroom as a respite from his extensive digital lab and art board.
Please enjoy!
Very interesting review of this tripod with the centre column and the ball head. Fascinating to see a 4×5 view camera and a Nikon F4 used and the same time, given that I often do exactly the same thing! The catch is I have never mounted my two standard “field cameras” on the same tripod at the same time. A sophisticated and affordable tripod. These interesting photographs git me thinking about how I sometimes use two tripods connected with a bar for stitched panoramic scenes on the ground.
Hi Alan,
This Nikon as you likely know is no lightweight, so I’m sure 2 field cameras would easily work. Also the monorail Linhof is a hefty item.
Best!
Crombie