Vanguard VEO 3+ 263CB 160S Carbon-Fiber Review

Likes

This tripod's biggest strength is its ability to adapt to different shooting scenarios with ease. The latest iteration of the 263CB has larger buttons and knobs than past versions. We like this change and found making adjustments quicker and easier than ever. Even for big camera repositioning, this tripod doesn't require you to wrestle with it to shorten a leg or adjust the pitch. We were able to bounce around shooting locations in the area without spending 10 minutes each time getting our angles right.

The 90-degree adjustable arm lever has an orange slider lock that lets you switch from standard landscape orientation to secure the camera for overhead or side shots, which can be helpful if you're doing studio portraits or product photography. We also absolutely loved the circular button that unlocks/locks the leg angles.

Tripods can live a rough life, frequently getting dropped or tipped over (hopefully without your camera attached). The 263CB still performed well after we intentionally dropped and tipped it over during testing. From the ballhead to the twist locks at the legs, this tripod showed only cosmetic damage after being knocked around.

This model can also easily be converted to a monopod if you just need a bit of stability for an on-the-go photo shoot.

Dislikes

This shot-versatile tripod is built with buy-it-for-life durability, but this comes at the cost of portability. We weighed this tripod at 5.91 pounds, and it folds down to 30.5 inches, which is likely too long to fit in most photographers' camera bags.

This is also a very expensive tripod. If you're serious about your camera gear and use heavier camera setups, the 263CB is well worth the price tag, especially if you want the versatility of a 90-degree arm. But if you plan to travel internationally with your tripod, you're better off looking for a more portable model that will fit in a camera bag or carry-on suitcase.

Should You Buy the Vanguard VEO 3+ 263CB 160S Carbon-Fiber?

If you want a stable tripod for larger, professional camera bodies and longer lenses, put the Vanguard VEO 3+ 263CB 160S Carbon-Fiber on your list of final contenders. This is best for serious photographers who want to set up overhead shots in their home studio or get unique ground-level shots in the field. Simply put, it's the best option if you want unlimited angles while keeping your images as sharp as possible. This is too bulky for big hikes or casual city walks, and a pretty big investment to make unless photography is your job, in which case there are other, more affordable and portable options on the market.

What Other Tripods Should You Consider?

If you'd like a more portable model, the Vanguard VEO 3GO 235CB is an easier-carrying sibling to the Vanguard VEO 3+ 263CB 160S Carbon-Fiber. It's not quite as stable, but it still has a high enough weight capacity for a full-sized camera body and a mid-sized lens. On the flip side, check out the 3 Legged Thing Winston 2.0 if you want the most stable tripod possible for a professional-grade camera. It doesn't have the 90-degree arm-shot versatility of the 263CB, but it has the thickest support legs of any in the lineup, boasting a load capacity of 88 pounds, which can be essential for landscape and wildlife photographers loading up their tripod with heavy telephoto lenses.