OR Velbon Sherpa, El Carmagne 530 or El Carmagne 540???

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Was interested in the Velbon Ultra Luxi or Ultra Maxi for a travel tripod, but haven't gotten any personal experience type feedback on it soo...What about these??? Do any of you have any personal experience using any of these? I really didn't want to spend $200-300 for another tripod, but I want a lightweight one tripod that I can throw in a backpack.
These are about 1 lb heavier that the Luxi or Maxi, so I'm not sure if I want to carry a 'portable travel tripod' quite that heavy. The only reason I'd get any of these is if I get really bad feedback on the Luxi/Maxi (since I already have a CF tripod) or I get really awesome feedback on these. I actually lifted one of these El Carmagne in the bag at the store, and I personally thought it was a lttle too heavy for a travel tripod for me. I'm a small person, so all this, plus the gear??? I don't want to end up leaving it because in the end it ends up being too heavy for me... Anway, I'd apreciate any feedback on these...
El Carmagne 530: http://www.amazon.com/Velbon-Carmag...7529456?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1190532719&sr=1-1
El Carmagne 540: http://www.amazon.com/Velbon-Carmag...7529456?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1190532928&sr=1-1
Velbon Sherpa 600RF: http://www.amazon.com/Velbon-Sherpa...7529456?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1190532841&sr=1-1

Thanks!

 

[Master Mason]

I have a velabon maxi, it works ok. It is light, but not superlight like the CF ones, the problem is with my XT and 70-200 f/2.8 non IS it is maxed out on what it will hold IMO, with my impending upgrade to a xxD it will not hold the new set up, at least not without causing me a great deal of concern. I have been very happy with it, and if your set up is light enough it would be great.

As for the others, sorry, I don't have any personal experience.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I have a velabon maxi, it works ok. It is light, but not superlight like the CF ones, the problem is with my XT and 70-200 f/2.8 non IS it is maxed out on what it will hold IMO, with my impending upgrade to a xxD it will not hold the new set up, at least not without causing me a great deal of concern. I have been very happy with it, and if your set up is light enough it would be great.

As for the others, sorry, I don't have any personal experience.

Thanks Master Mason!

 

[boBQuincy]

I have a Velbon Maxi 347, since it is not one of the ones you mentioned I didn't feel qualified to give feedback on those models.
The Velbon Maxi's are ok but since you already have a good tripod that weighs only about 2 lb more than the "just ok" tripods I would carry the good one.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I have a Velbon Maxi 347, since it is not one of the ones you mentioned I didn't feel qualified to give feedback on those models.
The Velbon Maxi's are ok but since you already have a good tripod that weighs only about 2 lb more than the "just ok" tripods I would carry the good one.

Thanks boBQuincy!