Velbon
ActiveOverview
Velbon is a Japanese tripod brand under Hakuba Photo Industry Co., Ltd., known for producing tripods, monopods, and accessories for photography and video. It pioneered innovations such as magnesium alloy usage and patented technologies like the Direct Contact Pipe System and Splitable-Racked-Column. The brand distributes products globally to over 60 countries through a network focused on lightweight, sturdy designs using materials like French-manufactured carbon tubes.13
History
Founded on March 11, 1955, initially as Misuboshi Photographic Industry Co., Ltd., which changed to Velbon Tripod Co., Ltd. in 1970. Key milestones include registering the Velbon trademark and launching the patented VS-3 tripod in 1958, establishing Velbon Zhongshan Co., Ltd. in China in 1991, introducing magnesium accessories in 1998, launching the ULTRA MAXi tripod with multiple patents in 2003, and changing to Velbon Corporation in 2004 while becoming an OEM partner for a major electric manufacturer. In 1998, USA sales rights were delegated to Hakuba USA Inc., liquidating Velbon International Corporation.12
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| ULTRA MAXi Series (high-extension tripods) | professional-grade with 4.4:1 extension ratio | $200 - $500 |
| QRA Magnesium Quick Release Adapters | lightweight quick-release system | $50 - $100 |
| Carbon Fiber Tripods | high-precision pultrusion tubes from France | $300 - $800 |
| Magnesium Alloy Accessories | durable lightweight components | $30 - $150 |
| VS Series Tripods (classic models) | entry to mid-range stability | $100 - $300 |
Manufacturing
Velbon operates a factory as Velbon Myanmar Co., Ltd. in Thilawa Special Economic Zone, Yangon, Myanmar. It previously established Velbon Zhongshan Co., Ltd. in Guangdong, China in 1991, with historical facilities in Japan and Taiwan. Manufacturing involves in-house innovations with some OEM partnerships.125
Notable Products
- ULTRA MAXi - Tripod with Direct Contact Pipe System (PAT. No.6761501), Trunnion Shaft, 4-Way Panhead, and 4.4:1 extension ratio.
- QRA-635L - Magnesium quick release adapter, one of the most popular products in Japan.
- VS-3 - Patented tripod from 1958 that received worldwide attention.
- Splitable-Racked-Column Tripods - World-first patented design introduced in 1999 for enhanced stability.
Reputation
Velbon is recognized by photographers for pioneering magnesium alloy tripods and holding numerous patents for innovative features like quick-release systems and high extension ratios. Professionals value its sturdy carbon fiber construction and global distribution, though some note reliance on overseas manufacturing may affect perceptions of premium quality compared to fully Japanese-made competitors. Enthusiasts appreciate the range from budget to professional models but criticize occasional build quality inconsistencies in lower-end lines.2345