I’ve been proud to be able to call myself a Vanguard Professional since 2014, which means I’m an ambassador for Vanguard. In case you’re not familiar with the brand, Vanguard are an awesome company which manufacture a variety of useful photography accessories (amongst other things), including a range of tripods (essential for photography, read why here) and photography bags.
Vanguard also make optics, including hunting scopes and binoculars. My parents were so impressed by a pair of binoculars they tried out recently that they’ve invested in a pair for birdwatching, and we picked up a scope as well.
In 2015, I was delighted to help launch Vanguard’s VEO range of tripods and bags, which at the time was something new for them – a range aimed specifically at the travelling photographer or backpacker who wants to keep their gear light and portable, whilst still offering great stability and value for money.
I reviewed the original VEO range, including the Vanguard VEO 235AB aluminium tripod and the VEO 265CB carbon fibre tripod in 2015, and found they were well-suited to my travel needs – lightweight, stable, and great value for money. A triple win, and you should definitely take a look at that post.
Since then, I’ve travelled the world with my Vanguard VEO 265CB, racking up tens of countries and thousands of photos, and they’ve not failed me yet.
In 2017, Vanguard updated their product range, and amongst other things, launched the VEO 2 range. This was a refinement of the original tripods and bags, taking on board customer feedback, and looking to set the standard for travel photography accessories, and especially tripods, going forward.
At the time, Vanguard sent me the top of the range carbon fibre model, the Vanguard VEO 2 265CB. Between 2017 and 2020, it’s been my go-to travel tripod, coming with us on adventures across the world, including hiking trips in the USA, road trips in Iceland, northern lights chasing in Finland, and landscape photography in Scotland.
I originally wrote this post with my initial thoughts on the VEO 2 265CB, but as I’ve now been using this tripod for a number of years, I’ve updated this post to form more of a a longer term review. This way you can see how the tripod has stood the test of time.
First though, let’s talk a bit about my photography gear to give you some context for what I’m using my tripods for.
Table of Contents:
What Photography Gear I Use
As full time bloggers and travel photographers, we have a fair amount of camera gear, which ranges in size from the super lightweight Sony RX 100 V, through to a relatively lightweight mirrorless Panasonic Lumix through to the much larger full frame Canon EOS 6D, which we pair with a wide angle 16-35mm f/4 lens as well as a 70-200mm f/2.8.
That last lens is a beast when it comes to weight. The VEO tripod can definitely handle it, although as with most tripods, it is more stable when the centre column is not extended.
For the most part though, we use the tripod for our Canon DSLR with the 16-35mm lens, and our Panasonic mirrorless system, both of which fit perfectly on this tripod.
We primarily shoot in cities and rural landscapes, and also use the tripod to get photos of the two of us together, which yields far more reliable results than asking random strangers for help!
We have a post on rest of our travel photography gear and accessories if you’re interested, and if you’re in the market for a new camera, check out my guide to picking the best travel camera here, which covers compact cameras to professional-level DSLRs.
What’s New With the Vanguard VEO 2 Range
At launch, there were eight tripods in the Vanguard VEO 2 range, and the major change between the original VEO and the VEO 2 was that the tripods switched from a flip lock system to a twist lock system, based on customer feedback.
This means that instead of releasing a flip out catch to extend the legs, you twist to release the legs and then twist to tighten them.
Which system you prefer is entirely down to you – some prefer one way, others prefer another way. Personally, I find both systems work well, but I do like the lack of catches on the new VEO 2 range as it means that they don’t catch on my bag, and can slip in and out of the side tripod holder on my Alta Sky 49 backpack more easily. So that’s a plus in my book.
Another important change is that Vanguard switched to a more advanced type of carbon fibre for the VEO 2 tripods. So whilst the tripods have the same load weight as their predecessor (17.6lbs in the case of the VEO 2 265CB), the tripod is actually lighter. The carbon fibre VEO 2 265CB weighs under 3lbs, coming in at 2.98lbs, compared to the 3.3lbs of the VEO 265CB.
A third of a pound might not sound like much, but when you’re carrying something around on your back all day, every little bit adds up!
There are also a couple of other changes from the original model. There’s a new friction control on the ball head, which lets you control how much resistance the head has when you move it. As a photographer, I haven’t found I use this too much, but I have a feeling that video users will love this addition.
Last (but not least!), the feet on the tripod have changed away from metal spikes with rubber ends, to angled rubber feet (you can still buy spiked feet if you prefer). Again, I find this helps with packing as spiked feet can catch on bags or clothing, so this is a good upgrade for me.
What Stayed the Same with the VEO 2 tripods?
Other than the above changes, much has stayed the same. The build quality is excellent, and after years of extensive use, nothing has fallen apart or broken. I do not treat my photography equipment particularly well, and it has stood up to even my rough handling.
Size wise, the tripods extend to the same height above the ground, which is 150cm / 59 inches for the VEO 2 265CB model.
When folded down the VEO 2 265CB is 41.4cm / 16.3 inches, which is ever so slightly longer than the original VEO 265CB (39cm / 15.4 inches).
If you are looking for a higher travel tripod, take a look at the new VEO 2 GO 265HCBM. This is new for 2020, and is a part of the new VEO 2 GO range. Whilst it is a fraction heavier than the VEO 2 265CB, the central column extends even further, giving this an impressive 65.5 inches / 166 cm of maximum height!
The VEO 2 tripods still come with a choice of pan or ball heads, which makes them excellent value for money as you get everything in the same package, and don’t need to worry about investing in a tripod head as well. And that head is Arca compatible, which means you can quickly put your camera on the tripod and take it off with the supplied plate attachment, or any number of third party designs including the excellent Peak Design carry system that we use.
Speaking of price, the VEO 2 265CB had a launch price of $249.99. At launch, the original VEO 265 CB was $349, which makes this a good value price for an excellent product. Compare this to other travel focused Carbon Fibre tripods from competing brands such as MeFOTO and Manfrotto, which range in the $270 – $350 range, and Vanguard really is offering excellent value for money.
Of course, not everyone wants to spend that much on a tripod. At launch the entry level VEO 2 204AB tripod was priced at $109, and since then a number of other value options have launched, meaning Vanguard really does offer something for every price point.
Discounted Price for Vanguard Products for our Readers!
As Vanguard Ambassadors we are able to offer you a unique discount code which will get you 20% off everything in the Vanguard USA, Vanguard UK, Vanguard Spain, and Vanguard Germany online store websites. Just use code FindingTheUniverse (case sensitive) on checkout.
And the bags?
Along with the new tripods, Vanguard updated their range of VEO bags, which are small bags designed to complement the tripods. They have clips and compartments where you can put the tripods, as well as room for a small DSLR or mirrorless system.
Personally, I usually carry too much gear to really use these bags, and I’m deeply enamoured with my Vanguard Alta Sky 49 backpack, which I use for the majority of our travel photography needs.
That said, for day use where I’m out shooting with just one camera body and lens, the VEO bags are definitely handy. They’re well made, have a waterproof cover and are excellently priced.
So if you’re looking for a new bag and don’t need to carry huge amounts of gear, these are a great option. Plus, they don’t look ostentatiously like a camera bag, which is always a plus when travelling.
Do You Need to Upgrade from a VEO to a VEO 2 tripod?
If you already own a Vanguard VEO tripod, you might be wondering if you need to upgrade. To be perfectly honest, in my opinion the answer is no. This is an evolutionary upgrade rather than a revolutionary product, and I think the original VEO will do you very well for many years to come.
If you are thinking of switching from an aluminium version to a carbon fibre, then I’d definitely recommend the VEO 2 line over the original. They are slightly lighter, have some new features and are an investment that will pay off for many years of happy travel photography.
If you don’t own a tripod at all, or are looking for a travel specific model, then I definitely recommend taking a look at the VEO 2 line. There are a range of options available, many of which are featured in our guide to the best travel tripods.
Plus, as a bonus, you get one of my photos, and (even a photo of me!) on the box. And if that’s not enough to persuade you to buy a VEO 2 tripod over anything else, I’m not sure what is!
Long Term Use With the Vanguard VEO 2 265CB
As mentioned earlier in the post, I originally wrote this guide having used the VEO 2 265CB for a few months. Since then, it has been my go-to travel tripod.
As I also mentioned, I am not terribly careful with my photography gear – I see it as a set of tools I use to get images, and I certainly don’t treat it with kid gloves. As such, it has to be able to withstand a certain amount of rough and tumble.
I am pleased to report that after a few years of use, and some extreme environments including pouring rain, rushing rivers, and temperatures far below freezing, the VEO 2 265 CB has passed my long term test with flying colours.
In fact, if Vanguard hadn’t sent me a new VEO 2 GO 265HCBM in 2020, the VEO 2 265CB would be my main travel tripod for years to come. As it is, the new features in the VEO 2 GO, such as a detachable leg that converts to a monopod, a carbon fibre central column, and that extra height, means that my VEO 2 265CB is going to be relegated to secondary tripod duty.
However, if you are in the market for a new tripod, I would definitely still recommend the VEO 2 265CB. It offers exceptional performance, long term durability, and a portable package that is perfect for travelling with.
Final Thoughts on the Vanguard VEO 2 265CB Tripod
When it launched and I initially reviewed this tripod, I said that Vanguard had launched a really excellent tripod system for the travelling photographer who values stability but wants to save weight. It improved on the original VEO line, and offered a product that would keep a photographer happy for years to come.
I’m delighted to be able to stand by that review, even a few years on, and say that this tripod has kept me very happy for a number of years, on photography adventures around the world.
I still believe that for the majority of travelers looking for a travel tripod, the VEO 2 line is an excellent choice. In fact, given that the range has expanded since launch, to encompass even more tripods with even more features, I’d say it’s an even better choice!
Further Reading
That’s it for my long term review of the Vanguard VEO 2 265CB. If you found this useful, you might enjoy some of my other photography content. Here are some articles to get you started.
- We have a guide to how to use a compact camera, how to use a DSLR camera, and how to use a mirrorless camera, which you might find interesting. We also have a guide to how a DSLR works
- Knowing how to compose a great photo is a key photography skill. See our guide to composition in photography for lots of tips on this subject
- We have a guide to what depth of field is and when you would want to use it.
- We are big fans of getting the most out of your digital photo files, and do to that you will need to shoot in RAW. See our guide to RAW in photography to understand what RAW is, and why you should switch to RAW as soon as you can if your camera supports it.
- You’re going to need some way of editing your photos. See our guide to the best photo editing software, as well as our guide to the best laptops for photo editing. We also have a guide to getting the best performance out of Adobe Lightroom.
- If you’re looking for more advice on specific tips for different scenarios, we also have you covered. See our guide to Northern Lights photography, long exposure photography, fireworks photography, tips for taking photos of stars, and cold weather photography.
- If you’re looking for a great gift for a photography loving friend or family member (or yourself!), take a look at our photography gift guide,
- If you’re in the market for a new camera, we have a detailed guide to the best travel cameras, as well as specific guides for the best cameras for hiking and backpacking, the best compact camera, best mirrorless camera and best DSLR camera. We also have a guide to the best camera lenses.
- If you want a camera or lens, but the prices are a bit high, see our guide to where to buy used cameras and camera gear for some budget savings options.
- We have a guide to why you need a tripod, a guide to choosing a travel tripod, and a round up of our favourite travel tripods.
Looking to Improve Your Photography?
If you found this post helpful, and you want to improve your photography overall, you might want to check out my online travel photography course.
Since launching the course in 2016, I’ve already helped over 2,000 students learn how to take better photos. The course covers pretty much everything you need to know, from the basics of how a camera works, through to composition, light, and photo editing.
It also covers more advanced topics, including astrophotography, long exposure photography, flash photography, and HDR photography.
You get feedback from me as you progress, access to webinars, interviews and videos, as well as exclusive membership of a Facebook group where you can get feedback on your work and take part in regular challenges.
It’s available for an amazing one-off price for lifetime access, and I think you should check it out. Which you can do by clicking here.
And that’s it! I’d love to hear your thoughts on this post, and am happy to answer any questions you have. Just pop them in the comments below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
One last thing before I leave you. The Vanguard folks made a really cool video of Jess and I out and about in Ann Arbor, Michigan. We thought it came out really well, and figured you might like to take a look. It’s embedded below, or you can see it here if the embed doesn’t work on your device.
So you know: As mentioned throughout the post, I’m an ambassador for Vanguard, and they provided me with my tripod and bag for this kit as part of the VEO 2 launch campaign. I love their gear and am thrilled to be able to work with a company I love, but as always, all opinions remain our own and we of course adhere to our code of ethics for any work we accept.
Stephanos Antoniades says
Hopefully you’ll get this comment given the article is almost a year old.
In this article you’re reviewing the VEO 2 265CB and then mention the VEO 2 GO 265HCBM. The Vanguard website currently has a VEO 2 S 265CB tripod on sale for $199.99. What’s the difference between the “2 S” model and the other 2?
FYI, tried your discount code but it didn’t work; got a message saying that the discount code wasn’t valid for that item.
Laurence Norah says
Hi Stephanos,
Great to hear from you! So, this article is about a tripod that was launched in 2017, which I updated to reflect my time using it since I got it back then. I don’t believe Vanguard currently make this specific model, although from looking at the specs the VEO 2S 265CB looks almost identical to the VEO 2 265CB.
The VEO 2 Go 265HCBM version is a newer model which has a double extension centre column for additional height, which is also made of carbon fibre. There’s also the option to detach one of the legs and convert it for use as a monopod.
Finally, thanks for the alert on the discount code. I have let Vanguard know and they should hopefully be fixing this as the code should apply to everything on their site. I would hope that is resolved in the next day or two!
Happy to answer any follow up questions 🙂
Laurence
Laurence Norah says
Hi Stephanos,
I’ve received an update from Vanguard US that the discount code doesn’t work for products on promotional prices. I was not previously aware of this limitation, but that is the reason. I’ll look to update our content to ensure this is made clear!
Laurence
Ken Walker says
Thanks for that very quick reply Laurence and very helpful too. Actually here in England I’m seeing the prices of the VEO Go versions coming down a lot as well. I got the VEO 2 235 CB for £101 off ebay, which is really good I guess. I’m now seeing the VEO 2 GO 235 CB for around £153 or £170 with the M34 bag included. Don”t know how long they will be available for though, so I need to make my mind up fast. I thought like you said that the height of either will be OK as the Fuji monitor flips down, so even with central column down it would still be OK with the Go version. I’m not tall, only around 5′ 6″ and my Wife is even shorter. I don’t think I’ll need the 265 versions with my kit, so probably happy with 235 CB which ever one I get, or keep. Don’t laugh, I thought the 265 versions were to do with height and only realised today that it is the thickness of the legs. There’s always one, I hear you say. Thanks again and regards Ken
Laurence Norah says
Hey Ken, my pleasure! Sounds like you have found some great deals 🙂 And don’t worry about the naming convention, I found it confusing for a long time! Enjoy your tripod, whichever one you end up going for!
Ken Walker says
Hi Laurence and Jessica. I’ve just come across your video post about Vanguard 2 tripods and would value your opinion on something to do with them.
I’ve just bought the Vanguard 2 235 CB version at a very good price here in the UK. I hadn’t realised though that there is now a Vanguard 2 GO 235 CB tripod that folds down smaller than the 2 version, or I might have bought that instead. I am within the return period (I bought it on line) and wonder if you have any experience of the GO range. Actually the 2 range does seem very good anyway it’s just that I thought the tripod was folding down to the 28.5 cm size to go into the Vanguard 34 M bag, which would have been convenient as the 2 Go one does. I now understand there is a Vanguard 38 messenger bag available for the 2 235 tripod so that might be OK, but the price for that and the tripod I have bought brings the cost up to the GO range for the same 235 CB version. Is it worthwhile to change for the Go version, or stay with the 2 version. I even wonder if the Go version is a bit less stable with the centre column being in 2 sections and the legs obviously shorter. I understand though that the twist locks have been improved on the Go range.
I see also that the 2 range ball head is a BH50 with a spirit level and the Go range is a T50 ball head without a level. I wonder what the difference in use is of the two types of tripod/ball heads.
I’m using a Fuji XT 30 camera and maybe an XT3 later, with the XF18-55 mm lens, XF 35 mm prime and maybe the XF 55 -200 mm XF lens, so not too heavy I guess.
Sorry it is so many questions, but any thoughts and your experience would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and regards to you both.
Ken Walker
Laurence Norah says
Hi Ken,
This is a great question 🙂 Vanguard have quite an extensive range of tripods as you have discovered, which can be a bit confusing honestly.
I actually met up with the team last year to go through all the options, and they also provided me with a few different models so hopefully I can answer your questions. I have the VEO 2 265CB, which is the slightly larger version of the 2 235CB that you have just bought. I used it for a few years as my main tripod as this review states, and it didn’t let me down. I have since replaced it with the Veo 2 Go 265HCBM which I reviewed here – it’s a slightly taller version of the version you are looking at, but also comes with a detachable monopod leg.
I also have the VEO 3 Go 204CB and the VEO 3 Go 235AB. I’m just mentioning this so you can see I have got a fair bit of experience with these products!
The main difference between the 3Go series and the 2Go series that you mention for the most part is that the former have a detachable leg that becomes a monopod as well as a smartphone bluetooth adaptor and smartphone tripod mount. I’m not sure these would be useful to you, but given that the Vanguard store lists the Veo2Go 235CB and the Veo3Go 235CB for the same price, you might also want to look at the specifications on the VEO 3Go as well.
Back to your actual question!
The differences between the Veo 2 235CB that you have bought and the 2 Go 235CB are not huge. The 2Go weighs about 200g less and has a slightly lower maximum load capacity. It folds up a lot smaller, but the trade-off as you say is that you have that double centre column. I have the same double centre column on the Veo 2 Go 265HCBM and whilst it is stable enough, I’d only want to use it when absolutely necessary. The advantage you have with the Fuji is that the screen articulates, so it’s still easy to use even if the tripod isn’t at eye level without having to bend down and break your back!
For the ballhead, the main feature difference between the two is that the one on the VEO 2 235CB has a friction control knob as well as the lock and pan controls. Honestly, I never used this and just found myself getting confused between it and the other knobs. Otherwise in use they are pretty much the same. I honestly never use the spirit levels either on any of my tripod heads, I just use the camera level and my eye 🙂
Personally I prefer the design of the VEO 2/3 Go range and the way they fold up is definitely neater in my opinion. I also prefer the leg locks which are much easier to clean and maintain. However, I’m not sure if that would be worth the price difference. It’s worth noting that you can save 20% on anything in the Vanguard UK store with my discount code (FindingTheUniverse), if that helps 🙂
In summary, if the folded size is the more important feature, and you don’t mind sacrificing a bit of stability when fully extended, the VEO2go or 3go might be a better option for you. I don’t know though if the price difference would justify that change – that’s up to you 😉
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any follow up questions. If I don’t know the answer, I know people who do 😀
Laurence
Siegfried Eschen says
Very well written! I looked for information about ND filters and received all I wanted to know. I own a Rodenstock Digital Vario ND Extended.
My tripod is not that advanced probably as the one you promote, but it works (It is a Gitzo basalt).
Thank you very much.
Laurence Norah says
Thanks very much Siegfried! Gitzo certainly have a good name for making excellent tripods so I am sure it will serve you for years to come 🙂