When it comes to getting sharp, steady images – whether you’re shooting landscapes at dawn or portraits in low light – the tripod you choose becomes a creative partner. Vanguard makes a range of tripods that balance weight, stability, versatility and ease of use and today we’re diving into four of their best options: two travel tripods from the VEO 3 GO family, a classic VEO 3+ support and the versatile ALTA PRO 2+.
Vanguard VEO 3 GO 235AB: Aluminum All-Around Traveller
If you’re new to tripods or want a reliable everyday option that won’t break the bank, the VEO 3 GO 235AB is worth a hard look. Built with aluminum legs, it strikes a great balance between durability and portability. What makes this model especially attractive is its convertible leg design that lets you switch from a traditional tripod to a monopod quickly – perfect for times when you need to pivot between walking shots and steady support.
The included ball head gives smooth, intuitive control over your camera angle. The included phone holder and Bluetooth remote makes firing the shutter easy without touching your phone – great for self-portraits, long exposures or group shots on holiday. If you enjoy the ritual of setting up a scene but don’t want something overly heavy, this is a dependable everyday companion.
I really appreciate how compact this tripod is when folded down. It’s ideal for my GoPro or mirrorless camera or my drone controller. I’ll often bring this tripod to the cottage as it takes up less space in my car yet is sturdy enough for all but my biggest setups.
Vanguard VEO 3 GO 235CB: Carbon Fibre for the Lightweight Traveler
The VEO 3 GO 235CB is Vanguard’s carbon-fibre twin to the aluminum 235AB – and it’s a dream for photographers on the move. Carbon fibre chops significant weight while retaining strength, making this a standout choice for travel, hiking and long days on location. Another added bonus of carbon fibre for legs is that is transmits less vibrations to the camera than aluminum, which makes it ideal if you use your tripod in moving water.
Just like its aluminum counterpart, it converts to a monopod and comes with a smooth-operating ball head and phone holder & Bluetooth remote. But the real magic here is how effortless it feels to carry. When your camera bag is already heavy with lenses and accessories, shaving weight from your support gear makes a noticeable difference. This tripod is ideal for adventure shooters, urban explorers or anyone who doesn’t want their stabilizer to slow them down.
This tripod has a permanent home on my ThinkTank Focus Point backpack – it’s compact and (at under 2 lbs) light enough to carry every day. It doesn’t get in the way when I hike or ride out to a location and thanks to the quarter-turn quick locks, sets up fast.
Vanguard VEO 3+ 263AB: Steady Support for Larger Setups
Vanguard 263 Tripods are perennial bestsellers at camera stores across Canada due to their price/performance/value proposition – they offer unmatched stability at very competitive prices while delivering a rich feature-set that photographers desire.
The latest iteration of this popular tripod is the VEO 3+ 263AB. This tripod is built for photographers who often work with heavier gear – whether that’s larger zoom lenses, full frame gripped camera bodies or compact lighting. The extra height and robust build of this tripod make it great for landscape work, architectural photography and portrait sessions where stability is key.
The BH-60 ball head offers precise control and smooth adjustments. Because this is one of Vanguard’s classic tripod designs, you get a tried-and-true platform that’s built to last. It’s not as light as the VEO 3 GO models, but if stability and confidence are your priorities – especially in breezy outdoor conditions or studio work where every millimeter of movement matters – the 263AB stands tall.
One of my favourite features is the MACC (Multi-Angle Centre Column), which allows me to get the exact angle I need for almost any image I’m creating. In studio, I use the MACC with the MA-1 Multi-mount Adapter to attach both my camera and my Tether Tools AeroTrac table – all on one tripod. This convenient setup helps me organize my gear on set.
Vanguard ALTA PRO 2+ 263CGHT: Versatility for Creative Shooters
If you want an all-purpose support system that adapts to nearly any shooting style, the ALTA PRO 2+ 263CGHT is a uniquely flexible choice. Where most tripods keep their center column fixed, the Alta Pro’s Multi-Angle Center Column (MACC) lets you swing the column out to low angles without sacrificing stability – ideal for macro photography, product shots or creative perspectives that aren’t straight-on.
This version combines sturdy carbon-fibre legs with the GH-300T Pistol grip head that makes locking in precise positions effortless. Whether you’re doing tabletop work, landscapes or on-location shooting, the versatility here encourages experimentation. This unique head allows you to lock, unlock and reposition your camera with one hand. My favourite feature is the shutter release on the grip handle. Canon and Nikon cables are included but other cameras can be supported with the correct trigger cables. I’ll often keep my left hand on the zoom of my lens and use my right hand for adjusting angles and then triggering my camera. It’s like having three hands!
The Alta Pro series has long been a favorite among photographers who want one tripod that truly does it all and the Alta Pro 2+ 263CGHT continues that tradition with a modern touch.
Choosing What’s Right for You
So how do you pick?
Before we jump into that – let me tell you about the commonalities with these tripods. All Vanguard tripods now use industry-standard Arca Swiss plates. You can use the included Quick Shoe or other shoes built to Arca Swiss specs, such as L-Brackets or Tether Tools LeverLock plate. The legs now feature quarter-turn twist locks, which are easier to use when you’re wearing gloves. Vanguard tripods also ship with a protective bag. VEO 3 tripods include spiked feet for stability on ice (optional add-ons for Alta Pro 2+ tripods).
If weight and convenience are your top priorities, the VEO 3 GO 235CB carbon fibre is hard to beat – especially for travel and hikes.
If you want a cost-effective everyday rig with convertible options, the VEO 3 GO 235AB gives you a lot of capability for the price.
For bigger setups and stable work, the VEO 3+ 263AB offers a solid platform that inspires confidence.
And for creative versatility and unconventional angles, the ALTA PRO 2+ 263CGHT opens new possibilities, whether you’re in the studio or out in the field.
No matter which one you choose, good support under your camera can transform how you work by giving you the freedom to slow down and make thoughtful images.
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Author: Will Prentice
A portrait, fine art and commercial photographer for 30 plus years, Will Prentice is not just a contributor to PHOTONews magazine, but also host of PHOTONewsTV, owner of Captura Photography+Imaging and Technical Support/Brand Manager for Amplis Foto, Canada’s largest distributor of photographic equipment.
Will teaches photographers of all skill levels how to improve their craft – from creative photo projects to picking the right gear for their needs to flattering lighting to getting the best expressions to creating final images for screen and print. His unique style of highly detailed images with perfect tonality, wide dynamic range and stunning colour is instantly recognizable. Commercial clients rely on Will’s creative eye and mastery of lighting.
When he’s not behind the camera or in front of a class, you’ll find Will outdoors in any weather – usually on one of his bikes or enjoying time with his grandchildren.
