How did we change the world of full-height light weight compact tripods?
Combining the minimum folded length and 4 or 5 section legs for ideal height when extended, Velbon invented and patented an all-new Trunnion shaft system. The name Trunnion derives from the historical military Cannon, whose mount did not intrude on the cannon’s muzzle. Similarly the Ultra / MAXi has no tripod leg intrusion into the hinge housing of the tripod. This unique idea allows each leg section to be the same length. All prior designs have legs of progressively shorter section, due to intrusion from one section to the next. Now a light tripod, ideal for travel, is capable of full-height extension in an ultra-compact design.

Images of spectacular sunsets, emotive night scenes or languid running streams, can all be captured with the long exposures required for great pictures. The first such tripod was the Velbon MAXi-347GB. And we didn’t stop there; another patented device on the leg locking system called a Direct Contact pipe. Legs are not just around tube, but special extrusions internally, eliminating separate leg locking levers, making for an even more compact design when folded. The Result: ULTRA MAXi-M has just a 33cm folded length, but an impressive maximum extension to145cm, an extension of more than 4 times. This makes it the ideal solution for a travel tripod. Now there’s never a reason you need leave home without one.
Design Options:
The ULTRA series features both the TRUNNION SHAFT and DIRECT CONTACT PIPE.
The MAXi-347GB features the TRUNNION SHAFT, but retains a lever locking system.
Both styles come complete with convenient carrying cases.