Inherited Tripod: Cousin was a pro photographer. Last visit he gave me a tripod. Velbon SEF-3 . What's it worth? Quality? Thanks for any help!! Len...

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Inherited Tripod

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Apr 12, 2020 11:02:40 #

ltatko

Cousin was a pro photographer. Last visit he gave me a tripod.

Velbon SEF-3 .

What's it worth? Quality?

Thanks for any help!!

Len

Apr 12, 2020 11:06:44 #

SkyKing Loc: Thompson Ridge, NY

...a gift from a caring cousin...priceless!

Apr 12, 2020 11:08:21 #

neillaubenthal

$30 on eBay...looks like your basic aluminum tripod with the old style cheap head. Better than nothing but hard to get the camera level, but if your tripod need is “hardly ever” it would do as it was free.

Apr 12, 2020 11:13:54 #

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

It's better than nothing. But, one metric that might help: the leading professional tripods today range from $300 to $1000+. Your Velbon SEF-3 lists at $30 on ebay.

The issue is what uses is the tripod practical for? Does it raise to your eye level? This is useful for shooting something straight ahead. Does it raise above your eye level, this is useful for shooting above your head. Does the head lock and hold your camera and heaviest lens? This is important for detailed macro work shooting down at a subject. Can you use quick release plates that allow you to quickly move off and onto the tripod? This is useful for conveniently changing the camera orientation or changing between the body and a lens collar.

Apr 12, 2020 13:48:15 #

ltatko

Thanks for info.

I'm grateful for it. Value---not a factor. Happy to have it.

Len

Apr 12, 2020 17:03:38 #

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

ltatko wrote:

Cousin was a pro photographer. Last visit he gave me a tripod.

Velbon SEF-3 .

What's it worth? Quality?

Thanks for any help!!

Len

If you use lenses that have optical stabilization (many do these days) this tripod will do nothing for you but make you carry extra weight.

Apr 13, 2020 06:58:23 #

ltatko

Gene51====

Could you elaborate on that pls.

Len

Apr 13, 2020 07:00:09 #

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

ltatko wrote:

Cousin was a pro photographer. Last visit he gave me a tripod.

Velbon SEF-3 .

What's it worth? Quality?

Thanks for any help!!

Len

I checked with ebay and found no sold Velbon SEF-3's. But, ebay had one listed but since it has not sold or any offers given yet, I would venture to say that $100.00 bucks may be hard to get for it.
So, maybe someone else could give you a better estimate of it's worth.
My father once told me that something is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VELBON-SEF-3-Profi-STATIV/254339306101?hash=item3b37cdd275:g:jyQAAOSwGBVdYK7w

Here is another one and they have it for sale for $20.00 and $31.00 for shipping.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/392692645810

Apr 13, 2020 07:13:54 #

Collhar Loc: New York City.

ltatko wrote:

Thanks for info.

I'm grateful for it. Value---not a factor. Happy to have it.

Len

"What's it worth?"
I think the $$$ value had crossed your mind.

Apr 13, 2020 07:35:32 #

ltatko

Wasn't holding my breath---but--$30 is not what I expected. Let it go!!

Len

Apr 13, 2020 08:17:11 #

par4fore Loc: Bay Shore N.Y.

ltatko wrote:

Cousin was a pro photographer. Last visit he gave me a tripod.

Velbon SEF-3 .

What's it worth? Quality?

Thanks for any help!!

Len

Based on reserch- It's worth using and if you are not going to give it to someone else.

Apr 13, 2020 09:12:24 #

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

neillaubenthal wrote:

That's used. A new one costs $75.

I suggest you examine it and try it out. Does it open, close, and lock in place? It is sturdy enough for you? The basic function of a tripod is to hold the camera steady. If it does that, it doesn't matter how much it costs. A cheap one might not be too good in a strong wind, but it could be perfect indoors.

Apr 13, 2020 09:15:16 #

ltatko

Jerry---wise words---thanks

Apr 13, 2020 10:19:06 #