Vanguard VEO 3+ 303AT Tripod Review

The Vanguard VEO 3+ 303AT is a premium all-in-one tripod designed to provide maximum stability and versatility for photographers who need a tripod that can handle heavy loads and challenging conditions. The tripod is built with a sturdy and durable construction that is one up on many other tripods out there. The diameter of those legs and a large rubber grip on one, make it easy to handle when carrying it on location.

The VEO 3+ 303AT Multi-Angle Central Column enables complete 360° movement in any direction, making it ideal for any style of photography, from macro to landscape. The Multi-Angle Central Column can also be used as a multi-mount with the VEO+ MA1 Adaptor (included free in-pack), enabling you to attach additional equipment such as a monitor, lighting or mic.

Regarding load capacity, the VEO 3+ 303AT tripod has a maximum load of 25kg, making it suitable for all mirrorless and DSLR cameras on the market, with pretty much any lens combination you could wish to use. While not as compact as a travel tripod, the size is standard, with the tripod extending to 165cm (139cm with the central column down) and folding to 67cm, making it a versatile and easy-to-use for any style of photography. The tripod has three easy-set leg angles, making it easy to adjust the tripod for different shooting positions.

The Vanguard VEO 3+ 303AT is a premium all-in-one tripod designed to provide maximum stability and versatility for photographers needing a reliable tripod that can handle heavy loads, challenging conditions but ultimately just provides you with a very solid shooting base. Its sturdy construction, large, easy-to-use leg angle adjusters, and quick and very solid Multi-Angle Central Column make it a standout choice for photographers who need maximum solid support for their photography needs.

The Vanguard VEO 3+ 303AT tripod is a solid piece of equipment designed to provide photographers with a stable platform for their photography needs. One of the key selling points of this tripod is its three-section aluminium legs, which are of a good length and reach a decent height of 139cm before the centre column is raised to the maximum of 165cm. This instantly provides a solid shooting platform that photographers will appreciate.

The leg locks are of the twist style and while providing plenty of grip are nice and slimline. While they are large and easy to grip, they can also easily be removed for cleaning. Leg construction is ultimately solid with a lean towards functional design for the rubber used rather than aesthetic. However, they are solid and fulfil their purpose without fault. The feet are rubber and removable and can be replaced with spikes, although had quite a battle with them to remove, at least there’s no chance of them falling off.

The leg angle adjusters on the Vanguard VEO 3+ 303AT are some of my personal favourites, easy to use in all weather conditions, with a large button on the side that needs to be pushed in before the leg can be angled. They are simple to use and sprung, which makes adjusting the leg angle easy and efficient.

The standout feature of this tripod is the multi-angle centre column MACC, which is a feat of design and works exceptionally well. The machining is exceptionally high quality and made to last. To use in normal use, the centre column knob is released, and raised. To do this there is a lever on the side that needs to be released and this features a secondary safety catch that you push and hold forward before the lever is released. Then the centre column can be angled as required and the lever pushed back into place to hold everything tight.

Interestingly, a different knob on the crown of the tripod enables the centre column to be rotated. So, if you’re doing macro work, it’s extremely easy to position the now horizontal column exactly where needed. On top of the column, a standard head can be fitted to the 3/8-inch thread, such as the VEO BH 250s.

Two other features worth a note are the accessories port and the strap hook. The accessories port resolves an issue with many 1.4-inch threaded accessories ports by putting a slit on either side of the threaded hole, so the attached friction arm won’t rotate freely. There is a huge improvement on many other tripods that feature a simple thread. The strap hook is also big and solid, ensuring you can hang a bag for additional weight or a strap for carrying.

The Vanguard VEO 3+ 303AT tripod is among the best thought-through standard tripods I’ve seen, if a little on the weighty side. It’s a complete workhorse with enough weight to make it a solid choice for long exposures and macro work, but a little too weighty to carry around all day if you’re out trekking. This is the tripod that you will take with you if you know you’re going to be taking long exposure shots and you’re heading out with that purpose and the kit to make it possible. It’s also one of the most flexible tripods on the market, with a host of features that make it adaptable to most styles and types of photography without needing to unbolt and unscrew parts. The only issue was the battle required to release the rubber feet if you needed the spikes.

The Vanguard VEO 3+ 303AT is a solid, well-designed tripod that will suit many photographers. Its sturdy build, easy-to-use leg angle adjusters, and versatile multi-angle central column make it ideal for macro photography and long-exposure landscapes.

The three-section aluminium legs are a good length and can reach a height of 139cm before the centre column is raised, providing a solid shooting platform. The leg angle adjusters are easy to use in all weather conditions, with the large button leg angle release on the side making this one of the easiest tripods to adjust and bed on the market. The multi-angle central column is the standout feature of the VEO 3+ 303AT, with a well-designed knob on the crown of the tripod that enables the column to be rotated for macro work.

The accessories port and the strap hook are well-thought-out, with the accessories port featuring a slit on either side of the threaded hole to prevent friction arm from rotating freely when attached. The strap hook is also big and solid, allowing for the hanging of a bag for additional weight or a strap for carrying.

The VEO 3+ 303AT is best suited for those who require a solid and versatile tripod for long-exposure landscapes, portraits and macro photography. However, its weight may not make it the ideal choice for those carrying their tripods all day or going on their travels.

One thing that could be improved is the ease of removing the rubber feet when replacing them with spikes.

The Vanguard VEO 3+ 303AT is a great tripod with many well-thought-out features, making it an ideal choice for macro photography and long-exposure landscapes.