Not too far back I had asked if anyone had any experience with the VGB-3 because a friend recommended it to me since I was looking for a tripod on a budget. All I can say is I am not disappointed. I picked it up off Ebay for $9.95 + $9.95 shipping.
A few pics:
Velbon VGB-3 fully extended at it's max height (approx. 60in).
The included pan tilt head that came in the auction. I'm not sure what model it is but it pans quite smoothly.
At it's smallest.
The Velbon VGB-3 feels really sturdy under the heaviest load I can put on it (1D Mk II, 70-200L 2.8 IS, and 430EXII) and the build quality on it feels great (it was made in the 70's from what I know). Nearly all metal components (metal knobs, metal locking clips) though there are a few plastic areas. The feet are rubber but can be screwed up to reveal spikes. The clips on the legs can be locked at any position. It definitely is not a hiking or light weight tripod since it isn't the lightest (around 4.6lbs) but for my purposes is great.
For a short time, I saw some on Ebay all under $30 but they've disappeared again. They seem to be hard to find but if you can lay your hands on one, they're probably one of the best value tripods out there right now.
I'll post a few more pics of it as I get time of it in action with gear and maybe even a bit of video shot on it to demonstrate panning abilities.
