Giottos Vitruvian VGR 8255 kit review

Guide Price: £290
Street Price: £290
Supplied head: MH5310-630
Material: Carbon-fibre
Folded Height: 40cm
Minimum Height: 39cm
Max Height without Centre Column: 136cm
Max Height with Centre Column: 157cm
Weight: 1.28kg
Maximum load: 4kg

Number of Leg Sections: Five
Case Supplied: Yes

Boasting the ‘reverse technology’ design, the legs of the Vitruvian VGR 8255 folds 180º to surround the centre column, reducing the length to only 40cm. 
Open the five-section legs (shoulder locks provide two splay settings) and you can extend it to an impressive 1.36m (1.57m with centre column raised too). Made from six-layer carbon-fibre, it’s lightweight and stable with aluminium alloy in the main casting adding to its robustness, while a hook on the centre column can hold ballast. Twist locks are fast and easy to use and the centre column can be removed to transform it into a monopod. The supplied MH5310-630 ball & socket head provides a very smooth action and has a friction lock, spirit level and quick release plate with safety lock. The maximum load of 4kg makes this a suitable choice for the vast majority of travel photographers. There is also an aluminium version (VGR 9255), which has a virtually identical specification weighs 1.5kg and costs around £180, which also represents excellent value.

VERDICT: An innovative and high quality tripod. For most, the aluminium Vitruvian 9255 is a more realistic buy, but this carbon-fibre model represents great value.

Build quality: 4.5/5      
Versatility: 4.5/5      
Stability 5/5
Value for Money: 5/5    
Overall: 5/5