Vanguard VEO 5XT 235CLBS review

The Vanguard VEO 5XT 235CLBS ranks first because it combines the highest load rating and the tallest reach among the tripods with a verified US price, at $219.99. Vanguard rates it for camera setups up to 22 lb and lists a 64.6-inch maximum height once the included 12.6-inch center column is installed, or about 52 inches without it. Leaving the column off is the point of the design: you can spread the 23mm carbon fiber legs to about 5.5 inches from the ground for macro shots or wide scenes with a close foreground without first removing anything. The LBP-45S head has friction control, two independent 360° panning axes and an ARCA-compatible plate, and the kit ships with spiked feet and a padded bag. The trade-offs are size and weight: it folds to 19.3 inches and weighs 2.7 lb, so it suits a checked bag or the side of a backpack better than a small carry-on. We compared documented features and published prices and did not test the tripod.

Who it is for

travelers who want height and load capacity

Price

$219.99 on Vanguard's US store as of November 2026.

Item: VEO 5XT 235CLBS $219.99 Buy It Now IN STOCK
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 14, 2026.

Key features

• Rated for camera setups up to 22 lb
• Maximum height of 64.6 in with the included 12.6-inch detachable center column, about 52 in without it
• Legs reach about 5.5 in from the ground without removing a column
• LBP-45S ball head with two independent 360° panning axes and an ARCA-compatible QS-45H plate
• Convertible rubber-to-metal spiked feet and a padded carrying bag

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Highest load rating among the verified prices here, 22 lb, for $219.99
• Strength: Tallest verified maximum height on the list at 64.6 in
• Strength: Three leg angles of 23°, 50° and 85° for slopes and stairs
• Weakness: Folds to 19.3 in, longer than the Sirui, Manfrotto and Ulanzi picks
• Weakness: Weighs 2.7 lb, heavier than the Benro Tripster 0 Series CF (2.16 lb)
• Weakness: The center column has to be fitted by hand when you need full height

Key facts

• Price: $219.99
• Weight: 2.7 lb
• Folded length: 19.3 in
• Max height: 64.6 in with column, about 52 in without
• Load capacity: 22 lb

Where it ranks

Vanguard VEO 5XT 235CLBS is No. 2 in our Best Travel Tripods verdict.