Nddave01 Loc: Bismarck, ND

Looking to replace my first tripod which was inexpensive and heavy and not as stable as I would like. The Sirui T-1204SK Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with G-10KX Ball Head is moderately priced and considerable lighter. No photography stores with in a reasonable distance of Bismarck ND so I'm hoping that someone may have experience with this tripod or a similar one from Sirui.
Other suggestions in the $150-250 range would be appreciated.

Dave

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Dave, Great Load Capacity 26 lbs 8 oz.

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

What camera(s) and lens(s) are you using/planning to use with it.

In general, travel tripods provide the least stability, however this one is a little better. The top tube thickness seems to be consistent with a tripod that would support in stable fashion a full frame camera and a 135mm lens. The G-10KX head I think is not adequate - it has a really tiny ball and not likely very smooth in operation - the "sweet spot" - the tension applied to the ball to permit it to move when you push the camera around, yet will stop when you stop, without the camera creeping down - will likely be very difficult to set.

I use a K30X on a Feisol CT-3442 for travel, and I don't care that much for it either, but it is lighter and smaller than the Arca-Swiss head I use on my bigger tripod.

This video illustrates the sweet spot I was referring to. It is not nearly as smooth as the Arca-Swiss.

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Sirui Sweet Spot with a D810 and a Sigma 150-600 -
Attached file:
(Download)

Nddave01 Loc: Bismarck, ND

Fujifilm X-H1 with battery grip and Fuji XF 70-300mm - I might replace the head if necessary.

bgate Loc: Texas

PM sent

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

I received one as a gift last Christmas and like it. Stable, compact, lightweight, and well made, I've had no problems with it so far.

Nddave01 Loc: Bismarck, ND

Thanks for the feedback

Lithoman Loc: Southern Indiana

I have a larger version which I carried with me on many flights around NA, and it held up well. Bag got a little frayed but have been very pleased with both the Sirui tripod and ball head.

Jack 1939

I have three Gitzo carbon fiber tripods that I use for practically everything, except for travel. When I travel I use a Sirui T-2205X carbon fiber tripod with a Markins head. The Sirui is more compact for easy packing and lighter for easy carry. I just returned from photographing some of the waterfalls in Transylvania County, North Carolina, and the Sirui served me admirably. Access to some of the waterfalls require considerable hiking and the light weight Sirui was greatly appreciated.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

I have a Sirui T-2205X in combination with a Acratech GV2 or Pano head for mainly travel. I’ve been happy with it. If you decide to buy, I suggest making sure the retailer/seller is on the approved Sirui vendor list, else no warranty. I can confirm that from experience!

Photojoe1

Yes, Sirui gets stock often.

CWGordon

I do not have the item of which you inquire. I have a monopod they make and am very satisfied with quality and weight. The purchase was recommended to me by a fine photographer and employee in a good camera store. At the time, he said “I am gonna do you the biggest favor I can, buy this monopod.” He was right. I have travelled with it quite often. I like my Gitzo, but the mono has been great.

Richfdu

Surui’s tri’s are great

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Hi Dave,

I don't have that tripod, so I took a look for it on B&H's website.

It looks pretty good...
- Sirui seems a pretty well established brands (I'm leery of "no name" tripods)
- Carbon Fiber
- very light weight (under 4 lb.)
- reasonable weight carrying capacity, but don't plan to put too heavy gear on it
- 4-section legs (3 is better, but 4 isn't bad and allows it to be pretty compact)
- "twist" type leg locks, which are what I prefer (they are self-adjusting, not susceptible to wear and don't catch on things easily)
- comes with a carry bag and spike feet accessories
- Arca-compatible quick release platform

BUT:

- B&H shows it discontinued.
- It's not very tall. According to the specs at B&H it's 54" with center column fully extended and only 42" without it. Even that doesn't make sense, since they're showing it with a "short" center column that can't possibly add 12" of height. I see on other websites there's another version of the T-1204SK tripod with a longer column or a longer accessory column sold separately. I'm also not certain if B&H height specifications include the ballhead or not. I would guess they do, which means it's pretty darned short. If the ballhead isn't included, that would add some 4 to 6 inches, I suppose. (Might be able to find out more on the Sirui website, if they list the tripod and it's specs. Or maybe someone offers the tripod alone, without the head, and has its specs listed.)
- However, relying on extending a center column a lot to bring your camera up to working height makes for much less stability. How tall do you need?
- One leg is removable and can be combined with the center column to make a monopod. I'm not sure I like this gimmick, would want to know more about how the removable leg attaches... how secure it is. Besides, any tripod can be used "like a monopod" even without this feature, simply by only extending one leg and not spreading the legs.

A budget of up to $250 isn't very much for a quality tripod. If at all possible, I'd suggest spending a bit more... say around $400. After all, a good tripod will last a lifetime.... while cheap, flimsy ones end up getting replaced every year or two! It's false economy if you end up unhappy with "budget" tripod, can't use it effectively because it's not stable or if it breaks easily.

Maybe you'll find a good deal and keep close to or within your budget. There are sales... or perhaps you can buy used. (I've got two Gitzo Series 3 carbon fiber tripod that I bought used for well under $500 including shipping... each of them would have cost me upwards of $900 to buy comparable new.) The tricky part of buying used is that you need to be pretty familiar with what you're looking at if there's no right of return, such as buying off eBay or Craigslist. It's safer, but usually doesn't offer as much savings, to buy from a reliable used equipment dealer such as KEH, mpb.com, usedphotopro.com, Hunt's Camera (Canada) or Adorama's and B&H used depts.

repleo Loc: Boston

Here is a site that tries to apply some science to evaluating and comparing tripods.
https://thecentercolumn.com/rankings/