streetmarty Loc: Brockton, Ma

Hello all, I’ve been a photographer for 60 years. I have never owned a tripod. I always lived in the city and spent most of my time walking the streets. Recent health issues require I walk with a cane so I’m going to try my hand at landscape photography. I’ve watched a number of tripod shootouts on YouTube and I like the Sirui ST124 ST-Series Carbon Fiber Tripod with K-10X Arca-Type Ball Head. My question for anyone that has owned this is it worth $350? If not what would you suggest under $400? I’m six foot tall and my main camera is a Nikon D750. Thank you for the help. Marty

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

I know nothing about the Sirui Tripods
But if it's in the same class as the Manfroto 055CXPro4 it should be great!!! I have been using one with an Acra-Tech ball head for years the pod was just a tad over $400 and the head I bought used and can't remember the price.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Sirui has a reputation for being a very good brand. I have and frequently use their ballheads. The company’s only drawback seems to be their marketing, they tend to keep their prices lower than other brands. Inexpensive quality is always a good value, especially for photographers.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

I can't advise you on the tripod, but if you have never used a tripod you would probably want to investigate the action of the head. I started using a tripod in the '50s and what was available (and affordable) at the time was basically an az/el head. The camera screwed onto the head and a single lever would move it around and/or point it up/down. Photography was pretty much secondary for me until the '90s, at which time I became aware of the existence of the ball head. That allowed you three degrees of freedom in the orientation of the camera. I was never able to get used to it. I prefer the az/el head although az/el/tilt heads are now readily available.

The ball head makes it easy to align the camera to a non-horizontal position (tilted horizon). The az/el/tilt head (two separate levers, one for az/el and one for tilt) makes it easy to keep the horizon level but still tilt the camera up and down. The horizon can be tilted if desired, but won't be tilted accidentally.

Since you're new to tripod use you may be OK with either one, but I would urge you to try them all out before deciding. The tripod and the head are two separate things, so you can mix the head you like with the tripod you like.

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

I bought a Sirui tripod before going on my last photo trip. I was looking for something light compared the Enduro that I use for my heavier equipment with gimbal heads. I felt the "build" was good, especially for the price and would I'm sure is adequately sturdy for most landscape work with shorter lenses. I would not take it out in heavy winds however due to its lightness. I have heard that they are VERY popular in Japan. But, I would not use it with heavy equipment like a 600 prime or bigger bodies.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

I had a light tripod blow over in wind. Many tripods come with a bag and a clip. You can put a rock in the bag and clip it to the post on your tripod. That helps keep the tripod from blowing over in wind. If it's not included with your tripod you can probably cobble something up.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

What is it that you like about it? The marketing description at B&H starts with, "The ST125 ST-Series Carbon Fiber Tripod with K-10X Arca-Type Ball Head from Sirui is designed with mirrorless cameras in mind."

I have been helping shoot a documentary this year. It includes using some heavier duty Manfrottos that have flip locks on the legs. I've grown to dislike them, but don't know if twist locks would be better.

Based on B&H reviews, the Sirui you picked is very good. If it were me, I would order it and the "Peak Design Aluminum Travel Tripod". I would compare them and return the one I don't like. Those two seem to top out in all the reviews at B&H.

One odd question about the Sirui was that the foot spikes can't be removed and it is possible that airport TSA agents might not let you carry on your tripod!

lightyear

I have been using tripods for 50 years and at 90 still do. Sirui, Manfrotto, Gitzo, Benro and some others all make good tripods both in aluminum & carbon fiber, with twist and flip leg locks, and in different lengths. The camera on top of the tripod should have an Arca-Swiss style plate to instantly attatch it to a clamp which itself is integral to a "ball head". There are multiple online articles on tripods. My best advice is to visit a well-stocked camera store and determine how much weight (aluminum slightly heavier than CF)you can carry and if you prefer twist or flip (my choice)locks. There are tripod straps which permit carrying it over your shoulder. There are excellent savings in buying a used tripod (not much to break).

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

I think a key factor in your tripod choice should be the fact that you are six feet tall. Look carefully at the tripod specs to make sure you will be able to look through the camera's viewfinder when mounted on the tripod without stooping. If you live near a camera store (remember those?) it would be worth a trip to be able to handle the tripod and insure you'll be comfortable using it.

streetmarty Loc: Brockton, Ma

Thanks for the reply. To answer your question, I guess I like it for the dozen or more reviews I watched on YouTube of experienced landscape photographers that love it. As for B&H marketing I’m guessing that the mention mirrorless because that’s the “future” of photography and want to sell tripods? Thank you for the Peak Design idea, I will give them another look. 👍

streetmarty Loc: Brockton, Ma

Thank you 👍👍

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Like you, I am getting older and have been in photography and using many tripods for some 55 years now. Currently using a Manfro 3221 metal pod (purchased at a flea market as new for $10) but am now thinking of a carbon fiber to lighten the load for field use. I do have several larger metal pods. I have a wide spectrum of lenses and cameras and subjects that I shoot. I have been here on UHH for 13 years now and have seen MANY suggestions for tripods !

What I suggest as an all around pod is one capable of 60 inches tall without using centerpost. I do like the option of a centerpost to go higher quickly if needed. Four leg sections at the most with a minimum 32mm dia. top tube. For ball heads look for low profile designs with at least a 40mm ball. For me, the legs can be twist lock or lever does not matter - I have used both - both have pros and cons.

I have seen very decent pods that fill my requirements starting at about $250 and heads starting at about $100 - mostly on ebay. The Sirui you are looking at does NOT meet these specs - it is, mostly too short ! Height is where the $$$ comes in .
.

streetmarty Loc: Brockton, Ma

Thank you 👍

photoman43

I agree completely with this post. Make sure the tripod can extend high enough for you since you are tall. I am 5 ft 10in and my travel tripod does not extend high enough. It has four leg sections so it collapses to a smaller size for placement in my checked suitcase for air travel. My regular tripod has three leg sections and I can extend it taller than I am.

When you look at the weight support ratings, get a tripod that will support 2 x what you will put on it. If the tripod has a center column, try not to use it. The tripod is more stable when it is not extended.

Check out all of the different models at the Benro website. They have purchased a number of tripod companies in recent years.

More info about selecting a tripod is here:

https://photographylife.com/how-to-choose-and-buy-a-tripod-for-a-dslr-camera

KenProspero

Good timing -- My travel tripod died on my last trip, so I've been looking around over the past several days.

If you're looking for a first travel tripod for landscape -- B&H has a sale on the Benro MeFoto Road Trip tripod today.

The aluminum version (3.8 lbs) is going for $120.
The carbon fiber version (3.0 lbs) for $150 (if you're willing to live with the funky blue color).

It's not perfect by any means -- drawbacks include 5 sections, not 4 and that you need to use the center post to get to 60 inches.

However, it's generally well reviewed, made by a reputable company and this is a pretty good price.