Just another tripod thread...

I'm looking for a sturdier counterpart to the T-005X I've been using for travel. I'm still very happy with it for what it is and what I need from it, it's tiny, versatile, and light. However, I want something sturdier for home use, for tests, for astro, for pano work, etc.

My gear is all pretty lightweight for now (~500g E-M5 II + grip + tiny lenses) but I want something that'll work now and in the future if I decide to say, get a 40-150 f2.8, or a tracking mount (1kg), or I wanna use a big lens on my Hejnar pano kit (~300g). Leaning towards an N-1004X + K-20X head, am I aiming too low?

It doesn't pack as small as other Siruis (18") but being a 4 leg section model, and having a taller stance sans column, I figure it should be amongst the sturdier alu models... Still just <4lb (w/head) if I do wanna take it somewhere. Should I be looking at the N-2004X instead? The head is rated even higher.

I dunno to what extent I can trust their load ratings, the N-1004X is supposed to be good for 12kg and I'm probably never stacking more than 2.5kg on it... I know there's an accessory forum but we're more familiar with each other's M4/3 gear here so...

Impulses wrote:

I'm looking for a sturdier counterpart to the T-005X I've been using for travel. I'm still very happy with it for what it is and what I need from it, it's tiny, versatile, and light. However, I want something sturdier for home use, for tests, for astro, for pano work, etc.

My gear is all pretty lightweight for now (~500g E-M5 II + grip + tiny lenses) but I want something that'll work now and in the future if I decide to say, get a 40-150 f2.8, or a tracking mount (1kg), or I wanna use a big lens on my Hejnar pano kit (~300g). Leaning towards an N-1004X + K-20X head, am I aiming too low?

You should consider that you might own the Olympus 300mm Pro or the Pana 100-400 one day and that it can be a bit windy on the day you want use your new lenses and tripod.

It doesn't pack as small as other Siruis (18") but being a 4 leg section model, and having a taller stance sans column, I figure it should be amongst the sturdier alu models... Still just <4lb (w/head) if I do wanna take it somewhere. Should I be looking at the N-2004X instead? The head is rated even higher.

You are mistaken, you must look for less leg sections to find a stable tripod. Unfortunately that means that a) the tripod maybe longer when packed, or b) shorter when unpacked.

I dunno to what extent I can trust their load ratings, the N-1004X is supposed to be good for 12kg and I'm probably never stacking more than 2.5kg on it... I know there's an accessory forum but we're more familiar with each other's M4/3 gear here so...

You can not trust the manufacturer load ratings because there is no standard and every manufacturer can do what ever they like. But you can use this to compare tripods from the same manufacturer.

If you are currently reasonable satisfied with the T-005X then I would suggest to get the N-2004X because of the thicker legs and the larger platform.

This is my favorite set of full-size legs. $180, 70" tall, 20.5" short, unusually slim, and just 3.8lbs. Feels like a travel 'pod on steroids, but much sturdier and extra tall. Nicely finished, too. It's the only 70" sub-4lb. 'pod I could find anywhere near the price. They make a 74" version for $200 that's only 1/2lb. heavier, too.

Blog post about it here:

How to Get Small - Part One - My New Favorite Full-Size Tripod

If you're not looking for something that can easily be thrown in your luggage like the Sirui T-005X, I would recommend looking at the Desmond DCF-432. I own one, and it's a very nice tripod. It's what I use with any "local" shoots (where I don't have to pack it and fly with it).

32mm max leg diameter, 4 secions, carbon fiber, very nice height without the need for a center column.

ernstbk wrote:

Impulses wrote:

I'm looking for a sturdier counterpart to the T-005X I've been using for travel. I'm still very happy with it for what it is and what I need from it, it's tiny, versatile, and light. However, I want something sturdier for home use, for tests, for astro, for pano work, etc.

My gear is all pretty lightweight for now (~500g E-M5 II + grip + tiny lenses) but I want something that'll work now and in the future if I decide to say, get a 40-150 f2.8, or a tracking mount (1kg), or I wanna use a big lens on my Hejnar pano kit (~300g). Leaning towards an N-1004X + K-20X head, am I aiming too low?

You should consider that you might own the Olympus 300mm Pro or the Pana 100-400 one day and that it can be a bit windy on the day you want use your new lenses and tripod.

It doesn't pack as small as other Siruis (18") but being a 4 leg section model, and having a taller stance sans column, I figure it should be amongst the sturdier alu models... Still just <4lb (w/head) if I do wanna take it somewhere. Should I be looking at the N-2004X instead? The head is rated even higher.

You are mistaken, you must look for less leg sections to find a stable tripod. Unfortunately that means that a) the tripod maybe longer when packed, or b) shorter when unpacked.

I dunno to what extent I can trust their load ratings, the N-1004X is supposed to be good for 12kg and I'm probably never stacking more than 2.5kg on it... I know there's an accessory forum but we're more familiar with each other's M4/3 gear here so...

You can not trust the manufacturer load ratings because there is no standard and every manufacturer can do what ever they like. But you can use this to compare tripods from the same manufacturer.

If you are currently reasonable satisfied with the T-005X then I would suggest to get the N-2004X because of the thicker legs and the larger platform.

What am I mistaken about? I meant that being a 4 leg section model it'd be sturdier as opposed to the far more popular 5 section models. Would be happy to look at a 3 section model that isn't overkill, they don't seem so common or I'm looking in the wrong place...

Heh, just noticed the N-2004X legs are actually on sale at B&H ($145) and cheaper than what I'd found the N-1004X legs at anywhere, makes the decision a little more nuanced still. It'd come out to about the same after shipping to Puerto Rico but still... What's an extra pound? It'll likely never be a tripod I carry around all day so, leaning that way now.

That fluted center column on that Giottos Jacques suggested is a very clever idea, wonder why nobody else has copied it. Unfortunately that model seems to be discontinued (listed as such on B&H and priced higher by third party merchants on Amazon).

ijm5012 wrote:

If you're not looking for something that can easily be thrown in your luggage like the Sirui T-005X, I would recommend looking at the Desmond DCF-432. I own one, and it's a very nice tripod. It's what I use with any "local" shoots (where I don't have to pack it and fly with it).

32mm max leg diameter, 4 secions, carbon fiber, very nice height without the need for a center column.

Hmm, looking it over again it's actually pretty tempting. When I first searched for it I only saw the price with different heads which threw me off... At $200 it's only $50 more than the aluminum Sirui N-2004X for thicker AND slightly taller/lighter CF legs and feature parity in ever other regard (short column, mono leg, 3 position spring locks, etc).

The one thing that gives me pause it's that this is the first CF tripod Desmond put out, at least under their own name, and it's only been around a year. Not much in the way of reviews... If that SCV blog that reviews a lot of Desmond accessories had reviewed it already I'd be a little more confident.

There's some positive Amazon reviews although one mentions the rubber stoppers over the spikes felt a little too bouncy and he replaced them, any thoughts on that? I think I'd be afraid of losing them too since they're just like a pressure cap... Looks pretty fantastic in every other regard tho.

Impulses wrote:

ijm5012 wrote:

If you're not looking for something that can easily be thrown in your luggage like the Sirui T-005X, I would recommend looking at the Desmond DCF-432. I own one, and it's a very nice tripod. It's what I use with any "local" shoots (where I don't have to pack it and fly with it).

32mm max leg diameter, 4 secions, carbon fiber, very nice height without the need for a center column.

Hmm, looking it over again it's actually pretty tempting. When I first searched for it I only saw the price with different heads which threw me off... At $200 it's only $50 more than the aluminum Sirui N-2004X for thicker AND slightly taller/lighter CF legs and feature parity in ever other regard (short column, mono leg, 3 position spring locks, etc).

The one thing that gives me pause it's that this is the first CF tripod Desmond put out, at least under their own name, and it's only been around a year. Not much in the way of reviews... If that SCV blog that reviews a lot of Desmond accessories had reviewed it already I'd be a little more confident.

There's some positive Amazon reviews although one mentions the rubber stoppers over the spikes felt a little too bouncy and he replaced them, any thoughts on that? I think I'd be afraid of losing them too since they're just like a pressure cap... Looks pretty fantastic in every other regard tho.

Regarding the rubber feet being too "bouncy", don't know because I haven't run in to a situation where it has caused an issue. I do wish the feet operated like a Sirui where you could simply twist them to extend/retract the spikes. Having to remove them does put you at greater risk of losing them, but just like I do with my lens caps, as soon as they come off they go in my pocket. The fit VERY snug over the spikes though, so you're never going to be in a situation where they spontaneously fall off.

Regarding the performance of it, I have no qualms. It comes with its own bag which makes it great for transporting. Like I said before, I think it's a bit too big if you're expecting to throw it in your carry-on luggage or strap it to your back pack and go hiking. But I have a separate tripod for that sort of thing. This is the only tripod I use when I'm going someplace that's within driving distance. If I'm driving, the size isn't an issue.

I'm 6'4", and when using the tripod with the center column removed and a K20-X ballhead, the rear LCD/EVF of my cameras is just about at eye level, which is what I really was looking for (a nice, tall tripod). Build quality is very good as far as I can tell. I've owned the tripod for about a year now, and used it in hot, rainy summer days as well as sub-zero winter mornings, and it's never given me issues. I have no qualms about recommending the tripod to somebody looking for a solid and sturdy full-size tripod.

Desmond also makes a DCF-428, which I believe is basically identical to the Sirui you're looking for with regards to dimensions (leg diameter, height, etc.).

ijm5012 wrote:

Impulses wrote:

ijm5012 wrote:

If you're not looking for something that can easily be thrown in your luggage like the Sirui T-005X, I would recommend looking at the Desmond DCF-432. I own one, and it's a very nice tripod. It's what I use with any "local" shoots (where I don't have to pack it and fly with it).

32mm max leg diameter, 4 secions, carbon fiber, very nice height without the need for a center column.

Hmm, looking it over again it's actually pretty tempting. When I first searched for it I only saw the price with different heads which threw me off... At $200 it's only $50 more than the aluminum Sirui N-2004X for thicker AND slightly taller/lighter CF legs and feature parity in ever other regard (short column, mono leg, 3 position spring locks, etc).

The one thing that gives me pause it's that this is the first CF tripod Desmond put out, at least under their own name, and it's only been around a year. Not much in the way of reviews... If that SCV blog that reviews a lot of Desmond accessories had reviewed it already I'd be a little more confident.

There's some positive Amazon reviews although one mentions the rubber stoppers over the spikes felt a little too bouncy and he replaced them, any thoughts on that? I think I'd be afraid of losing them too since they're just like a pressure cap... Looks pretty fantastic in every other regard tho.

Regarding the rubber feet being too "bouncy", don't know because I haven't run in to a situation where it has caused an issue. I do wish the feet operated like a Sirui where you could simply twist them to extend/retract the spikes. Having to remove them does put you at greater risk of losing them, but just like I do with my lens caps, as soon as they come off they go in my pocket. The fit VERY snug over the spikes though, so you're never going to be in a situation where they spontaneously fall off.

Regarding the performance of it, I have no qualms. It comes with its own bag which makes it great for transporting. Like I said before, I think it's a bit too big if you're expecting to throw it in your carry-on luggage or strap it to your back pack and go hiking. But I have a separate tripod for that sort of thing. This is the only tripod I use when I'm going someplace that's within driving distance. If I'm driving, the size isn't an issue.

I'm 6'4", and when using the tripod with the center column removed and a K20-X ballhead, the rear LCD/EVF of my cameras is just about at eye level, which is what I really was looking for (a nice, tall tripod). Build quality is very good as far as I can tell. I've owned the tripod for about a year now, and used it in hot, rainy summer days as well as sub-zero winter mornings, and it's never given me issues. I have no qualms about recommending the tripod to somebody looking for a solid and sturdy full-size tripod.

Desmond also makes a DCF-428, which I believe is basically identical to the Sirui you're looking for with regards to dimensions (leg diameter, height, etc.).

Thanks for the added feedback, much appreciated, found a long-ish review on YouTube I'm gonna have to watch later while I mull it over. I saw the DCF-428 on Amazon too, not much cheaper ($170) but they're already very aggressively priced for CF legs. I'm only 5'11" so I might opt for those if I go with Desmond.

What you describe is exactly what I want it for. For a long hike, air travel, or better portability in general I've already got the T-005X. Does it close flush around the K-20X btw? I think one of that YouTube reviews mentioned he stepped down from a K-30X because of that. Haven't seen the leg angle locks listed anywhere but i imagine it's the standard 20/50/85-ish.

Why are you considering the N-2004X when the T-2004XL includes the E-20 head for very little more?

clemcam wrote:

Why are you considering the N-2004X when the T-2004XL includes the E-20 head for very little more?

Good question, they're in fact very similar and the T-XL line look like a really strong value proposition. I'm willing to shell out the extra cash for two reasons: A) the split center column design that can convert to a monopod when combined with one of the legs and B) the better K-X series head with separate friction control.

It's mostly the latter tho, the monopod conversion is just a bonus. I already had my eye on the K heads when looking into them months ago and if I went with the E-10 in the T-2004XL bundle I know I'd be left wondering in the long run.

For serious works, I use the Carbon Triopo G-112 and the Photo Clam PC-30N

Before that I had the Markins Q3 ball head

All excellent gear with some weight saving

Cheer,

ijm5012 wrote:

Impulses wrote:

ijm5012 wrote:

If you're not looking for something that can easily be thrown in your luggage like the Sirui T-005X, I would recommend looking at the Desmond DCF-432. I own one, and it's a very nice tripod. It's what I use with any "local" shoots (where I don't have to pack it and fly with it).

32mm max leg diameter, 4 secions, carbon fiber, very nice height without the need for a center column.

Hmm, looking it over again it's actually pretty tempting. When I first searched for it I only saw the price with different heads which threw me off... At $200 it's only $50 more than the aluminum Sirui N-2004X for thicker AND slightly taller/lighter CF legs and feature parity in ever other regard (short column, mono leg, 3 position spring locks, etc).

The one thing that gives me pause it's that this is the first CF tripod Desmond put out, at least under their own name, and it's only been around a year. Not much in the way of reviews... If that SCV blog that reviews a lot of Desmond accessories had reviewed it already I'd be a little more confident.

There's some positive Amazon reviews although one mentions the rubber stoppers over the spikes felt a little too bouncy and he replaced them, any thoughts on that? I think I'd be afraid of losing them too since they're just like a pressure cap... Looks pretty fantastic in every other regard tho.

Regarding the rubber feet being too "bouncy", don't know because I haven't run in to a situation where it has caused an issue. I do wish the feet operated like a Sirui where you could simply twist them to extend/retract the spikes. Having to remove them does put you at greater risk of losing them, but just like I do with my lens caps, as soon as they come off they go in my pocket. The fit VERY snug over the spikes though, so you're never going to be in a situation where they spontaneously fall off.

Regarding the performance of it, I have no qualms. It comes with its own bag which makes it great for transporting. Like I said before, I think it's a bit too big if you're expecting to throw it in your carry-on luggage or strap it to your back pack and go hiking. But I have a separate tripod for that sort of thing. This is the only tripod I use when I'm going someplace that's within driving distance. If I'm driving, the size isn't an issue.

I'm 6'4", and when using the tripod with the center column removed and a K20-X ballhead, the rear LCD/EVF of my cameras is just about at eye level, which is what I really was looking for (a nice, tall tripod). Build quality is very good as far as I can tell. I've owned the tripod for about a year now, and used it in hot, rainy summer days as well as sub-zero winter mornings, and it's never given me issues. I have no qualms about recommending the tripod to somebody looking for a solid and sturdy full-size tripod.

Desmond also makes a DCF-428, which I believe is basically identical to the Sirui you're looking for with regards to dimensions (leg diameter, height, etc.).

Read thru an older thread where you and others discussed and endorsed the Desmond, heavily leaning that way now, even if I'm not gonna travel with it I can't ignore the benefits of CF and the pound saved for pretty much the same price.

One more question if it's not too much trouble, haven't seen this discussed anywhere... How does the short center column work? The Sirui actually has a split 2 section column and I believe you can still attach the weight hook with the short section on.

It's kinda trivial (why would you want a weight hook if going low after all?) but it'd be useful to be able to use it all the time without the long column if I chose to do so. So can the weight hook be attached with the short column or no column?

Read somewhere that that K-20X overhangs minimally (2mm?) so you can disregard that question in my previous post, tho it'd still be useful to know if the legs close in parallel around it. I might've overlooked if someone mentioned that elsewhere.

Impulses wrote:

ijm5012 wrote:

Impulses wrote:

ijm5012 wrote:

If you're not looking for something that can easily be thrown in your luggage like the Sirui T-005X, I would recommend looking at the Desmond DCF-432. I own one, and it's a very nice tripod. It's what I use with any "local" shoots (where I don't have to pack it and fly with it).

32mm max leg diameter, 4 secions, carbon fiber, very nice height without the need for a center column.

Hmm, looking it over again it's actually pretty tempting. When I first searched for it I only saw the price with different heads which threw me off... At $200 it's only $50 more than the aluminum Sirui N-2004X for thicker AND slightly taller/lighter CF legs and feature parity in ever other regard (short column, mono leg, 3 position spring locks, etc).

The one thing that gives me pause it's that this is the first CF tripod Desmond put out, at least under their own name, and it's only been around a year. Not much in the way of reviews... If that SCV blog that reviews a lot of Desmond accessories had reviewed it already I'd be a little more confident.

There's some positive Amazon reviews although one mentions the rubber stoppers over the spikes felt a little too bouncy and he replaced them, any thoughts on that? I think I'd be afraid of losing them too since they're just like a pressure cap... Looks pretty fantastic in every other regard tho.

Regarding the rubber feet being too "bouncy", don't know because I haven't run in to a situation where it has caused an issue. I do wish the feet operated like a Sirui where you could simply twist them to extend/retract the spikes. Having to remove them does put you at greater risk of losing them, but just like I do with my lens caps, as soon as they come off they go in my pocket. The fit VERY snug over the spikes though, so you're never going to be in a situation where they spontaneously fall off.

Regarding the performance of it, I have no qualms. It comes with its own bag which makes it great for transporting. Like I said before, I think it's a bit too big if you're expecting to throw it in your carry-on luggage or strap it to your back pack and go hiking. But I have a separate tripod for that sort of thing. This is the only tripod I use when I'm going someplace that's within driving distance. If I'm driving, the size isn't an issue.

I'm 6'4", and when using the tripod with the center column removed and a K20-X ballhead, the rear LCD/EVF of my cameras is just about at eye level, which is what I really was looking for (a nice, tall tripod). Build quality is very good as far as I can tell. I've owned the tripod for about a year now, and used it in hot, rainy summer days as well as sub-zero winter mornings, and it's never given me issues. I have no qualms about recommending the tripod to somebody looking for a solid and sturdy full-size tripod.

Desmond also makes a DCF-428, which I believe is basically identical to the Sirui you're looking for with regards to dimensions (leg diameter, height, etc.).

Read thru an older thread where you and others discussed and endorsed the Desmond, heavily leaning that way now, even if I'm not gonna travel with it I can't ignore the benefits of CF and the pound saved for pretty much the same price.

One more question if it's not too much trouble, haven't seen this discussed anywhere... How does the short center column work? The Sirui actually has a split 2 section column and I believe you can still attach the weight hook with the short section on.

It's kinda trivial (why would you want a weight hook if going low after all?) but it'd be useful to be able to use it all the time without the long column if I chose to do so. So can the weight hook be attached with the short column or no column?

Read somewhere that that K-20X overhangs minimally (2mm?) so you can disregard that question in my previous post, tho it'd still be useful to know if the legs close in parallel around it. I might've overlooked if someone mentioned that elsewhere.

The base of my K-20X ball head is exactly the same diameter as the plate it threads on to on the tripod, so there's no issue getting the legs to fold up around ball head.

Yes, you can still hang a weight from the tripod even without the long center column installed. In fact, I've simply removed the long column, and use the short column all the time now. The DCF-432 is tall enough for me (the 428 may be tall enough for you if you're 5'11") that I really don't need the center column except the rarest of occasions. I have it in the bag with me, but never really use it.

ijm5012 wrote:

Impulses wrote:

ijm5012 wrote:

Impulses wrote:

ijm5012 wrote:

If you're not looking for something that can easily be thrown in your luggage like the Sirui T-005X, I would recommend looking at the Desmond DCF-432. I own one, and it's a very nice tripod. It's what I use with any "local" shoots (where I don't have to pack it and fly with it).

32mm max leg diameter, 4 secions, carbon fiber, very nice height without the need for a center column.

Hmm, looking it over again it's actually pretty tempting. When I first searched for it I only saw the price with different heads which threw me off... At $200 it's only $50 more than the aluminum Sirui N-2004X for thicker AND slightly taller/lighter CF legs and feature parity in ever other regard (short column, mono leg, 3 position spring locks, etc).

The one thing that gives me pause it's that this is the first CF tripod Desmond put out, at least under their own name, and it's only been around a year. Not much in the way of reviews... If that SCV blog that reviews a lot of Desmond accessories had reviewed it already I'd be a little more confident.

There's some positive Amazon reviews although one mentions the rubber stoppers over the spikes felt a little too bouncy and he replaced them, any thoughts on that? I think I'd be afraid of losing them too since they're just like a pressure cap... Looks pretty fantastic in every other regard tho.

Regarding the rubber feet being too "bouncy", don't know because I haven't run in to a situation where it has caused an issue. I do wish the feet operated like a Sirui where you could simply twist them to extend/retract the spikes. Having to remove them does put you at greater risk of losing them, but just like I do with my lens caps, as soon as they come off they go in my pocket. The fit VERY snug over the spikes though, so you're never going to be in a situation where they spontaneously fall off.

Regarding the performance of it, I have no qualms. It comes with its own bag which makes it great for transporting. Like I said before, I think it's a bit too big if you're expecting to throw it in your carry-on luggage or strap it to your back pack and go hiking. But I have a separate tripod for that sort of thing. This is the only tripod I use when I'm going someplace that's within driving distance. If I'm driving, the size isn't an issue.

I'm 6'4", and when using the tripod with the center column removed and a K20-X ballhead, the rear LCD/EVF of my cameras is just about at eye level, which is what I really was looking for (a nice, tall tripod). Build quality is very good as far as I can tell. I've owned the tripod for about a year now, and used it in hot, rainy summer days as well as sub-zero winter mornings, and it's never given me issues. I have no qualms about recommending the tripod to somebody looking for a solid and sturdy full-size tripod.

Desmond also makes a DCF-428, which I believe is basically identical to the Sirui you're looking for with regards to dimensions (leg diameter, height, etc.).

Read thru an older thread where you and others discussed and endorsed the Desmond, heavily leaning that way now, even if I'm not gonna travel with it I can't ignore the benefits of CF and the pound saved for pretty much the same price.

One more question if it's not too much trouble, haven't seen this discussed anywhere... How does the short center column work? The Sirui actually has a split 2 section column and I believe you can still attach the weight hook with the short section on.

It's kinda trivial (why would you want a weight hook if going low after all?) but it'd be useful to be able to use it all the time without the long column if I chose to do so. So can the weight hook be attached with the short column or no column?

Read somewhere that that K-20X overhangs minimally (2mm?) so you can disregard that question in my previous post, tho it'd still be useful to know if the legs close in parallel around it. I might've overlooked if someone mentioned that elsewhere.

The base of my K-20X ball head is exactly the same diameter as the plate it threads on to on the tripod, so there's no issue getting the legs to fold up around ball head.

Yes, you can still hang a weight from the tripod even without the long center column installed. In fact, I've simply removed the long column, and use the short column all the time now. The DCF-432 is tall enough for me (the 428 may be tall enough for you if you're 5'11") that I really don't need the center column except the rarest of occasions. I have it in the bag with me, but never really use it.

Excellent, thanks a lot for the quick reply! Literally can't find a reason not to opt for it over the Sirui so I'll be ordering it tonight along with a K-20X.

This is just a detail, but the T-2004XL comes with the E-20 head, which is substantially heftier than the E-10 head which comes with the T-1004XL.  However, your point about a separate friction control knob still applies.

clemcam wrote:

This is just a detail, but the T-2004XL comes with the E-20 head, which is substantially heftier than the E-10 head which comes with the T-1004XL. However, your point about a separate friction control knob still applies.

Oh yeah, I got myself mixed up because I actually started off looking at the T-1004XL first (then the N-1004X as I said at the start of the thread, I think). The T-XL all come with heads that seem appropriate for what they'll bear etc. Really good value either way, I wasn't knocking the E line at all.

Shoot, I'm impressed with the little C-10X (now replaced by the C-10S) that came with my T-1005X, it's held a G6 + 100-300 with ease while taking some moon shoots. There was a tiny bit of droop right after tightening but a head that small and light I thought it worked really well.