SIRUI T-005 5-Section Aluminum Tripod, Max Height 51", Supports 8.8 lbs, Black

2013-07-10T21:00:00

I got the carbon-fiber version of this (~$200) because I couldn't manage the $1000+ cost of the Gitzo traveler. For its size and weight, it is great, with one major exception: the inability to drop the head down to the level of the top of the legs. This leaves the camera/lens sitting at the top of a somewhat spindly center column which is not particularly stable. In favorable conditions, this is not a dealbreaker---you can hang something from the hook, use a cable-release, wait for it to stabilize---but outdoors in windy conditions, you might be better off hand-holding. Still a handy, nicely-made tripod, but it could be almost perfect if the center column could be retracted.

Steve S.

2013-05-30T21:00:00

I was excited to try this tripod because the size and weight were perfect for throwing it in a backpack for long hikes/ camping. I used it with a Mamiya 7 and it ended up being way too wobbly for me to use effectively. It is very lightweight, very nice looking and seems well built. Because the top tube of the tripod is at a fixed height above where the legs meet (it can be raised higher but not lowered ) it seemed to wobble for a bit after I'd touch the camera. This may work well for lighter cameras such as Micro 4/3, point and shoots, or if you are patient to let the camera completely settle after it finishes wobbling and use a timed release or remote release. The separate panning feature on the ball head seemed useful for shooting panoramic photos or videos.

Coley B.

2012-11-13T19:00:00

I bought this for my wife but it had to be good enough to use with my heavy equipment (5D II and 100-400mm lens) as well. Over all I was quite impressed. The fit and finish is excellant and the the head actually held my camera with the 100-400 lens without "noding" when tightened. However, the tripod has some definite shortcomings. With the head attached it is just over 54 inches but it gets there in a rather unconventional way. The legs, when they are set at the tripod's tallest setting (22 degrees) are only 36 inches high. On top of the legs is a permanently attached center column measuring 11 inches. Inside this column is an additional extention of 7 inches. This can be pulled out making a very tall (18 inch) center column. Needless to say this long center column compromises the stability of the tripod substantially. However thanks to the tripods solid build the "wobble" (from the extended center column) will disappear if you use the camera's 10 sec timer. The spred of the tripod's legs (at it's highest setting of 22 degees) is only 24 inches. This doesn't provide a wide enough stance for what can be a very top heavy arrangement. Having said all that I still feel it is the best travel tripod available and I would buy it again.

Steve

2012-08-04T21:00:00

I bought this tripod before a trip to the Pacific Northwest earlier this month. I also got a Benro MeFoto and Benro A1500 to compare with this Sirui. I kept this one and returned the other two and am very happy with my choice. During the trip, the tripod performed very well. It folds/unfolds quickly, though flip latches would have been better for the legs because they are faster. I love the light weight and the fact that it is small enough folded that it is the same width as my Tamrac Zuma 7 backpack where it straps nicely to the bottom. For the weight and folded length, the height is quite good. I'm six feet tall, and while I wouldn't want to use it for hours on end, it works well for the photos that I took on my trip when I needed a tripod, either for long exposures at waterfalls or family pictures. The one thing that I don't like and subtracted a star for is the quick release plate. It has no rubber at all, so it is quite slippery. I couldn't get it to stay put without adding some rubber to the plate. I mounted my Canon 60D with a 580 EX II flash and Canon 17-55 F2.8 IS (1.5 lb.) lens. It supported the weight with no issues. While it's not in the same class as the carbon fiber tripods that cost far more, it's a great value for the moeny. I'm very happy with it, and for the first time actually took a tripod on vacation.

Buck H.