Picking A Travel Tripod

After many weeks of research, I'm stuck between two models. The Sirui T-024X or the Manfrotto BeFree in Carbon Fiber.

Price wise I found the Manfrotto on special so it's actually $20 cheaper than the Sirui for the next few weeks. Either way, the price isn't much of an issue between these two.

I think the main thing I would like to know from anyone who has or still owns either one/both of these is, which is the most stable?

I will likely be using it with my 6DII and 16-35 f4L IS and/or 35mm f/2 IS.

From what I can say, both seem to be great quality but being that I already own the Manfrotto 055XPROB legs and know how good the quality of them are, I am slightly leaning towards them. I do hear nothing but good things about the Sirui which makes them even more tempting.

If you haven't already done so, I would check all the reviews at B&H on the two you are considering. From my viewpoint, the Sirui has a better track record, no review rates below a "3". In the case of Manfrotto there are a few that are "1" and "2" and generally in those reviews the tripod has broken or collapsed or is noted as "not stable", "too flexible", etc. In contrast the Sirui seems to be noted for its stabilty, not just for cameras but on some sites discussing use of spotting scopes and high power binoculars. Links are below, just make sure you expand the review section to see all reviews and then sort as needed, like "Worst reviews" first.

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …ompact_travel_c​arbon.html

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …raveler_light_s​eries.html

Not that capacity ratings can be trusted, but the Manfrotto is much lower than the Sirui.

Flip locks vs. twist locks. Any preference?

From http://www.techradar.c​om …s-for-your-camera-1325010 it is said about the Manfrotto "Light and compact, but comes at the expense of stability".

You will like the head on the Sirui much better.

John from PA wrote in post #18566583
If you haven't already done so, I would check all the reviews at B&H on the two you are considering. From my viewpoint, the Sirui has a better track record, no review rates below a "3". In the case of Manfrotto there are a few that are "1" and "2" and generally in those reviews the tripod has broken or collapsed or is noted as "not stable", "too flexible", etc. In contrast the Sirui seems to be noted for its stabilty, not just for cameras but on some sites discussing use of spotting scopes and high power binoculars. Links are below, just make sure you expand the review section to see all reviews and then sort as needed, like "Worst reviews" first.

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …ompact_travel_c​arbon.html

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …raveler_light_s​eries.html

Not that capacity ratings can be trusted, but the Manfrotto is much lower than the Sirui.

Flip locks vs. twist locks. Any preference?

From http://www.techradar.c​om …s-for-your-camera-1325010 it is said about the Manfrotto "Light and compact, but comes at the expense of stability".

Thanks for the links, I'll have a read through them both

I don't really have a preference for leg locks but I have read some people saying that twist are more annoying than flip?

That article about the Manfrotto is interesting because the Sirui is even lighter than the Manfrotto so I have to wonder if that means it's less stable.

Dlee13 wrote in post #18566864
I don't really have a preference for leg locks but I have read some people saying that twist are more annoying than flip?

I think you'll find people on both sides of the twist/flip debate. Twist locks are more compact and, arguably, quicker to lock/unlock. Flip locks are easier to maintain/adjust and, perhaps, less prone to failure from grit/corrosion. I think buying a tripod is something you need to do in a store. Until you have some hands-on time with them, you are not going to know what will work best for you. Differences in capacity ratings across brands should be ignored completely.

Dlee13 wrote in post #18566864
That article about the Manfrotto is interesting because the Sirui is even lighter than the Manfrotto so I have to wonder if that means it's less stable.

The difference is 0.3# so I don't think that means as much to stability as leg stiffness. The fact of the matter is many reviews state the Sirui is very stable and some reviews state the Manfrotto isn't.

DaviSto wrote in post #18566875
I think you'll find people on both sides of the twist/flip debate. Twist locks are more compact and, arguably, quicker to lock/unlock. Flip locks are easier to maintain/adjust and, perhaps, less prone to failure from grit/corrosion. I think buying a tripod is something you need to do in a store. Until you have some hands-on time with them, you are not going to know what will work best for you. Differences in capacity ratings across brands should be ignored completely.

I don't really have a preference for twist or flip, just as long as they are well made. Yeah they both seem to be very similar in specs and both are carbon fiber so that's why I'm a bit stuck between the two.

John from PA wrote in post #18567008
The difference is 0.3# so I dodn't think that means as much to stability as leg stiffness. The fact of the matter is many reviews state the Sirui is very stable and some reviews state the Manfrotto isn't.

I know I read that the T-024 is a little more stable than the T-025 which is what made me decide on that one from Sirui. Maybe quality control is the reason for some saying the Manfrotto isn't as stable? I will probably try go to see them in store but the Sirui is a bit more tempting since the Manfrotto is from a grey market seller.

Dlee13 wrote in post #18567057
I don't really have a preference for twist or flip, just as long as they are well made. Yeah they both seem to be very similar in specs and both are carbon fiber so that's why I'm a bit stuck between the two.

I know I read that the T-024 is a little more stable than the T-025 which is what made me decide on that one from Sirui. Maybe quality control is the reason for some saying the Manfrotto isn't as stable? I will probably try go to see them in store but the Sirui is a bit more tempting since the Manfrotto is from a grey market seller.

I'd skip grey market, might be hard to get help with it if you need service/etc. Even official Manfrotto gear's tough to get service help with in the States.

I've got a MeFOTO Glboetrotter that's served me relatively well so far: http://www.mefoto.com …globetrotter-classic.aspx. It's not too much different than the Siriu, I believe. At the size the tubes are to keep all of these guys small, none of 'em are *super* stable but work well enough if you're not using them in strong conditions. I've used the setup up to my 7DII and 100-400 without too much issue other than having to wait longer for vibration from touching the rig to die down.

Snydremark wrote in post #18567172
I'd skip grey market, might be hard to get help with it if you need service/etc. Even official Manfrotto gear's tough to get service help with in the States.

I've got a MeFOTO Glboetrotter that's served me relatively well so far: http://www.mefoto.com …globetrotter-classic.aspx. It's not too much different than the Siriu, I believe. At the size the tubes are to keep all of these guys small, none of 'em are *super* stable but work well enough if you're not using them in strong conditions. I've used the setup up to my 7DII and 100-400 without too much issue other than having to wait longer for vibration from touching the rig to die down.

If it's hard to get help in the U.S then probably even harder here. There's some grey market sellers here I trust and have bought quite a bit from including bodies and lenses. I have read about issues with the Manfrotto which is what worries me since I haven't bought anything from this particular seller. I looked at the Mefoto ones but the prices are a lot higher compared to the Sirui and Manfrotto for carbon fiber models.

Tripods are a funny thing. There is never a perfect one and they all seem to be over priced unless you try and sell a used one. Used ones go for squat.

I've owned Bogen (Manfrotto) tripods since the 80's. Got a rack of them now. Those old aluminum ones are tough as nails. Got a box full of quick release plates as well. Even have a carbon fiber one, don't remember the model off hand. Don't use any of them any more.

I picked up a Zomei travel tripod a couple years ago to just leave in the car and not worry about it. It was cheap at $75. I quickly fell in love with it. Became a big fan of arca swiss mount and ball heads. I now use this cheap thing all the time. I just hang my backpack or sandbag on the center post and solid as a rock.

Recently I was at Fry's electronics. Big electronics shop here in the states. They had the Sirui tripods on display. If I had seen those before buying the Zomei I would have spent the extra money, they are better built but a few inches shorter. Also a bit lighter. I was pretty impressed.

If I ever buy another tripod (who am I kidding, I will) it will have a good ballhead and arca swiss mount. Everything else is a P.I.T.A.

Link for the Zomei I bought: http://a.co/8x3Yd43

I have two tripods, a very sturdy (but, definitely not lightweight - despite carbon fiber build) Giottos 8180 which is my general purpose "do everything" tripod.

My travel tripod is a modified magnesium Slik Pro 330DX modified with the optional shorter center column and a Flashpoint F-1, A/C, tripod head.

Since the longest lens that I carry for general travel is the 70-200mm f/4L IS on either a crop or full frame camera, this very lightweight combination works fine.

The tripod is fairly short but collapses to only 23.5 inches which fits quite nicely in my travel suitcase.

I have shot on some very windy days in the Canyon Country of Utah and the rig (at just two pounds four ounces total) worked just great. It didn't cost an arm and a leg either...

How about the Manfrotto Pixi (Evo)?


/Jocce

Dlee13 wrote in post #18566548
After many weeks of research, I'm stuck between two models. The Sirui T-024X or the Manfrotto BeFree in Carbon Fiber.

If you look at Dave Berryrieser's stability rankings for travel tripods, he hasn't tested the Sirui T-024X. However he's tested the Sirui T-025X which is dead last in the rankings, and the Manfrotto BeFree Advanced which is second to last. That's not good. If you want a reasonably stable tripod that's inexpensive, according to Dave's rankings the Leofoto LS-284C looks like the best bet; it's a copy of the RRS TFC-14 with quality CF and billet aluminum hardware.

Have you thought of a used Gitzo?

My "Travel" Tripod is a Gitzo G1550T which is very small yet goes to a reasonable height and is surprisingly rigid. Certainly the current incarnation is hideously expensive, but the older models can (occasionally) be found at sensible money. These Gitzo tripods last forever (well nearly) so if it is 20 years old - who cares? For reference I paid £140 from a well known auction site. Note this was the most expensive used Gitzo that I have ever bought!

Another one to look at is the Feisol Tournament Tripods. They are not travel tripods (more like a mini Systematic that folds back like a Traveller) but they are VERY light and rigid. They are a little pricey new but excellent tripods for their weight. Two friends have them and I am impressed, especially as one was bought mint from FleaBay for £90!

Happy hunting...............

Funny that because I ended up getting the Sirui T-025X and love it! I have used it for travel and it's become my primary tripod when whenever I'm out of the house!

For stability, I actually find it to be really reliable. In Singapore I was on a wooden foot bridge with my 6D2 and 16-35mm f/4 and despite people constantly walking by, the shots were still tack sharp and had no issues with vibration.