Owners of the Sirui T-005 and T-025 please chime in...how do you like your tripod?

Hi guys,

I've been researching a new travel tripod for weeks and I *THINK* I have it narrowed down to the Sirui T-005x and T-025x (still trying to decide whether the carbon is worth the extra money).

I was really sold on these until I found out that the center column is non-retractable...I've never owned such a tripod, so I'm wondering if you guys can chime in...how do you like your tripod? Is it stable enough even with the center column being what it is?

I'm planning on using this with an ultra-light OM-D/9-18 combination (the whole thing is under 600g/1.25lbs).

Thanks!
T

Get the x version.
http://siruiprofession​altripods.wordpress.co​m …irui-tripods-even-better/

Yeah, I'm planning on that!

I just figured with the title both the x and the non-x owners could chime in...

Oops =p I'll let you know when mine gets here =D

I used the T025 in a recent trip to Cambodia and found its weight and size convenient for travel.

For your intended use (ultra-light OM-D/9-18) it should pair very well with either model.

Since you are considering the X version it becomes better suited as the center column is removable leading to a more stable platform. I would have preferred the X version to what I have, unfortunately the X version is not yet available where I live.

While the T 025 is rated for 6 kilos, I would be hesitant using it with long lenses. Of course, this is a subjective opinion or point of view. I found the T025, however, a good fit for the Canon G1x. I would also be comfortable using it with an EOS 7D with a 10-22 or 17-55 lens at the most.

Aluminum or carbon could really boil down to a matter of preference. The difference in weight is hardly noticeable. A matter of consideration also could resistance to ambient temperature. If you live in a cold place, aluminum could become very cold to the touch.

Another consideration is also the operating height. For my use, I experience no problem since I normally use my tripod not very high from ground level. But if you are a tall person and prefer using tripods at above 5 feet, this tripod may not be for you.

I've had the T-025X for two weeks now, using it with a Fuji X-Pro. After lots of thought, I've decided on removing the center column and leaving it at home. Without the center column installed, the tripod is very stable and also allows for a much lower camera height. Used this way it puts the max height at 40", perfect for if you are sitting or knelling down. When I need more height, I use my other tripod. Funny thing is the folded length is longer (16" vs 13") without the CC as the legs no longer fold backwards correctly over the head.

The center column would be fine for most applications. I plan on using it while on vacation when it would be my only tripod and I need the extra height. In the end, I'm very happy with the tripod and would purchases again.

Awesome, thanks so much for the feedback, guys!

Yeah, for around "home" and with the big camera (5D2 + 16-35L II) I'd use my CF Horusbennu tripod (love this thing!), this would be strictly for the OM-D when travelling.

How bad is the stability of this tripod WITH the center column in place?

I've decided to forego purchasing the 3D lens for my camera, freeing up about $200...and I think I'll put part of that money towards buying the T-025x and not the T-005x. Is it worth the premium? No. But...the whole point in going mirrorless and buying a small tripod is to save as much weight as possible...might as well go all out, especially if it means not having to compromise on folded dimensions or extended height.

Is stability/vibration control an issue for long exposures (30-60s mainly) with these tripods? (Specifically the carbon fiber T-025x).

LowriderS10 wrote in post #16068057
Is stability/vibration control an issue for long exposures (30-60s mainly) with these tripods? (Specifically the carbon fiber T-025x).

I don't need to have one to answer that question. A 5 section, lightweight tripod, with a ~9" center column, that has a maximum weight capacity of 13lbs... "yes" without a doubt.

If people worry about mirror lock-up vibration blurring long exposures (yes, I know your mirror-less) wouldn't you think that setup is going be much, much, more likely to have wind, uneven ground, cars driving by, hustle and bustle of the world in general, vibration problems than mirror slap would cause?

baj2k wrote in post #16068629
I don't need to have one to answer that question. A 5 section, lightweight tripod, with a ~9" center column, that has a maximum weight capacity of 13lbs... "yes" without a doubt.

If people worry about mirror lock-up vibration blurring long exposures (yes, I know your mirror-less) wouldn't you think that setup is going be much, much, more likely to have wind, uneven ground, cars driving by, hustle and bustle of the world in general, vibration problems than mirror slap would cause?

With all due respect, I'm looking for a little more than speculation.

The tripod I've been using up until now for travelling was speculated to be waaaaay undersized for my massive DSLRs (1D Mark III and 5D Mark II with L lenses on an Optex T-25) and it's performed admirably for years. I had people telling me not to buy an off-brand carbon tripod (Horusbennu) before I bought mine...I've dragged it across a good chunk of Asia and back home to Canada, then back to Asia...not a single complaint.

Those who have this tripod have reported no issues with vibration, at least from the reviews I've been reading...still, if someone who has this tripod or has even used it) wants to chime in with contradicting info, I'd love to hear it!!!

I don't have that tripod or that camera, so I can't tell you how that particular combination will perform. And even if I had, there is no guaranty that my conclusion would be valid for your needs.

Don't expect too much of a light weigth tripod like this. But as long the enviroment doesn't work against you, the ground is steady, not windy etc, removing the center column, and not extending the legs too much, even a light weight tripod can perform. A light weigt mirrorless¹ camera with a wide angle is not the most demanding.

¹For 30-60 seconds, the mirror of a DSLR isn't the problem either. The problem of the mirror is for exposures about 1/2 - 1/60 seconds.

afoton wrote in post #16068836
I don't have that tripod or that camera, so I can't tell you how that particular combination will perform. And even if I had, there is no guaranty that my conclusion would be valid for your needs.

Don't expect too much of a light weigth tripod like this. But as long the enviroment doesn't work against you, the ground is steady, not windy etc, removing the center column, and not extending the legs too much, even a light weight tripod can perform. A light weigt mirrorless¹ camera with a wide angle is not the most demanding.

¹For 30-60 seconds, the mirror of a DSLR isn't the problem either. The problem of the mirror is for exposures about 1/2 - 1/60 seconds.

Thanks, this is pretty much what I'm thinking... The idea of having a nearly full-size tripod that collapses to 30cm/11.8" and weighs 800g/1.8lbs WITH a good quality ballhead is very , very attractive...

I think the T-025X would be fine for your needs, but if you want a slightly larger and stiffer tripod, have you considered the Sirui T-1205X? I have both the T-025 (the X version was not yet available) and the T-1205X. The T-025 is tiny and easily fits in my camera bag. The T-1205X is only slightly larger and heavier, but has larger legs and is much stiffer. I recently used it with a 5DIII and a 300 2.8 lens, so it would be rock solid for your use.

Here is a review comparing the two:
http://www.dpreview.co​m/forums/post/42005031

I really do not like the non-retractable column on the T-025 and plan to sell it and get the X version soon.

LowriderS10 wrote in post #16068057
Is stability/vibration control an issue for long exposures (30-60s mainly) with these tripods? (Specifically the carbon fiber T-025x).

I just did a stress test on the T-025X with a X-Pro 1 and 300mm lens. Fully extended (CC removed) it dissipated the vibrations from a finger tap surprising quick. I'll try to find time to do a video comparing it to my C4770T.

masukalu wrote in post #16069069
I think the T-025X would be fine for your needs, but if you want a slightly larger and stiffer tripod, have you considered the Sirui T-1205X? I have both the T-025 (the X version was not yet available) and the T-1205X. The T-025 is tiny and easily fits in my camera bag. The T-1205X is only slightly larger and heavier, but has larger legs and is much stiffer. I recently used it with a 5DIII and a 300 2.8 lens, so it would be rock solid for your use.

Here is a review comparing the two:
http://www.dpreview.co​m/forums/post/42005031

I really do not like the non-retractable column on the T-025 and plan to sell it and get the X version soon.

Thanks for the suggestion, I actually started out with the T-1205x in mind (I've even read the same review you posted haha)...if there was no T-025x, that would be the winner, I think. HOWEVER...since the two tripods extend to the same height, I'm not sure the T-1205x is worth the extra weight and folded length. My plan is backpack, but on days when I'm staying put in one place I'm just going to have a nondescript canvas messenger bag (something that doesn't look like a camera bag) that'll have my camera and tripod in it...so even a few inches in folded size is a pretty big deal...Now that you brought it back up, I'm going to take another hard look at the T-1205x, but from all the feedback I'm getting, it looks like the T-025x does a fine job. (And since this tripod is strictly for travelling, I always have my "big" tripod to fall back on when I'm not on the road. But once again...thanks for the suggestion, it's a good one!

DavidR wrote in post #16069091
I just did a stress test on the T-025X with a X-Pro 1 and 300mm lens. Fully extended (CC removed) it dissipated the vibrations from a finger tap surprising quick. I'll try to find time to do a video comparing it to my C4770T.

This is great to know...thanks! Sounds like with a UWA attached it would be a non-issue for most situations...how easy/quick is it to remove the CC?