22.9.2017

I've had experience with many tripods, both terrible and professional. Interestingly enough, I settled on a model from the upper end of the budget range before I had the opportunity to try the Sirui. Of course, the first thing that's lacking in budget models is weight. The Sirui adds a welcome bit of stodge and sturdiness, and weighs in at 1.5kg including the carry bag. In monopod configuration, this drops to just under half of that, but since the monopod doesn't fold it won't fit in the bag.It looks great in a gunmetal black finish with rubberised grips where sections join, and dense foam segments over two of the legs. The cross-section of the central column is a circle with a flattened top and bottom,with the legs and their extendable sections being circular. There is a sprung hook under the central column which extends about an inch and hooks at 90 degree angles to stop things falling off. The feet are made of the same rubbery material as the grips and are pointed. This latter point was something that was a little odd for me at first in monopod mode, where I'm used to a flat foot.Switching to a monopod was slightly confusing at first. One of the legs has an additional grip at its top which is undone to free that leg. Unscrewing the hook on the underside of the central column and loosening the ring above it then allows the column to be lifted out, and screwed onto the leg. That's easy enough once you know how, but you're left with the loose hook.At full extension, the Sirui doesn't reach as high as my previous go-to. That's disappointing, but the difference isn't much. I imagine there's a sacrifice of height for stability, which it has in abundance. When stood locked in place, it holds its ground very well. The legs have multiple angles (approximately 20º, 50º, and 80º from vertical) to lock to independently via a ratchet system. The 80º option is a nice addition, and will likely be useful in windy conditions.All three legs fold upwards when collapsed, wrapping around the central column and ball head. It all then slips into the provided bag (with nice thick drawstrings I should add) which ends up around 40cm in length. That's a very compact solution, and is moreso than my original tripod despite the additional weight and features. The actual camera attachment is a good size for a photography tripod, slides out in both directions when released, and is fixed in place by a knob on the side. It additionally comes with four rubberised grips to keep the camera in place.The ball head moves freely in all directions (as you'd expect), and when locked also has a wonderfully smooth pan motion with what I'd consider perfect resistance. It does not have a pitch movement without unlocking the ball. It has degree markings around the outside, and is fitted with a dome bubble level. Personally I'm not a fan of these dome levels, and this one feels quite small. I'd much prefer two independent linear levels, but you could add these to the hotshoe if appropriate. One feature I do miss from my old tripod is its panning handle which I've used a few times for video and for tracking action shots. There doesn't appear to be a slot to add one as an optional feature.On one hand, I really like the Sirui. It feels extremely sturdy both in the hand and when set up. The segments grip in place extremely well via the rubberised rings, I love the adjustable leg angles, and its compactness is superb. The ball head is also solidly built. Yet the minor niggles of mine stop me giving it five stars; it doesn't extend quite as high as I'd like (I'm quite tall, and my old monopod reached eye level), I don't like the dome bubble, and oddly I haven't gotten over the lack of (or the ability to add) a panning handle. But despite these personal preferences, I would certainly recommend the Sirui as a solid multi-purpose contender, provided the price is right for you.I've attached some closeups of the ball head and the leg angle ratchet as I think others might benefit.

22.8.2017

This tripod is made for outdoor use, but behaves just fine indoors and in the studio. It comes packed in a neat cardboard box featuring all the basic info. Inside is the tripod, a carrying bag, instruction leaflets, guarantee, and several Allen keys. The tripod assembles easily. It uses an Allen key to secure the ball head to the centre column, but you’ll only need to remove that if you transfer the ball head to the monopod. The legs are locked closed, and they open using a neat spring clip at the top, which you press to release the lock. The legs then lock into whatever angle you’ve chosen, and can be closed simply by pushing the legs together. The ball head includes a spirit level that sits at one side of the camera.The ball head has a reversable 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch screw for mounting cameras or tripod heads.The ball head is standard stuff, with universal movement and separate rotation adjuster. There’s a clamp plate that can be lifted off by opening the clamp fully, or slid off using the safety catch underneath. The centre column can be raised in two stages. The legs and centre column extend and lock using a rubberized twist lock, so it’s a simple matter to adjust the height of any part of it. A neat addition is that one leg can be removed to make a monopod, onto which you drop the ball head.In use, it’s quick to erect and to adjust, and quick for mounting and removing a camera. It’ll go down to something that just about fits on a desktop (260mm height), and extends up to 1400mm. It folds down to just 440mm, which is small enough to fit into hand luggage on a flight. Unusually, the legs have almost 180 degrees of motion, so you can wedge the tripod into almost anywhere and at any angle. You could even mount the whole thing upside down, with the camera between the legs, if you wanted. There’s also a sprung anchor hook underneath, to tether the tripod for remote operation and time lapse use, hang your kit from (and deter people from just walking off with it), and a carry lanyard. The lanyard isn’t mentioned anywhere in the guides. It fits onto the screw cap underneath, with the sprung hook going through the middle.Sirui is a Chinese manufacturer, but I have to say the user guide is spot-on. No ropey English here, and the illustrations are large and clear. The tripod is a very nicely put together bit of kit, entirely in black, and with rubberized feet and fittings. It looks professional, feels very solid, and doesn’t weigh much for what it is. The telescopic legs stay put at whatever length and angle you put them, you can pack it away in seconds, and the monopod option is a very useful double-up adding nothing to what you carry. Overall, it’s a lovely do-it-all indoor and outdoor tripod and monopod.

27.8.2017

See edit below for alternative tripod worth consideringThis is a maybe a shade on the heavy side for something I would call a traveller tripod although when collapsed down it is pretty compact and comes in a decent drawstring bag. I do have a much lighter weight tripod made from aluminium, but it doesn't feel as sturdy as this one so I guess it is a trade off. This expands up to a full size tripod in very little time. My Manfrotto tripod has the quick release levers and I prefer this to the twist collars, but the collars are quick and secure. The centre column also gives an additional 2 section height.

28.8.2017

I’m far from a real expert when it comes to cameras, I’m a bit of an enthusiastic snapper who just enjoys photography for what it is – not technical perfection just me taking pics I like. For the last 4 years or so I’ve been using a budget Camlink stand for my main full size tripod and it’s served me well, but this is a big step up quality wise. The actual build is brilliant – solid and sturdy yet easily stored away and compact for carrying purposes. Weight wise it’s similar to the Camlink stand but it’s about a third of the size when taken down, bagged it’s about 37-39 cm, out of the bag 36 cm. Fully extended it’s around 156cm in height,

26.8.2017

The sirui is the ideal travel tripod that folds into a very small package and can easily fit in an average camera bag or backpack. So what do you get, well you get the following; SIRUI NT-1005X Tripod Alu, SIRUI E-10 Ball Head with TY-50E Release Plate, a decent enough Bag and last but not least some decent instructions, which are actually useful. My apologies for sounding repetitive, however, I was very impressed with the quality of this tripod. There is something a little extra about the quality of the sirui tripods that sold me on this brand. The fit and finish seem superior to even the long established brands out there.I know Sirui is relatively new to the market but for the outlay,

7.9.2017

This is pretty high end stuff. I previously used a cheap £20 (mostly plastic) tripod which I could never fully trust and the difference in construction, quality and versatility between the two is quite astounding.It comes with its own waterproof carrying bag which can be handheld or slung over your shoulder.The tripod itself is light enough to be portable but still a good solid weight (which is always a bonus if it's going to be supporting your best, expensive camera!). Each legs have multiple joins which can be loosened and tightened to extend the height and width as desired. These work smoothly and feel 100% solid when tightened.

17.10.2017

I had a cheap tripod for years and once you've tried a decent one you never look back! This tripod is sturdy and well made and comes with the added benefit of the fact that it folds to about half the size of normal tripods making it really good for travel or just for a walk with your camera.It's versatile with a ball head which allows you to angle the camera easily. The legs can be go wide and narrow and the centre column extends to twice its height and can be inserted upside down so you can attach the camera and shoot low to the ground. To extend the legs you twist the joints to release them and then twist again to tighten.

11.9.2017

Not only does this offer a suitable stand for our cameras but also for one or two of our video cameras too. I know that we haven't yet used it to its full capabilities as we have only used it so far around the home but, allowing for drier weather (sometime this side of 2020) then we fully intend to experiment on some of the great scenery around the Norfolk Broads and the Waveney Valley especially - along with some shots of my birthplace twixt Horningsea & Fen Ditton.It is a professional piece of kit so, as you would expect, it is well made, robust but also great to carry around and to assemble/set-up. We do have another tripod already but I suspect this one is likely to get the most use.

24.9.2017

This is a really high quality tripod for serious videographers and photographers alike. Having owned two other tripods from other manufacturers I am impressed by the build quality and practicalities of this model. Firstly although it is on the heavier side due to the solidly built body, however the legs neatly fold back on itself for compact storage which comes with a heavy duty carry bag. One of the better features that I like is the quick release mechanism for the legs, this is perfect for adjusting on uneven ground. The legs are stable and do not move once secured, this is helped by the thick rubber feet to stop the tripod from slipping about. The ball head can be adjusted 360 degrees with up to a 90 degree tilt,

19.11.2017

If you’re after a tripod for your camera then you have found it!This "SIRUI NT-1005X Universal Travel Tripod Kit with Monopod Leg and E-10 Ball Head" is likely the best I've ever used (even if it does have non-inspiring name.)I won't bore you by repeating all the features that Amazon and other reviewers have already discussed in detail. However what I will say is that this is solid, collapse down to cabin baggage size, has a removable monopod for panning and is easy and quick to use.While it may seem expensive this tripod really does it all and more. Consider the cost of your camera – would you really want to trust it on a cheap tripod?

27.8.2017

A great all rounder. It's aimed at the outdoor user but I've been playing around with it indoors more than anything else and once it's set up it's a treat to use. It's straightforward to put together with the enclosed Allen keys and as the ball head includes a spirit level that sits at one side of the camera you can be sure that everything is as it should be. The legs can be fixed at just about any height so if you are somewhere rugged you'll still be sure of getting your angles just right. It's a sturdy piece of kit which looks and feels more expensive than it is. A worthy addition to a photographers setup.

22.8.2017

This is a superb piece of kit. Solidly built, great looking and eminently usable, this is the business! As a tripod, it's compact, built to take knocks and easily portable. Not lightweight-it's too solid for that- but no heavier than a good camera bag with lenses. It easily converts to a monopod if you fancy some flexibility for sports photography. But the tripod is the main attraction. Infinitely adjustable, secure and practical, this is the one for you! Very highly recommended!! Serious kit for serious photographers.

23.7.2019

The Sirui N-2204SK is a very well made, solid tripod. It is versatile, extending to a reasonable height without having to extend the centre column and will also get quite low with the lower part of the centre column removed. The fact that one of the legs can be utilized as a monopod is a bonus, although I haven't used it as such yet. Overall I'm very happy with the tripod and can highly recommend it.

5.10.2017

To put it bluntly: This is a fantastic tripod. It really does collapse into a tiny size. It's strong, sturdy, lightweight (perfect for travelling with).The only really drawback is that Amazon sell this a very high price compared to other sites (which is quite shocking!).To put it bluntly again: If you need a tripod, buy this!

3.5.2020

For the price this is solid and sturdy.When folded its really small but takes time to work out how to fold it back up again into the smallest form factor.The ball head can cope with normal sized cameras but had difficulty when hanging a heavy camera sideways.

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