Best Budget Travel Tripod - K & F Pro Tripod Review TC2534

[@Tralfamadorean]

Great review Gary. The problem that I have with tripods (plural because I think I may be starting a collection) is that no matter how much I research one before buying, play with it in the shop, I always tend to find things that I dislike about the about a month later. Your review after the pod has been used for three weeks is a breath of fresh air. Many thanks.

[@GaryGough]

Thanks for saying. It really is a cracking tripod 👍

[@nickyfoulkes8476]

The missing spirit level on the legs was the first thing I noticed. I like you as a landscape photographer it is essential. Travel tripods are notorious for not having one. Having moved to Fuji XT-2 I have bought a "3 legged thing Leo" and the ball head is a dream. Bit of a difference in price though. Manfrotto are just too heavy for me these days, and I have had several over the years. Great video your professionalism shows through with the quality of the video, especially at the start.

[@GaryGough]

Thank you Nicky for saying so. Apart from the missing level as you pointed out it's a great bit of kit, especially for the money :)

[@jayvee0404]

Great review, Gary. I've actually just bought this tripod but have yet to use it. Before I do, I thought I'd return to your video for a second 'run through' to help me familiarise myself with it. The details you give is just what I needed. Now I'm off to play around with my new toy so I can set it up and take it down quickly once I'm out on the moor. ...Thank you 👍 ...and subscribed 😊

[@GaryGough]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the sub 👍👍

[@jayvee0404]

@@GaryGough You're welcome 😊

[@jamesfindlay7150]

Brilliant review, I use the KF-TM2534T and love it. The build quality is brilliant and at the price it is well priced. I love how you explained it took you 3 weeks to review it as you were using it all the time. Great work and great review or a great product

[@GaryGough]

James Findlay - I genuinely have been working it hard too. Fantastic bit of kit for the money. Cheers James

[@gordonmelrose57]

Good review Gary. I have the aluminium version and love it. I noticed the missing level too so stood the tripod on a level surface and hot glued a smaller bubble level to the ‘leg hinge plate’ and it works just fine

[@GaryGough]

love that idea - I have another tripod that's missing a level - I'm on it :)

[@timscanlanphotography]

Hi Gary. Credit to you for approaching this review with such integrity and impartiality. Now having used up my quota of big words for the week, I just wanted to say thank you for pointing us at this great piece of kit. Top review from a top bloke.

[@GaryGough]

Tim Scanlan oh thank you Tim, that’s very kind of you to say

[@Robertgreaves816]

Great review gary ! I bought this tripod and find it very useful in the field with my D500.

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Robert. It's pretty decent for the price :)

[@MaliDaviesPhotography]

I bought a very similar tripod and it’s been fantastic. K & F gear is so good for the price. Cracking review Gary. Really enjoyed the way you put the footage together at the beginning, with the product shots! 😁👍

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Mali, very kind

[@PatOutdoorify]

Great review Gary, just bought a travel tripod from Zomei, saves me so much weight in comparison with the Manfrotto.. Easy to attach to the backpack.. Keep up the good work!

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Patrick

[@RS.Outdoors]

Nice review. If you want to be able to level the tripod for landscape panno's you can buy separate tripod leveling plates from Amazon which is what I have done on my tripods. They come in different sizes and fit underneath your ball head.

[@GaryGough]

Great idea, never thought of that. I've sent you a PM to your FB page btw

[@marwiesi]

it´s an offset plate, available from neewer in all kinds of diameters.. makes your tripod "compatible" with landscape photography ;)

[@GaryGough]

marwiesi - I’ll go take a look. Thank you

[@marwiesi]

welcome!

[@divinerdetective44]

Impressive review, just ordered direct from the posted link. I trust your judgement & the fact that you put it to use. I live in the US, there's no shipping & it's cheaper than Amazon. Consequently I also ordered a pair of inexpensive binoculars, LOL! Never used a tripod before, but I must have lightweight AND value.

[@GaryGough]

Oh that's great. Please let me know your thoughts when you receive it. You can see me using it in the making for this film... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZeUpp-eqdKte5Y

[@ianlivermore2981]

Absolutely agree Gary I bought the same tripod after watching your mate Jason jones he done a review a cpl month back. I absolutely love this tripod well worth the £70 that I paid on amazon 👍

[@GaryGough]

Certainly is great for the money 👍 Cheers Ian

[@martynwells5594]

Great review totally agree that it is an excellent tripod. I got mine after Jason Jones review last December. Cracking price brand new from K&F eBay £35.

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Martyn

[@Chris-NZ]

Hi Gary, glad to see you give this tripod a work out first, I don't know how many reviews there are out there with people unboxing and immediately "reviewing" everything from cameras to bags to tripods. Your review makes "informed choice" so much easier. I haven't seen the brand at any of our retailers (NZ is a tiny market). Will be interesting to see how it goes for you long term. I still have my first tripod dating to the early 1970's, its a Velbon VGB-3 it even has a folding crank handle for the centre pole, it got a beating for well over 30 years before a solid Manfroto caused its retirement. I use the Carbon BeeFree for travel but feature for feature the K and F looks to have the advantage - except (in my case) the plate system as I prefer to use the same (manfroto) plate across all my cameras and lens brackets.

[@GaryGough]

Hi Chris, I have just Googled your original tripod, it looks a tasty piece of kit. I'm the same as you re the plate but the K&F plate fitting seems to be the "in" thing. This Carbon Fibre kit just seems awesome for the money 👍

[@GilbertTV]

good honest review .... K&F do some great products...

[@GaryGough]

I genuinely am very impressed - cheers Gilbert 👍

[@neilholden7821]

ive got a K@F tripod and i bought a self leveling adaptor. no problems best tripod that i have owned

[@clanelliott0305]

Great review, i have a K & F but not carbon fibre and love it, there are a few levelling plates out there for £30+, Manfrottos 438 is £90+

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Chris. Great idea, I'm on it

[@ETC-Plant-Trainer]

I have this tripod and I think it’s an absolute steal for the money! Great review

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Gavin 👍

[@kimgrantphotography]

Love that tripod! They sent me one about a month ago and I was pleasantly surprised. Its so smooth, light and easy to use. Great review Gary ☺

[@GaryGough]

Kim Grant - yeah it’s got a good solid feel to it. Thanks Kim xx

[@markdayphotography7948]

Loved the honest review. Not so keen on black shirt/ black subject combination. Something to remember for next time?

[@GaryGough]

Hi Mark, duly noted :) Cheers

[@Forthejoyofphotography]

I own the sister/brother version TC2854 (only difference is 3mm of carbon fibre and 0,25kg weight). I put an LB-60 levelling base under the ballhead (the levelling base also has a spirit level bubble thingy ) - that would enable you to get the tripod dead level for panoramics. Adds a bit to weight, but not much. Many versions of the same LB-60 (all identical other than brand name) are available I got mine on ebay for £29. As to the tripod at this price point it pretty much is unbeatable. I think K&F are gonna make the so called 'Big Guns'...Manfrotto, Benro. GITZO nervous as they for too long have sold their carbon fibre tripods at an 'out of reach' price for many ordinary photographers. I think this was a fair review. I believe carbon fibre is porus - so my only concern is longevity if you keep sticking the legs in the sea or salt water. I suppose at this price point they are cheap enough to buy another if the legs ever degraded though.

[@GaryGough]

Hi Brian. I second all of these comments. I'll go and take a look for a leveller. Thank you

[@bcegerton]

Great review Gary, thanks for that. I’m after a new tripod that needs to be light but also needs to go very low and I really don’t fancy turning the camera upside down like most seem to do in the more “budget” category as you say.

[@GaryGough]

Your camera can sit really low on this tripod Brian. It's a great one for the price

[@laynecristian7702]

i dont mean to be so off topic but does anybody know a tool to get back into an Instagram account..? I stupidly forgot the account password. I appreciate any tips you can give me.

[@kasebentley9406]

@Layne Cristian Instablaster :)

[@laynecristian7702]

@Kase Bentley thanks so much for your reply. I found the site on google and im trying it out atm. Takes quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@laynecristian7702]

@Kase Bentley It did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thanks so much you really help me out!

[@johngraham3842]

Great review, good to see 'budget' gear getting a decent review. Many thanks John

[@GaryGough]

Cheers John

[@billonthehill9984]

Good review Gary... The tripod is a bit lightweight for my tastes, however it would be handy as a 2nd set of legs to carry on a backpack to set up a small camera for doing video/vlog work imo... What this unit really requires & must be purchased separately is a LEVELER to be threaded on beneath the ballhead... I use a leveler on my 42mm $1000.00 plus CF legs for the convenience factor, whereas the tripod does not have to be perfectly level, makes setting up for panoramas super quick & simple... Overall, this looks like a well built, lightweight unit however & glad you took the time to review it... Bill Farr... Vermont, USA... :-)

[@GaryGough]

William Farr - hi Bill, yeah it really is a good unit. I’ve been using it with my Canon 5DMkIII and it holds very well. The missing level on the tripod itself is the only thing that lets it down slightly. Can’t complain for the money though 👍🏻

[@ivan7453]

Hi Gary, I really wish more manufactures would provide tripod levels. Most will offer a head level but as you stated they are not suitable for leveling the tripod when shooting panoramas. Perhaps the manufacturers might listen to you

[@marcelzwart3527]

Great and honest review Gary.

[@GaryGough]

Thank you Marcel

[@GlenDomulevicz]

To me, getting the tripod/camera level for pano is very important. Thanks for the review.

[@GaryGough]

Me too Glen. I'm sure this is something they'll review and fix

[@rocketmanab]

Great review Gary. How do you feel about it 2 years on? I'm thinking of buying this as my main tripod, shooting with an xt2....

[@marcanthonystorm]

Good review my friend as always.

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Marc 👍

[@MrGraeme1961]

Excellent review Gary. I think we all need to get away from brand loyalty. I have the Manfrotto and you certainly know you have carried that around with you all day. ATB. Graeme

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Graeme 👍

[@thevalleywalker]

Good review Gary. I have been looking at this exact tripod over the past week or so. My Gitzo is too heavy these days to take into the field and I sold my Induro Travel Tripod a few months ago so am looking for a replacement.

[@GaryGough]

It's definitely worth a punt at this one. I honestly do think it's excellent value for money. It's a shame there's a missing spirit level on the actual tripod but apart from that it's a decent bit of kit

[@ETC-Plant-Trainer]

Alan it’s certainly worth the money I use on all my landscape photography why spend big if you don’t need too

[@thevalleywalker]

Thx Gavin

[@peterdovey5182]

A good honest review Gary well presented.

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Peter 👍

[@laloubretagne2639]

Thank you 👍for this video too nice😀, Read the difference between this tripod TM2534T and that TC2534

[@GaryGough]

Will do, cheers

[@RamblingTog]

I bought one a few months back, great bit of kit. You forgot the monopod demo.

[@GaryGough]

Completely forgot about it DOH! I've actually used it too and it's really sturdy. 👍

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Gary, I was just wondering about the missing level on the tripod body if that is as big of a deal now that most cameras have a level screen in the camera that lets you know when your camera is level? I truly don't know... what do you think?

[@glowingeddy]

I have the same thing in Aluminium, it's only 100grams difference but still a bit cheaper. it's branded here as a Mefoto tripod

[@GaryGough]

Mefoto, the cheek of it lol Cheers

[@cyrusIIIII]

Why do you need the tripod to be level in Pano? The camera itself is enough. You can have a not-level tripod by orienting the camera in a way that it is level. Would you clarify why would you need two level indicators on a tripod?

[@saeedahmad3748]

Hi Gray, nice review, I am sorry, I fail to understand why we need level on head and tripod itself. as I bout one of K&F tripod and I want to start Pano so please explain it to me in little more details, thanks.

[@jongraham2679]

I have the exact same tripod and it has taken some hammer dropped it a few times and even smashed it on rocks when i fell in a river still going strong

[@GaryGough]

I'm not the only fool that falls in rivers then? lol Cheers Jon

[@jongraham2679]

fell in a few gary anything to get the shot hey lol

[@euanclouston1841]

They have added another £40 to the price. But to be honest I think it is to much tripod for my Sony a200. But I agree seems like a good review. Will you still be using it or are you going back to the old tripod?

[@GaryGough]

Hi Euan, the price is £115 if you click the link. I'll be using this instead of my Manfrotto yes

[@photografiaaustralis2131]

Good review Gary. Nice tripod indeed! But, how do you find the loss of 9 inches from your taller Manfrotto 055? Being a tall man, I would assume crouching over that little bit more could get frustrating and having to extend the center column only lends itself to increased vibration. All in all though, the price is incredible and the build design faultless. Greg

[@GaryGough]

I did find myself raising the center column which isn't always the best practice. I reviewed it as a budget travel tripod. I suppose some things have to give.

[@johnhitchon8043]

Hi Gary. My friend has this tripod but wants to replace the ball head with a gimbal it says it is possible but not sure how...any would be much appreciated. Cheers

[@jackthair8311]

Wish I would have found this review a couple of weeks ago. Just bought a new tripod. Could have gotten more for less money.

[@cyrusIIIII]

This video has been in 2018. Do you recommend other budget tripods in 2022?

[@TimberGeek]

It seems they've done away with the short column & bag in the US market and are advertising inverted shooting. :-P I think I'll just stick with my 1970s aluminum and the modified CST/Berger until I can find an actual camera store so I know what I'm buying.

[@GaryGough]

Good advice. It's that touchy-feely thing that I also prefer. You can tell so much more when you get hold of it

[@TheMarried123]

@@GaryGough Hot shoe levels are available too. Better for panos because it is on the camera.

[@somedude6267]

Good review and info

[@GaryGough]

Thank you Albert

[@chuckyzzz]

Very good review.

[@GaryGough]

Thank you

[@SidBonkers51]

Generic Chinese carbon tripod, I have one branded with the Neweer name and TBH I cant fault it, been using it for about 6 months and tend to take it with me more often than my much heavier Manfrotto 190L, Im not sure if it will last as long as the Manfrotto but it only cost £69.99 from a UK seller on Ebay and at that price if it only last a year or two I'll be happy although as I said Its had 6 months use so far and has performed well up till now. Its so light compared to my aluminium Manfrotto but seems quite stable. They are also sold under the Zomei brand and a few other brands too and come in different heights and colours, mine is gold like yours and I seem to recall stands at 67inches. I did replace the head with a small Manfrotto head as I couldnt get on with the Arco Swiss style head, I found them too fiddly even with an "L" bracket. Mine doesnt have a bubble level either but I have been thinking of buying a small round level that I can glue onto the top of one of the legs, it would be esay to set the tripod level using a decent spirit level and then gluing on the small level when the tripod is set to level. (hope that makes sense). All in all I am very happy with mine especially as it only cost me £69.99.

[@GaryGough]

Sounds like a bargain. Most people will buy a tripod and only use it a handful of times in a year so why fork out loads for one? Cheers Sid 👍

[@perlogalism2167]

I bought the Neewer version of this (looks identical) on an Amazon deal for ~ £50. Figured for that price I couldn't go wrong. Have to say, I'm similarly impressed. It's been heavily used over the last month and other than the problem with the level, I can't fault it either.

[@GaryGough]

Sounds a cracking deal. Was it Carbon Fibre too?

[@perlogalism2167]

Yep. Like I said, identical looking (apart from the bag which doesn't have the piping). Full price is £80 but keep an eye on the Amazon deals: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01MQVL6P3/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@v-gc7257]

Is this still good for 2021? I am planning to pair this with my Z6 Nikon

[@GaryGough]

I still use this lens today. I use it on my VLOGGING camera which is a Canon M50. It’s a light camera though.

[@johnspencer1146]

Would have seen a lot more detail if you had not worn a black polo shirt whilst presenting black products.

[@GaryGough]

John Spencer - thought that when I was editing the video. It shouldn’t detract too much. I grabbed loads of shots of the tripod on its own

[@marcanthonystorm]

You sound like and have the mannerisms of Gerard Butler.

[@GaryGough]

He’s Scottish, I’m Welsh? He’s a good looking bloke so I’ll take that all day long :) 👍🏻

[@dx3200]

Their Tripods are ok but their customer service is unfortunately one of the worst I’ve ever come across. They will reply once and that’s where it ends. Very disappointing. No support at all for any discontinued products. If you have a question, they just reply saying the product is discontinued. No more K&F for me.

[@More-Space-In-Ear]

Honest and true, cheers Gary.... I’ve been using the Hahnel Triad 30 Lite Professional Aluminium Alloy 4-Section Tripod with 360º Quick Release Ball and it’s great. One thing I was looking for in a tripod was height which helps me from bending over while trying astrophotography, with its height it’s great to just look up through the viewfinder, before I was using boxes under the feet to higher my old tripod...oh this one has the level on the tripod too 😊😉👍🏼 www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00361EC1S/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@GaryGough]

Also looks a great bit of kit. It's aluminum though so it won't be as light as the K&F one 👍

[@More-Space-In-Ear]

Gary Gough very true Gary 👍🏼