Landscape Photography with the K&F Concept SA255C1 Carbon Fibre Tripod (Review)

[@jbairdexp]

If you'd like to pick up one of these tripods, the kind folks at K&F Concept have shared the following discounts with me: Website - K&F carbon tripod: bit.ly/3fVcaHl Coupon code: KF10UK (10% discount, valid until 31/12/2021） Amazon - K&F carbon tripod: amzn.to/3wSD5dU Coupon code: KFCUK007 (10% discount, valid until 30/06/2021）

[@bcegerton]

Must say Julian I wish I’d have gone for this rather than the BA225 as mine can be a little fidgety, can’t use the bottom legs in anything more than a light breeze either. I did buy a Vanguard one, similar price but quality was far superior though it wasn’t Carbon so a little heavy for my day to day as I shoot Street more than anything and use a walking stick.

[@jbairdexp]

@@bcegerton It can be a bit tricky finding the right balance between weight and stability. No such thing as one size fits all when it comes to tripods! :-)

[@bcegerton]

@@jbairdexp Don’t I know it, though being disabled I won’t be climbing the Cairngorms anytime soon, though I wish I could change the feet on mine

[@mrbobb4989]

K&F are a bunch of cowboys, I had a carbon fiber KF-SA255C1 tripod from them, within a couple of weeks legs were getting jammed because of the ultra cheap soft plastic parts used in the twist locks, The ball head split in to two parts whilst I was using it !! with my camera on!! twist locks came unstuck from the legs and had to be re glued back on..parts inside have broken and generally it's now really hit and miss using it.. I contacted them and they would only send out the replacement plastic parts if I paid them £15.. Cowboys.. Spend your money elsewhere..

[@stephengreen6283]

I bought this model fairly recently as I needed to save some weight to make hill walking less of a chore, (I'm getting on a bit), and it was reasonably priced for a carbon fibre tripod. So far I've been very impressed with it. It takes a Nikon D610 and 300mm zoom lens with no issues. A couple of observations - I'm not sure how it will perform in very windy conditions as the legs are quite slim though it's been fine in 'breezy' conditions, but as you say, you can attach a bag to the central column. And maybe next time I'd go for a tripod with fewer leg sections (it has 4). Apart from this I think it's a good compromise between weight and stability and means I now take a tripod with me every time I go on photo trips rather than leaving the tripod at home because of the weight.

[@jbairdexp]

Like most photography items that you buy, you always compromise in some way. It could be price, weight, or features. You just got to find a product, in this case a tripod, that meets as many of your requirements as possible. I do find the spike feet I mention in the video really help add a bit of stability. :-) Thanks for watching.

[@Zetaphotography]

Is this a good buy? Other reviews 1yr later are bad

[@kfconcept]

Awesome video with K&F Concept tripod and amazing landscape photography, love it!

[@jbairdexp]

Glad you love it! Thanks. 👍😎

[@poppyalexwest]

Got any new discount codes for this tripod?

[@CourtneyVictoria]

I'm doing a bit of research as I'm replacing my filming tripod for reasons echoed in your intro. Sony-ZV1 + wind + tripod not suited = expensive repair bill ha! This is very helpful, very tempted to go with a K&F Concept tripod this time.

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks Courtney, glad you found it useful. Good luck with your search for a new tripod! 👍

[@davidguedj4489]

Thanks a lot for your video. Have you make some tests of long exposure with the wind to check if tripod enough steady ?

[@jbairdexp]

Hi David, it would very much depend on the how strong with wind is and the length of your long exposure. Saying that, if you take a lot of long exposures in unsettled conditions, you might want to look at something a bit heavier.

[@armen45100]

This tripod... I just received it.. simply superb.. Quality of materials.. the aluminium.. the carbon.. the carry bag.. outstanding quality! Don't even think.. just buy it..

[@jbairdexp]

Glad you like it so much!

[@stevehayward2533]

My favourite tripod is the 5 series Gitzo GT5543XLS bowl head with the levelling base which makes it super easy to get level, it has massive legs and spikes which comes into its own in fast running water or surf but weighs a ton, nearly 4kg. I also have carbon Manfrotto which is great for carrying but the spikes are pathetic, useless in woodland were you need to get through the thatch to get a firm purchase, this tripod looks an ideal replacement with those long spikes. Excellent presentation as always Julian

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you so much Steve. I have a Gitzo mountaineer tripod as well which I found slightly easier to work with compared to the Gitzo series tripods. I bet the series 5 is a monster and rock solid! :-)

[@mauricewhite691]

Great video Julian,what's the filter set-up you have for the landscape shot's?

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks, I use Kase Filters. I've published these videos - kzbin.info/www/bejne/maG3haRvbrGMi7s and kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZ60oqWkrtZ6gNE

[@WaltANelsonPHD]

Good photography always comes back to tripods. Thanks for the reminder and the demonstration.

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks Walt, too many photographers underestimate the importance of a good tripod. :-)

[@saugeangel6607]

Great video! Quick question, does this has a quarter inch hole to attach magic arms et cetera on it anyway?

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks. Unfortunately it doesn't. This tripod I reviewed just recently does - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKikmYStdtN5rJI - I appreciate that it's not in the same price range though. :-)

[@CloneDaddy]

I bought a K&F Concept TM2534T as my first tripod about three years ago, and it's still going strong. As a newbie, I didn't know what I'd be using it for, but this thing is *so* versatile that I have never had any problem adapting it to whatever my purpose was. The most I've had to do to it in three years, apart from basic cleaning and maintenance, is use a bit of JB Weld on a couple of the anti-rotation locks, because they stopped anti-rotating. It was the work of seconds, and I haven't had any other issues with it. At the time, it was about £120 new, but by shopping around I got it for £80. I didn't know this was a travel tripod when I bought it, but honestly, I have had *no* issues with stability. I had it on Torquay beach during Storm Keira and 80+ mph winds, and with my camera bag hanging off the centre hook I had no problems whatsoever. It was the single biggest improvement to the quality of my photos and worth _every_ penny. I love it.

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks and good to hear you've had long term use of the your K&F. So many people underestimate the use of a good tripod. Every year I strip down my tripods for a clean.....I try to remember all the beaches I have visited when I see all the sand!

[@CloneDaddy]

@@jbairdexp I know, right. I was shocked the first time I cleaned mine. I wouldn't have thought it, but I guess it gets taken in with all the water.

[@scottferguson5462]

Thanks Julian as I needed a new tripod and was looking for a decent CF one. Hope it lasts well. See you over on the west side of the Moor!😀

[@jbairdexp]

Cheers Scott, only time will tell. I'll be easy to spot as I'll be the photographer with the tripod with the orange bits! :-)

[@timrosenburgh9485]

Hi Julian, Sorry to hear about your Sony camera disaster but thank goodness it was repairable. I have got a K&F Consept trypod but not the carbon fibre one. Mine is the KF-TM2534T which i find excellent and very good quality. I think you will enjoy using your one as it is so versatile.

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks Tim, sometimes we have to learn the hard way! Good to know that your K&F is doing a good job. :-)

[@jeffogden6060]

Good review Julian. I don’t need a tripod at the minute but if I did I would give this one a look. Cheers, Jeff

[@jbairdexp]

Cheers Jeff, always nice to see a comment from one of my regular viewers! :-)

[@trevorcrook5649]

I have ordered one and it arrived today, pretty impressed, so time will tell.

[@jbairdexp]

Good man Trevor...hope you like it and it suits you well. :-)

[@noelbodle8863]

Long spikes are a great addition to any tripod, I have them fitted to both my Benro,s. Really does help nail it down in any conditions, particularly on Dartmoor where always windy 👍

[@jbairdexp]

I have been to Dartmoor when it wasn't windy.....just the once though....lol

[@11dmju]

beautiful scenery

[@jbairdexp]

Thatnks Duncan, it's not bad here :-)

[@ajwk]

One of my latest 'investments' was a new tripod - i got a demo-used in my local photo store, and thereby some discount. I was surprised of how much sturdier and easier to use it was than my previous ones. Buying a new tripod will always be a compromise between quality, price and weight - and which type of hike it will be used in. Nevertheless - never underestimate the importance of a tripod.... Thanx again for another video in an open and beautiful landscape.

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks Arne. You are right, there is always some sort of compromise....some tripods do some things better than others....so you need to get one that suits your own needs. Unfortunately for me I often need to carry two tripods....one for video, one for stills! :-)

[@johnbather783]

Hi Julian, I have recently purchased this tripod having seen your review which was very useful. I don't know if you will see this question as it is a long time since your video. Someone else sort of asked the same question which you didn't understand but here goes. It is regarding the L bracket you use. It is not listed in the gear you use. The plates to fit the QR that come with the tripod are one and a half inches wide whereas a L bracket I have been looking at on Amazon is two inches wide so wouldn't fit. I assume that your L bracket is one and a half inches wide and that is why I and the other person who asked would like to know which one you use. Thanks, John

[@jbairdexp]

Hi John, the L bracket on my Z7 is a Three Legged Thing Zelda (www.3leggedthing.com/uk/zelda-dedicated-bracket.html). I've not found a tripod head that it doesn't fit. Hope that helps?

[@johnbather783]

@@jbairdexp Thanks for the super quick reply. Really appreciated. The link didn't work but no worries. On Amazon it appears to be c£85 I was looking at the Neewer L shape bracket for £20.99. I know, I am an old git so don't need stuff to last long just to fit. I am new to all this digital stuff and consequently full of GAS. Just need to get out more really and take pics,

[@jbairdexp]

@@johnbather783 Sorry it shouldn't had that trailing ) at the end of the url should be www.3leggedthing.com/uk/zelda-dedicated-bracket.html But yeah it is £89 (though I don't remember it being that expensive, but it was years ago so who knows!) Anyway, I don't regret buying it. We all suffer from GAS! lol

[@johnbather783]

@@jbairdexp Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I notice you didn't comment on the Neewer bracket which speaks volumes I suppose. As a Pro you need the best. Thanks again.

[@jbairdexp]

@@johnbather783 I didn't comment about the Newer because I don't know anything about it. :-)

[@philipedwardcaddick4294]

I have seen these tripod's in quite a few videos and I think the Zomei Q666 which I bought recently is very similar, the only differences are it's made of aluminium and I don't think I can put spikes on it which is the most annoying thing about it

[@jbairdexp]

It's good to have all these tripod options, but I have to admit, I couldn't live without spikes....I've had tripods blow over....with cameras attached - ouch!

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

As you may know I do a lot for K&F I find them great value for money. I have a tripod from them at the moment I am looking at. I must come down for a visit soon

[@jbairdexp]

lol, yeah man, you're the K&F dude! :-)

[@Bob-ls7uf]

I think the one with the shadow is more interesting like being on a rocky beach with the tide coming in.

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks for watching Bob and for sharing your thoughts. 👍

[@jcben]

Do you really do long exposure with the center collumn deployed ? I'd fear wind would shake my camera

[@jbairdexp]

Hi Jean, sometimes! Depends on the conditions and which tripod I'm using. :-)

[@martharetallick204]

Okay, Julian, you inspired me again. By the dawn's early light, I did a photo shoot with my tripod. What was I shooting? Tomatoes. Why? It's for a story I am writing. And those darn tomatoes just weren't cooperating while I was shooting handheld.

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks Martha, you never fail to surprise me with what you have been shooting! :-)

[@elfwolf1338]

I have ordered this tripod K&F Concept SA255C1 Carbon Fibre Tripod but was told by someone from K&F that you can't remove the feet to fit spikes? can you confirm that you can please thanks Roger

[@jbairdexp]

Hey Elf, not sure why they said that, but I definitely just unscrewed the rubber feet and replaced them with spikes.

[@elfwolf1338]

@@jbairdexp thanks for the reply I hope they fit

[@jbairdexp]

@@elfwolf1338 Don't see why not - you can see me unscrew the feet here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2nJf4t6fcmDbck

[@bestbass42]

Good video mate, well done.

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you :-)

[@timrosenburgh9485]

Hi Julian, I meant to mention the hook part at the bottom of the centre column works itself loose. Keep an eye on it as i nearly lost mine.

[@jbairdexp]

Cheer mate, will keep an eye on that....happened on my Gitzo as well so :-(

[@matssandquist9258]

I visted some years ago a place I think called Jamaica Inn. Is that south of Dartmoor?

[@scottferguson5462]

Jamaica Inn is on Bodmin Moor over the border in Cornwall (SW). Just off to the left of the main road through Cornwall A30 and about 12 miles after Launceston.

[@jbairdexp]

Looks like Scott beat me to it! Thanks for watching :-)

[@tanyaliepins31]

Cheers Julian, Just ordered one

[@jbairdexp]

Nice on Tanya! :-)

[@nigelnewton4365]

Thanks for this, Julian. I've just bought one using your code! However, the spikes are not available at the moment and their only alternatives are 3/8" rather than 1/4" 🤔

[@jbairdexp]

Great to hear you've bought one. :-) Hopefully the spikes will go back in stock soon.

[@nigelnewton4365]

@@jbairdexp I've actually found another source of spikes, also on Amazon, but these are a bit longer. 12cm I think. Had to hunt around on there as many only have 3/8" thread. The ones I've ordered come with an adapter. No idea if they're any good but time will tell! Thanks again, Julian.

[@bcegerton]

Can you remove the centre column and put a short column in so it can go lower to the ground rather than inverting the centre column Julian?

[@CloneDaddy]

I have a similar K&F tripod, and yes, it comes with a short piece you can swap out.

[@bcegerton]

@@CloneDaddy Thanks for that, can you tell me the model number of yours please, and does it go very low?

[@jbairdexp]

I understand you question Brian, but I couldn't see a way to achieve it. Sorry. Might be worth pinging K&F an email to ask. :-)

[@bcegerton]

@@jbairdexp Thanks, yes I’ll do that

[@nigelnewton4365]

@@bcegerton Hi Brian. We know each other from a local page! When you get an answer from K & F could you let me know? Ta.

[@peterhayward4217]

I think the first shot looks more realistic as the sun sets shadows are going to be cast onto some areas where sunlight will be cast in other areas, not only that, the shadow leads you into a really nice sun lit area my amateurish opinion

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks Peter....it's good to get all opinions because I hadn't thought of it that way so thanks! :-)

[@georgesmith3022]

i think it's a bit too short. If you extend the center column it will not be that stable, especially if you want some long exposure photos

[@jbairdexp]

True, but extended the centre column of any tripod will decrease stability. So I'd always look at how high it goes without the column extended. :-)

[@PaulTimlett]

I think you had a D850 before your Z7 didn't you? Will that tripod hold a D850 plus, say, a 70-200mm lens? It looks a bit spindly in the video. The price look almost too good to be true.

[@jbairdexp]

Yes, I had the D850 and the 70-200 f/2.8. The weight limit of the tripod is 10kg, so that camera / combo is well within the weight limit. There are still benefits to a heavier tripod though and depending on what you shoot a bulkier tripod might be a better option.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Sorry, I couldn't help myself but laughed so loudly during the intro...that's happened to me so many times. I felt guilty afterwards when I realised it cost you significantly. So far I have gotten away with it! K&F came to my rescue and I still use mine to this day. The legs do keep needing to be tightened though! The last image was the one that appealed to me the most!

[@jbairdexp]

lol, don't worry about it. It's good to know that other people have suffered the shame and cost of breaking their cameras. :-)

[@lynettezimmerling9787]

Where can I buy the spikes

[@jbairdexp]

Where can I buy the spikes "please"? As I said in the video, there is a link in the video description. :-)

[@MrHookshanks]

Leaning on the centre column and taking the shot with your hand on the camera, what could go wrong?

[@jbairdexp]

Granted, but the purpose of that clip was for story telling purposes. I took a number of shots either side of filming that clip, on a timer, hands off the camera.

[@MrHookshanks]

@@jbairdexp You don't really think that is a decent tripod do you??

[@jbairdexp]

@@MrHookshanks For the purpose I need it for, yes. But the wider message of the video is to encourage people to get decent tripod that suits their needs. Doesn't have to be a K&F.

[@NickBarang]

I felt kind of mugged when I bought my first camera and they forced me to buy a decent tripod before leaving the store, nowadays I am quite grateful to them. :-) That K&F looks much nicer than my Manfrotto thing though.

[@jbairdexp]

Good to hear you went to a store that encouraged you to buy a decent tripod....the number of times I've seen a camera worth £1k's sitting on £20 tripods is frightening! :-)

[@philippk2]

Very nice review! Do you think this tripod would be stable enough to safely carry a DSLM (700g) and a (rather light) internal zoom 150-600 tele (1,6kg) on a gimbal? Total weight would be about 3,5kg. Of course I would replace the ball head with the gimbal. I'm of course aware the tripod is rated for more weight. I'm rather talking about it tipping over. Although the gimbal should balance the weight quite well. I might have to add a levelling plate between the tripod and the gimbal, so a bit more weight but probably no balance issue...although it might add to the top-heaviness...

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks Philipp. It's a lightweight tripod and while you might be within the weight limit I would suggest you will need a sturdier and heavier tripod, especially if you are planning on using a gimbal. Also, I don't think you can (easily) replace the ballhead. The tripod I reviewed is great for lightweight workloads, but if you are talking about gimbals and levelling plate, I'd look at something more sturdy. Hope that helps.

[@philippk2]

@@jbairdexp Thank you. Yeah, I already thought so as well. In the meantime I saw a review of somebody who got really unlucky with his SA255C1. One leg came apart after six weeks...and it wasn't the monopod one - he rather got "one-and-a-half monopods" after that lol. And there were even more rather severe issues. Either he got extremely unlucky or K&F got a quality control issue...

[@philippk2]

@@jbairdexp guess I will get the Rollei Lion Rock Gimbal M. It's a complete system, including the gimbal. Not as light and compact as I would have wished but I need to be realistic here. And it's still "compact" for what it is. Especially, since the levelling plate is integrated into the gimbal.

[@maxrich6793]

ty for your content video..

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks :-)

[@chriswhitham9233]

Hi I bought an SA284C1 Carbon Fibre tripod 164cm as I am only 5ft 6

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks for watching Chris and glad you got a tripod to fit your needs :-)

[@wildfisher]

Oddly enough I was just thinking about a new tripod. 😊

[@jbairdexp]

Perfect timing then! :-)

[@wildfisher]

@@jbairdexp I ordered one - even got the spikey feet .................. 🤣

[@ronpettitt6184]

I looked at K&F tripods but they are all so amall. I want a tripod that is tall enough that I don't have to bend over to use it. I don't ever raise the center column and would remove it completely where possible

[@jbairdexp]

That's fair enough Ron. Just as well there is a massive selection of tripods out there! :-)

[@mrbobb4989]

K&F are a bunch of cowboys, I had a carbon fiber KF-SA255C1 tripod from them, within a couple of weeks legs were getting jammed because of the ultra cheap soft plastic parts used in the twist locks, The ball head split in to two parts whilst I was using it !! with my camera on!! twist locks came unstuck from the legs and had to be re glued back on..parts inside have broken and generally it's now really hit and miss using it.. I contacted them and they would only send out the replacement plastic parts if I paid them £15.. Cowboys.. Spend your money elsewhere..

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I think its always important to hear about the good and bad so people can make informed decisions.

[@colincarter3529]

far too flimsy, any tripod where the bottom sections look like a pencil is not adequate. Look at a Gitzo 3 series at the very least and nothing with more than 3 leg locks per leg, preferably 2

[@jbairdexp]

No one tripod is good for everyone and every scenario. :-)

[@lenf3641]

I have this tripod. I wouldn't call it decent, it's rather a shaking tripod.

[@jbairdexp]

It does depend on the camera you put on it. But point taken.

[@MarchMeadow]

The affiliate link (despite the honesty about the supplier sending you the product without obligations) made me switch off and unsubscribe from your channel. Sorry, mate. This is yet another advert. Good luck with your business.

[@jbairdexp]

Sorry to hear that. All my videos have affiliate links....they've had them for years.... Not sure why this one is any different, but hey if this one means that my content is somehow less valuable to you I'm sorry to see you go.