Sirui Traveler 5C Tripod - Worth it??

I picked up this lightweight tripod, the Sirui Traveler 5C mainly for lightweight traveling and hiking.
Is it worth $100?? That's up to you, but I purchased this with my own money, and I've been using it, so.....it's working for me, but I did change out the ball-head it came with.
Just my opinion and notes on this tripod.
The rest is up to you!! Thank you for watching.
Below are some affiliate links that help me support the content on this channel, thank you again all.
The Sirui Traveler 5C Tripod: amzn.to/2WDg9T8
Neewer Ball Head: amzn.to/3zUH2A6
Audio Gear I use:
Awesome shotgun mic that's also a USB Mic: amzn.to/3etBWT6
Industry Standard Headphones, Sony MDR-7506: amzn.to/3evQH87
Rode Wireless Go: amzn.to/3z77Xsf
Cameras used to film this video - Sony A7iii:
Sony A7iii: amzn.to/3ksEsNh
Tamron 17-28 f2.8 lens for Sony A7iii: amzn.to/3z9bqGD
Tamron 28-74 f2.8 lens for Sony A7iii: amzn.to/3kvyxqT
B-Roll Camera and cut-away/side shots - Panasonic GH5:
Panasonic GH5 (with 12-35 lens): amzn.to/3ilpZjM
Panasonic 12mm f1.4 for Micro Four Thirds: amzn.to/3ex6xiH
amzn.to/3ksEsNh
Other cool camera gear I use:
Manfrotto Pixie Tripod: amzn.to/3eiMT9l
Smallrig Mini Tripod: amzn.to/3zadSwx
Articulating arm for my microphone: amzn.to/3etHw86
Backup and Cheap Microphone - Movo VXR10: amzn.to/3z597nY
K&F Concept Camera Tripod (Goes up to almost 7 feet!!): amzn.to/3BqEIme
External Monitor, Atomos Shinobi: amzn.to/3exJbJP
#siruitraveler5c #sirui #traveltripod
ep:46

[@gregoryemmanuel9168]

Hey Marcus, thank you for an excellent and thorough review, you gave me much food for thought.

[@MarcusHutsell]

You are welcome, and thank you very much. I’m glad the information helped :)

[@TorradoAngel]

Amazing review. Very refreshing style. Ordered one. Thanks!

[@MarcusHutsell]

Thank you so much. I’m very glad the video helped you!

[@ppbarman1]

Hi Marcus, that was a most straight and honest review. You helped me decide. Thanks for the lovely presentation.

[@MarcusHutsell]

Thank you Parthia, I appreciate the comment and I’m glad the video helped you :)

[@WhoCutTheCheese1951]

Marcus, Great review. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it. I ordered both the tripod and the Neewer Ball Head. Great recommendations on both.

[@MarcusHutsell]

Thank you Bill. I appreciate it, I'm glad the information helped :). This tripod (with the neewer ball head) lives in my car and it's ready for most occasions when I need a tripod. I've repurposed the Sirui ball head in my home studio as my overhead camera mount :)

[@haroldogtr]

Thank you for this video. I bought the tripod based on your recommendation, and I love it. I didn't buy the separate ball head at first, but after just a short time using it, all of your complaints are absolutely spot on. buying the Neewer ball head now!

[@MarcusHutsell]

You're welcome! I'm glad the video helped. Happy Photographizing!!

[@ImTheBoss914]

Yo thank you so much for recommending that newer tripod head, panning is something I want so super thanks!

[@MarcusHutsell]

You’re welcome :)

[@AdventureswithOrangeCup]

Thank you! This is a good review! Not unpacking the box, but a practical experience of use. I'm thinking of taking it for hiking. And, you have very beautiful photos! Wow!

[@MarcusHutsell]

Thank you so mcuh!

[@loutrujillo9606]

I like your honesty and input. thanks.

[@MarcusHutsell]

Thank you very much, I appreciate it, and you're welcome.

[@Neoxenon]

Very nice review... thanks for sharing!

[@MarcusHutsell]

Thank you, and you're welcome, I'm glad it helped.

[@PeterObermeier]

Thank you very much for this video :-)

[@MarcusHutsell]

you're welcome, I'm glad it helped :)

[@susanthsutheesh5284]

Awesome review!

[@MarcusHutsell]

Thank you, I'm glad it helped :)

[@JekFlora]

Thanks. man. nice video

[@MarcusHutsell]

Thank you Blake, much appreciated, I’m glad it helped :)

[@rondelancey7863]

Hi Marcus...I have the same Sony A7 III that you mentioned. Since I have shoulder and back problems weight is a major issue when traveling and my current tripod is too heavy for me to carry around anymore. Sirui is a brand I'm seriously considering and your video was very helpful in my decision making. Good job!

[@MarcusHutsell]

Hi Ron. I'm so glad the video helped. Yes, the Traveler 5C is light, and that was the main reason I got it. I recently did have part of it break, but I was able to get replacement parts directly from Sirui. I made a video about the part that broke here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/epbFeXh7a8x0rbc Just something to consider. I like the new Ulanzi travel tripod (amzn.to/3W88bul), (I don't have it, just looks like a better version of the Peak Design), so I'm sure when I'm ready to get yet ANOTHER tripod, that Ulanzi may be the one ;) Cheers!

[@jesseonamotorcycle]

Great video buddy

[@MarcusHutsell]

Thank you Jesse!

[@gabedamien]

Thanks for the review. A very minor side quibble re 3:02, one would usually say this tripod has *5* sections per leg, not 4. The standard is to count all the tubes, not just the "added" tubes which extend. (A three-segment tripod has two latches, a four-segment has three, and a five-segment has four, as seen here.) I only mention to help avoid confusion!

[@MarcusHutsell]

Aaaaahhh! Makes sense. Thank you!

[@MartinFransson]

Great review! Trying to find the perfect budget travelling tripod... an endless task 🙂

[@MarcusHutsell]

It definitely is endless!! I recently had an inner plastic piece break on the Siruit traveler 5C, so one of the legs doesn't quite work right. Maybe the nay-sayers were right, but I could also attempt to reach out to Sirui for some replacement parts.

[@MartinFransson]

@@MarcusHutsell The same happened to me on my larger Sirui R-3213X so I am more than a bit hesitant buying more of these. Why the heck do you put these fragile plastic shims in an expensive (at least in my world) carbon fibre tripod? This travel one is kind of cheap, though so I might get one anyway 🤣

[@MarcusHutsell]

@@MartinFransson yeah, I was a bit surprised that part broke. But, I wrote Sirui this morning and they replied very quickly and are sending me a replacement plastic piece. Although, more plastic pieces like this they said are $9.99 each. But, at least they're sending me one replacement for my broken one.

[@MarcusHutsell]

And yeah, cheap plastic, but, MOST things have plastic parts these days, so, something is bound to break on most any tripod

[@maninder1984]

good review bud

[@MarcusHutsell]

Thank you!

[@agileperu4662]

Hi Marcus! your video finally made choose this tripod and I'm really happy with it! Yes, after that I was conscius about the cons and pros, but in the end it seemed to do what I was expecting. Of course I took note about replacing the head, so in this case I choose the Koolehaoda Low Profile Mini Ball Head, and it made a perfect fit to the legs... I didn't choose the neewer because the warnings about lead usage, so the Koolehaoda was the most interesting option and I was right about it. My new combo help me to take great panorama pics, and of course do a few selfies because I was traveling alone. Hope it helps to anyone that was thinking about this light tripod.

[@MarcusHutsell]

Hi there Agile. Awesome, I'm glad the video helped. I had no idea there were any sort of warnings about lead usage, is that with just Neewer products?

[@MartinFransson]

Could you inform me on the lead issue? Haven´t found any info about this.

[@mhsvz6735]

Great review, thank you! Please tell me the circumference of tripod when folded for travel. Thank you.

[@roadshoulderphotography683]

I found that if you don't extend the middle bar. you can loosen that lock screw and use that to pano the ball head. It loosens the extend bar and you can swivel it around... that's the work around I found with the one knob ball head. Personally I will also be changing the ball head as well

[@MarcusHutsell]

oh yeah! I didn't think of that, but that's a great idea. Will try it next time, thanx for the tip :)

[@georgieb.4278]

Great review!!! Jusy curious, im were you able to get Vertical portrait shots witb the original ball head? Cause i find that the knob clashed with the neck and so not allowing me to go full vertical.

[@tinplater]

Thanks...new version 5CX has a wing nut ball head. I purchased the tripod and my main complaint is the legs hinges and button release are stiff but as I get more familiar with its use probably not a big issue. Otherwise great lightweight tripod, perfect for travel and hiking with gear.

[@MarcusHutsell]

Right on!

[@MartinFransson]

Hey Paul! I am contemplating buying the 5CX. Have you been happy with yours so far? Nothing breaking?

[@tinplater]

@@MartinFransson No issues at all. Excellent value tripod.

[@tinplater]

@@MartinFransson Very pleased; remains sturdy and totally functional

[@FriedChairs]

@@tinplater I’m looking at buying this so thanks for your update.

[@mariettacisari2052]

Hello Marcus. Thanks for your review. I have this tripod and happy with it. I did not know that I can unscrew the long bar to lower the stand and it was great seeing it in your video. I just have a question. Does this tripod have a monopod? I read somewhere it does. Thanks. M

[@AG-sx9ws]

Monopods are trash never use one

[@rogerdodger689]

Hi mate. Great review! What’s your backpack at the end! Thx

[@MarcusHutsell]

Hi there Roger, thank you very much. The backpack is the Nomatic Peter McKinnon Camera backpack. I've had it for about a year and it's been great, I think I may do a review of it soon, as I've had it for about a year. Great bag, kinda pricey, and it's pretty large, but, it has been working well for my needs. Cheers!

[@MilaLu]

Hi Marcus, thank you for the tripod review. I was fully convinced after watching your video. I also purchased a ball head from the link you provided in this video but unfortunately it doesn’t fit the tripod. Super bummed.

[@MarcusHutsell]

Hi Mila. That's odd. I have SEVERAL of those Neewer and/or Smallrig ball heads and I've interchanged them on all of my tripods, including the Traveller 5c. Granted, the ball head I use has more knobs that stick out so it takes a little work to pack it up tightly to orient all of the little knobs around the legs when you want to completely fold it up. What exactly doesn't fit about the ball head? All ball heads, tripods, and other camera gear have either 1/4-20 threads/bolts, and/or 3/8 threads/bolts and almost every piece of equipment comes with a 1/4-20 to 3/8 adapter. Is it possible the ball head (underneath) still has the little silver adapter that makes the threads smaller? If so, remove that adapter and the ball head then has 3/8 threading and THAT should then screw on to the top of the Traveler 5C.....because most bolts on medium/large tripods are 3/8. Let me know, cheers :)

[@dlamb115]

great review, thank you! have you tried the sirui traveler x-i ? is the traveler x a newer version of this tripod? it looks like the weight is the same, but it holds a bit more, goes a bit taller, and the legs open slightly different. the cost is about $40 more, but it looks like might be good for a bit of more stability added for the same carry weight. thoughts?

[@MarcusHutsell]

Hi there. Thank you. And no, I have not tried the Sirui Traveler x-i, I'm not sure if it's a newer, or replacement for the Traveler 5C, but looking at the X-I specs, it does look like an option I might have tried if it were available a few years ago. At the moment I have an over-abundance of tripods! But the XI looks really nice, it looks like it has a wing-nut knob and pan-only function on the head which I love. I also see that 1/4-20 mounting point on the tripod and I DO like having those additional mounting points on my tripods, and it seems to be the same length when folded up (about 13 inches), and it goes about 5 inches taller than the 5C. If I were looking today, I'd say the X-I looks like an option I'd probably go for, although yes, the X-I is more $$ than I paid for the 5C, but, since I decided to get a DIFFERENT ball head b/c of the lack of the pan-only function and the round-knobs of the head that came on the Traveler 5C.....so, by the time I bought another ball head, my expense was probably $130 or a bit more, so, only $10 less than the X-I. It's up to you, but, either the 5C or the X-i are still lighter and way less expensive than MANY of the popular travel tripods. Happy hiking, photographizing, and filming! Cheers

[@randomregistrations9341]

Nice video, very helpful. Thanks! As an aside, what do you use to edit your videos?

[@MarcusHutsell]

Hi there. Thank you so much, I'm glad the video helped :) So, I've been using Davinci Resolve for almost every video the past 9 months or so. I used to use (and still do use occasionally) Premiere Pro, but I have found that Davinci just works better and is smoother in the editing process. Premiere started to slow me down in terms of just slow reaction time, slow timeline editing, everything seemed to take a second to start playing, etc, and now that I'm using 10-bit video footage in 4k, premiere is just lagging behind, whereas Resolve just plays everything so smoothly and is very quick in the editing timeline. Each has its quirks, that's for sure, and Resolve isn't perfect, but it's become, for me, far better than Premiere. Anyway, happy photographizing!!

[@randomregistrations9341]

@@MarcusHutsell Very helpful, thank you so much!

[@gilesashford9464]

great review... btw... what is the tripod height with the legs fully extended but the centre column taken off (I like the added stability of this configuration)

[@francisco3097]

😅😅

[@johnseropyan]

What tripod would you recommend for a wind vane set up. I need something simple but sturdy. Great video. Thank you

[@MarcusHutsell]

Hi there. Well, there are probably a lot of channels with better tripod reviews. But, honestly, the Peak Design travel Tripod (Aluminum version) that I talk about in my other video might work.....as it packs up small and is designed for travel. The ONLY reason I didn't like the Peak Design travel tripod aluminum version is because it is HEAVIER than any of my other tripods. My video on the Peak Design Aluminum Travel Tripod here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIGrgYuVqM6Vr5o And, with this hack, you could weight it (or any tripod) down really well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3TFYaWMjbyWiNk You may actually want to go with something a bit heavier than any "travel" style tripods, then I might go for a video tripod, as they're generally heavier. Maybe something like Magnus, not too expensive, probably a bit sturdier overall: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1443769-REG/magnus_vt_5000_2_stage_videotripod_with.html Good luck!

[@johnseropyan]

@@MarcusHutsell Thank you very much

[@chamindumalshan9273]

Best 🤗

[@erikabudiman3026]

Thank for this review. Just one question, can you still invert the legs with the Neewer ball head, and if so, does it still pack up into the supplied bag nicely? Or, do you suggest taking the ball head off every time you pack it up?

[@MarcusHutsell]

Hi there. yes, the tripod still inverts just fine (remember, this model, the center tube is fixed (it doesn't retract) so it doesn't affect inverting the tripod. Also, you can still completely remove the center tube and place the Neewer (or any other ballhead) on the lower position, as the threads on those connecting parts are still standard 3/8" (which is what allows you to use a different ballhead anyway). As far as fitting in the bag goes, it fits just fine, the bag is quite large enough. I hope that helps, cheers!

[@firstsoldier4257]

i'm 50 with 2 cameras 3 lenses on the mountains I have to buy this tripod because weight and center coolum can make the this tripod stable .....and hey more light weights !

[@MarcusHutsell]

Yeah, it's a good little lightweight tripod. I don't always *need a tripod on the hiking trail, because most of the time it's daytime and I can get most shots hand-held. but if I want to be IN the shot, .......I kind of need a tripod, and this one is lightweight enough to not notice you're carrying it.

[@seventail]

love the video, hate the music, still subbed

[@MarcusHutsell]

Haha! Thank you. Yeah, I dig the music I chose, but I’ve also been trying different things this year like not having ANY music for some of my videos. Always good to try new things. Cheers!

[@sharko108]

Hi there :) Thanks for the review. I don't know which one to choose between the Sirui 5CX (to have better ball head) or the Manfrotto Element Traveller Small... any advice please?haha

[@MarcusHutsell]

Hi there Chris. I'd probably go for the Manfrotto, they definitely have a better name-brand feel and have been around a while. I recently had a piece of plastic inside my 5C break and one of the legs on my Sirui doesn't extend/retract very well. It's been a pretty good, light weight tripod, but If I were to buy another one, I'd probably go Manfrotto, I think my only issue with the manfrotto traveller would be the rounded knobs on the all head, but, that's just me, I prefer wing-nut style knobs, etc. Good luck!

[@sharko108]

@@MarcusHutsell ok thanks :) sorry i searched trying to translate but i dont see what you mean between wing nut/rounded knob

[@ZILLA....]

​@@MarcusHutsellthe part that broke, is it the plastic connection to the ball head screw? I read it's plastic and breaks for some people. Did sirui replace it for free? Looking at the 5cx but I'm worried. Thanks!

[@ssmith278]

Can you invert the center tube and mount the camera upside down if you want to get even lower?

[@MarcusHutsell]

Unfortunately no, the center tube does not invert.

[@ndon85]

can you mount the head reversed? upside down so you can get basically to ground level

[@MarcusHutsell]

So, yes and no. The center tube, although removable, doesn’t invert, and the bottom of the center mount has a fixed pin where a carabiner attaches. So, you can’t detach the center tube and mount it underneath, and the center tube doesn’t retract at all. But, since the legs fold up around the center tube for storage, you can just unfold them partially and turn the entire tripod upside down so that the upright center tube if facing down, then you can get the center tube and mount very close to the ground. The only downside is that the legs don’t lock in this configuration, so, you risk the legs moving, but, if you’re on stable ground, then yes, you can invert the entire tips and get really low shots.

[@smoke362]

Does the neewer ball head hold the peak design plate as well?

[@MarcusHutsell]

Yes, all peak design plates are also Arca swiss compatible so they should fit any generic Arca swiss clamp, including all of the small rig, Arca Swiss type clamps

[@sauromac1972]

HI, what is your backpack in the video? Tks.

[@MarcusHutsell]

HI there. I did a whole other video on just that. You can watch it here if you like, I hope you enjoy :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYnUgoh9bNmcfpY

[@tomvanrijswijk4517]

Hey Marcus, This was a pleasant review to watch. I’m currently considering the 5CX, which is basically a 5c with the B00k ballhead. I was wondering what your opinion was on that ballhead, since it seems like a great deal. Also, did you find that under normal circumstances (at the most a little windy) you could comfortably shot long exposures? Thanks in advance.

[@MarcusHutsell]

Aaawww!! Sirui either didn’t sell the 5CX combo when I bought my 5C, or I just didn’t see it. OR, they saw my review and now include the B00k head?!?!? Maybe 🤔 and thank you, I appreciate it, just wanted to give this tripod a review from someone who’s actually used it… Myself! Just wish I would’ve seen the 5CX before I bought the 5C. Thanks for the info!

[@tomvanrijswijk4517]

@@MarcusHutsell Personally I was looking at the 5c first as well but had the same opinion as you when it came to the ballhead. I just want to be able to use the ballhead and panorama functions seperately as well. Judging from your response, I guess you did like the B00k ballhead as well ;) Thanks for the response!

[@DigiDriftZone]

How has this tripod held up? - do you still recommend it? -- I saw some reviews where the tripod broke, I am tempted though as I need something smaller/lighter than my current tripod.

[@MarcusHutsell]

Hi there. It's held up pretty good. However, I did make another video on how some of the internal parts broke, but Sirui replaced them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/epbFeXh7a8x0rbc So I was disappointed with that shim breaking, but, it's fixed now. But I do keep it in mind that I need to be more careful and close the legs more slowly. I don't use this tripod a LOT......which means I need to do more hiking!! But this tripod lives in my car for the most part and I do still use it. So, overall, not bad for still under $100.

[@DigiDriftZone]

​@@MarcusHutsell Thank you, appreciate the feedback. I currently have the KF BA225, I do like the fact the centre column can collapse down and that you can also convert it to a monopod which came in a handy a few times, it also has a bit more working height, but it is just a tad too bulky sometimes, but looking at other options it seems like it's possibly the best compromise still considering the 5Cs durability issues: - K&F BA225: 35cm folded, 152cm max height, 8kg load capacity, 1013g carbon fibre, converts to monopod - Sirui Traveler 5C: 33cm folded, 138cm max height, 4kg load capacity, 850g carbon fibre, 160g lighter but reliability concerns - Aoka CMP163: 37cm folded, 71cm extended, (138cm with extension pole), 2.5kg load capacity, 500g carbon fibre, a lot less stable - Ulanzi Zero Y: 42.3cm, 156cm max height, 18kg load capacity, 1100g, smaller diameter footprint, but longer collapsed and expensive

[@chryslerxc]

Did you ever smell the rubber seal on the twistlocks? On my tripod it annoys me that you smell the chemicals inside the rubber and have that smell on your hands after touching it

[@MarcusHutsell]

I have not done a smell test on this tripod. Maybe Jared Polin can do that one!! But I have also NOT noticed any funny or unwanted smells from the rubber either.

[@catherinerstvold7036]

How much does the ballhead you are not using weigh in grams?

[@MarcusHutsell]

looks like the Neewer ball head weighs about 185 grams

[@scottmcbride2237]

Can you not take the knobe off and replace it with a thumb style knobe

[@MarcusHutsell]

Hi there. no, can't take the knob off, it's a custom-knob and isn't removable.

[@omi3535]

can peak design capture fit on this?

[@MarcusHutsell]

Hi there. The peak design plates are arca-swiss compatible, so yes.

[@7hTimelessSound]

Does it have a monopod?

[@MarcusHutsell]

It does not, unfortunately. Good question though, can't believe i didn't think of it :)

[@7hTimelessSound]

Thanks man. This is a big help

[@MarcusHutsell]

You’re welcome. So glad it helped.

[@JekFlora]

traveler 7c has a monopod

[@pedroalvespereira9100]

Can I use it inverted?

[@MarcusHutsell]

Well, the legs won't lock in an inverted mode. So, you *could use it that way, but again, without the legs locking, they could fold on their hinges and collapse.

[@pedroalvespereira9100]

@@MarcusHutsell thanks! Meanwhile I ordered a Manfrotto Element Traveler Big, which is the equivalente to the Sirui 7A and features this. It’s too bad because the 5C looks really small and light.

[@JekFlora]

the traveler 5cx's ball head is better.

[@MarcusHutsell]

Yeah, that one looks better for my needs (the ball head that is), but for some reason the 5Cx is 3 inches shorter overall. And I don’t know if it was even available when I got the 5c, but thank you for the info, may be my Next purchase. I have a tripod problem 😂

[@jeffbraun1968]

I too bought the SIRUI Traveler 5CX just the other day for the size, weight, function and cost it's pretty hard to beat.

[@speakerscoach]

the review is fine; but the music is annoying

[@donridgway7269]

I would like to have seen the tripod standing with a human being next to it, to get an idea how much one has to bend over to frame a photo.

[@MarcusHutsell]

Hi there Don. Yeah, sometimes we can't remember everything that people might want to see. However, you're in luck, as I also talk about the Sirui Traveler 5C in my Peak Design Travel tripod video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIGrgYuVqM6Vr5o If you skip to about 8:27 in that video, you can see me standing with both the Traveler 5C and the Peak Design Travel tripod. Keep in mind I am 6' tall.

[@johnmiller6108]

Si ru i See roo e. No u in the start no a at the end. But what ever.

[@foaly8]

bro wtf is an inch TT

[@MarcusHutsell]

a unit of measure?

[@henkvrieling9586]

Why that unnecessary annoying music. So American.

[@MarcusHutsell]

Hi Henk. I guess some people like it and some people don't. I don't set out to make annoying videos, some have music, some don't, a lot of videos have a music-bed, I guess I can't please everyone, cheers :)

[@alexgoriatchenkov]

Just ordered one. Now new improved 5C. Very high Amazon scores Not sure if I like it... Nice talking. TY.

[@MarcusHutsell]

Thank you!