SmallRig Fluid Head Tripods AD-01 vs AD-80 vs AD-100 | Which One Should You Buy?

Fluid head video tripods are essential to videographers. They tend to be expensive and not all video tripods are made equally. In this video, I'll be comparing the 3 video fluid head tripods offered by Smallrig, the AD-01 vs AD-80 vs the AD-100. Which one should you buy?
Buy The Smallrig AD-01 Here: amzn.to/3SX64eU
Buy The Smallrig AD-80 Here: amzn.to/47wPreo
Buy The Smallrig AD-100 Here: amzn.to/49RpI1I
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@SmallRigGlobal

[@maytreemedia]

Great video. I had nothing but trouble from the start with the AD-100. First, a leg split at the rivet and while loose, a plastic gear at the tension handle fell out and was lost. I asked SmallRig if I could purchase a gear. The customer service rep said she'd get the technical team to answer. I asked twice - no answer. I had new gears CNC'd from aluminum and when I reassmbled the tripod, one of the metal plates that hold the works onto the leg simply broke. Too much money, many hours and a sh*tload of effort later, I gave up and pulled the expensive trigger on the Sachtler FlowTech 75 and activ8 head combo that I wanted in the first place. Of all the Millers, Sachtlers and Bogen/Manfrottos I've used over nearly 40 years of using tripods, I've never had problem with any of them. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THE SMALLRIG FREEBLAZER AD-100.

[@TomWadeCine]

I'm sorry to hear that. I'm glad you found a great system to use. Thanks for watching, cheers.

[@user-yx1on5nk3c]

Thanks for the video! I'm a little confused about the weight difference. Every online site I visit says the AD-01 weighs 4kg while the AD-100 weighs 5kg. But you're saying the AD-100 is far lighter? Thanks for clarifying!

[@fatihyener7589]

Great video, I own the ad-100 and it handles great with a really heavy long telephoto lens mounted on top of it. But there is one major flaw with the design, which is the parts that hold the tripod together are made out of plastic. Carbon fiber is a tough material, the tubes on this thing are oriented in such a way so they don't easily bend and they are really tough in both axis. The problem is when you support really hard materials, especially tubes inside a plastic socket, with enough tension, those sockets can snap. And they will probably snap in the future. I wish those parts were made out of some light and sturdy metal like titanium or even aluminium would do. At least the ones that hold the lowest section of the legs and the leg spreader in the middle. Those in particular seems to be the least secure ones and likely to be the first parts to snap. And since this thing is already so cheap, adding the extra cost of the alluminium parts would only increase the sale price of this thing just so slightly that nobody would even care about. Wish they had gone that way.

[@TomWadeCine]

I agree, I think a bit more expensive tripod would be best for that situation n

[@ORF1966]

Great video

[@TomWadeCine]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it

[@MrFlayFox]

I'm tempted between all three. I do a fair bit of photography, but have never done much videography, but I'd like to try it out. I have ordered some cinema lenses and a cage/rig, and I'm tempted to get a video tripod too, but I'm not sure I'll even like videography. Is the AD-01 'good enough' to get good results and try out videography? Or would you recommend to spend a bit more (especially now with Black Friday sales) and get the AD-80 or AD-100? Or non at all and try it with my current photography tripod? Or even just handheld? Pricing right now: AD-01: €137,20 AD-80: €254,00 AD-100: €380,72r even without anything? PS, aside from the handle, is there any difference between the fluid head between the AD-80 and AD-100? They look very similar.

[@TomWadeCine]

I would jump to the AD-80 or if weight is a concern, the -100. I’m loving the AD-100 for what it’s worth

[@MrFlayFox]

@@TomWadeCine Thanks! Definitely worth something. I'll think it over and decide soon :)

[@jade_switch2599]

Would you recommend buying the AD-80 without the fluid head for photography first and later buying another fluid head as an upgrade when needed

[@TomWadeCine]

I wouldn’t because it is intended to be a video tripod. I would get two tripods and dedicate them to photos and video.

[@brianoconnell3237]

How can the AD100 be lighter when the specs say it is heavier than the AD01? It seems also that the AD 01 can have a minimum working height of 33.5 inches compared with 38.1 inches and this 4 inches could easily be the difference that makes it usable or not. Is this true?

[@adamdrakestudio]

AD-100 has been removed by Smallrig. I did find some inconsistencies between which tripod was being spoken about vs what was shown a little confusing.

[@creativegreatsvisuals]

its back isn't it ?

[@adamdrakestudio]

@@creativegreatsvisuals yeah it was only gone for a couple days, very strange.

[@wmvideo50]

what is the difference in hight with no head attached

[@frumedia]

Hey Tom, does the tripod AD-100 also have plastic elements (clamps)?

[@TomWadeCine]

I believe so, I need to pull it out. It’s at the studio currently.

[@frumedia]

OK thank you. nevertheless, I bought ad-100 at a good price. Greetings from Poland

[@thefourthperspective]

any way to make this tripod go lower? its so tall, too talk to use for film making if the subject needs to be sitting down on the floor or something

[@TomWadeCine]

No unfortunately it does have a min height.

[@thefourthperspective]

Recommend any that are similar build quality that do? If im going to spend this much i'd it to be pretty versatile, thanks :)@@TomWadeCine

[@TomWadeCine]

@thefourthperspective not in a fluid video head. Most are travel photo tripods that can get really low.

[@FrederickHagan]

Ummmm....little to no mention about the AD-80. So this isn't really a comparison line up video whatsoever.

[@TomWadeCine]

It’s the exact same thing as the ad-100 but aluminum.

[@jefflathrop]

@@TomWadeCine the ad-80 is almost 1lb ighter depsite being aluminum, the big difference is the carbon fiber being able to support larger loads.

[@TomWadeCine]

thanks for the insight Jeff@@jefflathrop

[@davidcortes105]

the fluid head on the ad 80 is also cheaper, wonder how it compares to de ad 100 one

[@armizani6358]

1:08 something is not right here