Travel Tripod Guide and Review of the K&F Concepts A254C4 Carbon Fiber Tripod ep.492

[@lensman5762]

Good information in general. Three points are worth mentioning. Just ignore the max capacity of the tripod. Those figures are based on the tripod at base level, and min spread with no extensions. The more you extend the legs the weaker the tripod gets. If you spread the legs further, the tripod gets even weaker. The only manufacturer that I know of who gives different capacities for different spreads is the Three Legged Thing. Just divide the stated max capacity by five. Also, give particular attention to the way the extending central column is locked in place. Usually, a push on screw is used to lock the column, hence the column is secured only at two opposing points. This is unstable. The proper way is to use a mechanism to clamp the circumference of the column to the tripod base plate. The legs locking mechanisms also need to be considered. The great majority of the cheaper Chinese made tripods will fail after some extended use, as the materials used are not robust enough. The twisting leg syndrome that we have all experienced. My advice is to buy the best, but buy once. It makes no sense to put a camera lens combination costing $3000+ on a $120.00 tripod. Have a great new year.

[@RobTrek]

Thank you for these points. All valid. I meant to add that these are not $1000 or even $500 tripods. These are tripods that if they fail or get stolen/lost, can are replaced. This is another criterion for travel tripods to consider in my opinion.

[@AguilaDeOnix85]

Thank you for the information, Rob!. Been looking for a replacement tripod, but didn't know exactly what to look for for my purposes. I had planned on getting a 72mm and 77mm ND filter for my 40-150 2.8 and 200 2.8 to do some live composite work at a dam that white pelicans, herons, and eagles frequent im the winter and knew I needed something real stable but that was it. This helped narrow things down!

[@RobTrek]

Thanks!

[@jimeos1]

Nice video, Rob. I've used Gitzo tripods for many years and have found them to be excellent. I stand 6'6" yet I've found a couple of Gitzo tripods that met the eye-level criteria. As for sturdiness, Gitzo's advertising use to say that instead of a lifetime guarantee, the tripod is guaranteed for ANY reincarnation. :)

[@WaddyMuters]

For wildlife I actually came to prefer monopods. The cobra 3 is easily my favorite choice. It’s just faster and I don’t need tripod stability. Also I can more easily rearrange my setup when I’m in a hide. And my OM1 300mm f4 with a small fluid head is very well balanced on it. Maybe give the monopods a try. Though I know you can only review it hat you buy or get send so it might not be that easy

[@RobTrek]

Thanks. Does the fluid head have a handle on it?

[@WaddyMuters]

@@RobTrek It’s a small Ulanzi fluid head and it does have a handle, but I actually removed it, because I don’t feel I need it and I can control the movement better with the camera in my hands.

[@stephenbrasure4331]

Thanks for making this video and the coupon code. I've been wanting a carbon fiber tripod but didn't want to spend a lot of money as I don't always use a tripod. With the coupon code and expediated shipping, $160 for this tripod is a pretty good deal. Hopefully, the design and weight of this tripod will give me an incentive to use it more often for my nature photography. Have a Happy New Year Rob!

[@RobTrek]

Thanks. Wow, that is a really good deal. Happy new year!

[@stephenbrasure4331]

And...I also have the mefoto road tripper tripod. It's been a good tripod, but the added height of the K&F and lighter weight will be a bonus.@@RobTrek

[@waynecox5138]

Thanks for the review. I’ll have to consider this one. I ordered a Benro on Amazon about two weeks ago that hasn’t shipped even though it’s due to arrive tomorrow. Likely not to deliver.

[@RobTrek]

Wow, 2 weeks? Hopefully, it shows up tomorrow. I have a couple of benro tripods and they're great.

[@waynecox5138]

@@RobTrek I got a cancellation email today. The order was placed on December 5th. One would think they would have figured it out sooner

[@waynecox5138]

@@RobTrek I got a cancellation email today. The order was placed on December 5th. One would think they would have figured it out sooner

[@RobTrek]

@@waynecox5138 Wow, that is pretty bad. I guess it's better than saying it's delivered when it's not. That's happened to me before.

[@xmeda]

I love my Velbon Maxi i, which is very portable yet surprisingly sturdy tripod, bought it as 2nd hand about 10y ago for rough equivallent of $20 and it is my most used one unless I need the large one for heavy telephoto or long exposures doing stars. Unfortunately not in production for many years. In general it is good to have one small light, one medium and one really heavy large tall and stable one. Considering ratings, it says more about stability. 20kg rated legs and 25kg rated head is about fine for my DSLR with 100-300/4 lens for night sky long exposures. But once I put 50-500mm lens with 2x TC on it, it shakes enough to ruin any long exposure in light wind :)

[@RobTrek]

Thanks for sharing!

[@mikeg2916]

Hi Rob, great video. I'm wondering what camera bag you use for the Olympus equipment? I'm trying to find a small backpack for my OM-D EM-1 camera body and 4 lenses.

[@RobTrek]

I don't use backpacks but I do prefer the Tenba brand. I currently use a Tenba DNA 9 Slim messenger bag.

[@mikeg2916]

thanks@@RobTrek

[@PuchoWebSolutions]

Hello from New York City! What removable shoulder strap system do you recommend? Noticed that there were no neck straps attached to the cameras on tripods in this video. Thank you for your informative video.

[@RobTrek]

I actually just made my own straps out of keychain hooks and paracord. It's fine for a mirrorless camera + small prime. I use a blackrapid strap when I carry my 300mm f4 lens.

[@alankefauver6187]

I had a small K&F and the glue that held the leg adjusters to the carbon fiber failed and their service department was less than helpful. No more K&F for me. I use the RRS and Gitzo now.

[@RobTrek]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Time will tell for my copy. The phrase "newbie tax" comes to mind. I'm looking at some gitzo sticks for my gitzo ball head. The K&F will hold me for now.

[@williamgollatz1911]

Are all K&F concepts quarter-turn locks? I hate those types of locks, but 1/4 tun might be tolerable.

[@RobTrek]

They are not all 1/4 turn. If it has it, it should be stated in the description of the individual tripod as a feature.