Here are four models that I’d recommend looking at if you’re in the market for a good, stable tripod that’s doesn’t take up much very room on the side of your pack, or on your photo budget. I’ve played around with all of these and they do seem like they’re very well designed and built to withstand the typical abuse of most outdoor shooters.<\/p>\n
Siriu N-1004X – Aluminum Tripod w\/ Detachable Monopod<\/h2>\n
The Siuri N-1004X<\/a> is a good all around model. It’s got 4 leg sections that fold back on themselves, so it packs up pretty small. When retracted, it’s only 17.3″, and it extends to a max height of 63″. Without head, it only weights 2.9 lbs and is rated to hold 26 lbs.<\/p>\n The center column can be inverted for low angle shots, or you can splay the legs out for extreme low angle stable shooting. It even comes with a short center column for use in this configuration.<\/p>\n Each leg has an auto-lock mechanism which set the angle and twist locks to set the height. \u00a0In addition, you can unscrew one of the legs and convert the tripod to a monopod, which gives you an even lighter weight camera support.<\/p>\n Price on the N-1004X is around $165 w\/o head, and it comes with the added short center column, a padded shoulders strap, a really nice carrying case, wrist strip and mounting platform and tools. For an basic tripod at a great price, this looks like the one to have.<\/p>\n The Siuri T-1205X<\/a>\u00a0is an extremely lightweight 5-section carbon fiber tripod that only weights 1.8 lbs. It’s an ideal tripod for travelers and photographers who like to go light and fast.<\/p>\n As with the N-1004X, the\u00a0Siuri T-1205X<\/a>\u00a0also has legs that fold back to make it even more compact. Folded up, it’s only 15.7″ long, and extends to 55.4″ when extended all the way.<\/p>\n The center column can be inverted, and like the above model, it comes with a short center column for low angle shooting. In fact, most of the features are the same as they are on the N-1004X, this one is just lighter and more compact.<\/p>\n Price on the\u00a0Siuri T-1205X<\/a>\u00a0is around $280 w\/o head, and it comes with carrying case, padded shoulders strap and tools.<\/p>\n The\u00a0T-025X<\/a>\u00a0actually comes with a ball head, and the center column can be removed for table top and low angle shooting. The three legs sections can be set independently for use on uneven ground.<\/p>\n Even though it’s super light, it’s rated to hold 13.2 lbs of gear, which is heavy enough for just about any DLSR and mirrorless camera and lens combo, although I don’t know that I’d pile on a huge body and lens with it extended all the way.<\/p>\n Price on the\u00a0T-025X<\/a>\u00a0is around $240 with the head and the included soft case, quick release plate and tools.<\/p>\n The Siuri T-1005X<\/a>\u00a0is an aluminum tripod with 5 twist lock leg sections that only weighs 2.2 lbs and packs up to 13.4 inches. It’s the most compact aluminum tripod in the line, and it is still rated to support up to 22 lbs of gear.<\/p>\n The\u00a0T-1005X<\/a>\u00a0comes with the added short center column for low angle shooting and like the other models in the line, the legs fold back on themselves for easy packing.<\/p>\n Essentially, the\u00a0T-1005X<\/a>\u00a0is the aluminum version of the\u00a0T-1205X<\/a>, so it has all of the same features at a much lower price tag.<\/p>\n Price on this one is only $117, even with the included case, short center column, strap and tools.<\/p>\n![\"Siuri](\"http:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Siuri-1004.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nSiuri T-1205X 5-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/ecx.images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/411cjJD5gYL._SX425_.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSiuri T-025X Ultra Compact Carbon Fiber Tripod<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/ecx.images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51JGbamvd4L._SL1500_.jpg\")
<\/a>Looking to go ultralight and super fast? Then the T-025X carbon fiber model<\/a> is your choice. Weighing in at a mere 1.7 lbs, it folds up to only 13.2″ when you fold back the legs. We’re talking super small. Suitcase small. Daypack small.<\/p>\nSiuri T-1005X 5-Section Aluminum Tripod<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/ecx.images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31sm1cQlUJL._SX425_.jpg\")
<\/a>Want affordable, compact AND lightweight? This is the one.<\/p>\nSiuri G-10X Ball head with Quick Release Plate<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/ecx.images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/71VDPQaKIsL._SL1500_.jpg\")
<\/a>Here’s the head that I’d recommend for use with any of these tripods.<\/p>\n