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

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.

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!

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. :)

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!

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 :)

Very impressive tripod. Has everything one could need. Thanks

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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