K&F Concept Desktop Mini Tripod for Camera, 20.5''/ 52cm Compact Tripod with 360° Low Profile Ball Head, 1/4'' Screw Travel Tripod Quick Release Plate for Camera Video Camcorder, Load Capacity 6KG

SKU: KF09.150

  • 52.99
Overall Rating 5   5
Reviews
5
Good, but I have some nitpicks
This is a very useful tabletop tripod strong enough to hold a mirrorless or DSLR with lenses that aren't overly heavy. The manufacturer rates it as capable of 13lb load. I didn't try anything that heavy, but it was fine with about 4-5 points of my gear.

It folds down really small for carrying and can be set up for anywhere from about 2" to 20" high. It has a pretty decent ball mount on top with an Arca Swiss clamp. That's great because all my gear use Arca plates. It comes with an Arca plate if you need one and also a phone clamp and hex wrench. Nice package overall.

It has a 1/4"-20 hole to mount a monitor of whatever else you might want. Nice touch. The knurling on the height adjustment stem is good. Everything feels pretty solid overall. But I have my nitpicks...

1. The have a foam padding around each of the legs. I'm not quite sure what purpose it serves (maybe so you don't feel cold when handling the tripod), but it is a soft, low density foam. I'm pretty sure it is going to fall apart after some months or years of use, or at least look like someone chewed it up. I'd have preferred no foam or a really hard rubbery material rather than the foam.

2. The screwing/unscrewing mechanism to extend/close the legs doesn't feel very smooth. It feels somewhat cheap. It doesn't feel like you are operating a well machined piece of equipment. Improving the feel of extending/recessing the legs would be good. Just make it as nice a feel as the knurled metal lock used for the height adjustment stem.

3. The legs themselves are plastic and slightly flimsy feeling. I am sure it is very difficult to find a balance of weight, price, and material quality. And I am probably asking for too much from something that costs close to 50 bucks. But a nice set of carbon fiber legs with better extension/recessing mechanism would make this product even better.

Anyway, I think it is a pretty decent value for money if you are looking for a compact, tabletop tripod to mount up to perhaps 6-8 pounds of gear.
09/11/2024