The Tripod That Doubles as a Walking Stick
Photography can be your main source of income or just a hobby, yet as technology continues to simplify things, the ability to transform into a walking photo studio in the field of our choosing is truly astonishing. Knowing that I have my camera gear on my back, a walking stick, and a tripod that is . . . Wait! My tripod is in my hand and it has transformed itself into a walking stick? How cool is that?! Many of us use, or should use, a walking stick as we hit the trails to see some sights or perhaps condition ourselves for something bigger. Tripods were once constructed out of wood, with various metal pieces and bolts, and now, today’s tripods are made of very light aluminum and durable plastic—rust-resistant. I chose a product that has versatility, an adjustable height, a compact design, and most importantly, a sturdy build, which you will like a lot.
Introducing The SmallRig CT-20 Camera Tripod
This tripod would be a great addition because of its compact design, and it has a nice quick release plate for your camera or phone. However, let’s break down this tripod and see if it’s really something you would want in your gear collection.
The Good
- Versatile and Sturdy: Many reviewers really appreciated the tripod’s versatility and sturdy construction, finding it suitable for various types of photography, not to mention travel, moon shots, and using it with different camera models.
- High-Quality Build: Some users mentioned the good build quality, noting the metal construction and the stability it provides, even with heavier cameras and lenses.
- Adjustable and Stable: A lot of positive feedback focused on the ease of adjusting the legs and the stability they offer, making it perfect for different shooting angles and heights.
- Lightweight and Portable: The tripod is lightweight and easy to carry; many people like this because they can take it during their travels and use it for outdoor photography.
The Bad
- Plastic Parts Issues: There seem to be some issues with the durability of plastic components, such as the latches and the center shaft collar. Many mentioned that these parts tend to break, especially in cold weather or after minimal use.
- Stability Concerns: There were some issues with the tripod being unstable, particularly when fully extended or with heavier camera setups, which affected the overall performance and reliability.
- Leg Screws Loosening: A lot of complaints focused on the screws for the legs, which become loose frequently, requiring constant tightening to keep the tripod stable.
- Build Quality Issues: Some reviewers mentioned that the tripod seemed cheaply made and that there were manufacturing defects, such as flimsy levers and unstable center columns.
- Ball Head Problems: The ball head seemed difficult to use and did not provide the necessary stability or ease of adjustment.
Closing Thoughts
Finding reliable gear is often a challenge for professionals who use their gear daily for their businesses. When I purchase anything that I use more than 10 times a week, I know I will eventually have to spend more than a few hundred dollars on the product to get any good use out of it. So make sure you do your research and gather both the good and bad information about what you are spending your money on. I would wait a while before making any purchases until you know that what you are buying will last for a while.
Insightful reviews of photography gear.
Recommended Gear
MJ Grenier
With a passion for crafting compelling content, he creates captivating pieces for Scáth Solas Life. He thrives on interviewing people, exploring their photography interests, traveling, and composing stories about their lives. His dedication to the craft is evident in every piece he creates, weaving together vibrant narratives that reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of those he encounters.
