There is a wide variety of production tools and products from SmallRig, which is based in China. Their offerings include not only matte boxes, tripods, camera cages, and phone rigs but also lighting solutions, microphones, lens control systems, and much more.

SmallRig AD-01S Heavy-Duty Fluid Head Tripod Kit – features

The SmallRig AD-01S is the successor of the AD-01, which debuted nearly three years ago. Highlights include durable yet lightweight aluminum construction, 360° panning and +90/-70° tilting, and a brand new snap-on quick-release plate mount that is compatible with DJI RS Series and 501PL plates. It weighs just 9 pounds (4.1 kg) and folds down to 35 inches (89 cm), making it easy to carry.

With a maximum payload of just over 13 pounds (6 kgs), there are plenty of cameras that can be used with the SmallRig AD-01S. Cinema cameras like those from Blackmagic, along with mirrorless and DSLRs, can be mounted without a problem. SmallRig includes a smartphone mount, so you’ll be able to use an iPhone or other smartphone for mobile filmmaking.

Full features include:

• Smooth pan (360°) and tilt (+90/-70°) with a step-less adjustable tilt damping system and a fixed counterbalance system.
• Lightweight and durable aluminum with fluid head.
• Newly designed snap-on quick-release plate mount with 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 camera mounting screws.
• Compatible with DJI RS Series and 501PL plates.
• Working height of 33.9 to 73.2 inches (84 to 187 cm).
• Anti-dislodgment foot-spiked design.
• Maximum head load capacity of 13.2 lbs (6 kg).
• Maximum tripod load capacity of 33.07 lbs (15 kg).
• Tilt Damping Adjustment Knob and Tilt Locking Knob.
• 1/4″-20 threads.
• Smartphone mount.
• 75mm half-ball base.
• Rosettes to mount a pan bar (right- or left-hand use).
• Weighs only 9 lbs (4.1 kg).
• Folds down to 35 in (89 cm).
• Carrying bag. 

Price and availability 

The SmallRig AD-01S Heavy-Duty Fluid Head Tripod Kit is available now and costs $179. It builds upon the success of the AD-01 from 2022 while still keeping it affordably priced. The durable and lightweight aluminum construction also makes it easy to transport. Learn more at SmallRig’s AD-01S page.

What do you think of SmallRig’s new tripod kit? Do you own the previous version, the successful AD-01? Let us know in the comments below!

The Chinese company YC Onion does not have a very wide product portfolio, but I feel like by focusing on very few products, they usually put a lot of thought into each design. My colleague Nino recently reviewed the YC Onion Pineta Peak tripod for filmmakers. At this year’s IBC we talked to Sandy from YC Onion about yet another tripod, but this time a more lightweight version for photographers. Let’s take a look at the new YC Onion Tako tripod.

YC Onion Tako – ultra-fast deployment

Sticking to food-themed product names, the new Tako is primarily focused on photographers who are looking for a lightweight tripod that is very easy and quick to set up.

The tripod features the company’s new one-way single lock mechanism, which is in a semi-locked state by default (when locked), so you do not have to unlock each leg in order to extend them. You can just pull the legs out. Later, for further adjustments (and for retracting the legs back), you can unlock each leg by twisting the single lock lever. This design should enable an even faster deployment of the tripod in the field.

There will be two versions of the Tako tripod – one for photographers, which comes with a ball head, and one for filmmakers that will feature a video head. The maximum payload is 8kg, according to YC Onion.

Sandy from YC Onion further told us that the tripod is weather-sealed, preventing dust from entering each section and reducing the need for maintenance. When folded, the tripod is around 67cm/26.3in long. When deployed, with the center column extended, the maximum height is 177cm/69.7in. With the center column removed, the tripod can be lowered to approximately 17cm/6.7in above the ground.

The good thing is that the tripod features an integrated leveling bowl. This is especially handy in combination with the video head. Additionally, YC Onion Tako has a 1/4″ thread mount with locating pins at the top for mounting accessories.

Price and availability

The YC Onion Tako tripod is yet to be released. The company informed us that it is expected to launch at the end of 2024 (around November or December) with a price of approximately $300. We will inform you once the YC Onion Tako becomes available, so stay tuned to CineD.

What do you think about the YC Onion Tako tripod? Do you use any YC Onion gear for your productions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section underneath the article.

SIRUI is a Chinese company that manufactures photo and video/cinema equipment. Perhaps they are best known for their lenses and support systems, like the SVM145 and SVM165 monopods we covered in a previous article. On this occasion, the brand released the SIRUI Rapid System SQ75+VHS10 One-step Adjustment Tripod Kit, aimed at professionals working with heavy cameras. The system weighs 5kg (11.02lb), a reasonable number for the weight it can support. Let’s dive deep into its different parts.

SIRUI SQ75 Twin Leg Tripod

The SQ75 (where S stands for Sirui, Q for quick, and 75 refers to the 75mm bowl) has a maximum load of 18kg (39.6lb). Its carbon fiber tube legs have a maximum diameter of 16mm. Although the tube leg divides into three sections, the tripod features a side flip lock that allows quick height adjustments, even with the camera mounted on the head. 

The 75mm half-bowl quick-release handle can be pulled out just by rotating it two turns and pressing the knob. On the bottom of the tripod is a three-point support ground spreader that is easily adjustable by unlocking the button. The legs have horseshoe feet and dual metal spikes, which are helpful on unstable or slippery terrains. Finally, the tripod includes a strap and a 4mm Allen key for adjustments. 

VHS10 Fluid Head

The VHS10 (Video Head SIRUI 10kg/22lb load) features a damping design, allowing its use in extreme temperatures (-30/70°C according to the specs). It has a 7-step counterbalance to help keep balance with heavy cameras, with a 0-10 counterbalance load capacity and 3+0 tilt and pan damping adjustment. Tilting is adjustable from -65 to +90° to ensure increased shooting angles. Finally, the head features a backlit bubble level for dark shooting environments. 

Price and availability

The SIRUI Rapid System SQ75+VHS10 Video Tripod Kit will be available in the SIRUI store on August 29th. Early buyers will benefit from super early bird pricing, which is about 15% off. As a limited-time offer, the first ten customers each day from August 29th to September 5th will receive a complimentary central spreader.

SIRUI is also releasing the SV-FM central spreader and horseshoe accessory kit, sold separately. This kit allows users to use the tripod without the ground spreader, which is helpful on uneven surfaces. For more information, please visit SIRUI’s website.

What do you think about this new combo? Would it fit into your current camera rig? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! 

Tilta continues to expand their tripod lineup with the release of two new tabletop tripods. A small tripod is a helpful tool for content creation, especially for small setups and when shooting in tight spaces. The Tilta BT03 and BT03E offer functionality and durability thanks to their carbon fiber legs and the Arca quick-release plate with a 1/4″-20 screw, compatible with many of Tilta’s camera cages.

Tilta BT03 overview

The new tabletop tripod by Tilta features a ball head supporting up to 6.61 lbs/3kg payload, including a slot for 90° shooting, making it a versatile tool for many filming angles and situations.

The tripod’s build and design aim for durability and compactness. Weighing in at 1.34 lbs/610g, it has a minimum height of 5.12 inches/130mm and a maximum height of 12.8 inches/325mm, making it a nice travel companion.

Tilta BT03E overview

The BT03E payload is also 5.51 lbs/3kg, but this can be increased to 11.02 lbs/5kg when using the extension rod. This tripod weights 0.94 lbs/428g (net), or 1.07 lbs /485g with the extension rod.

Both tripods feature a center-column-free design, which will be helpful for low-angle shots. The legs can be adjusted at three different angles depending on the camera height needed for the shot. 

The tripods are constructed from multi-layered diamond cross-woven carbon fiber and include a locking knob and rubber feet for stability. It has two-section legs and a twist-lock mechanism for fast height adjustments.

Finally, the handle extends for more comfort, and the legs feature 1/4″-20 mounting points with locating pins for attaching different accessories.

Price and availability 

The Tilta BT03 and BT03E are now available for preorder. Orders will ship in two weeks and will be 10% off until August 23rd. Both models are available in snow white, forest green, and space grey. The Tilta BT03 is priced at $89, and the Tilta BT03E is $98. For more information about the BT03, please follow this link. To learn more about the BT03E, click here. 

What do you think about the Tilta BT03 and BT03E tabletop tripods? Is this type of equipment something you use regularly in your work? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! 

Ulanzi has recently expanded into new product categories by introducing LED lights and even a prime lens with AF for Sony E mount. Today, Ulanzi launches a new tabletop tripod that doubles as a vlogging grip, offering quick and easy transformation between the two functions. Let’s take a quick look at the Ulanzi VlogPod.

Ulanzi VlogPod TT38

The tripod offers a maximum payload capacity of 3kg (6.6 lbs) and a working height of 220mm / 8.66 in. Each leg has a non-slip silicone foot to increase stability. The Ulanzi VlogPod features a locking ballhead that uses a square-shaped quick-release plate compatible with Ulanzi’s Uka and F38 quick-release systems. It is not compatible with ARCA Swiss plates.

Perhaps the most interesting feature of the Ulanzi VlogPod is the one-click opening mechanism. By clicking the button located on the grip (one of the tripod legs), two spring-loaded legs unlock and quickly open in the correct position to form a tripod.

The ball head also has a cold shoe mount on the side for various accessories. It supports 360° pan and 180° tilt, so it can easily switch between horizontal and vertical positions.

Another interesting feature of the Ulanzi VlogPod is the so-called “mantis mode”. The VlogPod’s grip has a retractable hook at the bottom that can be used to hang the setup on fences, walls, doors, or other suitable places (not thicker than 100mm) when needed.

When the other two legs are hidden in the grip, the VlogPod can be used as a top handle. It features an ergonomic, non-slip silicone grip with a wrist strap slot.

Ulanzi VlogPod key specs

• folded dimensions: 252mm (L) x 56mm (W) x 108mm (H) / 9.92×2.2×4.25 in)
• extended height: 220mm / 8.66 in
• tripod footprint diameter: 263mm / 10.35 in
• weight: 394g (0.87 lb)
• tripod load capacity (including mantis mode): 3kg (6.6 lbs)

Price and availability

The Ulanzi VlogPod is available now. The full retail price is $59.95, but until August 27, 2024, you can get the VlogPod at the early bird price of $49.95. Additionally, after applying the code TP38 at checkout, you can get another $5 off – reducing the price to $44.95 (this applies only in the Ulanzi webshop).

Do you use small tabletop tripods for your video work? What do you think about the new Ulanzi VlogPod TT38 tripod? Do you have experience with Ulanzi products? Let us know in the comments section underneath the article.

Though very light travel tripods with simple ball heads (such as this FALCAM model) are already quite common, so far it hasn’t been an easy task finding one with a capable compact video head. Is this about to change?

The Chinese accessories manufacturer Tilta just announced a new carbon fiber travel tripod with a fluid head focused on video work on the go. Especially the head has a few interesting features that are not common in this price/weight category. Let’s take a quick look at the features and specs of the new Tilta VT05.

Tilta VT05 carbon fiber travel tripod

The Tilta VT05 tripod legs feature a two-stage detachable center column with a locking lever for extended height as well as extremely low angles. When reversed (mounted upside down), the column allows for a minimum shooting height of 5.12″ (130mm). Made out of 10-layered (diamond cross-woven) carbon fiber, the 4-sectioned legs (diameters of 25, 22, 19, and 16mm) are durable and lightweight according to Tilta. The connecting parts are made out of aluminum alloy.

Regarding the working height of the tripod-head combo, the maximum height (with the center column lowered) is 52.05″ (1322mm). After extending the center column fully, the tripod reaches 63″ (1600mm). The minimum working height (with the center column mounted normally) is 9″ (230mm).

With a simple twist, the legs can quickly be switched from rubber feet to metal spikes when needed. The tripod legs feature semi-automatic locks for quicker leg angle adjustment. The maximum payload of the legs is 22lb (10kg).

When collapsed for transport, the whole tripod’s dimensions are 23.23″ x 5.75″ x 5.5″ (590mm length). Its weight is 4.41 lb (2 kg). The Tilta VT05 tripod comes in two colors – space gray and forest green.

Tilta VT05 fluid head

For me, the most interesting thing about the new tripod is the head as it features some interesting functionality given its size. It supports up to 11lb (5kg) payload and offers a 180° tilt range (-90° to +90°) and 360° panoramic base for smooth horizontal panning.

The head utilizes an ARCA Swiss receiver with a quick-release plate. The good thing is that the top of the head can be rotated by 90° which makes it easier to skip the quick-release plate and mount the camera directly on the cage as many cage designs feature ARCA Swiss-compatible baseplate.

There are multiple 1/4″-20 mounting threads with locating pins for mounting various accessories both on the tripod and on the fluid head.

The head has a telescopic adjustable pan handle and, surprisingly, also sports an integrated leveling bowl for quick balancing. Known for their camera cages, Tilta also included a magnet-attached flathead screwdriver in the head’s design.

Price and availability

The Tilta VT05 travel tripod is now available, and they claim that every pre-order ships within a week. When it comes to price, the full retail price is $299, but until August 21 you can get the tripod 10% off (for $269).

For more information please visit Tilta’s VT05 product page.

What tripod are you using when traveling? Do you take a compact fluid head with you? What do you think about the new Tilta VT05? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section underneath the article.

The Chinese company SmallRig is known for producing affordable and “well-thought-through” camera accessories – cages, grip arms, clamps, etc. Nowadays SmallRig produces a wide variety of products including LED lights, batteries, and even microphones. When it comes to tripods, SmallRig is a relatively new player in the field, but the company already managed to launch some interesting products.

Last year, for instance, we reported about the SmallRig FreeBlazer tripod for up to 8kg payloads. At this year’s NAB show, we made a video about a Smallrig x Potato Jet collaboration resulting in a hydraulic tripod called Tribex (available from July 2024). Now, SmallRig officially launched another new tripod called AD-120. Let’s take a quick look at its features and specs.

SmallRig AD-120 heavy-duty carbon fiber tripod

The words heavy-duty are part of the tripod’s name – that is how SmallRig calls their line of video tripods. How heavy-duty the tripod really is, of course, has to be tested in hands-on reviews. Perhaps the most notable design feature of the tripod legs is SmallRig’s FreeSpeed locking technology which can lock/unlock each leg with only one flip lock. This should make it easier and quicker to extend the tripod to its full height.

The AD-120 tripod features three-section legs made out of circular carbon fiber tubes (16mm / 0.6″ diameter, a total of 5 tubes per leg). The working height is available between 58cm (22.8″) and 197cm (77.5″) – from the ground to the top of the camera plate. The folded length is 99cm (38.9″), and the feet feature built-in metal spikes that are covered with detachable flat feet.

SmallRig includes both mid-level and ground spreaders with the tripod. The size of each spreader can be adjusted with knobs to provide different angles for the legs. This contributes to the flexibility in the tripod’s height and enables low-angle shooting. Each spreader can be removed with an easy one-touch design.

SmallRig DH12 Fluid Head

The tripod kit comes equipped with the SmallRig DH12 fluid head. This features an adjustable 6-step dynamic counterbalance system that can balance payloads from 1kg up to 8kg (17.6lb) (when the height of the gravitational center is 55mm / 2.2″ – according to the company). The step-less damping system of the fluid head can be adjusted with two anti-slip knobs (pan and tilt).

The fluid head adopts a new Touch-and-Go quick-release mount plate design which does not require alignment and is more efficient than traditional slide-in plates. The plate is compatible with the DJI RS series and Manfrotto quick-release plates.

The detachable telescopic pan handle allows rotation and it can be attached to both the left and right side of the head using the two stainless steel ARRI rosette mounts. The head features a detachable 75mm bowl base with 3 built-in anti-rotation screws.

You can mount various accessories to the 1/4″-20 threaded mounting hole with locating pins that SmallRig included on the side of the head.

SmallRig AD-120 key features

• FreeSpeed one-key locking quick height adjustment
• Adjustable 6-step fluid counterbalance system up to 8kg
• Adjustable step-less damping system for pan and tilt 
• Easy switch between Manfrotto and DJI RS quick-release plates
• Interchangeable ground and mid-level spreaders
• flat and spiked feet
• Working height from 58cm (22.8″) to 197cm (77.5″)

Price and availability

The SmallRig AD-120 tripod kit is already available for $559, but there is currently a $84 discount, so the kit can be purchased for $475.15.

On top of the tripod-head combo with both spreaders, the kit further includes a customized carrying bag for storage and protection, an Allen wrench, a phone holder, and a user manual.

Do you use any of the SmallRig tripods for your productions? What do you think about the new SmallRig AD-120 tripod? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section underneath the article.

The Sachtler Ace tripod head and 75/2 tripod legs were released in 2011 and were among Johnnie’s first reviews on cinema5D. The Ace, and later the heftier Ace XL version, were launched as Sachtler’s entry-level tripods, sitting below the FSB series and primarily designed for DSLR shooters.

After 13 years on the market, it was time for a revamp of what might be one of Sachtler’s most sold tripod ever, introducing the Sachtler Ace M Mk II and the Ace XL Mk II.

Sachtler Ace M Mk II and Ace XL Mk II – features

The Sachtler Ace M Mk II and Ace XL Mk II are lightweight tripod heads that have a lot of things in common, including:

• Three pan and three drag control steps, from 0 to three.
• A 75mm Half Ball flat base.

• The heads use Sachtler’s sideload camera quick-release plates, which are compatible with the Sachtler aktiv/FSB/Ace tripods.
• The Ace XL Mk II model has a bubble level at the back of the tripod head, which can be illuminated. The Ace M Mk II has a bubble level but can’t be illuminated.

The main difference between the Ace M Mk II and the XL Mk II is the maximum payload capacity and the counterbalance system. Indeed, the Ace M Mk II can take payloads up to 4kg/8.8 lbs and has five steps of counterbalance. On the other hand, the Ace XL Mk II can take payloads up to 8kg/17.6 lbs and has nine steps of counterbalance.

Last but not least, the Sachtler Ace M Mk II can only be purchased as a kit with tripod legs, whereas the Ace XL Mk II can be purchased as a head-only or bundle with tripod legs.

Sachtler 75/2 Mk II tripod legs

The Sachtler 75/2 Mk II tripod legs are available in two versions: aluminum or carbon fiber. These “basic” tripod legs can be configured with a mid or ground spreader. The mid-spreader has been redesigned; it is detachable, similar to the Sachtler flowtech one. Also, the 75/2 Mk II now features three new 3/8″-16 mounting points on the tripod bowl to attach accessories.

The tripod legs now come standard with a carrying handle, which is handy. Regarding height, these two-stage legs can go from 16.6 to 62.2″/43 to 158cm or 24.8 to 60.6″/63 to 154cm, depending on whether you use a ground or mid-spreader.

Price and availability

The Sachtler Ace M Mk II packages start at $850/€834. The Ace XL Mk II tripod head retails for $655/€642, and packages with tripod legs start at $1197/€1167. The 75/2 Mk II tripod legs retail for $511/€486 for the aluminum version and $646/€595 for the carbon fiber version.

For more information, please visit Sachtler’s website here.

What do you think about these revamped Sachtler Ace tripod heads and tripods? Did you already shoot with the original Sachtler Ace? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!

The SIRUI SVT75 Rapid tripod with its one-step height adjustment system was first teased in August 2023. This interesting tripod features one lever on each tripod leg that simultaneously releases and locks each tripod section. That Rapid feature saves much time on set as you don’t have to lock/unlock each leg section individually. If you missed it, you can watch our in-depth review of the SIRUI SVT75 Rapid tripod here.

SIRUI is pushing things one step further and continues developing its patent-rapid system by introducing two monopods: the SVM145 and the SVM165.

SIRUI SVM145 and SVM165 – features

The SIRUI SVM145 and SVM165 are made of carbon fiber and weigh around 1.5kg/3.30 lbs. Both models have a maximum payload capacity of 10kg/22 lbs. As their name suggests, the SVM145 has a maximum height of 145cm/57in, while the SVM165 can reach 165cm/65in. The minimum height of the SVM145 is 75cm/29.5in, and the SVM165 is 82cm/32.3in.

The height of the monopods can be adjusted by turning only one knob at the top of the column. At the top of the monopod, you’ll find a base with a bubble level and a 3/8″-16 screw to mount a fluid head. That top part can be removed by pulling on the grey ring.

At the bottom of the monopod, you’ll find three tiny foldable tripod legs and a ball head, which allows you to tilt the center column to 36° in all directions. Also, the same quick-release grey ring is found at the bottom, permitting you to remove the center column entirely. Then, you can put the base on the mini tripod and go low to the ground.

Lastly, if the SIRUI SVM145 or SVM165 height is a bit short for you, you can get the optional SVM-E extension tube to increase the height by 30cm/11.8in.

Pricing and availability

The SIRUI SVM145 retails for $249/€269, and the SVM165 is $299/€319. The SVM-E extension rod will cost you an additional $29.90/€32.90. Pre-sales starting on February 19th.

For more information, please visit SIRUI’s website here.

What do you think about these two monopods? Do you often use a monopod for the kind of project you shoot? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!

iFootage first introduced its Gazelle Uprise and Fastbowl tripods back in 2019. I reviewed the Gazelle Uprise TC6, and to this day, I still use it as a travel or B-camera tripod. Indeed, the Gazelle Uprise TC6 travels the world with me without any issues, as it fits perfectly in a checked suitcase. If you missed it, you can also take a look at my recent iFootage Beava Roller 35 review here, which is the company’s first lineup of bags.

If you’re in the market for a compact and lightweight travel tripod, iFootage has just released two new options inside its Gazelle series: the TA3B and TC3B.

iFootage Gazelle TC3B and TA3B – features

The Gazelle TC3B and TA3B are iFootage’s latest travel tripods, but they are also the smaller and lighter version of the entire lineup. The TA3B is made of aluminum; it weighs 1.55kg/3.41 lbs, is 55cm/21.6in when closed, and can go as high as 1.5m/4.92ft.

The lighter Gazelle TC3B is made of carbon fiber, it weighs 1.3kg/2.86lbs, has a closed height of 46,5cm/18.3in, and is 1.4m/4.59ft when fully extended.

Both tripod models have a maximum carrying capacity of 3kg/6.6 lbs. Furthermore, they come with an exclusive Komodo K3 tripod head. This is a basic tripod head with pan/tilt capabilities, but it has no counterbalance or drag adjustments. I assume that the tripod head drives the maximum payload capacity, so if you replace the tripod head with something a bit beefier, the sticks should be able to support a bit more weight.

The Gazelle TA3B/TC3B doesn’t have a center column. However, on the side of the tripod, you’ll find a knob to adjust the level of the built-in base. You can also modify the angle of each leg via the buckles on each leg.

At the bottom of the legs, you’ll find three aluminum buckles to extend/retract the legs quickly. This system is similar to the one seen in the Gazelle Uprise series, and I find it secure, fast, and reliable. Lastly, the feet design consists of rubber pads for when you’re shooting inside or on even surfaces, but you can screw them in to reveal spikes which are handy for uneven terrains.

Pricing and availability

The iFootage Gazelle TA3B retails for $169 with the Komodo K3 head, and the Gazelle TC3B is $229. Both models are available now.

For more information, please visit iFootage’s website here.

What do you think about these new iFootage travel tripods? What is your go-to travel tripod? Have you already used iFootage tripods? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!