Reviews
It covers almost all the requirements for the perfect tripod and grip in 2023
An awesome tripod and grip for smart phones, point n shoot and small DSLR cameras. Maybe a light Canon Ra mirrorless series with a small lens. As camera weight goes up usable extension goes down with less control and swaying. Here are some weight numbers to play with. I use an iPhone 14 Pro Max (240g) and a Canon G7 X (304g) at full extension. An older Canon Rebel SL1 DSLR with 24mm EF-5 lens (532g) with 4 and with a heavy 18-135mm EF-S lens (857g) 3 extensions. Go with a Zhiyun Smooth 5S Gimbal with iPhone 14 Pro Max (865g) for 3 extensions.
Outside with the full 62 inch extension in the wind smart phones and even GoPro cameras will move around some. Think about ropes to secure it if you need the height for a shot or lower the extensions for a more stable platform. Indoors with a robust tripod I have no fear putting the most expensive iPhone ever made on it.
As weight goes up the weakness is the 180 degree control head with a smooth locking surface. As tight as possible this can slip with heavier loads especially with a motorized gimbal moving around. The solution would be a control head with a geared locking surface and even better a metal version that would eliminate any slippage as well as no worries when adding accessories to the setup.
Maybe next year Eucos will come up with a 'Pro' version having an improved gear locking head for a little more cost. If not maybe they could provide a removal control head so we can replace it with a Manfroto version. They have already nailed so many issues we look for in a tripod as with strength and durability in such a small reasonably light package especially running around a mountaintop with a backpack of camera gear.
For now with light cameras this needs to be in your arsenal of tools making great videos when an expensive gimbal takes time to setup while this can do a lot of the same movements as you are the gimbal. It is so very well balanced forget all those other grip solutions for a smart phone or whatever you use. Go with the best tripod and grip at the moment then make great videos.
Outside with the full 62 inch extension in the wind smart phones and even GoPro cameras will move around some. Think about ropes to secure it if you need the height for a shot or lower the extensions for a more stable platform. Indoors with a robust tripod I have no fear putting the most expensive iPhone ever made on it.
As weight goes up the weakness is the 180 degree control head with a smooth locking surface. As tight as possible this can slip with heavier loads especially with a motorized gimbal moving around. The solution would be a control head with a geared locking surface and even better a metal version that would eliminate any slippage as well as no worries when adding accessories to the setup.
Maybe next year Eucos will come up with a 'Pro' version having an improved gear locking head for a little more cost. If not maybe they could provide a removal control head so we can replace it with a Manfroto version. They have already nailed so many issues we look for in a tripod as with strength and durability in such a small reasonably light package especially running around a mountaintop with a backpack of camera gear.
For now with light cameras this needs to be in your arsenal of tools making great videos when an expensive gimbal takes time to setup while this can do a lot of the same movements as you are the gimbal. It is so very well balanced forget all those other grip solutions for a smart phone or whatever you use. Go with the best tripod and grip at the moment then make great videos.
25/11/2023