Finding the perfect, compact tripod for the X-2, X-Pro, and X-T1

As the Fuji X-camera system continues to expand and improve, I find myself using it more frequently. I have been riding a bike in New York ever since I can remember, and always carried a camera with me when I go exploring the city, and a Fuji X camera system is the perfect size. I rarely need to carry a tripod on these trips, but lately have wanted to do some long exposures where a tripod is a necessity. Problem is that my normal Gitzo tripod isn't really compact enough to fit in my accessory bag. So I began a search for very small, light-weight tripod that would still be sturdy enough to hold an X-camera steady. That search led me to the Sirui T-025X.

The Sirui T-025X is a carbon fiber tripod that folds to just 11.8" (30cm), yet opens to a 54" height. It also has a number of other features I like, such as quick twist legs where you can open and lock all leg extensions with one hand motion - the same as on my favorite Gitzo.

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This is my typical bike kit: A fuji X-E2, the Fuji 18-55mm and 55-200mm zooms, one extra prime, and the Sirui T-025X. It all fits nicely into a Topeak DXP bicycle trunk bag.

The tripod comes in two models, a carbon version, the Sirui T-025X, weighing only 1.5lbs and capable of supporting 13.2lbs for $239.95, and an aluminum version, the Sirui T-005X, weighing 2.2lb but only able to hold 8.8lb for $139.95. I sprung for the more expensive carbon version to shave off the extra pound and a half and also gain more support stability. Both models come with the Sirui C-10 ball head and Arca-Swiss style clamp - perfect if, like me, you put the new Fujifilm hand grip with its built-in Arca-Swiss style quick-release lip on your X-camera. However you don't really need the hand grip to attach the camera, since the Sirui ball head comes with its own small mounting plate perfectly sized for a Fuji X-camera.

The Sirui T-025X in fully open position next to my bike to show scale. It opens to a very practical 54" height for such a small, light-weight tripod. When folded, the tripod and my X-camera with several lenses fit in the Topeak trunkbag I have mounted on the back of my bike. When you live in an apartment in New York, where living space is at a premium, you can become obsessed with storing things. Even my bike, a full size Montague Navigator, folds in half for compact storage in a closet.

The Sirui T-025X tripod folds downs to just 11.8", but can open to 54.5" when fully extended. Its support load of 13.2lbs for the carbon and 8.8 for the aluminum version is more than sufficient to hold an X-E2 with 55-200mm zoom weighing only 2.48lb.

When folded to its closed position, the Sirui T-025X tripod and ball head is scarcely larger than my X-E2 with the 55-200mm Fiji XF zoom on it.

The ball head can be mounted directly to the base when the center column is removed. With the legs set to their lowest setting the tripod is only 7.375" (18.7cm) off the ground. The addition of the bottom clip is handy to hold a camera bag or other heavy item that can add more stability to the tripod in wind.

The tripod legs spread out allowing it to go low to the ground. The center column can be unscrewed and removed and the ball head mounted directly to the legs for a very low mount.

The tripod comes with its own carry bag that protects it from rubbing up against the camera equipment when packed next to it in my bag. Two of the legs have soft hand grips.

Conclusion:

There isn't much not to like about this tripod. It is compact, sturdy, convenient, versatile, and a perfect complement for any Fuji X camera. It's 54" maximum height might be a bit less than I would like, but a small compromise for something that folds down to such a packable size. I use it in by bike pack, but it is also a perfect size for tucking into a backpack.

I don't get the feeling that the build quality is on a level with what you are going to find in a pro tripod like a Gitzo, but the Sirui T-025X is adequate enough for holding a light-weight camera and lens, and its really compact fold-up size clinches the deal.

- Order carbon version from Amazon for $239: Sirui T-025X 52" Carbon Fiber Tripod with C-10X Ball Head & Case

- Order aluminum version from Amazon for $139: Sirui T-005KX 52" Aluminum Alloy Tripod with C-10X Ball Head & Case

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