Review Sirui ST-124 with ST-10 headset
PS You can read the review about the Sirui ST-124 right away click here
But first: From a tripod or by hand?
Perhaps you belong to the group of photographers who like to shoot handheld. The feeling of speed and flexibility appeals to you and you don't have to carry a tripod. A style of photography with only positives at first sight. Let's be honest, I also photographed for a long time without a tripod.
Until later the realization grew that a tripod enables you to practice many more forms of photography; think of evening photography or landscape photography with longer shutter speeds and, for example, water. Come to think of it, my light painting never even got off the ground!
Tip: My first tripod was an extremely cheap plastic one from Velbon. This of course turned out to be a bad buy; a good tripod is an investment that lasts a very long time; much longer than the average camera even!
The most important features of a tripod
Stability
In general, a tripod is more stable if it is heavier. A tripod that is too light is easy to carry, but will not be suitable for the most heavy camera-lens combinations. A tripod that is too heavy may prevent you from taking it on hiking trips.
It's a decision every photographer has to make for themselves. Do you use it to occasionally take a holiday photo? Or do you have ambitions to specialize in photographing birds with long lenses? Every form of photography has its own matching tripod.
In general, I recommend a solid and stable tripod. You can use this in many situations. Also in more extreme situations such as offshore wind. And stability is also important in macro photography. A reversible center column is then an advantage to be able to work low to the ground.
The right tripod is often the difference between a sharp or blurry photo and can save you a lot of annoyance. Moreover, you prefer to put your precious camera on a solid tripod, don't you?
Height
The minimum height of a tripod is important because low angles can often add a lot of depth and detail to your photos. Think of reflections in puddles and shells on the beach. A low point of view often enhances your image.
The macro photographers among us also know that many subjects are often close to the ground. For the most appealing image, you often want to shoot at eye level with your subject.
There are two solutions for getting your camera low to the ground. Tripods without a central column where your camera can often be placed about 15 centimeters above the ground. Or the tripods where the center column can be turned around, you can then even let the camera float a few millimeters above the ground.
The maximum height of a tripod is determined by the length of the legs and the number of sections. Does your tripod have a center column? Then you can use it to place your camera a little higher. Mind you, an extended center column is always a little less sturdy. However, I always like it when I can shoot with a straight back and with my height of 186cm, I often look for a tripod with a minimum height of 170cm.
Mates
Most tripods are composed of 3 or 4 sections. A tripod with 4 sections is shorter when folded than its variant with 3 sections and is therefore easier to carry. It is slightly less stable due to the extra closure. Without exception I always choose the most stable variant; 3 sections instead of 4 sections.
There are systems with clips to loosen and fasten your legs, but I myself am a big supporter of the twist locks. I loosened or tightened these types of closures with 1 turn of my hand. Nowadays there are also variants where the screw thread is protected by an extra rubber ring, so that moisture and sand are less likely to cause damage.
Maximum carrying weight
Most tripods can carry standard camera-lens combinations just fine these days. To be sure, always check the carrying weight and consider what your heaviest camera-lens combination weighs. I always multiply this times four to arrive at the minimum carrying weight that I would like to use myself. The carrying weight also says something about the stability in a lot of wind. And now let me often work on a windy beach!
The type of headline
The tripod head is a very important part of your tripod. It is the connection between your camera and the tripod. The tripod head determines how you can move your device on the tripod to determine the correct composition.
Different types of tripod heads are available. Which tripod head you need depends on the usage situation. Below you will find an overview of the most important tripod heads.
Headset
Ball heads are the most commonly used tripod heads for photography. The plate on which your camera is mounted is on a ball head that you can move in all directions. By turning a screw, you can move the head in the desired direction. Then you fix the tripod head.
The somewhat more versatile ball heads also have a so-called friction knob, with which you can adjust the resistance of the ball head. A ball head is a real all-rounder and is generally fine to use. Especially if you're just starting out, it's nice to be able to position your camera with 1 button.
Three-way head
A three-way head offers more options than a ball head. This tripod head can be adjusted in three directions. This allows you to move the camera separately on different axes. In this way you determine the direction of the camera very specifically. It takes longer to make adjustments to your composition. You can eventually work more precisely.
Fluid head
With a liquid head you ensure that the camera is not fixed on the tripod. When you move the camera, the movements from the fluid head are slightly slowed down. This prevents the images from becoming jerky and shaky. Especially suitable for so-called panning and for filmers
Gimbal
A tripod with a gimbal on top ensures that the horizon always remains straight. The gimbal stabilizes your camera so that it remains upright with every movement. Electronic gimbals are available, as well as simpler versions that keep the camera straight around its center of gravity.
Carrying capacity of your tripod head
Just like a tripod, the tripod head has a maximum load capacity that is expressed in kilograms. Make sure the head can easily support the weight of your camera, your heaviest lens and your flash or field monitor. I personally apply Mike's rule of 4 again. The load capacity must be at least 4 times the weight of my heaviest set.
The clutch plate
No set can do without a quick release plate. What is this you will think? It is a small plate that you screw under your camera and always leave it there. You can then secure that plate in your tripod head so that you can quickly put your camera on or take it off your tripod. Without a quick-release plate, it takes a lot longer to place the camera on the tripod, which in practice often means frustration and missing moments.
The most commonly used system is Arca Swiss and is compatible with almost all brands. Handy if you need to borrow a tripod from a fellow photographer.
The Sirui ST-124 with ST-10 tripod head
As an ambassador for Sirui Benelux, I was given a new tripod within Sirui's very extensive line of tripods; the ST-124 with an ST-10 headset.
A true masterpiece of Sirui in which a number of new features can be found. Nice to see that Sirui continues to innovate.
Design of the Sirui ST-124
When unpacking, you immediately notice that the tripod is narrow, extremely narrow even! Due to a newly designed, triangular center column, the legs fit very tightly against this column. As a result, there is little space between the parts. This results in a nice compact design. It's not even much thicker than a water bottle.
In addition to the slightly longer Sirui ST-124, there is a shorter version, the SIrui ST-125. It's nice that an alternative is immediately offered for photographers who need even more compactness.
The tripod comes with a fixed center column that can be turned around within seconds so that a low point of view can be achieved. If you use the tripod in the usual orientation, the hook under the center column comes in handy for hanging your camera bag, for example. This gives just a little extra stability.
Also new for Sirui are the extra threads in the side of the top. Additional accessories such as telephone, tablet or umbrella holders can be attached to these points.
The twist locks of the tripod are completely finished in accordance with Sirui's weathersealed "W" line with a plastic ring to exclude water and sand.
The position of the legs can be easily adjusted by pulling out the locking clips. They will then remain in their extended position until you move the legs to their new position.
And last but not least - the rubber feet (handy on an even surface) can be fitted with spikes (handy in nature) by turning them.
The Sirui ST-10 head
What is immediately striking about the head is the double screw with which you fasten the included Arca Swiss plate. What turns out now? If you just loosen the little blue screw, your camera will be able to pan horizontally without skewing the horizon in your composition. Very handy for making a series of images that can later be put together as a panorama.
Also new are the two wings on the adjustment screw. It just gives that extra grip to tighten or loosen your head. It seems obvious, but for me a first time seeing this with Sirui.
In addition, the Sirui ST-10 has no less than two notches to quickly put your camera in portrait mode. A scale for accurate 360-degree panning is of course not missing.
The Sirui ST-124 in use
I normally use tripods from Sirui's Reporter line with my Pentax Full-frame and medium-format cameras, so working with a compact tripod was a relief for me.
The tripod fits easily in the side of my camera bag (Mindshift Backlight 36L) and is therefore easy to carry.
Thanks to the twist locks, it stands up within 10 seconds and retracting it again is also done in no time.
With a carrying capacity of 12 kilos for the tripod and 30 kilos for the head, Sirui clearly focuses on the market for mirrorless cameras with this combination. These are often a bit lighter and no longer need those heavy tripods of the past.
That does not mean that this tripod is not suitable for DSLRs. Far from. He carries the combination of my full-frame Pentax K-1 and 24-70/2.8 lens with ease. If I use the tripod plate on my 70-200/2.8 so that the set is balanced, the ST-124 can also handle the weight of over 2.5 kilos.
Conclusion on the Sirui ST-124
The pluses:
- Compact and lightweight
- Weather sealed closures
- Panorama function in the ball head
- Reversible center column
- Double notches for portrait orientation
- Mounting points for accessories
- Rotary knobs with wings
- Spikes incorporated in the rubber feet
- Suitable for combinations up to approximately 2.5 kilos
The points for improvement:
- No divisible center column (as in the Sirui W-2204)
- Attaching/removing the tripod plate requires two actions
With the Sirui ST-124 and the accompanying ST-10 head, Sirui has developed an innovative tripod especially for users of mirrorless cameras. It is compact, offers an excellent load capacity and is very user-friendly due to its new rotary knobs. The weather sealing of the twist locks is a big advantage if you regularly shoot in sand or salt water.
Do you walk a lot with your photo equipment and do you still want a high-quality tripod with excellent stability? Then this tripod is definitely suitable!
Whichever Sirui type you choose, they all have a number of things in common: 100% ease of use, good design and high-quality composition. Sirui also guarantees perfect service and offers a lifetime warranty on its stands.
Are you considering purchasing the tripod and do you have any questions? You can always reach me for additional advice.
Because of my good relationship with Sirui, the tripods can also be ordered directly from me. They are normally shipped from the importer within 24 hours on working days.
