Stands are generally always a kompromislösung. In general, the rule applies: A really sturdy tripod can not be easily and simultaneously cheap. Or. A cheap tripod can not be cheap and easy at the same time. Or the other way: A lightweight tripod can not be cheap and stable at the same time. Depending on their own requirements, it can happen quite naturally, that now someone cries out and says, "Hey my tripod but is stable, cheap and easy", which is considered then but just Anforderungsbreich the extended hobby photographers.
For travel tripods the matter is still more complicated. They should be small and light in the first place and of course still provide a minimum level of Stablitätt, each is clear that cutting back here definitely have to do.
Ideally, a travel tripod meet the following criteria:
* Light weight of 1 - 1.5kg so it truly portable is
* Compact dimensions in the folded state
* Max 3-4 segments per leg for greater stability
* Legs should bend can be in various stages, so that you can work close to the ground in macro photography, but also to meet the different requirements and substrates to respond on the ground
* The center column should be removed or replaced by a short version, so you can work really bodenah
* One should be able to mount ball heads from other manufacturers
* Compact travel bag
Conceivable applications for travel tripods are probably mostly long exposures with moderate Equippment, macro shots in Bode Station, Panoramic, shooting at eye level, time lapse recording, etc., etc.
Let's look at these points of the CT-5A Take a closer at:
General
From the data fro the CT-5A definitely sounds ever promising. When folded, the tripod measures just 43cm once. The maximum working height is 163cm, the load is said to be up to 8kg. One can not use the stand only as Tripod but optionally also repurpose it into a mini tripod, or use it as a monopod or even a walking stick. Accordingly, the small compact travel bag is also included with the appropriate tool, also can still be found the three legs of the mini tripod in the side pocket, also located at the whole still a small pocket in which you want the tripod for example, carry on your belt. This feature I have not tested.
Center column
The center column is at almost every stand always the problem zone and for several reasons. For a center pillar responsible for vibrations in most cases, which can be seen under certain circumstances in the pictures, especially when it is extended. In addition, a central pillar in the way to be if you want to work close to the ground with the stand. Here it is important that the center column is completely removable.
When CT-5A is the center pillar of two parts. By means of a turn-lock fastener is connected to the tripod. This twist lock needs to open and unscrew the Kugelfkopf you, then you can remove the center column completely. In order to mount a Kugeklopf again then you have the smaller part of the center column definitely reinstall, this is 7cm long. So it does have a lower working height, as well as less vibration. In addition, you can work very convenient close to the ground, because the legs can be folded down to almost 90 ° (even up to 180 ° but this is not relavant).
One must again turn very tightly, otherwise the center column rotates when you turn the camera to lock the center column definitely. For this already you need a little power, another shutter system here would certainly optimal, but would again affect the price.
Should fully extended center column, the entire construction is prone to camera shake in a little stronger wind, fall all except for strong gusts but not. But in such weather conditions, no one can hopefully be his expensive equipment unattended.
Located at the point where one connects the center column to the stand an eye with a metal ring where you can anything heavy hang the tripod for example, to stabilize it, and I wonder as how the vibrations in wind would then impact. But I'm always fair-weather photographer therefore has not yet engaged me in practice.
Legs
The legs of the tripod consist of four segments, which actually is a too much for my taste, but still ensures sufficient stability. One drives the legs by means of a screw cap and a rubberized. The feet are made of hard rubber, which is expected to provide most surfaces for a secure footing. Spikes are nowhere hidden and can obviously not be acuh nachegrüstet optional. The legs are covered up with foam rubber, so you can serve them well in all Witterungsbedinungen.
At the top there is a folding switch when you press this you can see the legs up to 180 ° fold, thus bringing the whole back into transport position. In fact, practical use is the most extreme case, a setting that corresponds to almost 90 °, I would estimate it at 80 ° -85 °. When building the center column apart to reach such a minimum working height of 20cm, which is already very little.
Tripod Head
The tripod head reminds me a little of my Bilbora Perfect Pro 2205 ball head. He has a full degree scale in the horizontal, which is very convenient for panoramic shots. By means of a small wheel you can determine or release the head, so you can turn it exact degree.
A separation of locking and friction setting does not exist. The head can be freely rotated in all directions, the adjustment is carried out via a side-mounted wheel. This has a scale of 0, 9, 8, etc. to 1, where 0 is bombproof and 1 correspondingly loose and move freely, where one the wheel strangely can continue to turn, once you complete rum namely 4 1/2 times, where you reach the maximum degree of freedom after about 1.3 revolutions. Then you should turn something conscious, because all else is a little confusing in my opinion. Also, I do not really know what I intended to say pay, however, works both the friction and the mere fixed and free points very well.
The quick release plate is tightened with a wheel. Solving the wheel can drive the high-side and then just take out. It has front and rear via fuses intended to prevent verehentliches slip out. Unfortunately, she has no Nubsi forward to you can put in the Ausparung of DSLRs and camcorders, so that they can no longer move when they are mounted on the board. Unfortunately, I do not know the technical term for this Nubsi.
Furthermore, two spirit levels found at the top so that you can fathom the tripod or the camera in any position horizontally.
With my equipment, the head was so far can flourish. In DSLR segment, this was the most serious case, an EOS 600D 50-250mm Sigma with ultra wide angle and a camcorder Sony NEX VG20EH, and is now truly not a handy little camcorder.
Them from there to the head is not much to say. VLT. nor a side note, I do not ever happens that I have removed the head to screw a video head on the tripod. Eventually, the screw has to a piece of the heads are anchored on the tripod be far slipped out what the consequence was that the CT-5A own tripod head would not let me tend. The screw for notice could be under greatest exertions or with the aid of a not solve and I wanted the whole complaint already as a construction error.
I then but again taken everything apart and also solved the screw again and remounted and behold: Everything could be unjam move as usual. Who so similar happens, do not despair. I do not however so far also only happens once, so no need to worry I think.
Tripod Bag
The CT-5A comes with a small compact bag with shoulder strap therefore. The stand can be easily stowed away in it. Is found on the outside of a small bag in which the three legs are included for the mini tripod function, inside there is also a small pocket in the tool can be found, as well as accessories for the new uses to a monopod.
CT-5A as a monopod
One can each of the three legs by simply turning the rest of the stand to solve. You then solves the tripod can be by means of a key from the small tool bag, loosen the upper Schraue and this screw up in the tripod leg. On the other side of the screw is screwed then the tripod head and so has a wonderful portable monopod. This I have not yet actually used, but it seems to meet most of the requirements which have been on a monopod. In the inside pocket is also still finds a tab that you can fix the monopod above, as I have seen them monopod even at some other. In this usage, one can use all four segments of the leg.
CT-5A as a mini tripod
As just mentioned, you can unscrew all three legs. Then you can quickly and simply screw on the legs from the side pocket and you've got a fine mini tripod, which should still have a load capacity of up to four kilos, according to a journal. Even these legs can be up to four times to take off, and I then no longer find the design so reassuring.
CT-5A as a walking stick
The same procedure as for the conversion into a monopod, the only one not mounted tripod head up but a simple round handle. So you can actually use his tripod while hiking in the woods or mountains as a walking stick. How much I can not really say this use affects the lifetime of the overall design, but you will not actually use a travel tripod so often, so actually little reason to deny when you need it. I find this idea in any case quite nüztlich. Who knows, maybe this is stand in a few years, when the cameras are already in the basement a few yes as a walking stick.
Instructions:
As usual with Fotozubehör the manual makes use primarily a visual language. If you can get a little dealing so that you actually implement everything easily, I wobe in a way that the user guide for the renovation monopod is still not have become smart.
Conclusion:
Phew, now that was a lot of text. But with a 4in1 stand there is also simply a lot to talk about. One can certainly argue about the sense and nonsense of travel tripods. In DSLR forum the conventional wisdom is that travel tripods land no later than after the first trip to the garbage and anyway nciht much suck and withstand anything.
Personally, I see that a little differently to give whatever one's claims that must be based on his equipment here. I have my opinion wichtisten criteria mentioned above. Basically, the Rollei CT-5A meets all, only the weight there is something about it, but in practice this is still in the frame. The tripod is safe as long as it is not too windy and the center column is not extended, it is lightweight and compact. For most ordinary amateur photographers who just want a transportable good travel tripod looking certainly a good choice. Also, the supplied ball head is useful, especially if you do not not have to spend extra money so again, but I would replace it with another, if you have another available. This reminds me of this dial is simply not safe enough.
The conversion to a monopod or tripod Mini is fast and simple and should in no case take longer than five minutes, as you can see in the video.
I tried to describe in this review all the strengths and weaknesses are noticed relatively neutral, so that everyone can get an idea for yourself whether this Tripod
something for him or not.
Generally I would say that this tripod for every amateur photographers, the somewhat lightweight, compact for travel searches is definitely recommended and you get practically the same even a monopod and even a walking stick to.
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