Sirui NT -1005X/E-10

£180/$250 How low can you go?

When it comes to folding down small for compact carriage, this Sirui reigns supreme. It’s definitely designed to be as small as possible, not only featuring five-section legs with a swing-up facility, but also incorporating a two-section extending centre column. The result is a generally adequate maximum operating height of 150cm, and a particularly tiny folded height of 36cm. That’s only about half the folded height of the Manfrotto 290 kit. Despite its aluminium build, the Sirui is only 10g heavier than the Novo carbon kit.

Build quality is very good and the Sirui feels solid and robust, despite its lightweight construction. It remains rigid and steady even at the maximum operating height, with all five leg sections fully extended and both sections of the centre column at full reach. Three locking leg angles are available, and there’s the usual facility to remove one leg and the centre column for use as a monopod.

There are no retractable or interchangeable metal spikes for the feet, but the rubber pads are of good quality.

Features

There’s a pan-only release on the ball head, but no independent friction damper.

The centre column is a twosection affair that enables height extension when needed.

Performance

Set-up on the NT-1005X/E-10 is quick and easy, from the non-slip feet to the ball head with its Arca-Swiss compatible quickrelease plate. All adjustments are smooth but lock solidly, although the head lacks an independent friction damper. The swing-up legs can be locked at three alternative angles. If ultracompact carriage is high on your priority list, the Sirui is a very desirable piece of kit.

WE SAY

Maximum operating height is a little meagre, but the carrying size is incredibly small.