Novo Explora T10

£249/$320 This carbon contender is high and mighty

Like other Novo Explora tripods, this one is only available in carbon fibre. The leg sections are very similar in diameter to those of the Kenro tripod on test, ranging from 18mm to 28mm. These two tripods also both have a folded length of 48cm, and the Novo has generous maximum operating height of 174cm, and again there’s a low angle adapter that enables a short minimum operating height, this time of 26cm. The max load rating is beefy too, at 15kg for the legs and ball head.

Attractions also seen in some competitors include four sections for each leg, complete with twist-action clamps, three lockable leg angles, and one removable leg that can be used as a monopod. The tripod is supplied with interchangeable rubber feet and metal spikes.

The ball head features an adjustable friction damper built into the main locking knob and two pan release locks, one at the base and the other in the camera platform, both with scales marked in degrees.

Performance

The height is nice, especially as the Novo remains rigid even at full extension of the legs and centre column. All movements are smooth, with a fluid feel, and clamping actions are firm.