Sirui ET-1004 is an aluminum tripod that features an E-10 Ball Head, 4-sections, and a quick-release plate. It also sports an extendable center column, which gives it a maximum height of 55 inches. It is also very lightweight as it weighs only 3.0 lbs.
This doesn’t make it weak as it can carry a load of up to 18 lbs. Furthermore, it includes a short center column that enables changeover for shooting macro and low angles. Its center column can be inverted as well to allow shooting from under the tripod. Then it features 4-section legs with practical flip locks for more effortless adjustment.
Its legs can also be independently placed in three angles and lock automatically in place, leading to securer shooting on uneven terrain. They can also fold up 180º, giving it a folded length of just 16.5 inches. This makes it compact, thus leading to more comfortable transport and storage.
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The material used to construct this tripod is also of high quality. Both the rugged spider and legs are made from forged aluminum alloy. This gives it enhanced stability, performance as well as longevity. Coming on to its E-10 ball head, it is smooth and delivers vibration-free movement.
It also provides separate adjustment knobs for panning and locking. The knobs have a solid grip and wear-resistant surface. It also sports a bubble-level for fast and accurate alignment.
Let us now look in detail at the features of SIRUI ET-1004 to understand what makes it so unique:
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Sirui ET-1004 Review
For a photographer who refuses to compromise on quality but is on a budget, this new SIRUI ET-1004 is an ideal choice. It is a built for travel tripod kit which folds compactly as its legs can be flipped by 180°. This allows it to collapse down to only 42cm, which is considerably more compact than rivals. It is designed to fits into most backpacks and luggage so that it can be carried easily. This makes it ideal for travel and easy for storage.
Then it comes with a handy shoulder bag, which makes carrying even more convenient. It also features a stabilizing hook on the center column for added stability and has cold-weather grips to survive in rough weather.
Then the quality of this tripod is also top-notch. It is built from aircraft-grade Aluminum, which makes it sturdy and durable, giving it a long life. It also makes it weigh only 3 pounds but allows it to deliver maximum performance. That is why it can carry loads up to 8 kg and easily support a pro DSLR or large telephoto lens.
Moreover, it also features maximum stability as its legs are sturdy, and the ball head is also secure.
Talking about the ball head, it sports an E-10/20 Ball Head, which provides full creative control. The ball head has a separate adjustment knob for smooth and fluid panning and a central locking knob. It also features a useful bubble level to help you find a straight horizon.
This leads to more continuous performance and faster and more accurate alignment. The base can be rotated by 360°, so you can easily create panoramas with its exposed calibration scale. Then it also has a Safety Lock System to prevent slipping of quick release plates. Its release plate locking mechanism is also compatible with Arca Swiss systems, enabling various plates to be used.
Coming on to the legs, this SIRUI includes 3 Flip Leg Lock System, one on each leg, which makes both setting up and breakdown fast as well as comfortable. You have to slide open the legs smoothly. Then also, thanks to its superior design, the flip locks enhance stability and provide security.
The legs can be placed in 3 different leg angle positions to be adjusted to shoot on uneven ground. This makes it easy to shoot in a variety of locations. Then the legs have rubber feet that ensure that the tripod doesn’t slip.
Then it also has an extendable center column for increasing height. Thus, the max height can be extended to 55″/ 140 cm, which is slightly less than its rival. It is a drawback but not a major one. It doesn’t come with a swinging central column. Still, it has a short column, which can also be reversed for low angle or ground-level shooting, which is especially helpful for macro photography or shooting at unusual angles. The Sirui ET-1004 is also the vanguard of its product range because it is easy to use.
It is an enthusiast-level tripod, but it is perfect for beginners as well. This is because all the knobs and locks are user-friendly and are helpful as well. Every feature makes photography easier. So from professionals to amateurs, this tripod is for everyone.
Sirui ET-1004 specifications:
- Head Type: Ball Head
- Base Mount: 3/8″-16 Thread
- Load Capacity: 18 lb. / 8 kg
- Maximum Working Height: 55″ / 140 cm
- Max Height without Center Column: 46″ / 117 cm
- Minimum Working Height: 5″ / 13 cm
- Folded Length: 16.5″ / 42 cm
- Materials: Aluminum Alloy
- Weight: 3.0 lb. / 1.4 kg
- Leg Lock Type: Flip Lock
- Independent Leg Spread: Yes
- Leg Sections: 4
- Center Column Sections: 1
- Center Column Extension Type: Rapid
- Lateral / 90-Degree Center Column: No
What’s in the Box?
- Sirui ET-1004 Aluminum Tripod with E-10 Ball Head
- E-10 Ball Head
- TY-50E Quick Release Plate
- Short Center Column
- Custom Padded Case
- Shoulder Strap
- Adjustment Tool
- Limited 6-Year Warranty Sirui ET1004 Specs
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Pros:
- Practical flip Leg locks for secure support
- Smooth Ball Head
- Reverse-Folding Legs
- Short Center Column Included
- Best quality aluminum
- Reversible 1/4 and 3/8 inch screw
- Locking screw for head
- Stabilizing hook
- Cold-weather grips
- Ease of operation for all control knobs
- 360° panorama pan
- Arca-Swiss compatible
- Safety Lock prevents slipping
Cons:
- Slightly underwhelming maximum height
- Flip locks instead of twist locks
- Swinging central column
Conclusion
Besides some drawbacks, all other results of the Sirui ET-1004 <- Affiliate Link 🙂 excel. All in all, it is a compact, ultra-lightweight, and stylish tripod in the most reasonable price category. You won’t find such an amazing and versatile tripod with so many features in the market!