23Jul SIRUI N1004 Tripod – First impressions
I have a number of heavy duty tripods designed to support 20 to 40 pounds, but those aren’t always the best choice when you’re trying to travel light. So I’ve been looking for a lightweight compact tripod that I could carry with me. I still wanted a decent maximum load capacity and if possible the ability to be used as a monopod.
After doing a bit of research I came across the Sirui N-1004 Tripod. It has a maximum load capacity of 26 pounds, folds down to about 17 inches, and weighs about 2.6 pounds. On top of that, you can remove a single leg to transform the unit into a handy little monopod.
For $155 the manufacturer includes a nice padded bag for the Sirui N-1004 Tripod, with pockets for all the random hardware and parts. It also includes quit a few unique hardware features that make it an interesting mid range tripod stand (more on that in the full review).
Build quality is very good, though some might not like the twist lock type of adjustments the Sirui N-1004 Tripod uses. Some tripods give you a maximum load capacity and it’s not a problem to exceed it by a few pounds, however the N1004’s size and hardware thickness does seem to indicate that 26 pounds is an honest assessment. Still that’s enough to support a, fluid head, mid size dslr rig, and a camera without much of a problem. I’ll be testing the Sirui N-1004 Tripod out over the next few weeks and let you know how well it works out.
July 23rd, 2012 at 8:31 pm
Wow that looks like it would fit in my luggage easily.
July 24th, 2012 at 7:55 am
17.3 inches, I don’t think it would be a problem.
July 24th, 2012 at 2:25 pm
I wanted to buy a Manfrotto 055XPROB but ill wait a bit for your review of this tripod:) Price here is the same but maximum load is much higher and this one is much more portable (: Which is awesome!
Cant wait to see/hear your thoughts about this new tripod:) Which hopefully help me to decide
July 24th, 2012 at 2:35 pm
I have the 055XPROB, I believe it’s rated for just under 16 pounds. By the time you install a 4 pound fluid head, camera rig, monitor, and random gear it’s pretty easy to bump up against the weight limit. The 26 pound limit of the Sirui and the compact size are defiantly attractive features. Hopefully I’ll have time to get a review video out sometime in the next few weeks.
July 24th, 2012 at 3:02 pm
Well i mainly want it for this Aviator jib from kickstarter.
So
+1 for mobility (Sirui is more lightweight)
and
+1 for max.load
I think these 2 things will force me to try out Sirui
But ill rather wait for your thoughts and test before buy it, just to be sure it wont have any huge problems which arent visible right now(:
December 21st, 2012 at 4:08 am
Hi Deejay,
It seems your review isn’t done yet? I really need your advice though ’cause I need to get a tripod as soon as possible and I’m leaning towards this because of the monopod feature. I just want to know from you how useful is it for video. Or should I just get the Sirui T-1205X which is smaller and made of carbon fiber but still rated for 10kg then save up for the Manfrotto 561BHDV-1 monopod instead? I really need your honest advice.
I hope to hear from you soon. 🙂
December 21st, 2012 at 7:02 am
Sorry, it’s on my list of review items, I just haven’t had a chance to get to it. If I’m traveling I take the N1004 with me, it’s compact size, weight capacity, and mono pod feature make it very handy. In the studio I still use my larger tripods. The major difference in price between these to tripods really comes down to the carbon fiber. You pay more for the lighter unit.
The monopod feature of the N1004 is very handy, do you need the weight savings that the T1205x offers?
December 21st, 2012 at 2:48 pm
Yes actually, I can’t carry too much weight. But I’m more interested about the monopod feature of the N-1004. I haven’t tried using a monopod for video yet and I’ve seen footage taken with the Manfrotto 561BHDV-1 so I’m wondering if you can get the same fluid shots or do the same tricks with the N-1004’s monopod (using a Manfrotto 701HDV head)? Or does the 561BHDV-1’s ball and socket joint at the bottom really make that much difference?
April 18th, 2014 at 8:05 am
Does this tripod have any way to adjust the head level for unleveled ground? Or do you have to adjust the individual legs to compensate?
April 18th, 2014 at 12:35 pm
You’ll have to adjust using the feet unless you want to attach a ball head of some kind.
December 20th, 2014 at 10:39 am
Hi, what’s the exact maximum height? I’ve been getting conflicting information all over the Internet 🙁
December 23rd, 2014 at 6:05 am
I don’t believe the advertised 63 inches is correct. I’ll put a tape measure on it for you tonight.
December 26th, 2014 at 4:07 pm
Took a measurement, looks like it’s 63″ at max height not counting the adjustable head.
August 5th, 2015 at 5:43 am
Not sure you have ever completed a full review of this tripod. I have used it hiking/backpacking and it can’t be beat for the price or for several hundred more. It’s light, well made, easy to set up and take down, sturdy and rigid. And it seems constructed well so no unforeseen failures seem likely. All things considered, it’s a wonder other manufacturers charge so much for their similar products.
April 29th, 2016 at 9:46 pm
[…] been using the Sirui N1004 travel tripod for the last 5 years and it has been a great tripod that’s stood up to a lot of abuse in […]