Restriction-free music courtesy of Epidemic Sound. Enroll right here: Epidemic SIRUI, identified primarily as an reasonably priced optics producer, is constant their transfer into the crowded tripod class with a wide range of tripods geared toward picture and video customers. With a lower cost level in thoughts, the SIRUI SQ75 tripod legs and the VHS10 tripod head promise loads of options on paper, however does it maintain up within the subject? Let’s leap right into a subject evaluate of the brand new SIRUI SQ75mm tripod. Maybe no filmmaking software might be extra of a headache or extra of a useful gizmo than the common-or-garden tripod. I could grumble once I pay a excessive worth for tripods, however the various (buying one thing low-cost that doesn’t work) is a a lot worse destiny. I don’t like chopping corners with my tripods as a result of I rely upon them whereas filming all around the world in environments as assorted because the jungles within the Philippines to the F1 race tracks in Europe.As I’m certain , the repercussions of a tripod failing or tipping over might be catastrophic. I by no means understood filmmakers who buy an costly digicam after which skimp on the media, equipment, or a tripod. In my humble opinion, that manner lies catastrophe.VHS10 Tripod head. Picture Credit score: Graham Sheldon / CineDIf you’ve adopted my different product opinions, you’ll already know I are usually skeptical when producers transfer out of the product classes they’re identified for. SIRUI’s reasonably priced anamorphic and spherical lenses virtually occupy a low-cost worth class of their very own, they usually help a ton of various lens mounts—every thing from the Z-mount to RF and L and every thing in between.Low-cost choices proceed within the tripod class, with everybody from Tilta to Ulanzi and SmallRig providing new tripods in an try and carve out their very own area of interest.These opinions should develop into much more discerning as a result of there are actually so many merchandise to check with the SIRUI SQ75 legs paired with VHS10. For me and all of the filmmakers on the market, extra choices are a great downside to have.So, let’s dive in.Preliminary impressionsThe tripod itself is primarily grey and black, with touches of the SIRUI firm model blue right here and there. The system, at the least on this first new launch batch, ships with a floor spreader and mid-level spreader (you typically should select one or the opposite from extra premium manufacturers). It’s constructed from aluminum, carbon fiber, plastic, and the occasional metal parts.SIRUI SQ75 Tripod. Picture Credit score: Graham Sheldon / CineDRemove the tripod base, and also you’ll see the ft are spiked to be used in grass, grime, sand, or different environments the place the bottom might be slippery.Carrying tripods generally is a bit annoying (loads of locations to pinch your self). SIRUI has responded by together with a snug deal with that connects proper to the highest a part of the SQ75 legs with an included Allen key and little pins that forestall the deal with from spinning. The Allen/hex key shops proper contained in the deal with – which is a pleasant contact, too.The tripod delicate case. Picture Credit score: Graham Sheldon / CineDEverything ships in a delicate case that, sadly, doesn’t have an exterior or inside envelope for storing equipment. It is a bit annoying as a result of if you happen to resolve to make use of the mid-level spreader, you don’t have any neat compartment to retailer your ground-level spreader in, or vice versa. Relying in your rig, one other pocket would additionally can help you retailer additional digicam plates or perhaps a VCT plate accent. I’d not advocate checking this tripod within the delicate case with out including extra padding.VHS10 tripod plate. Picture Credit score: Graham Sheldon / CineDLet’s dive into the marketed specs for this tripod:System weight: 5.89 kg/13 lbsSeven steps of counterbalanceWeather resistant fluid dampening designWorking Temp Between -30C to 70C / -22F to 158F3+0 Tilt / Pan Adjustment Load Capability for VHS10 Head: 9.97kg/22 lbsLoad Capability for SQ75 Legs: 17.7kg/39 lbsPrice: $499.00Balancing your digicam rig as you progress it from a gimbal to a tripod is simple with the battery-operated mild bubble degree and the top-of-the-head distance markings. The bubble mild battery is shortly replaceable and appears like a typical watch battery.Elevate every thing to its high place, and your digicam can be a bit over 5.5 ft off the bottom. Nonetheless, it’s value preserving in thoughts that this isn’t a excessive hat, and also you’ll solely have the ability to keep about 2.1 ft off the bottom on the lowest level.SIRUI SQ75 tripod – competitorsIf you caught any of our NAB 2024 protection, you’ll have already seen a number of dialogue about new tripods from the likes of FALCAM/Ulanzi and SmallRig and a monopod from YC Onion and iFootage.In advertising supplies, SIRUI compares their tripod to the SmallRig AD120 and the Ulanzi Video Quick (each priced at $599). The Ulanzi and SIRUI tripods have comparable load capacities of 9.98kg/22 lbs, however the SmallRig AD120’s is a number of kilos much less, at 7.98kg/17.6 lbs.Tilta additionally now has a 75mm tripod with the same load capability to Ulanzi’s Video Quick, nevertheless it sports activities a pricier $999 price ticket as of publishing. Is your head swimming a bit? Mine too.Because of the mirrorless digicam revolution and the transfer towards smaller lenses (some from SIRUI), we don’t want the load capability we used to. Even mid-body cinema cameras just like the upcoming Canon C400 or the Sony FX9 aren’t that heavy absolutely rigged out.Seven steps of counterbalance and illuminated bubble. Picture Credit score: Graham Sheldon / CineDA good tripodWhat are the qualities of a great tripod, you may ask? Load capability and total weight (you’ll be lugging this factor round) have to be thought of, however I’d like so as to add a 3rd high quality, which could be much less apparent. For me, the tripod serves as an extension of my creativity, and as such, it needs to be straightforward to make use of—really easy that I’m in a position to work off motor reminiscence to seize a shot shortly earlier than the second is gone.Price is a consideration, however most tripods ought to be instruments that final for years with out requiring frequent service.Usability My favourite function of the VHS10 tripod head is the deal with for the 75mm half bowl. One time-consuming facet of tripods is the necessity to switch the tripod head forwards and backwards between a slider (maybe a Dana dolly), as unscrewing the tripod head from the legs at all times takes time. For this, SIRUI engineers devised an fascinating resolution: unscrew the deal with a number of rotations after which hit a blue button to immediately take away the tripod head from the legs.My favourite function of the SIRUI SQ75 tripod system. Picture Credit score: Graham Sheldon / CineDAre you nervous about hitting the blue button early? Don’t be. The design makes it unattainable. The design additionally takes a number of seconds off the method of separating the legs from the top. That is very, very cool and possibly my favourite innovation on this tripod. Should you can do that tripod out at a commerce present or a retailer present, I encourage you to demo this half as a result of it could be a type of options you want you’d at all times had.I wasn’t in a position to take a look at this out myself as a result of I don’t have these gimbal plates, however the tripod head ought to settle for each the RS2 and RS3 gimbal plates in addition to these from DJI.One knob means that you can increase and decrease the SQ75 legs. Picture Credit score: Graham Sheldon / CineDOne of the actions I care most about is the power to boost or decrease the tripod to completely different heights. Most designs I’ve seen lately permit for unlocking one mechanism per leg to boost or decrease the tripod, and this has eliminated the annoying must unlock a number of knobs at completely different heights. Three massive locking blue knobs (see the above picture) permit for the elevating and reducing of the legs (at all times taking care to have one hand on the digicam for security). A satisfying click on sounds when the legs lock into place. SIRUI appears to acknowledge the knobs as a possible level of failure or weakening over time, so you’ve gotten direct entry to the screws if you want to tighten or substitute them.I’ll say the blue knobs might be machined a bit across the edges as I discovered them barely sharp to understand shortly whereas working. I need to be clear right here that they definitely gained’t minimize you, however they aren’t that comfortable to understand in a rush.The tripod mid-level spreader. Picture Credit score: Graham Sheldon / CineDThe 7-step counterbalance system is strong and if you happen to take care to maintain your digicam throughout the payload restrict, you’ll discover the tripod head works with you to maintain your pictures clean and to take away the texture of the burden from the digicam. In a way, it looks like energy steering. Moreover, you don’t have that annoying sound I’ve skilled with different methods when the tripod clicks between levels throughout a pan or tilt.The tripod head might be tilted 90 levels down. Picture Credit score: Graham Sheldon / CineDAnother spectacular a part of the VHS10 head is how near 90 levels you may tilt it when pointing down. You can even tilt virtually straight up (about 60 levels). Product shooters will admire that 90-degree tilt and the truth that you’ve gotten such a variety when tilting makes it a bit simpler to under-sling this tripod head in comparison with different tripods I’ve used up to now.Closing thoughtsPurchasing a tripod is at all times a little bit of a dance. You want a tripod that handles the utmost weight of your digicam however provides you some flexibility if you wish to add a heavier zoom or FIZ gear. In situations the place you’re filming alone, you don’t need the tripod weight or operation to gradual your tempo. SIRUI has balanced these concerns effectively right here with a 5.89kg/13 lb tripod that doesn’t break your again to hold whereas providing you with a 9.97kg/22 lb payload capability that can match effectively with numerous mirrorless cameras and even some smaller/mid-sized cinema our bodies.The SIRUI SQ75 tripod and VHS10 head. Picture Credit score: Graham Sheldon / CineDBoth the SQ75 tripod leg along with the VHS10 head are delivery as a set now for $499, and I’ve been informed by the SIRUI workforce {that a} 100mm model might arrive as quickly as This fall 2024.What do you assume? Will you be including this new SIRUI tripod to your equipment? Tell us within the feedback beneath!
