Sirui T-025x Travel Tripod Review

Traveling and Portability

We began our introduction of this review with a reworked adage about not being without your tripod. In this chapter we'll explore whether or not the Sirui T-025x deserves its claim to being a portable and travel-ready stabilizer.

The tripod originally comes folded just like this, however it isn't how we found to be the most compact way to stow it.

While it might seem trivial, we found the below to be the optimal way to fold the T-025x for maximum portability. To do so, loosen the main tension control knob to allow the ball to rotate until it falls into the portrait orientation notch with the plate flush against the ballhead. Point the quick release plate locking knob down.

Again, it might seem trivial, but we found it to minimize its length and lessen its proclivity for catching onto things (like straps). Should you want to minimize the size even more, you have the option of taking off the ballhead.

We found that unless the overall length of it is an issue of where you are trying to pack your tripod, it's a negligible difference. To really make a difference, however, there is one final step you can take if the ultimate in portability is required:

The only downside to this is make sure you don't lose any of the pieces, especially the 3/8" / 3/8" --> 1/4" bolt that affixes your ballhead to the tripod.

Overall, the size of this fully capable tripod and its accompanying ballhead really can't be stressed enough. For a relative comparison, here is a can of Pringles potato chips.

Because of the size of the tripod, we found that it allows for packing in otherwise impossible ways. Usually, tripods are carried on the outside of your camera bag with expensive and dedicated camera bags having specific spots and straps to attach your three legged assistant. Again, this is on the exterior of the bag. One such example of this is the Kata Pro-V 410 PL Backpack. The following image was taken from B&H's online catalog:

What makes the T-025x even more portable is the ability to pack it away. Have you ever tried to fly with a tripod strapped to the exterior of your bag? More and more, tripods are being considered 'possible weapons' by airport (or elsewhere) security. Not to mention the sight of a tripod on the outside of your bag is a dead giveaway to thieves that expensive camera gear is stowed inside, waiting to be stolen.

Take for instance our Canon 200 EG camera backpack, a dedicated camera bag that is relatively small (no larger than average) compared to what is available and when the word "backpack" comes to mind. Here we have a trip-ready and airplane-friendly carry-on for whatever photo assignment you are about to tackle. Can you see a tripod fitting in there?

How about if we look under the flash and cleaning supplies?

As far as we are concerned, for the traveling photographer, the above photograph says it all.

In addition to the above, we discovered a method to carry the tripod when on the move that should be appreciated by hikers especially. Using the carabineer intended as the bag hook, you can hook it onto one of the belt loops on the side of your pants and just let it hang from there:

After walking around for a bit with it, we found it to not be cumbersome at all, and even though our tester is relatively short at 5'8" (173 cm), not once was there uncomfortable bouncing on the knees. In fact, for less than the weight of a Liter of water, we recommend it this way if you are going to be spending a day of shooting and don't want to take the tripod in and out of your bag!