K&F Concept SA254T1 & SA254M1 Tripods: Review

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Күн бұрын

SA254T1 Amazon - amzn.to/47niu3K
SA254M1 - amzn.to/3tWDAY4
Two new tripods from K&F Concept, the SA254T1 is an updated larger version of the popular TM2534T transverse column model. This one features a longer column, a new small ball head and some other minor changes. Aimed at macro/low down shooting. The second tripod is the SA254M1, a smaller compact travel tripod with lever locks and also has the same KF-28 ball head. I show both tripods in detail, up close and discuss some of the designs, and what type of shooting they might work best for
Samples supplied via K&F Concept for unbiased testing/review
Timestamps
00:00 SA254T1 Larger Tripod
02:20 (transverse column)
05:25 Monopod conversion
06:01 SA254M1
08:30 Monopod conversion

Пікірлер: 143

@MrBazReviews 4 жыл бұрын

SA254T1 Amazon - amzn.to/47niu3K SA254M1 - amzn.to/3tWDAY4 Check sizes as there are variations for each model T1, T2, etc. Help support the channel - www.patreon.com/mrbazreviews

@LordsofDorkness 3 жыл бұрын

whats the hole on main legs ring? 3:33 or 5:01

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

@@LordsofDorkness Don't know it's threaded but quite small. Unless something can screw in there or it's used during manufacturing. It's way smaller than most threads

@LordsofDorkness 3 жыл бұрын

@@MrBazReviews Thx for that quick feedback! And i will payback) I just received an answer from the manufacturer an hour ago. Quote: "You can install quick release boards or other expansion brackets through this Thread". I'm not sure if this can be used for the simple reason that there are legs and a center column next to it, which can be a hindrance if you use this hole to attach the rig. (it seems the thread is the same as on the cold shoe). Be that as it may, even if you screw a small bar there for attaching the power bank (timelaps things), or a pocket for the remote control, covers and other things, it will probably be useful. Idk really)

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

@@LordsofDorkness Makes sense though the thread size is small, unless they have optional add on items coming that make use of it. Manfrotto have one in a similar place on the one I looked at recently, they say the same power banks, LED lights can be added, that is a much larger standard thread though (ie more useful!) It's not something I'd use myself much, but hey it might have a use for someone out there

@LordsofDorkness 3 жыл бұрын

@@MrBazReviews I agree. In the end, someone designed it, which means it provided useful options for use)

@jackho5686 3 жыл бұрын

Good review, clear and straight forward compared to others which I have looked at when purchasing the K&C tripod on this video. Keep going with your good work and thank you!

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that I try to get on with it, but also show as much as I can. I'm not a fan of the talking head style videos simply because you never get to see the product properly! I have more photo items coming in soon too

@victornishimoto6029 3 жыл бұрын

I love this tripod! Great review Mr. Baz!!

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! 👍 They are quite good

@Justin-uc8sc 2 жыл бұрын

Unreal review. Straight to the point through and through.

@MrBazReviews 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I think it's best to get on with it, not a fan of padding things out!

@OliveDNorth 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent, thorough review. Thank you.

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! I try my best

@Sebarinnatura 3 жыл бұрын

Very good review !! The best !!

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot! I try to show as much as I can

@carlao7093 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video, help me a lot 👍

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

No problem I tried to show as much as I can

@johnnygilroy5213 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir for a fairly honest explanation:)

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

Yes no problem

@AnaloguePhoto 2 жыл бұрын

Mr Baz, thanks for a great tripod comparative review. It included a lot of good pointers. Looking for a light and small, yet while unfolded somewhat descent height, tripod. The SA254M1 looks good.

@MrBazReviews 2 жыл бұрын

I've used more expensive ones, but I just liked the SA254M1, for it's cost/size - ideal for a compact tripod. I think it's a winner overall, even felt it was better than the compact carbon K&F I reviewed. So I think you'll find it a very decent option

@hevelynelin 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your video. It's pretty useful ^^

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! I try to show as much as I can

@speedrepublic5270 3 жыл бұрын

Great reviews. How would either tripod fair up with using a slider on top do you think? And when it’s boomed out at 90 degrees, do you think that movement would be smooth enough to replicate some basic slider movements?

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

Larger one will hold up better more weight with a slider, the boom arm doesn't fully lock so you can rotate it and I have done some pan shots on it, it's workable and not bad really. Obviously a video head is better it's usable IMO though

@pavankotnana2912 8 ай бұрын

Good explain👍

@MrBazReviews 8 ай бұрын

Glad you liked it

@BrettHoustonTube 3 жыл бұрын

Nice review. Is it stable in strong wind? Would it handle being used and abused in harsh backcountry elements? Or is this just a fairweather tool?

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

They are quite stable, as per usual though it varies depending on load more weight more stability hence the hook at the bottom, use that for lighter loads. The larger model is fairly big and has more weight on it's own

@kezzahd6328 3 жыл бұрын

Great view, have had such a job looking for a good tri pod and this is the one and all down to this review, thank you

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

They have quite a few but both are decent depends on the size I am quite fond of the travel/smaller one myself for out and about use

@shaun4bigblocks993 2 жыл бұрын

Do you know if they make this model with the quick release leg levers? There are situations where on the fly quick adjustments are nice. Compact is nice, but IMO not at a loss of feature...

@MrBazReviews 2 жыл бұрын

You mean the larger SA254T1? I've not seen one with flip locks like that, they do have a few new ones out, not looked at them

@MrBazReviews 4 жыл бұрын

Shorter travel tripod starts at - 6:01

@daveevans9994 2 жыл бұрын

Im 6ft 4 . I love on a mountain . Given the smaller ons looks more stable . Im not a big user of tripods iv normally get a 15 pound thing of ebay but the plastic head snaps . Can you recommend one to look at

@MrBazReviews 2 жыл бұрын

I prefer the SA254M1, it's more compact to travel with. Unless you need eye level shooting, in which case you'd want a much larger tripod for your height. I think this does the job just fine. I rarely fully extend it. For the price it's really quite good, the plastic eBay ones or ultra cheap Amazon ones are not worth bothering with IMO

@Michael-hq8fw 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for the video. I have a question , Do you think it's stupid to buy this one for smartphone video's if I use a Glif - Studio Neat or a Rig Pro Support ?

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

Depends what you are shooting a tripod is useful for phones not just cameras, the M1 isn't expensive and fairly small. Otherwise options are the much smaller mini-tripods, they might work or possibly be too small

@Michael-hq8fw 3 жыл бұрын

@Mr Baz Reviews I'M impress by your reactivity. Thank you, Exactly about mini-tripods I already have à GorillaPod 3K great for travelling but for standing video's about gardening not really adapted. This one seems very strong. Thanks .

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

@@Michael-hq8fw No problem I like the M1 model it's compact and easy to take around, I think I prefer it to the larger one. For the price it's a good bet overall, think it will work well for general use including phones

@confriepanda1959 3 жыл бұрын

@@MrBazReviews got it with the smartphone clip.

@Benjy52 3 жыл бұрын

Can you use your phone to record using this tripod? As in stand the tripod upright, tilt the second arm forward for an overhead angle, balance the phone on it somehow (maybe i need to buy an item to get that but idk what), then record with your phone? I can’t afford a camera you see

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

You can use a phone holder such as this amzn.to/33F2CdD Just screws into the top plate, obviously the smaller tripod would be better no need for the big one with a phone

@Benjy52 3 жыл бұрын

Mr Baz Reviews Will the quality be good with a phone?

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

@@Benjy52 If it can hold a camera it's more than stable enough for a phone

@Benjy52 3 жыл бұрын

Mr Baz Reviews I mean, is an iphone good enough quality for taking pictures?

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

@@Benjy52 Why not the phones are pretty good now, unless you are big into photography cost of camera/lenses is not that cheap, unless you buy used etc. Down to how you feel about it, phones are way way better than years ago, you can get some nice work done with phones

@MrChrissk 3 жыл бұрын

Just bought myself one of those heads, at a later date il buy the bigger of the two tripods to replace my more basic one, it's solid and steady enough, but not able get as low etc. Plus think the colours really go with Sony A7 series cameras.

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

I've seen a few makers change colours, Manfrotto also have the orange alpha colours, not a must have for me but nice enough if that's what you want. They're quite decent for the price point, the larger one is pretty big, perhaps a bit too big for some users.

@naturallyme1941 3 жыл бұрын

Anyone know a good phone holder for the first tripod ?? I’ve tried 3 and none screw all the way on so it’s super loose

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

I use this one which came in for review it's not bad at all unless you have a really chunky case works pretty well kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mMyaoJV_v7OWhnU.html Most of the cheap plastic ones are a bit iffy OK for a while then they get loose etc

@romualdb5968 4 жыл бұрын

hi there wich tripod wil you advice for a budget of 200/250€? for someone 175cm tall who want a tripod for different utility : Landscapes, Macro, portrait...a stable enough tripod for astrophography too...enough tall to not break my back taking picture...and not too big for taking it out... i have an old vanguard but the legs are tight together, it's 60cm long folded and weight 2 kg... what would you advice? by the way i have microthird camera (em1 mark 2 from olympus)

@MrBazReviews 4 жыл бұрын

The 254T1 as shown is quite large, but they do 2 smaller similar ones with the transverse column if that's what you are after. The Travel one I like it quite a lot 254M1 it is lighter and more compact but stable enough I would use this one for travel or if I wanted to take a more compact one. As you use micro 4/3 that might work best for you I think the height is fine I am 179cm tall, though you will need to extend it to get eye level - don't see it as a problem There are not too many cons the finishing has improved, I perhaps wish they did carbon versions to make it even lighter maybe an extra level would be nice small things that could be improved, they are quite good in their price range.

@romualdb5968 4 жыл бұрын

@@MrBazReviews the K&f ds11 seems not bad too.. Transversal column too, 3.99lbs and can rise up to 72''... The size folded is 19.29...a bit bigger than the 251M1

@MrBazReviews 4 жыл бұрын

@@romualdb5968 They have size variations on these models so I'd pick what works best. If you need that low down often the transverse column is a good option to have, otherwise the normal travel tripods I think are worth looking at.

@romualdb5968 4 жыл бұрын

@@MrBazReviews it maybe a bonus for macro even if almost tripod with a reversible column is maybe enough... The 254m1 is 156cm high with the two colum sections deployed... But the more the columns are deployed in high the more the camera may move with wind no?

@romualdb5968 4 жыл бұрын

@ItaysAvitan 3 жыл бұрын

I can mount my camera with the peak design capture clip with those tripods?

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

Should fit because the plate on that is the right size aka arca

@GolfPlayed 4 жыл бұрын

awesome

@MrBazReviews 4 жыл бұрын

They're not bad ;-D

@MinimalDann 3 жыл бұрын

Would the screw on the tripod fit the Sony a6400?

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

The plate is a standard thread it fits all cameras 1/4"

@eddmontenegro5712 3 жыл бұрын

Can you take cenital photos with the SA254M1?

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

I am not sure what you mean?

@gullwingstorm857 2 жыл бұрын

The transfer plate on mine is super loose and won't tighten, and after reading on forums, it seems to be a common problem. I have to use a couple of washers to make it tight.

@MrBazReviews 2 жыл бұрын

Unless they changed the length of the thread, normally these fit just fine. What camera are you attaching it too? I did see some new plates from K&F with longer threads, some Nikon bodies might not work as well

@gullwingstorm857 2 жыл бұрын

@@MrBazReviews Yep, three Nikons.

@MrBazReviews 2 жыл бұрын

@@gullwingstorm857 I told them about this, they made the threads a bit too short, then made them too long (sigh). Hopefully they will get it sorted out

@gullwingstorm857 2 жыл бұрын

@@MrBazReviews Urgh. I don't suppose you know if I could get one that actually fits? I also have a Nikon P1000 which weighs a TON, and I really need a transfer plate that fits tightly.

@MrBazReviews 2 жыл бұрын

@@gullwingstorm857 They have new plates but I have not looked at them, I will try to find out

@kendallarthur4161 3 жыл бұрын

Could you remove the ball head and run a gimbal head?

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

As shown both heads can be removed, so you can put what you want on there if it screws on it will work

@giovcarrillo4222 3 жыл бұрын

Nice review! What's the difference between this and the sa254m2?

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

M2 size is larger v M1, that's the only difference I can see

@giovcarrillo4222 3 жыл бұрын

@@MrBazReviews thanks for the reply sir

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

@@giovcarrillo4222 Not a problem

@agave.journey 2 жыл бұрын

Do they sell the transverse head on it's own to say use it on the smaller SA254M1?

@MrBazReviews 2 жыл бұрын

I don't think so. I believe they do a boom arm (similar not quite the same). Velbon do one on it's own which I also have. I can double check if I email them, mostly everyone is on a holiday but I'll check with them

@agave.journey 2 жыл бұрын

@@MrBazReviews thank you. I bought the smaller one and later realized it would be nice to have the transverse feature. But I don't need the big tripod

@MrBazReviews 2 жыл бұрын

@@agave.journey They do other models, this one is just one of the larger ones. For me I'd not use a tripod this big, but have a look at their range there are smaller ones, and from other makers too.

@peterhewel7648 2 жыл бұрын

As a real estate agent that does most of my own photography, when you have a house on an elevation, tilting up makes a lot of distortion on a Canon Rebel T8i and the the Canon 10-18mm EFS lens, this seems perfect because a 66" tripod doesn't cut it in about 50% of cases

@MrBazReviews 2 жыл бұрын

I do interior photos for houses, mostly guest ones etc. The issue of distortion isn't about the height of the camera, it's keeping the camera level. When you tilt up/down the exaggerates the distortion effect, quite a lot. Saying that not every shot needs to be dead level, and there are times the distortion can create more drama. Every lens is different, I used the Tokina 11-16mm which was easy to correct for distortion, other lenses might show more. Tripod height just isn't likely to be an issue for most shots, not in my experience

@Alogicchannel 2 жыл бұрын

I wouldn’t trust a K&F tripod at 66”. My camera popped out of the quick release and fell, damaged an expensive floor. Cheap tripods are not worth it.

@mouseytse3490 3 жыл бұрын

why ur footages are mostly the same with the one from their website? do u really own one of this tripod and did this review?

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

I made the video myself and it took many hours to do that, if they embed it on their site that's nothing to do with me. I don't work for K&F Concept

@gracxx162 2 жыл бұрын

Can u use smartphone adapter on that one ?

@MrBazReviews 2 жыл бұрын

Yes just screw it on to the plate

@PANWARE 3 жыл бұрын

Can this be used as a make shift C stand with a GoPro?

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

How there is no C shape here?

@PANWARE 3 жыл бұрын

@@MrBazReviews What I mean is for over head shots the way a c stand would be used. I draw, and timelapse and would like to set up the camera for over head shots while I draw.

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

@@PANWARE It probably would work OK for doing it like that

@PANWARE 3 жыл бұрын

@@MrBazReviews thank you!

@sclogse1 2 жыл бұрын

I have the Concept. Putting a Fuji T body on it's ball head with a medium long lens, (like my Pentax 135 2.8), after tightening the head and attempting to frame, when I let go of the camera, there is the inevitable drop down in angle. I loosen the head, raise up the camera a bit further in angle to conpensate, retighten, and then see how much in degrees the angle drops again. This back and forth guessing even tho everything is tight has to go. Not sure what other heads will mount to this Concept, but obviously a video head with an arm would solve this. Thoughts?

@MrBazReviews 2 жыл бұрын

What's the dropping point? Is it the head moving down? I am wondering if you got a poor sample, because I've put a fair bit of weight on the head and I didn't see any obvious drop. Up to a point of course. Which ones are you using the smaller or larger one?

@Tonellacam Жыл бұрын

Are the T2 and M2 just newer versions ?

@MrBazReviews Жыл бұрын

Sizes are different T1 is larger than the T2 etc. So check the measurements, design is the same from what I can see

@Tonellacam Жыл бұрын

@@MrBazReviews k&f responded to me like an hour ago, they said they are the same in every way except the T2 is a tiny bit taller , I don’t even think one would need to go this height , but yeah !

@MrBazReviews Жыл бұрын

@@Tonellacam It's bigger height wise than most would ever need. depends what you do I suppose!

@roykouyoumjian1 2 жыл бұрын

What is the differencr between sa254t1 and sa254t2 ???

@MrBazReviews 2 жыл бұрын

The T1 is larger 239cm, the T2 is 185cm

@roykouyoumjian1 2 жыл бұрын

@@MrBazReviews soo both are exactly the same just difference in height ?

@MrBazReviews 2 жыл бұрын

@@roykouyoumjian1 I have only use the T1 it is a big tripod, but I can see the design of the T2 looks same to me just different size

@a1collectibles41 3 жыл бұрын

Will a Sony a6400 fit on this tripod

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

Yes I have an A6300 fits fine on both smaller one might be the better choice for travelling around, it's a lot lighter

@TatraScrambler Жыл бұрын

Can you totally remove the center column while retaining the ability to attach a tripod head? asking from widlife photography perspective - I need to get down low - but the options presented here are useless from wildlife photography point of view - the whole rig is too tall, impossible to fit under e.g. camo net - also I don't believe this setup allows for the use of a gimbal head which is standard for WF work.

@MrBazReviews Жыл бұрын

Without the column on these tripods you can't attach a head, so perhaps it might work better with a column free design. Or something like the Sunwayfoto one I looked at which comes with a short column for very low down positioning.

@TatraScrambler Жыл бұрын

@@MrBazReviews Thanks for the info!

@court2379 2 жыл бұрын

Are the hinges all metal?

@MrBazReviews 2 жыл бұрын

They're metal

@court2379 2 жыл бұрын

@@MrBazReviews Just got the tripod today. They are plastic. Just watched the first part of your video though and yours sure look like metal.

@MrBazReviews 2 жыл бұрын

@@court2379 There is no plastic on these ones that I can guarantee you. I can only review what I have, I know the difference between plastic and metal. Unless they changed the design, I don't hear much from the company these days, they're AWOL with emails

@MrBazReviews 2 жыл бұрын

@@court2379 Which one did you buy I am emailing K&F to find out

@court2379 2 жыл бұрын

@@MrBazReviews Turns out it is the K234A7+BH-28L. So I guess they cheaped out on this model. It's not worth what I paid.

@woa2208 3 жыл бұрын

Is the ball head made of metal or plastic?

@woa2208 3 жыл бұрын

@@MrBazReviews Read a few reviews on amazon. The negative ones are saying it is somewhat hard to get the levers around the ball head completely tight, and that the camera tends to fall over easily at certain angles. Have you had this issue?

@woa2208 3 жыл бұрын

@@MrBazReviews Awesome, I run a Sony a7iii normally with an 85mm, not sure my exact weight. Should work fine. One more thing, I saw a 67" of what looked to be the same model. Called the TM2515M1. Have you seen this one? Same compact size but extends 5 extra inches.

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

@@woa2208 They do various models some larger etc. I find them quite good (for the price). The ball head is fine it's a compromise as I say in the video but I've found it stable. I'm quite honest about reviews I looked at a carbon one a few days ago and I prefer the compact one I show here (would be nice to have a carbon version of that)

@woa2208 3 жыл бұрын

@@MrBazReviews Agreed, they have a 61" carbon, but has twist tight legs, which I'm not a fan of but is actually more compact when closed at 13.5".. but between the 62" in your video, and the 67" model I found, I feel like an extra 5 inches in height is worth $8 more, wouldn't you say?

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

@@woa2208 If the height is important give it a try if you don't like it you can always return stuff

@BjernioshkaAntonovitsch1 4 жыл бұрын

the T1 is the best tripod ever... bought 4 days before.

@MrBazReviews 4 жыл бұрын

It's quite a solid tripod, surprised how large it is extended out

@romualdb5968 4 жыл бұрын

hey any reviews from you about this tripod? any pros or cons? is it stable enough ?

@MrBazReviews 4 жыл бұрын

@@romualdb5968 They are good pros and cons I talk about at the end one level is disappointing but not too much of a downside everything is shown in detail more than most would with a tripod video, so you can decide if it's a good option

@BjernioshkaAntonovitsch1 3 жыл бұрын

@@romualdb5968 its stable enough, if not used for polar aligned astro photography... and if assembly with crossbar (e.g. macro) remains quite in equilibrium... so highly recommanded! Also used it with binoculars for oberserving comet Neowise....

@romualdb5968 3 жыл бұрын

@@BjernioshkaAntonovitsch1 hey thanks for your review... What did you mean by "not used for polar aligned astrophotography?"

@ReefMimic 3 жыл бұрын

Get the one with locking legs the model s211

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

What do you think of it?

@ReefMimic 3 жыл бұрын

@@MrBazReviews well considering I couldn’t find another affordable option with locking snap type leg locks with a 90 degree adjustable horizontal arm, I’m not really impressed. When I put my dslr on it won’t fall over but it wobbles enough to the point of reconsidering a manfrotto... It works . It’s just not impressive in my opinion. I had twist locks on other tripods and I want to try snap locks this time. I Spent way hours on Amazon looking for snap locks with a 90 degree arm due to amazon only showing you what they want you to buy. “Sponsored products” I’m drooling offer the 055 series of manfrotto 😜

@MrBazReviews 3 жыл бұрын

@@ReefMimic That model is slightly different but has similar elements. I've not found this one wobbly, though the transverse column you have to judge the balance. I did look at Manfrotto a different model, they're nice though the cost increases a fair bit, esp the Carbon ones. Depends what you use it for really, I have a Velbon boom arm tripod too, which is probably a step up from these.

@mrbobb4989 Жыл бұрын

Rubbish.. I bought a carbon fiber KF-SA255C1 tripod directly fro K&F, within a couple of weeks legs were getting jammed because of the ultra cheap soft plastic parts used in the twist locks, The ball head split in to two parts whilst I was using it !! with my camera on!! twist locks came unstuck from the legs and had to be re glued back on..parts inside have broken and generally it's now really hit and miss using it.. I contacted them and they would only send out the replacement plastic parts if I paid them £15.. Cowboys.. Spend your money elsewhere..

@MrBazReviews Жыл бұрын

You should have a warranty with any purchases. I gave one to a friend and he is still using it. Perhaps they have QC issues I found the build pretty good (relative to the price point), but I have not heard from the company in a long time so can't say what happens these days (did this a while back) I would contact the seller if you have a chance and make a complaint.

@benli6498 6 ай бұрын

Spent nearly $200 and waited over a month to receive an even high-end tripod. Low-quality aluminum, faulty design, the locking device can't tightly lock up, the pole can't hold the camera steadily, called and emailed, they posted me some irrelevant shiity parts, totally not worth the money, customer service was terrible.

@MrBazReviews 6 ай бұрын

This video was made some time ago, I mentioned areas I felt were weaker such as some parts of the finishing and design. I've no idea what their QC is these days, and I don't work for the company, putting a comment here won't get your problem resolved. I would suggest using social media to contact them and get it sorted out.