Fotopro X-Aircross 3 Carbon fiber tripod initial review

Disclosure

I am a Fotopro Ambassador and this Fotopro X-Aircross 3 Carbon tripod and MH-2L video head, is provided to me by Fotopro. Despite that, this is an honest review as the company itself, expects from Ambassadors to test the products and report potential flaws, problems and bad experiences we might have. So, let’s get into it.

Unboxing & first thoughts

The parcel arrived in great shape, like all previous items I have received from Fotopro. It the tripod itself, a carrying bag and the user manual. As an extra, Fotopro was kind enough to include the MH-2L video head, as a way to evaluate both the photo and video version of the tripod. Each one of them, is a special tool, designed for specific needs. So a comparison between them, I think is appropriate.

The tripod is snuggly placed in a versatile soft bag and I have to point out, that it’s insanely lightweight. I had never used a twist lock system like the one of the Fotopro X-Aircross 3 Carbon before and I have to admit it caught me of guard. It is super quick to setup with a single twist of the lock. As there are not separate twist locks for each leg section, it makes it even easier to extend and retract the legs. It resembles the locking mechanism walking poles use, but in a very refined and well made version. I enjoy the fact that the FPH-42QR ballhead has the dual pamoramic feature, as I have been spoiled from using the Sherpa Max tripod. Also both photo and video heads use my beloved Arca-Swiss plates.

Features & specs

As a quick reference of the specifications, the Fotopro X-Aircross 3 Carbon is a 5 section carbon fiber tripod, with maximum leg tube diameter of 25mm. It has a max height of 1510mm and weighs just 0.94 kg. It has a folded length of 365 mm, it can support a weight up to 10 kg and the lowest height achieved is 160 mm. It has a dual panoramic ballhead with dual spirit level and dual expansion holes for attaching extra gear.

My background

As I have mentioned in previous articles, my type of work is mainly landscape photography and videography. As I am not getting any younger, I tend to increasingly appreciate lightweight gear. I have also increasingly incorporated shooting video alongside shooting stills when on the field.

In use

The center column is divided for low shooting

• Center column Although the center column can be divided into 2 parts, I often find myself using it only with the top part, as I avoid extending the center column anyways, in order to get the most stable platform I can. I can also save a bit of weight too. Lastly in the center column is where the phone holder is stowed and at the end of it, is where the hook is screwed. In case you want to know, the hook can also be screwed to the short section of the center column. Of course the phone holder cannot fit in such short tube and the hook extends a little bit more, but the job is done perfectly.
• Included phone holder/hook The phone holder has proved to be useful in a lot of cases. From using my cell phone to shoot stills, video or even use it as a camera monitor in case I shoot in less than ideal circumstances. The hook is very helpful in windy conditions. Also it can save your back if you are working in places where you cannot put your camera bag on the ground, i.e. when the ground is wet. In that case you can just hang it and let the tripod carry the weight of it.

  

• Expansion holes Also spoiled from using the Sherpa Max tripod, these expansion holes have served me great in the past. I have mostly used them for supporting my audio equipment and removing unwanted stress from my cameras’ hot shoe. It has worked excellent for me, although every user has different needs and you will find your own obviously.
• Weight The weight is just 940 grams for the photo version and 1030 grams for the video version. This is obviously caused by the difference in the weight of the heads. It is surreal how lightweight it is, in either of them though. I find it to be so lightweight that I won’t hesitate to take it with me, whether I am going on a hike, on vacation or even a photowalk when the sun starts to set.

  

• Stability The Fotopro X-Aircross 3 Carbon is a 5 section tripod. As a general rule, the more the sections, the less stability you get. That is because you have more joints that have to be tightly secured and make a stiff tripod leg. Beside that, the fifth section will inevitably be very thin. This is not to say that the tripod is not stable, rather than being ready to what you can expect from it. To put it simply, this is a lightweight travel tripod to mount your camera, but not the one that will withstand the challenges of severe winds. This is not its purpose after all.

  

• Carbon fiber material By utilizing carbon fiber construction, the weight can be kept under 1 kg. That way, it fits the whole package, meaning the Fotopro X-Aircross 3 Carbon is very lightweight but also very small in its overall size. That makes it perfect for carrying around for extended periods of time.

  

• Ballhead The FPH-42QR ballhead is small and lightweight. It is a perfect match in my opinion for the set of legs that carry it. It will support most consumer cameras, mirrorless or DSRLs with no problem. The amazing dual panorama feature, is also present and this is a sign that Fotopro provides feature rich products even in the most affordable series. It uses Arca-Swiss plates and the ball is secured and released by a lever. About 90 degrees of rotation will get the job done. There is also a bubble level on the plate base and another one on the plate clamp screw, which proved to be useful when shooting vertically.

  

• Video head The MH-2L video head is excellently constructed. It is very small and looks like it is made in scale. It is all metal and everything work so smooth. The fact that Fotopro has integrated a leveling base, is so great as you don’t have to fiddle around by trying to level the tripod by adjusting the legs. Panning and tilting are silky smooth and the tilt feels dampened and also tends to retain the horizontal position. Whenever you tilt up or down, as soon as you reduce the tension on the handle, the head will tend to move the opossite direction, in order to level the camera. This head also uses Arca-Swiss plates and beneath the plate, there is an hex wrench, securely stowed with the help of a magnet.

  

• Rubber feet Although I like spikes on my tripods, this is not a feature of the X-Aircross 3. At first I was concerned about the longevity of them, but the rubber seems to extremely thick, so I suppose there is not going to be excessive wear or tear any time soon.

  

• Multifunctional tripod bag The included PB-16 bag that comes with the tripod, is one that it is sold separately, but Fotopro decided to include it with the Fotopro X-Aircross 3 Carbon tripod. It is made of of composite wool and suede, which forms a double layer fabric, that protects the tripod from scratches and also comes in handy when transporting it. It can be carried as a handbag, shoulder bag or backpack. When not in use, it can be rolled up and stowed away.

• Low shooting mode First of all, getting to low shooting mode, has never been easier. It literally takes 5 seconds, just to unscrew the bottom part of the center column and that was it. With just 160mm low shooting mode, it is very easy to utilize my macro lenses. Getting low is also a great way to capture another perspective, and adding some blurred foreground to your images.

  

• Attention to details I have written in the past on the positive impact this had on me. Although it’s not a feature, it is more like a company statement. This is something that caught my attention, since I had received the Sherpa Max tripod. Beside the marked screws on the tripod and the Arca-Swiss plates, other minor things made me appreciate the company even more. Minor details as the instructions being inserted in an transparent pouch and the screws on the Arca-Swiss plates being protected with a rubber cap. Also the paper quality of the product packaging, which has a satin feel and the sealing stickers which are high quality and the do not rip or leave glue residue on the package. Lastly the kind offer of the multifunctional carrying case, which is sold as an accessory but Fotopro decided to accompany the Fotopro X-Aircross 3 Carbon. What it seems to me, is that the company aims to costumer satisfaction rather that maximizing profit and that is not very common nowadays.

 

Who is it for?

I could tell that this tripod is perfect for anyone who is starting out in photography and wants to start using one. It will also serve perfect, anyone who plans to carry around a tripod for extended periods of time, like when traveling. Even if you already own a tripod that is bulkier and heavier, this is an excellent case of alternative tripod to take with you, when the burden of the primary tripod is too much for you. Also if you want to use 2 tripods simultaneously, whether shooting videos or stills, having a lighter one will help. Lastly, I would especially consider it, in case you are willing to film yourself.

Summary

I was surprised on how compact and lightweight this tripod is. Several features also surprised me, like the leg locking mechanism, since I had never used anything similar in the past. Offering 2 versions, a photo one with a ballhead and one with a video head, is also a smart idea, since different users have different needs. The product quality is nothing less than what I know and expected from Fotopro products. All the accessories, including the MH-2L head are excellent, both in design and use. As I increasingly tend to shoot with 2 cameras nowadays or film while shooting, this tripod was a godsend gift, as it will add less than 1kg in the total weight I carry on my back. So in case you fall in any of the above categories, and you are in search for your first or even second tripod you should definitely consider the Fotpro X-Aircross 3 Carbon and treat yourself with one of the most lightweight tripods available on the market today.

For more information on the X-Aircross 3 Carbon fiber tripod and the other X-Aircross series tripods, you can visit https://www.fotopro.com/product-category/products/professional-tripod/x-aircross-series/ and for purchasing the tripod head to the Fotopro Official Store https://www.fotoprogear.com/product-category/x-aircross-series/