Disclosure
This Fotopro T1 Plus carbon fiber tripod and center columns were kindly sent to me by Fotopro in order to review and share my experience and thoughts using it as a Brand Ambassador. The company does not claim to review this article prior its release and everything that follows is a totally honest review. So let’s get into it.
Intro
Owning and using the T1 Plus over the past year has been a great privilege. Being a member of the Pantour product range, surely reflects the high construction quality Fotopro achieved with this tripod and its accessories. I have used it in a wide variety of circumstances, terrains and weather conditions with repetitively great results. The tripod legs have proven their durability and their ability to handle heavy loads with ease.
The different center columns though, have proven that the T1 Plus is easily the most versatile landscape tripod on today’s competitive market. As this is the topic of this article let’s dive into the specs and details of them, in order to help the users determine which of them are the best fit for specific types of shoots.
Center columns interchangeability
The patented lock system by Fotopro (Pat. No: ZL2015 20962974.1), makes center column swapping fast and easy. Once you loosen the base knob and press the safety button, you can make the column switch and resecure it in just a few seconds. This allows the photographer to quickly adapt to any situation in no time and thus to make the most out his gear and his time on the field as well. Having the ability to change the center columns, doesn’t mean though, that everyone will do that. Photographers with specific needs, might not opt for that, but they will definitely benefit from the fact that they can choose to buy the tripod with a specific center column that works for them for the type of shooting they do.
It is self evident though, that if you shoot a variety of ways when you are in the field, all those center column accessories can benefit you. A second dedicated tripod for a specific task, would add a lot more weight that a single interchangeable center column. For example if you tend to shoot macro, flora and want your camera close to the ground in general, you would benefit from having the Fotopro T1 Plus with the T-Stand. With a twist of the locking mechanism and in a matter of seconds, you will be able to place the camera, 163mm above the ground. And this will be done without any extra weight needed to be carried along. This is just one of the many cases I have found myself into, when I am in the field, but this might be similar for other photographers as well. More examples of personal experience will follow, after having a look at the specifications of each individual center column.
System parts and versions
The Fotopro T1 Plus can be initially bought with whichever center column you want, but these are also available as accessories also. I think it is much easier to insert data in tables than describing them and this is what I have exactly done. This table shows the specifications of the T1 Plus when paired with individual center column. So it is easy to wrap our heads around the pros and cons of each combination according our specific needs. The T-Bar e.g. is not the best choice when you want to shoot close to the ground, but it is the best one for tall shooters. Vice versa, the T-Basic might make a taller photographer hunch his back in order to place his eye on the viewfinder, but it would be better for ground level shots.
|
Center column |
Total weight kg |
Min height (mm) |
Max height (mm) |
Folded length (mm) |
Price |
|
T-Basic |
1,94 |
196 |
1491 |
606 |
369$ |
|
T-Bar |
2,07 |
471 |
1791 |
636 |
389$ |
|
T-Track |
2,08 |
226 |
1521 |
641 |
389$ |
|
T-Stand |
2,16 |
289 |
1521 |
641 |
389$ |
What is becomes clear from this table is that weight deviation is minimal, as well as the folded tripod length. Also the cost of the tripod regardless of the center column it will carry is almost the same. The main differences lay in the overall maximum height and the lowest height as well. Clearly if you want a tall shooting platform for whatever reason, the T-Bar is the way to go. With a height of 1791mm you can’t ask much more than that. All other options are almost 300mm shorter which is almost 20% closer to the ground. But don’t think that you will end up shooting with bent knees, as the height is adequate for photographers up to 180cm as myself.
To the contrary, the T-Basic can get lower to the ground with the T-Track, T-Stand and T-Bar following. The height differences in those cases are 30mm (+15%), 93mm (+47%) and 275mm (+140%) respectively. If lowering your camera is not something you prefer though, this is not a characteristic to consider when choosing among the different center columns.
|
Center column |
Total weight (kg) |
LxWxH (mm) |
Height (mm) |
Max weight (kg) |
Price |
|
T-Basic |
0,11 |
57x57x75 |
– |
– |
29$ |
|
T-Bar |
0,24 |
66x66x381 |
– |
– |
49$ |
|
T-Track |
0,25 |
75x58x103 |
– |
– |
– |
|
T-Stand |
0,33 |
65x65x198 |
163 |
5 |
49$ |
When comparing the center columns themselves, we can pretty much observe the same thing. That the main difference is their length and weight. And of course the fact that the T-Stand is the only one that can act as a tripod on its own and the only one that lacks the integrated hook at its bottom. Pricewise the T-Track is not available at the moment as an accessory, but the T-Bar and T-Stand cost 49$ and the T-Basic being cheaper, it cost only 29$. Keep in mind that they are all equiped with the same 57mm base in order for the ball head to be firmly secured.
With all the above in mind you now have a clear understanding of the specs, but the most important is how do all these translate in the field. Let’s find out!
In use
First of all let me say that having the T1 Plus as my shooting platform and changing the center columns, ensures that all center columns have the same stability characteristics. So the T-Bar retracted, will perform like the T-Basic. Also in most of my shooting sessions, I was going out with only one installed center column and without carrying another with me. This was done on purpose in order to experience the pros and cons of each one of them and not provide myself a tone of options and use the other center columns as problem solvers. With that out of the way, I can now report my own experiences using them in terms of both performance and ergonomics.
I have to say that over the last year I have used all of the center columns almost equally. At first I was mostly using the T-Track, as it seems to serve me the best. The provided height is a bit more than the T-Basic, which places the viewfinder of my camera, almost at eye level and it also provides some tilt adjustments for shooting video. Although it might seem insignificant, the provided tilt is adequate for most shooting scenarios, as when placing the tripod on a relatively flat terrain, it will need only a couple of degrees of adjustment in order for the tripod base to become perfectly horizontal. Loosening and tightening the center column for tilt adjustments, has been consistently easy and it still feels the same like the first time I got it in my hands and that definitely says something about its construction quality. What I mostly love about the T-Track, is that its characteristics compliment my body type and for my landscape shooting this combo is one of the best I can ask for. With this setup I feel confident to go out and shoot in most case scenarios without fearing I will be missing out in options.
The T-Basic although a later addition to my kit, is the one I am appreciating more and more as months goes by. Having no height adjustment, might seem a bit limiting, but actually less options is sometimes the best option. I noticed that I have stopped constantly making fine adjustments and spending time over little thinks that might make no difference whatsoever. After all coarse adjustments can be made by retracting and extending the tripod legs. So without distractions, I find myself deliberately trying more in order to achieve the best composition possible. It is a similar experience like using a prime lens versus a zoom lens. With a prime you know you have only one focal length. When you come in terms with that, the shooting experience becomes pleasant as you cannot spend too much time on choosing between different focal lengths. Lately I have been pleasantly surprised, when high winds were blowing and the T-Basic with the lowest profile available, withstood them all, with or without the need to add weight to the center column hook. Being a bit more stable than the other center column options, is inevitable, as the ball head sits closer to the convergence spot of the tripod legs. That’s why the no center column mode, as Fotopro names it, slowly but steadily becomes my favorite shooting setup.
Of all the center columns, I find the T-Stand to be the most versatile. I have used it mostly in dense forest shootings, where there were many opportunities to shoot close ups. The fact that I was able to retain my initial tripod placement and remove the T-Stand, allowed me to have an opportunistic approach to my shooting. I could have a shot already composed, but I could also experiment with other compositions as well, closer to the ground of course. Flora and insects are the most common themes I find myself shooting, especially when waiting for the light to change. In some cases I might have a nicely composed shot, but the light does not compliment it, so spending sometime and shooting something else, makes sense. Another feature I found interesting, is that thanks to the little tripod legs of the T-Stand, you can basically use it as a short center column. The byproduct of those legs allows you to effectively have about 10cm of height adjustment, in case you need them. It might not sound like a huge deal, but it actually is sometimes. So you can realize why I say that this might be the most versatile center column of all. Keep in mind that in strong winds, you are going to rely only on proper placement to stabilize the tripod. The lack of a hanging hook is inevitable due to the very nature of the T-Stand, and the bottom line is that you cannot hang extra weight to anchor the tripod even further.
Lastly the T-Bar is like the golden standard accessory on a tripod. Most tripods come standard with a center column like that and for a good reason, as it provides options in many different cases. If I am not sure of what I am going against, I would opt for the T-Bar. When heading out to places that I do not know very well, I also feel much safer having it as the installed center column on the T1 Plus. One of those cases is when shooting down slopes and the only viable option is either extend the center column, or retract the legs and sit on the slope yourself. Another one is when you are surrounded by high vegetation and inevitably need to elevate the camera past it. Also when going on vacation I would much rather have the extra height and not need it, than need it and not have it. It is one of those psychological factors that give you peace of mind when you know you have one piece of gear that it is supposed to perform in different circumstances. But frankly, on vacation I usually carry another center column at least, just to be sure. After all they weigh almost nothing. I left for last the fact that the tripod cannot get super low with the T-Bar attached. Although I have been spoiled with 2-part center columns of other Fotopro tripods, the T-Bar is made out of asingle piece of carbon fiber tube. As robustness is the primary goal with the T1 Plus, this was a logical choice for the center column. For my landscape shots though, I rarely have the need to lower the camera below 0,5m. Within this height range, I can include a large amount of foreground into my images and getting lower wouldn’t be any more beneficial to me. For others though, this might be something to consider.
Summing up all these experiences and conclusions over the last year, there is a table provided below of them for a more comprehensive read.
|
Center column |
Pros |
Cons |
|
T-Basic |
|
|
|
T-Track |
|
|
|
T-Bar |
|
|
|
T-Stand |
|
|
Choosing between them
In my mind choosing between them doesn’t have to be a dilemma. All the accessories are generously provided by Fotopro in order to make the shooting experience more pleasant and the process of image making more straightforward. If you have a very specific shooting style you might have to initially choose your center column when buying the tripod and you will be good to go. Others that might want to compliment their kit and expand their shooting abilities, they will be able to purchase additional center columns for different tasks though.
It all comes down to personal preference and individual characteristics e.g. user height. Some factors like height could be limiting, so they could dictate the choice from the get go. The way I see it, most photographers, even some with varied needs, could be covered with a couple of center columns. In case someone wants to be covered in any case scenario, it would be smart to own all of them in a fraction of the cost of multiple dedicated tripods and also in a fraction of their weight.
Conclusion
After having the chance to test and use all the center column options for the T1 Plus, I can safely say that Fotopro has produced the most versatile tripod I am aware of. Having the option to buy a great set of tripod legs, with the center column of your preference, would be enough on its own. But going a step further, Fotopro offers all the options as accessories than anyone can buy and compliment their photography kit. The Pantour series logo doesn’t just earn bragging rights, but ensures exceptional product quality and durability through time.
As not all photographers have the same needs, shooting styles, physical characteristics etc, you could find yourself being happy with just one center column. In case you don’t though, Fotopro’s center column options are there to fill in the gap and make your life easier. Although I thought it would be an overkill to own all of them, I now know very well that each one is a special tool for a specific job and I am more than happy to have them at my disposal.
For purchasing the Fotopro T1 Plus, the different center columns or reading more information about it, you can head to https://www.fotoprogear.com/product/t1-plus/ . Also is you are interested in purchasing gear through https://www.fotoprogear.com/ , you can use my personal promo code DDTEN and get 10% discount at checkout.