The proble with ths tripod is that it doesn't go low enought. I have another tripod like this and for sitting interviews it is super annoying. Everytime you have someone sitting in a couch when you add the fluid head, it is pointing a bit downward. While, shooting very high is like not even 1% of scenarios.
Great video. I had nothing but trouble from the start with the SmallRig FreezBlazer AD-100. First, a leg split at the rivet and while loose, a plastic gear at the tension handle fell out and was lost. I asked SmallRig if I could purchase a gear. The customer service rep said she'd get the technical team to answer. I asked twice - no answer. I had new gears CNC'd from aluminum and when I reassmbled the tripod, one of the metal plates that hold the works onto the leg simply broke. Too much money, many hours and a sh*tload of effort later, I gave up and pulled the expensive trigger on the Sachtler FlowTech 75 and activ8 head combo that I wanted in the first place. Of all the Millers, Sachtlers and Bogen/Manfrottos I've used over nearly 40 years of using tripods, I've never had problem with any of them. I DO NOT RECOMMEND SMALLRIG CARBON FIBER TRIPODS.
How can you read that bubble level, it seems that you can't view it from directly above since the plate is blocking it. You'd have to be reading the bubble level from an angle which makes it hard to truly center, right?
Wow, Small Rig kills it once again. The price is stellar too. Most of my stuff is Run and Gun so I don't have a lot of chances to use a Tripod. My company is pivoting towards more "Interview" focused content though. I will def look into this, once we get there.
I’m looking for something like this for my photography as my peak design is great for hiking, but it can’t handle the weight of my 200-600mm leans and camera. I’m getting the GKJr. Katana Junior Telephoto Lens Gimbal Head, would this be a good tripod for me? I’m worried about camera shake as I’m shooting at 600mm and sometimes I use a 2x so I’m at 1200mm
It's 11lbs and pretty thick when closed. Not exactly something you want to hike around with unless you drive and only hike in short distances from there. The bag really bulks it up as well. I have one. AD-1 is smaller but only 1lb lighter.
The legs are good but not worth the price imho. Might pick up the head, but the legs should go with Artcise which is more versatile, especially outdoors.
Hey Keith, I'm a total beginner hoping you can help me out. I got this tripod and I have a A7s iii with the 2999 cage on it. What piece do I need to mount it to the tripod plate? I know it must sound stupid but I've never owned a tripod. Thanks.
Haha no worries!! This tripod comes with a baseplate to mount it to the tripod. It’s a standard manfrotto tripod baseplate. Can also use a DJI RS2 plate - but again, you can use the plate that comes with the tripod. Congrats on the new camera!
If your bubble level is off when panning, your legs or head might not be level. If your bubble level is moving like it's not correctly attached to the tripod, I'd reach out to SmallRig for a new bubble level or use another level to level everything properly and then re-glue the original bubble level to the tripod
Hey there Agustin, just made a community post about this - but someone said one of my videos was too distracting recently, so I decided to experiment with a video with zero color grading, broll, music or editing. I guess I need to find a happy medium of going back to some broll and editing. Either way, thanks for the feedback. I typically have more broll, and I'll be going back to that after this video.
@@keith-knittel Amazing! I literally studied all my knowledge from TH-cam, so you could say I'm a profesional TH-cam student (full time cinematographer by now). B-Roll is boring or distracting when it doesn't fulfill the need of knowledge we look for when clicking on a video, but if it's brief and supports what you are trying to show, it is most definitely welcome.
I have one on order from B&H. I have wanted a video tripod for quite awhile, but the price scared me off. This baby seems like it should fit my bill based on your and others reviews here on TH-cam.
I went with the Ikan E-Image GA752 legs as they have the same mono-locking system on the legs and they're a bit cheaper coming in at $209, I didn't really like the silvery feet on the SmallRig lol 😅
Absolutely! I also use the E-Image GA752 and I am very happy with it. Even if the GA752 made of aluminium is a bit heavier than the GC752 made of carbon fiber, I appreciate the higher stability of the metal tripod. Video needs weight. 🙂
did smallrig fix their tripod build quality after the AD-01 model? The AD-01 got so many negative reviews from my colleagues about its build, being so loosely just after a few shoots.
I haven't used the AD-01, but the AD-100 has been holding up. Read the reviews of the ad-01 and the latches seem to be the biggest problem with that tripod. Been using the ad100 in my office, for a short film and a few random client projects - the AD-100 is still holding up for me. If you're rough on your gear and want the same features, I'd look into the sirui SVT75+SVH15 or a sachtler flowtech and head. But you're looking at $1200 or $2500+ for one of those, vs $400 for the AD-100. Just depends on your budget and how you'll be using it
@@keith-knittel tks for your feedback. I'm currently aiming at the sirui bc of its compactness and kinda suit my needs, though I really like the flowtech but it just land out of my budget
I don't think I used a mist filter in the video, but I could be mistaken. My go-to mist filter is the 1/8th black pro mist, but have been experimenting with other mist filters for the past few months. Video coming soon-ish on that! Thanks for the kind words
I just replaced my Manfrotto 128RC fluid head and Manfrotto 0550XPROB legs with these SmallRig FreeBlazer legs and an iKan GH06 fluid head. I've only used the setup for one shoot so far, but it's super nice. If you have bigger rigs, then heavy duty legs are a must, and SmallRig always nails the quality for the price. Can't vouch for the head with the AD-100, but the legs are 100% worth the price, especially if you can use those savings toward a nice fluid head, like I did! Also, not sure if you mentioned it, but this tripod stands on it's own when the legs are folded in, even with my a7S III, Sigma 24-70, top handle, Ninja V, and mini V-mount on rails!
Yeah, was happy to see you can buy the legs / head separate! Most of the time, I'm locked off on a shot so I don't move the camera much but can totally see upgrading the head. The legs are a good value, this just came out - so we'll see how they hold up in the long term!
The heavy duty tripod is an ideal choice for me. One-key locking, quick height adjustment saves a lot of time. One more thing to mention: It can achieve quick switch between Manfrotto and DJI RS quick release plates.
The proble with ths tripod is that it doesn't go low enought. I have another tripod like this and for sitting interviews it is super annoying. Everytime you have someone sitting in a couch when you add the fluid head, it is pointing a bit downward. While, shooting very high is like not even 1% of scenarios.
Keith, I think that quality tripod was made by SmallRig’s partner company, LargeRig. 😉
LargeRig 😂😂
That joke was MidRig 😅
@@YoungBlaze 🤣
HugeRig
Great video. I had nothing but trouble from the start with the SmallRig FreezBlazer AD-100. First, a leg split at the rivet and while loose, a plastic gear at the tension handle fell out and was lost. I asked SmallRig if I could purchase a gear. The customer service rep said she'd get the technical team to answer. I asked twice - no answer. I had new gears CNC'd from aluminum and when I reassmbled the tripod, one of the metal plates that hold the works onto the leg simply broke. Too much money, many hours and a sh*tload of effort later, I gave up and pulled the expensive trigger on the Sachtler FlowTech 75 and activ8 head combo that I wanted in the first place. Of all the Millers, Sachtlers and Bogen/Manfrottos I've used over nearly 40 years of using tripods, I've never had problem with any of them.
I DO NOT RECOMMEND SMALLRIG CARBON FIBER TRIPODS.
How can you read that bubble level, it seems that you can't view it from directly above since the plate is blocking it. You'd have to be reading the bubble level from an angle which makes it hard to truly center, right?
Wow, Small Rig kills it once again. The price is stellar too. Most of my stuff is Run and Gun so I don't have a lot of chances to use a Tripod. My company is pivoting towards more "Interview" focused content though. I will def look into this, once we get there.
5 of these is one sachtler (I have both)😎
I’m looking for something like this for my photography as my peak design is great for hiking, but it can’t handle the weight of my 200-600mm leans and camera. I’m getting the GKJr. Katana Junior Telephoto Lens Gimbal Head, would this be a good tripod for me? I’m worried about camera shake as I’m shooting at 600mm and sometimes I use a 2x so I’m at 1200mm
It's 11lbs and pretty thick when closed. Not exactly something you want to hike around with unless you drive and only hike in short distances from there.
The bag really bulks it up as well. I have one. AD-1 is smaller but only 1lb lighter.
Great video! Is the spreader removable if you do need low angle shots?
Want to know this aswell
"No money has changed hands"... But you get to keep a $400 brand new tripod? Yeah Gods!..
Thats not a tilt drag its a lock. I qas always told if you continue to use locks for drag that it wears them out.
Rotating to collapse is what you do with any tripod?
Really good and thorough review. Thank you. Is your opinion the same after a year of use?
The legs are good but not worth the price imho. Might pick up the head, but the legs should go with Artcise which is more versatile, especially outdoors.
Hey Keith, I'm a total beginner hoping you can help me out. I got this tripod and I have a A7s iii with the 2999 cage on it. What piece do I need to mount it to the tripod plate?
I know it must sound stupid but I've never owned a tripod. Thanks.
Haha no worries!! This tripod comes with a baseplate to mount it to the tripod. It’s a standard manfrotto tripod baseplate. Can also use a DJI RS2 plate - but again, you can use the plate that comes with the tripod. Congrats on the new camera!
Love the video! Great job on this!
When I collapse my legs, I kick the spreader up a bit and the legs go straight down with ease
Meant to respond to this one. That totally works! Not sure how this affects the longevity of the spreader, but a gentle push seems to help haha
With panning my waterlevel bubble moves, so i guess my tripod is a bad unit or do you have the same problem?
If your bubble level is off when panning, your legs or head might not be level. If your bubble level is moving like it's not correctly attached to the tripod, I'd reach out to SmallRig for a new bubble level or use another level to level everything properly and then re-glue the original bubble level to the tripod
Hi! I appreciate a lot the review, but why not test footage? I believe is a must in reviews. Thanks again, just something to keep in mind.
Hey there Agustin, just made a community post about this - but someone said one of my videos was too distracting recently, so I decided to experiment with a video with zero color grading, broll, music or editing. I guess I need to find a happy medium of going back to some broll and editing. Either way, thanks for the feedback. I typically have more broll, and I'll be going back to that after this video.
@@keith-knittel Amazing! I literally studied all my knowledge from TH-cam, so you could say I'm a profesional TH-cam student (full time cinematographer by now). B-Roll is boring or distracting when it doesn't fulfill the need of knowledge we look for when clicking on a video, but if it's brief and supports what you are trying to show, it is most definitely welcome.
1:54 - not unique at all. My old, battered Manfrotto has panhandle mounts on both sides, that's a standard feature of most pro tripods.
I have one on order from B&H. I have wanted a video tripod for quite awhile, but the price scared me off. This baby seems like it should fit my bill based on your and others reviews here on TH-cam.
I have purchased SmallRig items and they're great. I want this tripod ti go with my Z8 and long lenes. JMH
Finally a tripod with a proper height and locking mechanism
One of my favorite parts
at @07:53 it drove me crazy seeing the tripod on an angle like that
I need a tripod for pinholes, do they make a smaller one?
Nice video, but light on your left side is very distracting as the there is no enough lighting on the tripod it self.
Redesigning my office soon, will keep that in mind!
I went with the Ikan E-Image GA752 legs as they have the same mono-locking system on the legs and they're a bit cheaper coming in at $209, I didn't really like the silvery feet on the SmallRig lol 😅
Absolutely! I also use the E-Image GA752 and I am very happy with it. Even if the GA752 made of aluminium is a bit heavier than the GC752 made of carbon fiber, I appreciate the higher stability of the metal tripod. Video needs weight. 🙂
did smallrig fix their tripod build quality after the AD-01 model? The AD-01 got so many negative reviews from my colleagues about its build, being so loosely just after a few shoots.
I haven't used the AD-01, but the AD-100 has been holding up. Read the reviews of the ad-01 and the latches seem to be the biggest problem with that tripod. Been using the ad100 in my office, for a short film and a few random client projects - the AD-100 is still holding up for me. If you're rough on your gear and want the same features, I'd look into the sirui SVT75+SVH15 or a sachtler flowtech and head. But you're looking at $1200 or $2500+ for one of those, vs $400 for the AD-100. Just depends on your budget and how you'll be using it
@@keith-knittel tks for your feedback. I'm currently aiming at the sirui bc of its compactness and kinda suit my needs, though I really like the flowtech but it just land out of my budget
No rubber footing?
Which mist filter are you using? Awesome video btw
I don't think I used a mist filter in the video, but I could be mistaken. My go-to mist filter is the 1/8th black pro mist, but have been experimenting with other mist filters for the past few months. Video coming soon-ish on that! Thanks for the kind words
will a 75mm half ball head work, I am assuming no? Thanks, nice video!
Yes, the tripod is made for 75mm ball heads
I just replaced my Manfrotto 128RC fluid head and Manfrotto 0550XPROB legs with these SmallRig FreeBlazer legs and an iKan GH06 fluid head. I've only used the setup for one shoot so far, but it's super nice. If you have bigger rigs, then heavy duty legs are a must, and SmallRig always nails the quality for the price. Can't vouch for the head with the AD-100, but the legs are 100% worth the price, especially if you can use those savings toward a nice fluid head, like I did! Also, not sure if you mentioned it, but this tripod stands on it's own when the legs are folded in, even with my a7S III, Sigma 24-70, top handle, Ninja V, and mini V-mount on rails!
Yeah, was happy to see you can buy the legs / head separate! Most of the time, I'm locked off on a shot so I don't move the camera much but can totally see upgrading the head. The legs are a good value, this just came out - so we'll see how they hold up in the long term!
Amazing tips and feedback, mate. Thanks.
Do you think the ikan fluid head is better than the smallrig fluid head this comes with? (especially for tilting smoothness)
The heavy duty tripod is an ideal choice for me. One-key locking, quick height adjustment saves a lot of time. One more thing to mention: It can achieve quick switch between Manfrotto and DJI RS quick release plates.
amazing that this Guy is discussing panning and "leveling" ; He actually has to explain that that the camera has to be level.