K&F Concept Specialist SA255C1 Carbon Tripod Review

I’ve been using the K&F Concept TM2515T DSLR Camera Tripod Monopod Kit 60inch for a few years now and it has served me well as a handy, portable tripod.

Landscape photography is my bread and butter and I have a particular fondness for rivers and waterfalls for long exposure photography so a sturdy, rigid tripod is an essential piece of the camera gear.

I’ve just received the brand new K&F Specialist SA255C1 67inch Carbon Professional Tripod Monopod with 360 Degree Ball Head as part of my Pro Partner relationship with K&F.

The SA255C1 replaces the previous carbon model KF09.010.

The main spec for the SA255C1 tripod:

• Carbon fiber,
• Weighs 2.93lbs
• Measures 16.53″ when folded
• Loading capacity up to 22.04lbs / 10kg
• 25mm tube diameter, 5-section legs with spiral type locking
• Working height from 20.47″ to 68″
• Tripod legs can be adjusted to three angles to stabilize on varying grounds and incline levels.
• Detachable Monopod
• 360°Panorama Ball Head – 28mm ball-head
• Includes K&F Arca Plate

The bundle comes supplied with a K&F carry case, tripod and a bonus K&F Arca Swiss Plate.

Firstly lets mention the Arca Swiss Plate.  This little beauty is not just a simple Arca plate, it also converts into a tripod mountable mobile phone holder.  I’ve previously reviewed the Arca Swiss Plate and I already own two of them, it’s addition to the tripod offering is a welcome bonus and I think it could be a deciding factor when looking at your next tripod choice.

The tripod build quality is premium throughout, every component is sturdy and well engineered.  As with the previous model, the tripod legs fold up against the centre column to give a small form factor for storage and carrying.  The leg hinges are exceptionally tight so when locked in place they don’t budge a single millimetre.

The centre column locking nut has been upgraded from a rubber grip similar to the leg locking nuts to a three prong affair which gives a bit of extra purchase when adjusting the column.  The centre column is also removable and reversible so it’s possible to position your camera at ground level (albeit upside down, can be sorted in post production).

At full extension the tripod reaches 68″, which for me is a well above head height! Even when fully extended i’ve noticed there is no noticeable flex in the legs which is a welcome change from the aluminium tripod, which is surprising as the aluminium is heavier.  One feature I’ve found particular satisfying is the feel of carbon fiber compared to aluminium, carrying it around in cold British weather is much nicer on the hands.

The leg with the foam padding can also be unscrewed and used as monopod, perfect for wildlife photography.

The ball head has been completely upgraded.  The horizontal axis works with a simple screw lock and has a smooth action, combined with the built in spirit level it will make panoramic images easy to capture.

The smartest improvement is the new quarter turn lock for the ball head, replacing the previous screw mechanism.  The quarter turn lock makes repositioning quick and accurate with no slippage or movement from the torque of tightening a screw bolt.  The ball head holds my 200mm telephoto with no movement.

I’ve been using the tripod for a few weeks now and have found it to be an sturdy platform for all aspects of landscape photography.  I’ve stood in rivers, near waterfalls, and on windy hillsides and the tripod has stood firm, producing sharp images.  The weight reduction compared to the aluminium tripod is a welcome improvement whilst on my back.

Here are a few recent shots taken using the SA255C1 Specialist Tripod

The K&F Specialist SA255C1 67inch Carbon Professional Tripod Monopod with 360 Degree Ball Head is now available from the Kent Faith website.  Use the coupon code: KF10UK  to save 10% until 31/12/2021