Home Reviews ,,,,,
The first accessory that all photographers should always have with them is the tripod, perhaps less useful today with the latest generation cameras equipped with stabilizers on multiple axes but essential when the light fails , when the lenses are large and heavy or when you are about to take pictures with very long shutter speeds (perhaps to capture the starry sky or the silky effect of the water of a river).
Those looking for one that is solid and stable but at the same time light, functional and versatile, perhaps spending even less than what would be spent by shifting the gaze to the big brands, could find the definitive solution in the Aukey stand (CP-T06) recently put to the test by our editorial staff: with aluminum body, ball head, quick release plate and monopod mode, it has everything you could want, proving to be a valid support in the most diverse photographic situations.
In the package
Inside the box we find:
As it is done
The tripod is quite light (our scale weighs 1.71 kg, declared weight 1.62 kg) and compact (the minimum declared length is 50.5 cm, according to our when closed it slightly exceeds 45 cm). In any case, one centimeter more and less less, we are faced with an accessory that is compact and comfortable enough to end up in a backpack or suitcase for a trip.
Dimensions aside, the tripod is presents as a product that appears really sturdy and well finished, built with selected materials and assembled with precision. The legs (3 stages) and all metal parts are made of aluminum. The locking systems are screw and finished in rubber. Despite the three stages, essential to minimize the length when closed, the last stage is not too thin (1.3 cm in diameter while the maximum section of the legs is 2.5 cm).
Other essential measures include the minimum height of 26 cm with the shortest shaft supplied or 45 cm with the default shaft and 162 cm at the maximum extension. Keeping the central column (which has two stages) down, which some will prefer for reasons of vibrations, the maximum height is 136 centimeters.
One of the first things we did was maneuver locking systems and slide the various stages of the legs. All components made of metal are very precise. The sliding and metal elements are professionally greased and slide precisely. The sensation offered by the closing screws, which tighten progressively and firmly, is also excellent. The only flaw is the persistent smell of rubber that comes from the tightening nuts.
The ball head
Many professional photographers prefer to purchase a tripod without a ball head and then choose one separately. The tripod sold by Aukey includes a good quality ball head made of aluminum, which has everything it takes and performs well, at least for a not extremely selective and picky photographer. It has two classic knob locks: the main one that completely closes the movement and the one that regulates the friction, to manage the orientation of the chamber in a controlled manner. A third knob adjusts the rotation for panoramas for which a degree scale is also available (from 0 to 180 degrees, of course).
Two levels are available to check the perfect alignment of the tripod with respect to ground: one is for the horizontal orientation of the camera and one for the vertical orientation. The plate is a quick release type, Arca Swiss compatible (you can therefore buy other spare plates quite easily, although there is already a second one included in the package) with a 1/4 screw that we can tighten with the traditional ring.
Even for the ball head, like the structure of the tripod, we have little to complain. Once the knobs have been tightened according to our preferences, the machine moves smoothly and without hesitation; the friction knob adjusts precisely. We have not loaded too much weight, but the impression is that it is able to easily support and control a very considerable load, for example that of a full frame with very heavy optics. The manufacturer declares 8 kg as the maximum weight that can be managed by the tripod, and in particular by the central column (the tripod is certainly able to support a much greater weight). ball head is 3/8. So if you want to use it on another 1/4 tripod you will need an adapter.
Monopod, macro photo and stabilizer
Aukey's tripod does not stop at basic functions, but offers a series of functions typical of medium-high range products. For example, it easily converts into a monopod. One of the legs (recognizable by the presence of the Aukey brand printed on the padding) is unscrewed and accompanying it to the ball head it will be possible to compose a monopod with a height of 132 centimeters, a solution that allows us to save on the purchase of this accessory.
Furthermore, the central column can be reassembled and turned backwards: in this way we can mount the camera upside down bringing it closer to the ground, the classic arrangement for macro photos.
Finally there is also the hook for stabilization. We find it in the lower part of the central column: it is a screw regulated by a spring to which we can hook a weight (for example a backpack) to keep the stand more firmly on the ground.
Experience of use
We took the tripod with us on a photo trip in the course of which we have had to deal with various situations where this accessory has fully done its duty. When it was needed, we put it into action in minutes and it always gave us the impression of being very stable (we used it with a Canon 6D alongside lenses like Samyang 14mm f / 2.8, Canon 35mm f / 2 and Canon 85mm f / 1.8, for a maximum total weight of 1.3 Kg), but the impression is that it was able to manage much more than our set-up.
The most appreciable aspect of the easel is definitely versatility combined with solidity; we were able to easily and quickly adjust it in all situations, always finding the most suitable position. Once closed we put it in the backpack and we kept it with us until the evening without feeling excessively the weight. In addition, we flapped it here and there without too many worries without it making a single fold.
Conclusions
Aukey's tripod is a quality product, which it chases at a very short distance and perhaps in some respects exceeds, accessories of well-known and highly regarded brands in photography forums and at some specialized sites and which cost even twice as much. It is made of excellent materials (aluminum, rubber) and has precision mechanisms and joints. It is small and light, but despite this it extends to be comfortable even for tall people, it is stable and functional. It offers a ball head that for most hobbyist photographers, including those with some ambition, is more than adequate; it also hides some fancy touches, such as the possibility of transforming into a monopod with a few steps.
The only defect to report, the final stage of the telescopic legs which has a rather small diameter, which in some will raise the I suspect, denied at least in our experience, that it is a product with reduced stability.
Price to the public
Obviously there are better products , what is to be discussed, paying three or four hundred euros, but at 99.99 euros (and even much more than this price), it will be difficult for you to find something equally valid, even if you are looking for products with a high-sounding name.
,,
