Sirui make superb products. I have two monopods (one with feet. fantastic !) I bought the ST-124. Mainly because it has only 4 sections. I think that it might be a bit more stable than 5 on this one. The working hight, without the centre column raised, the camera on a ball head is absolutely fine for me, and i am 6ft. No crouching at all. My heaviest load is a D610 and 16-35 lens, and the tripod dont move. I just love it. The triangular centre column really makes a difference to the folded up size. Very innovative. Another reason why i chose the 124
Thanks for the quick response. The Leofoto would work very well when hiking but not so much when getting on an airplane. I have the Leofoto MT03 and very impressed but for an upcoming trip I need something more. I need to do some packing trials and see if I can make the LS255CEX work. Appreciate the insight and the RUclips reviews.
I like the folded length of the 125 but I feel like the thicker legs of the 124 may be a little better for reduced flex and better stability. So many tripod options...it makes your head spin.
The choices are almost endless! I haven't had to use it in any really windy situations yet, but I do think it would have had issues with flexing on a recent trip to Iceland with high winds. The 124 did well with my bag hooked to the center column though.
I have the ST-124. I really love it. Light, rigid, portable, a fabulous piece of kit. Price wise its unbeatable. I paid about £200. My lad bought a travel Gitzo, great product, but about £600. And it does exactly what my Sirui does, holds the camera rock steady for sharp photos, but at three times the price. Not knocking Gitzo, just saying !
When folded, the 284 vs 125, which circumference is smaller between the two? Although I am wanting the 254 or the 125. my old one just bit the dust, broke inside parts, sea salt damaged. although i also want the zero center column for low angle shots.... decisions, decisions, decisions.
@@davidakoubian3025 wow, okay, even with the center column the 125 is smaller than the 284. what I really want to know if it's smaller than the 254. if it's between the 284 vs 125, yes, from your response, yes, the 125 will do. Thanks for quick reply
I ordered this tripod and received it today and returned it immediately. It is heavier than I anticipated and I did not like the way the legs don't lock in place when trying to adjust the length. I would not recommend this tripod. I also feel the threads for adjusting the leg parts were not precise.
Purchased the W 2204 on eBay for very good price. Put my Manfrotto fluid head on it and found i don't need to fully extended the last legs. NOTE one BIG issue - for some reason the feet screws are not a standard size - they are 10m with 1.0 threads !!! Yikes no standard spikes, claw feet etc will fit -EXTREMELY disappointed. Only the very small included spikes fit .
@@davidakoubian3025 No but mine is the W 2204 and they may have updated the latest models. I had 3/8" . Threads are totally different from Sirui - I was hoping as the leofoto spikes are great. I tried without force as I didn't want to damage the leg threads. I did get an interesting response from Sirui USA when I asked about the 10m vs the "standards" they said ....... Depends upon yours. Without any explanation. Reading between the lines it sounds like they may have shipping some with 10m and some in standard 3/8".??? Not sure since they are not forthcoming with an answer. Which is not good !
@@billz4795 I'm wondering when they switched it to 10mm or even 3/8". Mine definitely had the 1/4 20 studs. Sirui China took over the US operations fairly recently and I wonder if that has anything to do with it. They haven't really come out with a "new" tripod in a while and I have moved mostly to the Leofoto line.
@@davidakoubian3025 finally spoke to the Sirui Rep that I was emailing. He was not sure but he believes that some of the models including mine (w2204) waterproof line the feet screw size are 10mm. While other lines were of some " standard" - 3/8, or 1/4. Go figure ! I asked again Does Sirui have a reducing nut for the 10mm - "no". Does Sirui know about this - did you inform them and ask for help. The answer was political. Found ones on McMaster but they want 14.00 each. Unless the quote is incorrect. Follow up the ones they were quoting were incorrect.
I am looking for a new travel tripod and I see that you have done a number of excellent reviews over the last year. You must have quite a selection by now! I don't check bags and typically do month long trips so weight and size are important. The travel tripod has to fit on my backpack which is considered a "personal item - 16cm x 33 cm x 43 cm, or 6inx13inx17in" together with my bridge camera - SOny RX10M4 which I am very happy with for my travel purpose. This Siui ST125 at 15.5 inches would fit and is shorter than the Leofoto LS255CEX which you reviewed. I think the leveling base is key so would need to add one to the Sirui but that could be packed separately. Ideally I would like to add the Leofoto VH-30R if it would fit in my bag! Can you provide any thoughts between the Leofoto and Sirui tripods for my purpose. Lastly have you looked at the Ulanzi Zero Y or Heipi which are (maybe) improved versions of the Peak Design? Thanks.
I haven't used the Peak Design. I started using the Leofoto a couple months back and have been extremely impressed, especially with the leveling base. I've liked them enough that I have made a complete switch to them.
Hey David! Thanks for the great information. I know you showed the 125 in the video then see that you mentioned taking the 124 to Iceland in the comments. Do you recommend one over the other? I'll be hiking in Rocky Mountain NP and Glacier NP this summer and need a travel tripod. I'm a 5'3" petite woman so I don't need the extra height of the 124 but at times I'm shooting with a Canon R6 with a Sigma 150-600mm so I didn't know if I should go with the 124 for the thicker legs and extra rigidity? The pack size of the 125 is so tempting (especially for my size) But gear safety and stability is the whole point of a tripod. I've also considered the AM 254 or 284. There are too many choices! 😄 I value your opinion considering your experience. Thanks in advance!
I would say the 125 would be fine, but then when you mentioned taking the long lens I would recommend the 124. Either would be fine, but I think you will benefit more from the 124 and the slightly larger leg diameter for stability.
@@davidakoubian3025 Thank you! That's just what I needed to hear. That was the way I was leaning but it's challenging when you can't actually put your hands on something in an actual store. I value your hands on experience. Thanks for the guidance!
Hi David, my set (Nikon D500, 70-200mm f2.8 and teleconverter) weighs 2.8kg. This tripod looks very good to me and corresponds to what I'm looking for considering it has spikes, the type of dish and the automatic locking system at the angles. I think these are the normal requirements for a good tripod choice for nature and andscape photography. I'm 1.70m tall and it seems to me that the camera is a little low, as I don't use the extendable column (I only use it in "emergency"). But i'm in doubt with the sirui W2204. What's your opinion? Thanks
@@davidakoubian3025 Thanks. It has been a difficult choice as there are so many models and a variety of prices. I plan to buy a model to last many years. Robustness and working height have been a concern in my choice. Thank you and have a nice Christmas.
Hey David! Thanks for such an amazing and detailed review. I’m really on the fence between Sirui W-2204 and the ST-124/125. My purpose is a all round tripod that can be used both for photos & videos. Is ST-125 stable without any wobble? Coz looks like the legs are a bit thin compared to W-2204. Also is ST-125 carbon fibre or aluminium alloy?
I have the AM-284 but would like something a bit smaller and lighter for travel, do you think the ST 125 is much of a difference compared to the AM-284 ?
Sirui make superb products. I have two monopods (one with feet. fantastic !) I bought the ST-124. Mainly because it has only 4 sections. I think that it might be a bit more stable than 5 on this one. The working hight, without the centre column raised, the camera on a ball head is absolutely fine for me, and i am 6ft. No crouching at all. My heaviest load is a D610 and 16-35 lens, and the tripod dont move. I just love it.
The triangular centre column really makes a difference to the folded up size. Very innovative. Another reason why i chose the 124
Thanks for the quick response. The Leofoto would work very well when hiking but not so much when getting on an airplane. I have the Leofoto MT03 and very impressed but for an upcoming trip I need something more. I need to do some packing trials and see if I can make the LS255CEX work. Appreciate the insight and the RUclips reviews.
I attached it to an F-stop Gear Guru 25L, and it fits easily into the overhead. I've carried it on small commuter planes as well.
The 4-section model is actually taller than the 5-section when fully extended.
That is correct
I like the folded length of the 125 but I feel like the thicker legs of the 124 may be a little better for reduced flex and better stability. So many tripod options...it makes your head spin.
The choices are almost endless! I haven't had to use it in any really windy situations yet, but I do think it would have had issues with flexing on a recent trip to Iceland with high winds. The 124 did well with my bag hooked to the center column though.
@@davidakoubian3025 Thanks for the input!
I have the ST-124. I really love it. Light, rigid, portable, a fabulous piece of kit. Price wise its unbeatable. I paid about £200. My lad bought a travel Gitzo, great product, but about £600. And it does exactly what my Sirui does, holds the camera rock steady for sharp photos, but at three times the price. Not knocking Gitzo, just saying !
Thank you very much
When folded, the 284 vs 125, which circumference is smaller between the two?
Although I am wanting the 254 or the 125.
my old one just bit the dust, broke inside parts, sea salt damaged.
although i also want the zero center column for low angle shots....
decisions, decisions, decisions.
The 125 is definitely smaller. The 254 is a great solution as it is still very small but very sturdy.
@@davidakoubian3025 wow, okay, even with the center column the 125 is smaller than the 284. what I really want to know if it's smaller than the 254. if it's between the 284 vs 125, yes, from your response, yes, the 125 will do.
Thanks for quick reply
I ordered this tripod and received it today and returned it immediately. It is heavier than I anticipated and I did not like the way the legs don't lock in place when trying to adjust the length. I would not recommend this tripod. I also feel the threads for adjusting the leg parts were not precise.
Not every tripod is for everyone, I have had great success with it.
Can the extension SL-200 be put on this tripod even though it has a center arm ?
TIA
Yes. Anything that has either a 3/8 or 1/4 20 screw
Purchased the W 2204 on eBay for very good price. Put my Manfrotto fluid head on it and found i don't need to fully extended the last legs.
NOTE one BIG issue - for some reason the feet screws are not a standard size - they are 10m with 1.0 threads !!! Yikes no standard spikes, claw feet etc will fit -EXTREMELY disappointed. Only the very small included spikes fit .
So 1/4 20 threads won't fit? They did with mine.
@@davidakoubian3025 No but mine is the W 2204 and they may have updated the latest models. I had 3/8" . Threads are totally different from Sirui - I was hoping as the leofoto spikes are great. I tried without force as I didn't want to damage the leg threads.
I did get an interesting response from Sirui USA when I asked about the 10m vs the "standards" they said ....... Depends upon yours.
Without any explanation.
Reading between the lines it sounds like they may have shipping some with 10m and some in standard 3/8".???
Not sure since they are not forthcoming with an answer.
Which is not good !
@@billz4795 I'm wondering when they switched it to 10mm or even 3/8". Mine definitely had the 1/4 20 studs. Sirui China took over the US operations fairly recently and I wonder if that has anything to do with it. They haven't really come out with a "new" tripod in a while and I have moved mostly to the Leofoto line.
@@davidakoubian3025 finally spoke to the Sirui Rep that I was emailing.
He was not sure but he believes that some of the models including mine (w2204) waterproof line the feet screw size are 10mm. While other lines were of some " standard" - 3/8, or 1/4. Go figure !
I asked again Does Sirui have a reducing nut for the 10mm - "no".
Does Sirui know about this - did you inform them and ask for help. The answer was political.
Found ones on McMaster but they want 14.00 each. Unless the quote is incorrect.
Follow up the ones they were quoting were incorrect.
@billz4795 yikes! Not very straightforward
I am looking for a new travel tripod and I see that you have done a number of excellent reviews over the last year. You must have quite a selection by now! I don't check bags and typically do month long trips so weight and size are important. The travel tripod has to fit on my backpack which is considered a "personal item - 16cm x 33 cm x 43 cm, or 6inx13inx17in" together with my bridge camera - SOny RX10M4 which I am very happy with for my travel purpose. This Siui ST125 at 15.5 inches would fit and is shorter than the Leofoto LS255CEX which you reviewed. I think the leveling base is key so would need to add one to the Sirui but that could be packed separately. Ideally I would like to add the Leofoto VH-30R if it would fit in my bag! Can you provide any thoughts between the Leofoto and Sirui tripods for my purpose. Lastly have you looked at the Ulanzi Zero Y or Heipi which are (maybe) improved versions of the Peak Design? Thanks.
I haven't used the Peak Design. I started using the Leofoto a couple months back and have been extremely impressed, especially with the leveling base. I've liked them enough that I have made a complete switch to them.
Hey David! Thanks for the great information. I know you showed the 125 in the video then see that you mentioned taking the 124 to Iceland in the comments. Do you recommend one over the other? I'll be hiking in Rocky Mountain NP and Glacier NP this summer and need a travel tripod. I'm a 5'3" petite woman so I don't need the extra height of the 124 but at times I'm shooting with a Canon R6 with a Sigma 150-600mm so I didn't know if I should go with the 124 for the thicker legs and extra rigidity? The pack size of the 125 is so tempting (especially for my size) But gear safety and stability is the whole point of a tripod. I've also considered the AM 254 or 284. There are too many choices! 😄 I value your opinion considering your experience. Thanks in advance!
I would say the 125 would be fine, but then when you mentioned taking the long lens I would recommend the 124. Either would be fine, but I think you will benefit more from the 124 and the slightly larger leg diameter for stability.
@@davidakoubian3025 Thank you! That's just what I needed to hear. That was the way I was leaning but it's challenging when you can't actually put your hands on something in an actual store. I value your hands on experience. Thanks for the guidance!
Hi David, my set (Nikon D500, 70-200mm f2.8 and teleconverter) weighs 2.8kg. This tripod looks very good to me and corresponds to what I'm looking for considering it has spikes, the type of dish and the automatic locking system at the angles. I think these are the normal requirements for a good tripod choice for nature and andscape photography. I'm 1.70m tall and it seems to me that the camera is a little low, as I don't use the extendable column (I only use it in "emergency"). But i'm in doubt with the sirui W2204. What's your opinion? Thanks
With your height I think the W2204 is a better match
@@davidakoubian3025 Thanks. It has been a difficult choice as there are so many models and a variety of prices. I plan to buy a model to last many years. Robustness and working height have been a concern in my choice. Thank you and have a nice Christmas.
Hey David! Thanks for such an amazing and detailed review. I’m really on the fence between Sirui W-2204 and the ST-124/125. My purpose is a all round tripod that can be used both for photos & videos. Is ST-125 stable without any wobble? Coz looks like the legs are a bit thin compared to W-2204. Also is ST-125 carbon fibre or aluminium alloy?
The ST125 is carbon, but if you are doing video I would recommend the W2204.
@@davidakoubian3025 thanks a lot for letting me know your opinion. Cheers!
I have the AM-284 but would like something a bit smaller and lighter for travel, do you think the ST 125 is much of a difference compared to the AM-284 ?
It is about an inch shorter, roughly the same weight.
@@davidakoubian3025 Thanks, I'll look for something smaller then.
@@simonworger you might want to try Sirui Traveller 5cx
@@simonworger you might want to try Sirui Traveller 5cx
@@davidakoubian3025 Try the Sirui ST-124. I love mine. Ticks all the boxes.