The Sirui N-1204 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod is a great tripod for travelers and other adventurous photographers who need to pack extremely light and reserve the option to, at a moment's notice, slim down their camera's support system to just a monopod. The N-1204 features a leg that unscrews and attaches to a second included mounting plate and, optionally, the tripod's removable center column, to form a monopod that ranges from 16.5" (collapsed) to 64" long (with the center column attached).
Reaching a maximum height of 61.4", the tripod itself is quite versatile in its own right – the N-1204 weighs just 2.2 lb but supports up to 26.5 lb thanks to its thick upper leg sections and forged aluminum chassis. It's suitable for use with just about any head and any 35mm camera, DSLR, point & shoot, or camcorder.
The compact N-1204 tripod's legs fold upward 180° to achieve a relatively compact folded length of 17.3" – even with many camera head models attached. The entire package stays very compact to fit comfortably in most carry-on bags and many backpacks.
The tripod's center column is reversible, and the N-1204 comes with a short center column so that you can set up extremely close to the ground for ultra-low-angle shooting. With the short center column installed, you can set the legs at their wide angle (80°) and shoot from only 6.3" from the ground.
| Load Capacity | 26.5 lb (12 kg) |
| Maximum Height |
Tripod: 61.4" (156.0 cm) Monopod: 64.0" (162.6 cm) |
| Maximum Height w/o Column Extended |
Tripod: 52.0" (132.0 cm) Monopod: 52.0" (132.0 cm) |
| Minimum Height |
Tripod: 6.3" (16.0 cm) Monopod: 16.5" (42.0 cm) |
| Folded Length |
Legs reversed: 17.3" (44.0 cm) Legs folded down: 20.1" (51.0 cm) |
| Weight | 2.2 lb (1.0 kg) |
| Material | 8x carbon fiber |
| Head Attachment Fitting | 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 |
| Leg Stages/Sections | 3/4 |
| Leg Lock Type | Twist lock |
| Diameter (Top Leg Section) | 0.98" (25mm) |
| Independent Leg Spread | Yes |
| Spiked/Retractable Feet | No |
| Center Brace | No |
| Center Column Type | Rapid, reversible |
| Center Column Sections | 1 (also includes short center column) |
| Bubble Level | No |
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Reviewed by 6 customers
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Comments about Sirui N-1204 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod:
What beautiful workmanship. All functions are clear and precise. It's almost like a piece of fine art.
Rock solid. Lightweight,can carry all day and not even notice it's existance.
Well worth every dime of investment.
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Comments about Sirui N-1204 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod:
Small to carry and lightweight. Bought for my D800 and hikes.
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Comments about Sirui N-1204 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod:
Seems to be well constructed and sturdy.
Legs lock well and don't slip.
It's about to spend a week in Italy and if any issued arise there I'll update the review.
So far it's a winner.
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Comments about Sirui N-1204 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod:
I looked long and hard to find a suitable travel tripod and I think this one will serve me well for many years. I got a carbon-fiber Gitzo model a couple of years ago (for more $s), and it is flimsy compared to this one by Sirui. The Sirui G-20 ball head compliments this tripod perfectly. This tripod has lots of great design features, including one of the legs converting to a monopod. A smaller center column is included to switch out for macro use low to the ground. The carrying strap for the storage bag (included) even converts to direct use on the tripod. The tripod is very stable, yet light enough for me (short, 60-year old woman) to easily carry. The manufacturer's web site also helped me select the appropriate model for my particular camera gear.
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Comments about Sirui N-1204 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod:
First when I received this tripod I was going to return it as I was becoming more proficient with my quality monopod and Kirk MPA-2 Monopod Head. However once I used the Sirui tripod, I noticed it was just as convenient, almost as lightweight, and had the added benefit of stability, precision and quick unfoldability. The monopod was great for handling the weight of my big lens, but it didn't really do away with the slight shake in my hands. My keeper ratio dramatically improved.
If you are a stickler for PERFECTION, buy the Jobu Design BWG-J3K Jobu Jr.3 Gimbal Kit with Swing-Arm HM-J2 and use it with the Sirui tripod. You will soon forget how much all this equipment costs and just enjoy picture taking. I am 5'2" 118 female and have carried this set up with either my Sigma 150-500 zoom and my Canon 100-400 L for upwards of 3 hours.
I have also used the monopod leg, which twists off, with my Canon 70-200 4/L and 7d and a Really Right Stuff BH 30 ballhead. Although I have often taken good photos handheld with the 70-200 4/L, the quality of the photos have improved with this extremely lightweight but sturdy little monopod. I=
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Comments about Sirui N-1204 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod:
It is as advertised, a lightweight compact travel tripod. I haven't traveled with it at the time of this review, but as it appears well-made, I'm confident of it.
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