The Slik Sprint Mini II GM Tripod is a flyweight class tripod specifically configured for travel concerns, meant for use with very small SLR systems or with any form of point and shoot camera. It has 20mm diameter upper leg segments and is specialized for those who value compact folded dimensions and low weight above all other tripod concerns; you'll need to stoop down a bit to use it, or otherwise have a rotating/flip-out LCD screen (or right angle finder for your SLR). This is a tripod right at home on a backpack or on your shoulder (unpadded case with shoulder strap included), weighing only 1.72 lbs (780g).
The Sprint series was designed to maximize your propensity to actually carry and use your tripod on vacation, without costing a ton. It can be raised and lowered quickly, and will help make sharp images in the typical daylight conditions a traveler 'on holiday' is expected to encounter.
This particular version of the Sprint series has Slik's SBH100DQ compact ballhead with quick release, for the photographer preferring speed in setup.
| Maximum Height | 42.9" (109.0cm) |
| Maximum Height w/o Column Extended | 34.6" (88.0cm) |
| Minimum Height | 5.9" (15.0cm) |
| Folded Length | 13.8" (35.0cm) |
| Load Capacity | 4.4 lbs (2kg) |
| Leg Sections | 4 |
| Leg Lock Type | Flip lever |
| Independent Leg Spread | Yes |
| Center Column Sections | 2 |
| Center Column Type | Sliding |
| Center Brace | No |
| Spiked Feet | No |
| Head Type | Ballhead with quick release |
| Head Mount Thread Size | 1/4"-20 |
| Weight | 1.72 lbs (0.780kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
A Great Lightweight Tripod
I intend to use this tripod on hikes with a Canon G11 camera. I haven't used it in the field yet, but used it at home with the G11 simulating conditions that might be ...Read complete review
I intend to use this tripod on hikes with a Canon G11 camera. I haven't used it in the field yet, but used it at home with the G11 simulating conditions that might be encountered on a hike. The tripod performed exceeding well.
For a 1.7 pound tripod it is well constructed. The ball head, leg clamps and center column clamps hold well without slippage. The tripod can hold a Canon 5D with a 24-105 lens in the landscape position but is unstable in the portrait position. For the most part I concur with where plastic is used to minimize weight. The split center column is great when you need to get close to the ground. The foam pads around each of the legs are a nice touch when used in the cold and for protection of the tripod.
I would have liked for the tripod to get higher but wasn't willing to gain the extra weight. The articulated LCD screen on the G11 atones for the low tripod maximum height. Perhaps the quick release plate and the plate clamping lever on the ball head could have been made out of metal without much increase of weight. The screw on the quick release plate should have been designed to be secured to the camera without needing a coin or screw driver to firmly secure the plate to the camera in the field.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Good, but has some downsides.
The best feature of this tripod is the size. I have had a very difficult time finding a good tripod under 15" that can be carried inside a backpack during traveling and hiking....Read complete review
The best feature of this tripod is the size. I have had a very difficult time finding a good tripod under 15" that can be carried inside a backpack during traveling and hiking. This tripod is sturdy and of pretty good build quality, but not as heavy duty as it appears in the photos. All the leg segments are plastic except the top ones. My major complaint is the ballhead. I am not a big fan of ballheads as you run a risk of the camera falling forward if you ever loosen the head without holding onto the camera. A ballhead also makes it difficult to take panoramas or use the tripod for video. That being said, if the ballhead doesnt bother you, then this is a good purchase compared to the other options available.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 62 customers
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Comments about Slik Sprint Mini II GM 4-Section Tripod w/ SBH-100DQ Ballhead (Gunmetal):
If you want a travelling tripod, it does it's job. Nice and compact at 14" closed, and less than 2lbs weight. Holds to up to 4.5lbs of load.
Pros
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Comments about Slik Sprint Mini II GM 4-Section Tripod w/ SBH-100DQ Ballhead (Gunmetal):
Very compact tripod, easily fit into a backpack. Lightweight. Good for travel.
Pros
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Comments about Slik Sprint Mini II GM 4-Section Tripod w/ SBH-100DQ Ballhead (Gunmetal):
I used this tripod on my recent hike in the mountains and it performed very well. This mini tripod clearly does not have the stability of a full-sized tripod and in my opinion a shutter cable release is necessary if you want to insure a sharp picture from a still camera. Very cool how it is so stable yet so small when it is closed down. I had been using a monopod for many of my longer hikes and I think that the monopod will be replaced by this Sprint Mini II for a good number of my longer outings.
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Comments about Slik Sprint Mini II GM 4-Section Tripod w/ SBH-100DQ Ballhead (Gunmetal):
I bought this to go with my new Nikon to take travelling and use mainly in night photography. Tested it for the first time last night, it is very nice to have total movement and the ability to point the camera straight up for wonderful Milky Way pictures.
It is light and small which naturally sacrifices some sturdiness and you do have to be less than 6 foot tall to use it comfortably. I found it easiest to leave it short and sit on the ground.
Overall though, for the price and size this is an excellent compromise.
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Comments about Slik Sprint Mini II GM 4-Section Tripod w/ SBH-100DQ Ballhead (Gunmetal):
What the headline says....this is a great lightweight tripod that folds up nice and small to fit in your pack (or suitcase). When it's extended all the way, I wouldn't leave a heavy camera on it without standing next to it....because it's so lightweight, you have to give up some sturdiness. I use it when I have to carry a tripod for a long time...hiking/backpacking. Can't beat it for the price.
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Comments about Slik Sprint Mini II GM 4-Section Tripod w/ SBH-100DQ Ballhead (Gunmetal):
I use this tripod for a spotting scope and camera. It is ultra light and strong. I am very happy with how compact this tripod is. It is excellent for backpacking into the rugged wilderness areas and also for sheep hunting.
I highly recommend this tripod for ultra light weight that can be used with a Swarovski, Leupold spotting scope.
It might be a little weak for a Vortex Razor Spotting Scope. Look to other SLIK Tripods and weight limits to find one that matches up.
Also, it's max height is a little short but, I'm short so I can live with that. If you don't mind glassing from a sitting or slightly bent down position this tripod is excellent.
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Comments about Slik Sprint Mini II GM 4-Section Tripod w/ SBH-100DQ Ballhead (Gunmetal):
I intend to use this product with a Pentax 65EDA-II spotting scope on remote backpack trips.
Thus far I like the ball head, and the quick release is GREAT!
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Comments about Slik Sprint Mini II GM 4-Section Tripod w/ SBH-100DQ Ballhead (Gunmetal):
Sturdy tripod. Bought it during a trip and even got through "airport security check" with it attached to my backpack.
Love the ball-head, but it does not cope well with the weight of a canon rebel xt with an EF 24-70 L lens attached.
The screw for the piece that attaches to the camera, and then snaps into the tripod head, is not much usable. A penny is indispensable for it to be properly screwed in.
Good value for the price.
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Comments about Slik Sprint Mini II GM 4-Section Tripod w/ SBH-100DQ Ballhead (Gunmetal):
I was very close to buying a lighter, cheaper tripod, but after reading the reviews of this tripod I couldn't resist. It is a bit heavier than I would have liked, but the trade off for stability, functionality and durability was well worth it. I am often shooting on uneven ground, so flip lever legs were a must. Fits comfortably in my backpack. Very solid construction.
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Comments about Slik Sprint Mini II GM 4-Section Tripod w/ SBH-100DQ Ballhead (Gunmetal):
I bought this tripod to use on a backpacking trip, to hold a Swarovski spotting scope. It works well. It's light, easy and quick to use and set up, and holds the spotting scope well.
Solid and light. It's a great little tripod
Pros
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Comments about Slik Sprint Mini II GM 4-Section Tripod w/ SBH-100DQ Ballhead (Gunmetal):
Like many serious about photography, I own my
share of high profile "10 ton", "earthquake
resistant" tripods; Manfrotto, Gitzo...etc., but
I wanted something ultra light, compact, suitable
for slinging over the shoulder, that would be
steadier than a monopod, and accommodate a point
and shoot, which it did flawlessly. Much to my
delight, this little beauty also accommodated a
Canon 60D DSLR and a 24-105mm L, weighing just
about 4 Lbs. While this Sprint Mini II GM-4 with
its limited height of 44", may bother some, its
solid 2 position leg lock, reversable center post
allowing ground level shooting, complete with its
mini quick release plate, its 3 tight fitting
foam leg sleeves and carrying pouch with strap
make it just right for a spur of the moment "any
time, anywhere", light weight compact tripod. And
the Imaging results when compared using my
favorite tripod, Manfrotto's 455 with a 141 RC
Head in moderate to light breeze, using mirror
lock and cable release?..absolutely identical at
the highest magnification. Expect to enjoy using
this "flyweight beauty"
Pros
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Comments about Slik Sprint Mini II GM 4-Section Tripod w/ SBH-100DQ Ballhead (Gunmetal):
Planning on using this while traveling with only carryon luggage. Wanted something small that condensed down below 16 inches and not too heavy. Have only used it once for a group photo (our Medical Mission team for Kenya, Africa!) and it was easy to use and figure out. Like the ball joint and the clip adjustments. Seems sturdy enough for my needs.
Pros
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Comments about Slik Sprint Mini II GM 4-Section Tripod w/ SBH-100DQ Ballhead (Gunmetal):
Nice tripod head, but legs a little short for most uses.
Pros
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Comments about Slik Sprint Mini II GM 4-Section Tripod w/ SBH-100DQ Ballhead (Gunmetal):
Great tripod. Perhaps a little heavy for its size.
Pros
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Comments about Slik Sprint Mini II GM 4-Section Tripod w/ SBH-100DQ Ballhead (Gunmetal):
Strong but heavy
Pros
Cons
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Comments about Slik Sprint Mini II GM 4-Section Tripod w/ SBH-100DQ Ballhead (Gunmetal):
Lightweight. Bottom center post removes for getting close to ground or table top. Long lenses will cause the ball not to hold. If used with 35 mm equipment, stick to compact lenses and you will be fine. If you will be using heavier lenses, get a tripod with more weight capacity.
Pros
Cons
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Comments about Slik Sprint Mini II GM 4-Section Tripod w/ SBH-100DQ Ballhead (Gunmetal):
compact,easy to transport and affordable
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Slik Sprint Mini II GM 4-Section Tripod w/ SBH-100DQ Ballhead (Gunmetal):
The best feature of this tripod is the size. I have had a very difficult time finding a good tripod under 15" that can be carried inside a backpack during traveling and hiking. This tripod is sturdy and of pretty good build quality, but not as heavy duty as it appears in the photos. All the leg segments are plastic except the top ones. My major complaint is the ballhead. I am not a big fan of ballheads as you run a risk of the camera falling forward if you ever loosen the head without holding onto the camera. A ballhead also makes it difficult to take panoramas or use the tripod for video. That being said, if the ballhead doesnt bother you, then this is a good purchase compared to the other options available.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Slik Sprint Mini II GM 4-Section Tripod w/ SBH-100DQ Ballhead (Gunmetal):
In terms of value great for it's price. I have been very pleased with it. Love the quality of the product and ease of use.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Slik Sprint Mini II GM 4-Section Tripod w/ SBH-100DQ Ballhead (Gunmetal):
Major uses include: Backpacking/travel. I cannot believe how small and lightweight this tripod is. It is surprisingly sturdy for it's size. The only thing that I worry about is the compression springs (locking mechanism) on the legs. Otherwise I may even put my d700 w/grip on this thing!
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