The FT-5017C carbon fiber MicroLite from Field Optics Research is a lightweight support, weighing only 1.8 lb, that can hold optics weighing up to 26.4 lb. Its five-part telescoping legs with twist locks can extend up to 50.4" tall and shrink to just 10.2" short. The tripod is also portable, measuring only 12.2" tall when folded. Its center column is reversible and comes with an attached ballast hook for additional stability.
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This tripod has serious durability issues. After less than a year of use with a Sony camera and a standard 72mm lens, the leg locking mechanism becomes stiff and nearly impossible to unlock. The leg extension components fail weekly, eventually breaking under normal usage of just 10 to 20 adjustments over four months. This level of performance is unacceptable. I regret my purchase and will not trust this brand again.
I was very skeptic getting this considering the lack of reviews. But after getting it, I am fairly impressed by it! I have other tripods for different uses, but this one is my main go-to tripod for travel or when needing something small and very lightweight. It fit into my external bag pocket where my other tripods couldn't. Bonus! Its pretty sturdy, goes up to about upper chest height, has fast locking and opening, and does the job. Just slap on a good ball head and you're good. Supports my camera with a 70-200 2.8 no problem.