News, Tips & Reviews
B&H Gift Cards
The Professional's Source Since 1973
Ask Our Experts800-606-6969
Hello, Log InAccount & Orders
My Cart
Video Chat with a Pro Video Expert - Live
Home

SmallRig AD-01 Heavy-Duty Tripod with Fluid Head (Bumblebee Edition)

BH #SM5523 • MFR #5523
61 reviews
Print
SmallRig AD-01 Heavy-Duty Tripod with Fluid Head (Bumblebee Edition)
Key Features
  • Aluminum Tripod with Fluid Head System
  • 17.6 lb Load Capacity, Weighs 8.8 lb
  • Standard & DJI RS Quick Release Modes
  • 75mm Ball Head, Pan & Friction Knobs
With a 17.6 lb load capacity at a weight of only 8.4 lb, the AD-01 Heavy-Duty Tripod with Fluid Head Bumblebee Edition from SmallRig is a durable and portable support option for professional photographers, videographers, and vloggers. The three-stage tripod is constructed with durable, lightweight aluminum and features a 33 to 74" adjustable height range and easy flip locks. It folds down to a compact length for simplified transport in the included carrying bag.
More Details
In Stock
$191.99
+
Save the Tax‡
when you use the Payboo credit card. Learn More
Add to Cart
Free 2-Day Shipping
Protect Your Gear
Add a protection plan from $19.99
See Options
Ask an Expert
800-606-6969

SmallRig AD-01 Overview

From Manufacturer

With a 17.6 lb load capacity at a weight of only 8.4 lb, the AD-01 Heavy-Duty Tripod with Fluid Head Bumblebee Edition from SmallRig is a durable and portable support option for professional photographers, videographers, and vloggers. The three-stage tripod is constructed with durable, lightweight aluminum and features a 33 to 74" adjustable height range and easy flip locks. It folds down to a compact length for simplified transport in the included carrying bag.

The fluid head allows you to use the included Manfrotto-style quick release plate or the DJI RS 2/RS 3/RS 3 Pro compatible quick release plate with the flip of a simple switch. The 75mm half ball head can pan 360° and tilt +90/-60°, and the quick release plate features 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 camera screws to accommodate all camera types. Other features include a bubble level, 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 accessory threads, and a fixed pan bar. A carry bag with a shoulder strap is included to store and transport the system.

Additional Details
Lightweight aluminum tripod and fluid head system.
Weighs only 8.8 lb.
Maximum working height adjustment range of 33 to 74"; folded length of 35".
Manfrotto-style quick release plate with 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 camera mounting screws.
A switch on the head changes the mount configuration to accommodate a DJI RS 2 quick release plate.
17.6 lb maximum load.
1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 threads on head and legs to mount accessories.
75mm bowl base.
360° panning, +90/-60° tilting.
Fixed pan bar.
Bubble level.
Carry bag included.

SmallRig AD-01 Specs

Key Specs
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 Screws (Quick Release Plate: 501 Type)
Head Type
Fluid Head
Drag Control
No
Primary Material
Aluminum
Load Capacity
17.6 lb / 8 kg
Maximum Working Height
74" / 188.0 cm
Minimum Working Height
33" / 83.8 cm
Closed Length
35" / 88.9 cm
Weight
8.8 lb / 4 kg
Head
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 Screws (Quick Release Plate: 501 Type)
Head Type
Fluid Head
Base Mount
75 mm Half Ball
Counter Balance
No
Dimensions
Base Diameter: 3.0" / 75.00 mm
Pan & Tilt
Drag Control
No
Independent Pan Lock
Yes
Independent Tilt Lock
Yes
Vertical Tilt
+90° to -60°
Lateral Tilt
No
Legs
Primary Material
Aluminum
Leg Lock
Flip Lock
Leg Sections
3
Independent Leg Spread
Yes
General
Load Capacity
17.6 lb / 8 kg
Maximum Working Height
74" / 188.0 cm
Center Column
Yes: Leveling, Removable
Minimum Working Height
33" / 83.8 cm
Closed Length
35" / 88.9 cm
Accessory Mounting
1x 1/4"-20 Female Thread
1x 3/8"-16 Female Thread
Bubble Level
Yes
Detachable Monopod
No
Spreader Support
Mid-Level (Included)
Weight
8.8 lb / 4 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
11.16 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
36.5 x 7 x 6.5"

SmallRig AD-01 Reviews

Too flimsy

By Jackson
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2026-05-25

It’s just really flimsy and moves every time you move the heaf

I Would Pass For Sure

By Matt
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2026-05-04

I would not waste your money on this. Not heavy duty at all, if just a little bit of dirt or sand get in this the legs you will be hearing it every time you extend them. I ended up giving mine away because I felt bad for taking anyones money. Bite the bullet and get a quality tripod that's not a small-rig. I like small-rig when it comes to their camera cages and parts but everything else I would be very weary off.

See any errors on this page?

Does the tripod come already assembled?

Does the tripod come already assembled?
Asked by: Aleeia
Yes, the SmallRig AD-01 Heavy-Duty Tripod with Fluid Head is fully assembled when it arrives. See the manual below. Manual https://bhpho.to/49tsaMB
Answered by: Chris H
Date published: 2026-01-06

Can i use this head on a monopod?

Can i use this head on a monopod?
Asked by: FREDDY
The head included with the SmallRig AD-01 Heavy-Duty Tripod with Fluid Head is a ball head and cannot be used on a monopod.
Answered by: John W
Date published: 2025-08-07

Is this video head the same as the freeblazer ...

Is this video head the same as the freeblazer one?
Asked by: Shawn
The SmallRig Freeblazer uses the DH10 Fluid Head 4165 and the SmallRig AD-01 Heavy-Duty Tripod with Fluid Head is a simplified version with less features.
Answered by: Jonathan S
Date published: 2023-11-09

I’m THINKING about upgrading my ancient tripod ...

I’m THINKING about upgrading my ancient tripod for use with my Nikon Zfc camera with the Nikon FTZ adapter. Will the adapter/mounting plate on this tripod still work with my camera configuration? Or, will I need to attach the adapter/mounting plate directly to the FTZ lens adapter? Thanks in advance.
Asked by: Karl
The SmallRig AD-01 Heavy-Duty Tripod with Fluid Head has a 1/4"-20 camera screw that would be compatible with the Nikon Zfc Mirrorless Camera. You would be able to mount the camera directly, and there would be no need or way to mount to the Nikon FTZ II Mount Adapter.
Answered by: Elliot A
Date published: 2025-08-12

Can the head fully tilt, and hold 90 degrees for ...

Can the head fully tilt, and hold 90 degrees for portraits? I'm looking for a tripod that will be suitable for video/stills
Asked by: Leslie
Yes, the style of the SmallRig AD-01 Heavy-Duty Tripod with Fluid Head is designed for video recording, but can be used for photography. The fluid head has a tilt range of +90° to -75°, which can be locked into place.
Answered by: Marvin C
Date published: 2023-12-07

Is the tri-bar that holds the legs together at ...

Is the tri-bar that holds the legs together at the bottom removable?
Asked by: Kai
The mid-level spreader on the SmallRig Heavy-Duty Video Tripod, Fluid Head, and Dolly Kit is not removable.
Answered by: Jonathan S
Date published: 2023-09-26

Can the panhandle angle be adjusted?

Can the panhandle angle be adjusted?
Asked by: Roderick
Yes, the SmallRig AD-01 has an adjustable panhandle that will allow you to angle the handle to your preference.
Answered by: Michael S
Date published: 2024-06-24
  • y_2026, m_6, d_8, h_13CST
  • bvseo_bulk, prod_bvqa, vn_bulk_3.0.46
  • cp_1, bvpage1
  • co_hasquestionsanswers, tq_7
  • loc_en_US, sid_1908942, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=HAS_STAFF_ANSWERS, direction=DESCENDING)]
  • clientName_bhphotovideo
Whatever You Need, We've Got It