Sirui N-3204X Carbon Fiber N Series 4 Section Tripod Legs 69.7" Height

Sirui is a relatively new player on these shores. They've made an impact in Europe, and now are positioning themselves here amidst the Enthusiast and Professional buyers. This mid to high end marketplace is jam packed with a variety of brands, models and variety, some giving you a high bang-for-the-buck quotient. Some not so much. Oddly, the tripod market seems to have a lot more inconsistencies within some brands compared to the head market involving all of the same players. In this review I hope to convey why I chose Sirui, the pros, cons and performance of this quality tripod. Reviewing a tripod - and against the competition is amazingly hard - if I want to keep it under 50,000 words.In this review my references are my Manfrotto 190PROB, ancient Bogen 3001 and Gitzo GT1541.First, the need. I needed a really tall tripod for video work and travel. Ok, I'm about 6' 3", but have managed just fine with the average height tripods. This alone whittled down the brands as far as fitting within my budget for this purchase. The parameters were 1) Height of at least 54" without the center column (if it had one) extended, 2) Compact - fold to a length of no more than 21" 3) Stout - 4 sections 4) Lightweight 5) Twist release legs. Anything else in terms of features would be icing.I quickly narrowed my choices down to 3 brands that really stood out, and you might be in a similar boat. The brands that are on my permanent short list are Feisol, Induro (but not really their parent company Benro) and Sirui. These are all excellent legs with excellent warranties. Each brand has a build quality feature or design that makes them unique, from the way the center support is manufactured to the center column to the laminate of the carbon fiber.Rather than go into what each one of these brands brings to the table (it's tempting), I'll concentrate on what makes the Sirui unique, or at the very least competitive. When looking at the Sirui range, 2 fit the bill for height. The R range looked to be perfect in many ways, only 3 sections, no center column and tall! But, 3 sections also means that it's too large for transport. The NX fit the bill for portability, but doesn't meet the height requirements without having to use the center column. The M is Goldilocks just right.Anyway, I'll get on with it piece by piece.Center Chassis/SpiderThis is one feature that each of the three brand I mentioned have very different approaches to, in terms of design and manufacture. Sirui forges their center chassis. This allows them to have a greater (and consistent) molecular density, possessing a greater strength to weight ration while being far thinner and lighter. The chassis appears downright delicate in comparison to many brands. The downside if you could call it that is there's no spirit level on it. This is a rather lame as bubble levels are fairly useless as far as accuracy. However it is a common inclusion on many tripods and worth mentioning. For me the forged chassis was a huge selling point in this tripod. It's only when you can directly compare this material to machined or cast products it really stands out. I would compare it to the difference between leaded crystal and regular glass. Sirui claims it's stronger than any other metalworking process, I would tend to agree. The overall effect is a very delicate appearance with exceptional rigidity and strength.AnodizingThe Sirui is somewhat unique in the way they anodize the surfaces. While I'm in love with the mottled finish of the Gitzo - that's a carry-over from the old days. While it's a great way to hide dings and scrapes over the course of time, it's also a good way to hide blemishes and imperfections. I think this is why some manufacturers use textured spray-on finishes. The Sirui is a glassy, deep black that's smooth and glossy in appearance. Anyway, in well over a year now there's been no noticeable wear, scuffs or chips. I can't say that of some others.Angle LocksThis is one area where I see a lot of different approaches to locking the leg angles. The Sirui locks are finger-tip easy to unlock, and yet very positive and sturdy once they've locked in place. Minimalistically sculpted with Sirui embossed in white, they're simple and tasteful. I certainly prefer this to the push-pull type that have gained in popularity recently. Other brands give you a sense of security by having heavier springs or bigger "button" type locks - but really once they're in place they act the same as long as there's a lot of contact area. On the Sirui, the width of the leg step is as wide as the leg. The entire angle stop makes contact with this providing a large surface area, making these very sturdy. Many other tripods have smaller steps, or little contact area to the angle locks. This can lead to catastrophic results.The pivot point for the Sirui is at the bottom, you open the latch by depressing a small lip tilting the top back. If you don't tilt the legs slightly to relieve the pressure (how it works) they're going nowhere. Take your finger off and they snap back - so there's no "forgetting" as in some designs. This layout actually makes it a lot easier when flipping the legs all the way 180 ° as you need to keep the lever depressed the entire swing or it will latch. The angle locks have been independently tested to 100k actuations and still worked flawlessly. That is if you can believe every bit of marketing you read on the internet.As is common with most tripods of this design, there are 3 angle positions from standard upright to ground hugging. The angles are slightly unusual, but work very well. I hadn't really noticed until I had this one standing next to another tripod. Using my trusty variable drafting angle the 3 positions are approximately 22°, 48° and 80°.Center ColumnThe center column is one of the weak links in any tripod. Ideally, you don't have one at all. But if you must (they are handy at times), then this is a fantastic solution and compromise. Basically, the center column exists to keep the size of the tripod compact, while still allowing for greater height. When that height is not necessary, the tripod allows for splitting the center column so that only a short stubby section is available to mount your head on. As I see it, this is welcome for increased stability and lowered vibration. The long center column dangling between the legs could only enhance the potential for vibration as I see it. Removal eliminates some weight and increases overall stability. It is easily split by unscrewing the spring-loaded weight-hook, which is on a shaft. Of course, the shaft is non-rotatable and reversible.The rectangular shaped weight hook is mounted to a flat, black plate and sits flush when not in use. On thoughtful feature: when reversing the column for travel, the bottom hook plate plate fits snugly into the chassis, and the hook overlaps the chassis quite snugly. At no time will the hook be in the way or snag anything. I was actually surprised at this little bit of engineering - a very nice thought. But because of the chassis design, the hook just overlaps the side of their columns so not seat flushly in the chassis when reversed.The center column is deployed by the same twist-lock system used in the legs, as is typical. The mounting plate has a slightly scalloped edge with a smooth wavy appearance. This enhances grip with wet/cold hands or gloves. But, it's not so heavily textured or ribbed as to be another cleaning issue. The mounting plate appears to be 2 pieces of alloy. One seems to be a porous looking matt type of alloy that sits inside of the scalloped collar/base. There is no description or marketing blurb on why. So I can't say if this is supposed to be some sort of vibration deadening material like the Gitzo Power Disc claims. I sort of doubt it.There's a single reversible mounting screw to maintain contact and keep your head on straight. I find it an odd decision to have only a single screw solution. Gitzo and many other manufacturers have 2 screws here. This makes it a bit more universal and allows a variety of sizes when it comes to your head solution. Of course, the Sirui Ball Heads seat perfectly and one perfectly aligned screw is not an issue.One final feature is that the column can also be added to the monopod leg section for added height. Any extra part of the column can be screwed onto the "stub" that the monopod left behind. This way a big section of carbon is stuck to the tripod, and a little harder to lose while you're in your creative zone.Twist Type Leg LocksThere's some folks that prefer flip-locks - and I've got those on my Manfrotto. I don't know if they still do the thumb-screw type I have on my old Bogen, those have got to be the worst. I really prefer twist types for a few reasons. The twist locks with the flick of a wrist allow you to loosen all of the columns on a leg at one time. They're silky smooth and positive in feel. These are the quick lock type - which you feel a quick almost logarithmic tightening and the leg is locked, you can continue to twist it, but not much.Loosening is similar in that it quickly releases with an instant "pop" sound, loosening a little more only allows a bit less friction. This is different from the more linear feel of other tripods, and they're akin to the very best systems available. Cheaper tripods should stick with flip-locks if they can't do this right - and many do just that. Similar in execution to the better brands, the twist locks have a smooth finely ribbed surface that makes for easy gripping. I prefer this over some of the more macho looking "nut shaped" varieties. The pattern is identical to their ball heads, so you'll be matching in style there. There is no fancy aluminum bling rings on the ends - while this can look good it's nice to have something a bit on the understated side. And it's one more thing to come off as far as I'm concerned.As far as sealing capability, I'd rate this a solid A. It seems impervious to water, and sand hasn't proven to be a problem either. The first time it fell in the sand I wasn't happy, the third time I kept doing whatever it was I was doing. These are simply well designed and manufactured.LegsEach non-rotatable leg has a thick, dense foam insulation grip with Sirui embossed into the surface. Some tripods only put the foam on one or two legs - as if we need to tell them apart. Surui insulate them all here. The insulation is non-removable though, so be aware. Sirui is one of the new breed of manufacturers that produce their own carbon fiber legs, an 8 cross-layer laminate. Here they employ the more traditional "candy-cane" pattern. This is a little more subdued than many - and I'm starting to like it more and more as some of these patterns are looking like the slacks on a used car salesman! Good carbon fiber laminate has a depth to it and shifts in the light - and this does just that.Pulling out the legs gives a sense of the tight manufacturing tolerances Sirui employs. Just like a piston, you can feel the suction created as they smoothly unsheathe themselves. This is where the tripod further differentiates itself from lesser products. The legs on the M-3204X are noticeably stout. The leg diameters range from 32mm to 20mm.Something that has become somewhat of a standard is that one of the legs detaches to become a monopod. The leg easily deploys by using a twist lock that's same as the center column in functionality (linear, not quick release) and is cosmetically similar to the legs. The mounting plate of the center column is easily removed to mount on top of the single leg. You can then fit the standard 3/8 thread with a simple ball head, monopod pivot head, or even a fluid video head. Included with the tripod is a monopod wrist strap with a nice metal ring to affix before attaching the mounting plate. The ring appears to be made of the same forged material (although I'd think this unlikely) but is finished with a nice anodized black surface matching the rest of the tripod. As mentioned above, the center column can be used to extend the monopod, and the rest of the center column can be attached to the section the leg was removed from.One feature that I really appreciate is that the lower leg markings, making exact height setup much easier. One more detail missing on too many other brands. I was surprised this isn't present on more, but it seems to be catching on now. Additionally, the legs on the M3204X are also a much larger diameter than the competition.FeetThis is another weak point in many tripods. One brand in particular that a certain youtube "personality" likes has small, thin threaded shafts supporting the feet. You've essentially eliminated the entire reason to have carbon fiber and fat legs if you're going to put the feet on spindle-like rods. But it smells good I guess. The feet on the Sirui again are well thought out and engineered. Most tripods give you a choice of rubber, or you can remove those and put spikes on. The Sirui has retractable spikes. The engineering and feel of these has got to be used to be appreciated. Again, this has made the tripod far more flexible than I anticipated.Pros:- Forged center support/spider- Special anodizing process- All exposed surfaces finished- Proprietary 8 cross-layer carbon fiber laminate- Leg length demarcation- Non rotatable legs- Fantastic quick ¼ turn twist locks- Retractable spikes on feet- Split center column- Reversible non-rotating center column- Flush mount center column weight hook- Detachable monopod leg- Monopod strap with anodized metal mounting ring- Great padded stiff carrying case with shoulder strap- Clip on shoulder strap for lightweight travel- 6 year warranty- Lightweight and very compact (20") for transportation- Tall - 58" without employing center column- Leg locks tested to 100,000 actuations- 4 Hour torture tested for temperature extremes -40° to 212°F- Tools and instructions- Excellent construction, fit and finishCons:- No spirit level on center support/spider- Non-removable foam leg insulation- Only single screw solution for mounting plate head attachment- Candy cane CF pattern- Center columnImpressionsThe Sirui is delightful to use. While it doesn't exude that extreme feeling of luxury gleaming from every surface of an RRS, it more than passes the blindfold test. It takes about 15 seconds to set the legs up. This is identical to any high end tripod I've used. And much faster than any midrange set of legs with flip-lock legs. I know a lot of people think the flip locks are faster - but you cannot open them all up at the same time as you can the Sirui. Also, there's some fussing and double checking that takes place with these type of tripods. Then again, these are some of the same complaints people have with the twist type.A quick flick of the wrist holding all of the twist locks, and they're loosened with an audible "snap". The legs "whoosh" open, and a quick twist locks the legs in place. They call these ½ turn releases, but it's really more like 45° of a turn from the "snap" to just after. As soon as they snap, they're ready to open. The tightening is exactly the same in degrees of rotation no matter how much you've loosened it to begin with. These function exactly the same as the best out there. This really was the sniff test for this set of legs, and the very first time I used it, I said "wow!" Not exactly cheap thrills, but thrills nonetheless! This sort of tactile luxury is rare in any product, and while the Sirui certainly isn't exactly a discount or low priced piece of equipment, it certainly belies its price point. And that's something that Sirui has apparently taken great pains to reproduce in their ball heads as well.Once setup, the tripod feels incredibly firm and "of-a-piece". That's the only way to describe it. There's something that's just "bouncy" about aluminum legs. Even locked in place you can feel the shifting and bending. Granted, the Sirui feels more top-heavy - because it is. But tapping it, banging it, - it absorbs all that feeling. It has the same feel of deadening that really big and heavy tripods have. The difference between the legs in diameter is 3mm, again amazingly tight tolerances.Reversing the legs back up is a very quick process, once again the legs "whoosh" back. What this tells me is that the tolerances are extremely tight - and that no sand or dust or any contaminants are making it past the seals on the quick locks. And they've proven this time and time again. A quick run around with a damp rag takes care of everything if you're so inclined.As far as looks, I think it's a nice, understated and handsome appearance. But also, it's obvious this is where all the corners were cut. Where RRS and Gitzo are absolutely dripping with exterior finish quality, this has not so much as a single piece of shiny colored anodizing. A treat for the eyes it is not.The Candy Cane carbon fiber is nice and not overdone. While it is one of the more common looks, I think some others are a bit much. There are reasons in most cases for why they're woven the way they are of course. The foam on the legs is nicely done, and has a subtle logo emboss on them. For the most part it's pretty sticker free, and has zero bright work. It's really form following function here - and the joy is in using it, and feeling the way it's been put together. Tactile instead of visual I suppose. And when it comes to where you touch it - they've not cut corners. Like I said, it passes the blindfold test, and to me that's what matters.Everything I've put on this set of legs is nowhere near testing its limits. I've had a Manfrotto 502HD fluid head, a Canon 6D with battery grip, Sigma 70-200 f2.8 OS with collar, Kamerar TK-2 tank with rods and Fotga follow focus along with a Tascam DR-40 or Tascam DR-60D stuck on this thing. In fact, I can say without doubt it goes far beyond what I would consider a normal load without flexing. How much? An amazing amount - I've put almost all of my weight on it (sans equipment of course) and it felt as solid as could be. I only weigh 180, but still... My other tripods don't quite give me this sense of confidence.SummaryI'm guessing you're here because you've done your homework and are on the home stretch. You've also probably boiled down your brands of choice, or are even just deciding on what model at this point. Chances are you've heard of Sirui mostly from people like myself answering questions on photo forums, as there's not a lot of reviews for this or some of these other brands. Many of the features I've pointed out here are unique to Sirui, and some are not. But in the case of the M-3204X, the sum is greater than the parts. I would venture to guess that most of the Sirui tripod line share the same attributes as this model.There are certainly brands out there with similar quality and clever engineering that qualify for your hard earned dollar. There are also brands and/or models out there that are junk. At every price level. All I can say is don't believe the youtube personalities, brilliant marketing or myths. I can also say that I strongly believe if you pick one of the handful of brands I considered, you'll be doing well regardless.I've been so pleased with the quality of Sirui that I purchased their K-40X ball head, which recently performed very well on dp review dot com, as well as Traumflieger dot com against some very pricey competition. I did a review of this ball head as well, and recommend it if you're also looking for a ball head.The M-3204X is delightful to use. It feels fantastic. It's amazingly rigid, solid yet completely deadens any vibrations. The engineering is clever, and well thought out. What features it has are flawlessly executed. It has endured a lot of things, and performed a lot better than tripods costing nearly twice as much. Any concerns I had regarding the build or engineering were laid to rest a long time ago. Over the course of the past year+ it's been out in the elements. it's been banged, dropped, kicked and generally loved like most of my gear. I believe this is a tripod that will last a very long time indeed and is well worth the price of admission. This tripod is a poster-child for the law of diminishing returns. It's the best tripod I've owned.Highly recommended, 5 stars easy for amazing value, build, fit and finish.

I read all the reviews before purchasing this tripod, and thought I was getting good deal. I have had this tripod for 8 months with no issues, but yesterday whilst setting up one of the leg sections detached completely from the tripod.I attempted to re-insert the section by completely undoing the locking nut - this caused 2 pieces of cheap, plastic half cylinder locking pieces to fall out. It was obvious from the small bumps on these pieces and corresponding holes on the leg, that they wrapped round the end of the leg section and were the sole means by which the section was kept from falling out when extended. I replaced these bits, re-inserted the section and replaced the locking ring. The section no longer moves smoothly, and on occasions jams completely.The company I bought the tripod from - AVALANCHE BRANDS - completely washed their hands of any warranty issue with a quick one liner email referring me to the manufacture for any replacement/repair options. DO NOT BY THIS PRODUCT FROM AVALANCHE BRANDS, their idea of customer service is to pass you on to the manufacturer in china!

Anthony M has provided an amazing, detailed product review on the tripod. All I can add is that as a 6'4" photographer I'm delighted by every feature especially the full height. I've held back on moving to a carbon fiber tripod because of the costs. This hit the sweet spot for me in so many ways.This is a very cleverly designed tripod package with excellent attention to detail. From the well constructed bag to the way it folds up to a compact size it will delight the owner. The engineering and construction are top notch and in my mind equal to tripods costing twice as much and more.I use a Sirui K-40X ballhead with this tripod and its a great combination for me. It easily supports my Canon DSLRs and array of lenses.I'm replacing a old set of Manfrotto 3021Pro legs and the difference is startling. It was hard for me to imagine a tripod that weighed 1.5 lbs less while being stiffer and with great vibration reduction.

This tripod is almost perfect. It's a bit chunky compared to other tripods out there. I've owned Gitzo before and this one is not as refined as that, but pretty close. It's light, but bulky. What I don't like about it is the fact that you can't collapse the legs down for transport with the K40x head and the short stalk. You need the long stalk installed so it will work.Very steady tripod that looks like it will last a while.