In a world where anyone can easily access content creation tools and publish their work online, creatives are no longer confined to studios. The same goes for photography. Subjects have become diverse, and mobile and outdoor photography are no longer just a trend but a growing interest of many talented artists. This is why the need for the right tools for traveling photographers has also risen.
Photographers need a reliable tripod for their camera to get the best angle and help them capture remarkable images of the outdoors while on the go. Especially when traveling and your subjects are scenic spots that you intend to show to the world, you need a tripod that you can comfortably pack with the rest of your camera kit and still get the functionality you need.
This is why carbon fiber tripods are a popular pick among photographers. Check out the X-AIRCROSS 3 Series for the best lightweight travel tripod for you.
Are Carbon Fiber Tripods Better?
Carbon fiber tripods are definitely better when compared to aluminum tripods. They are light and, at the same time, rigid and stiff. Though some people prefer aluminum tripods because they appear more stable due to their weight, carbon fiber tripods are stable enough to help you with outdoor or landscape photography.
Weight and Stability
Aluminum camera tripods offer additional weight as an advantage, but there are more setbacks if you use them outdoors. Though stable, aluminum tripods add weight to everything you must bring during a shoot. You already have your camera, lenses, filters, batteries, props, and other things for your project. With 20% more weight than a carbon fiber tripod, around a pound or more, the aluminum tripod may not be a lot of weight at first. But going from one place to another for several shoots would clearly tell you that you should have brought a lightweight tripod.
Carbon fiber tripods can deliver the same stability minus the weight. The carbon fiber material is known for being strong, rigid, and lightweight, not only for tripods but even for helmets. Just imagine the strength that a helmet needs to keep a rider alive in an accident. That is how robust and reliable your tripod should be. A carbon fiber tripod can keep your camera free from shaking and movement. It can dampen vibration. It is where your precious camera is mounted, so it better be solid and stable. Why use heavy aluminum for stability if you can get the same sturdiness with a lightweight camera tripod?
Cost, Strength, Resistance
Some would prefer aluminum tripods because they come cheap for as low as half the price of carbon fiber tripods. If on a tight budget, a regular buyer might choose aluminum. However, that decision is short-sighted. Professional photographers prioritize quality because a long equipment life span leads to cost-efficiency. A carbon fiber tripod is a way better investment in the long run. This applies to every tool you buy for photography: always choose quality.
Carbon fiber tripods last long because of the strength of the material. It is stiff, durable, and more resistant to scratch, weather, and corrosion. You also don't need to worry about exposing your tripod to the elements during outdoor shoots. A carbon fiber tripod got your back even amid inclement weather and strong winds. It provides the stable support your camera needs. The best images are captured when nature is in motion, right?
How to Choose the Best Carbon Fiber Tripod?
Now that it is clear that it is always better to go for carbon fiber models, how do you choose the best carbon fiber tripod? You should consider the following features that we have also seen in the X-AIRCROSS 3 Series:
Maximum versatility. Choose one that can be used as a camera tripod and a phone tripod. You can't always have your camera with you during personal trips. So in case you need to take that photo with your camera phone, especially during solo trips, you need a tripod that can help you do so.
Height Range, Leg Adjustments, Removable Center Column. Check the height range, leg adjustments, and provision for a removable center column. They determine possible angles that you can take using your camera. Hence, a limited height range, a lack of leg adjustment, and a removable center column mean fewer creative options.
Payload Capacity. The ideal payload capacity of a tripod should be thrice the weight of the camera, lens, and tripod head. However, it should not be limited to that. It would be great to have a lightweight camera tripod that can help you ease your backpack load upon setup. Get a tripod with high payload capacity so you can also rest your shoulders and hook your backpack without a problem.
Among all things we have considered, let us introduce the X-AIRCROSS 3 Series by Fotopro-one of the best carbon fiber tripods for traveling photographers.
X-AIRCROSS 3 Series
The X-AIRCROSS 3 Series introduces four carbon fiber tripod models that suit your needs for outdoor photography, landscape photography, and even personal travel shoots. These models vary in weight, height, storage length and width, and maximum payload. So let's first talk about the common features that they offer:
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Carbon Fiber 3K Twill Weave - With X-AIRCROSS 3, its carbon fiber 3K twill weave provides an anti-slip silicone grip and environmental water transfer printing to avoid corrosion.
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Fast Locking System - The innovative locking system of X-AIRCROSS 3 has undergone thousands of drop, unfold, shock, and temperature tests. As long as they are tightly locked, they will not loosen nor retract. Lock your tripod in a second, and you can shake or drag it without any problem. It is as simple as turning the leg left to unlock, pulling it downward, and turning it to the right to lock.
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Compact Design - As a travel tripod, X-AIRCROSS 3 Series is compact for portability. You can easily fold it to a size that fits a backpack and expand it in just a second.
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Dual-Mode Head - The X-AIRCROSS 3 Series has a tripod head that can easily be switched from photography to video mode and vice versa.
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Two-section Center Column - Using the two-section center column allows you to shoot even at the lowest angle. Just turn left the removable center column to detach it, and shoot at the lowest possible angle.
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Hidden Phone Holder - The X-AIRCROSS 3 series ensures you can easily access your phone while capturing the best angles. Mount your phone as your main camera during personal or solo trips.
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Dual Extension Holes - If you need to attach accessories to the tripod, such as a microphone, monitor, additional lighting, etc., it has dual extension holes to accommodate them.
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Hook for Bag - It also has a hook for bags, in case you need additional weight to keep it steady against strong winds.
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Portable Backpack - It comes with a portable bag that is easy to store, clean, and carry.
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Anti-slip Foot Pads - Don't worry about rough terrains because this tripod also has anti-slip foot pads to keep the tripod steady.
Now, here are the notable specifications of the four X-AIRCROSS 3 models:
X-AIRCROSS 3
The X-AIRCROSS 3 is designed for travel with its 0.94 kg weight, 36cm folding length, and portable backpack. It is also tall enough with a maximum height of 1510mm, so bending over to shoot is unnecessary.
You can also lock the ball head quickly, which remains stable even with heavy cameras. With a 360-degree angle, you can adjust the ball head horizontally or vertically. Thanks to its leveling bubble, you can also shoot on a 360-degree panorama platform, even on uneven ground. Since the ball head is detachable, you can also change it quickly depending on your needs.
Specifications:
- Max. Height: 1510mm/59.44in
- Min. Height: 160mm/6.29in
- Weight: 0.94kg/2.07lbs
- Storage Length: 365mm/14.37in
- Storage Width: 89mm/3.50in
- Max. Load: 10kg/22.04lbs
- Sections: 5-sec
X-AIRCROSS 3 Video
The X-AIRCROSS 3 Video is the lightest video tripod that can help you travel and shoot with a weight of 1.07 kg. It is tall enough, with a maximum height of 1508mm, so you can conveniently take photos without hurting your back.
It has an integrated video ball head, including a leveling base, making it ideal for shooting even on uneven ground. The ball head is also fluid and strong enough to keep the balance while in motion from 145-360 degrees. Also, you can easily replace the fluid video head with a panoramic ball head. No worries if you have huge lenses because its super load-bearing capacity picks for the usual 70-200.
Specifications:
- Max. Height: 1508mm/59.37in
- Min. Height: 168mm/6.61in
- Weight: 1.07kg/2.35lbs
- Storage Length: 463mm/18.22in
- Storage Width: 89mm/3.50in
- Max. Load: 5kg/11.02lbs
- Sections: 5-sec
X-AIRCROSS 3 Lite
The X-AIRCROSS 3 Lite boasts of its lightweight design with only 0.81kg. Its storage height is only 40cm, while its storage width is just 7.1cm, similar to a water bottle. However, when expanded, it is tall enough to reach a maximum height of 1512mm.
Its ball head has a simple flip lock system that keeps your camera secure while making easy adjustments during shoots. Like the previous models, it has a leveling base for easy panoramic shots even when the ground isn't flat. You can also easily replace the fluid video head with a flip lock ball head.
Specifications:
- Max. Height: 1512mm/59.52in
- Min. Height: 103mm/4.05in
- Weight: 0.81kg/1.78lbs
- Storage Length: 400mm/15.74in
- Storage Width: 71mm/2.79in
- Max. Load: 4kg/8.81lbs
- Sections: 5-sec
X-AIRCROSS 3 Lite Video
The X-AIRCROSS 3 Lite Video is a lightweight travel tripod with just 1.03kg weight added to your backpack when traveling. Similar to the previous models, the compact design and small portable folding mode make it an ideal travel companion. This does not affect its height since it can be as tall as 1543 mm. With an integrated ball head and a fluid video head, keep the movements balanced and smooth while taking shoots in motion, even for 360-degree shots. You can easily replace the ball head and adjust the setup depending on your needs.
Specifications:
- Max. Height: 1543mm/60.74in
- Min. Height: 156mm/6.14in
- Weight: 1.03kg/2.27lbs
- Storage Length: 455mm/17.91in
- Storage Width: 71mm/2.79in
- Max. Load: 5kg/11.02lbs
- Sections: 5-sec
The features of the X-AIRCROSS 3 Series are similar, but the numbers of their specifications can definitely make a difference. It is better to capture images with the best tools that cater to all your needs. Include the X-AIRCROSS 3 in your list of top tools for photography, and check out the entire series to pick the one that would best suit your travels and outdoor photography.
