The Sirui AM-254 is the value travel-tripod pick — lightest in this round-up, compact folded length, and a 26.5 lb load capacity that handles most enthusiast mirrorless and DSLR setups. Sirui's pricing strategy makes it the easiest first-carbon-tripod recommendation. The trade-off is rigidity at full extension and brand support — neither is bad, both trail the premium picks. For someone buying their first serious carbon tripod and learning what they need, this is the pragmatic starting point.
Strengths
- +Lightest tripod in this round-up at 3.04 lb (1.38 kg)
- +Folded to 20.6 in for travel — fits most check-able backpacks easily
- +Load capacity of 26.5 lb covers mirrorless cameras and most DSLRs comfortably
- +Each leg independently folds to three positions for uneven-terrain leveling
- +Most aggressive price-per-spec ratio in this lineup
Watch-outs
- −Less rigid at maximum extension than the Gitzo Mountaineer GT2542 or Benro Mach3
- −K20X ball head bundle version is fine but not as smooth as the Manfrotto 496 or Peak Design's integrated head
- −Twist locks feel less premium than Gitzo's G-lock Ultra system
- −Brand support and warranty are weaker than Manfrotto or Peak Design
How it compares
Lightest and cheapest pick in this round-up. Less rigid than the Gitzo Mountaineer GT2542 and Benro Mach3 at full extension, more portable than the Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO but less feature-rich (no pivoting column). Smaller load capacity than every other pick except the Peak Design Travel Tripod.
Who this is for
At a glance: first-time carbon-tripod buyers and weight-conscious travelers who shoot mirrorless or smaller DSLRs.
Why you’d buy the Sirui AM-254
- Lightest tripod in this round-up at 3.04 lb (1.38 kg).
- Folded to 20.6 in for travel — fits most check-able backpacks easily.
- Load capacity of 26.5 lb covers mirrorless cameras and most DSLRs comfortably.
Why you’d skip it
- Less rigid at maximum extension than the Gitzo Mountaineer GT2542 or Benro Mach3.
- K20X ball head bundle version is fine but not as smooth as the Manfrotto 496 or Peak Design's integrated head.
- Twist locks feel less premium than Gitzo's G-lock Ultra system.
Rating sources
Our 4.3 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
