A few days ago I showcased 12 Fluid Heads for Every Budget – from $100 to $30,000. Check it out here:
In this article we’ll go over six single-tube lightweight carbon fiber camera tripods for video work that can accept 75mm and 100mm bowl heads.
Why do we need a single-tube lightweight carbon fiber tripod?
Video and cinema tripods tend to have double-tubing with spacers to keep the tripod from slipping. You can also get lightweight carbon fiber versions of these. The disadvantages to these systems are:
- They typically have a height restriction
- They are larger and more difficult to carry and ship
- They can’t go very low
- They are harder to setup at different angles and uneven terrain, though not impossible
However, dual-tube systems have many advantages, one of which is greater stability and resistance to rotational forces. This is why both systems survive and thrive, and ideally one must own both kinds to be as versatile as possible.
Single-tube systems tend to be lighter and can be packed smaller, and is great for run and gun work. Some of the modern single-tube systems give their equivalent double-tube tripods a run for their money.
Aluminum vs carbon fiber
I chose carbon fiber for this list because they offer the lightest weight, which is one of the most important reasons why you would go with a single-tube tripod in the first place. However, overall, I prefer aluminum as my material of choice for these reasons:
- It is stronger
- It is more shatter proof
- It’s (slight) extra weight also lends more stability to the tripod system
Which base?
The two bases that these tripods need to cater to are:
- 75mm bowl
- 100mm bowl
150mm bowls are for heavier cameras, and these cameras are at risk on tripods without spreaders. I won’t recommend them for that purpose.
I prefer bowl heads for video work for ease of leveling. It’s one thing to level a mirrorless camera and one lens, and yet another to level a full cinema rig at maximum load. The tripods in this article can support of these bases either by default or with adapters.
The 6 best single-tube carbon fiber camera tripods for fluid heads
Here are the six best single-tube carbon fiber tripods in ascending order of price:
1 Benro C373T / Benro C474T
Here are the specs of the Benro C373T (Amazon, B&H) and the Benro C474T (Amazon, B&H):
| Feature | Benro C373T | Benro C474T |
| Default base | 75mm | 100mm |
| Weight of tripod | 1.75 kg | 2.26 kg |
| Maximum height (inch) | 58.07 | 59.05 |
| Minimum height (inch) | 6.1 | 6.49 |
| Number of Sections/Stages | 3 | 3 |
| Maximum load capacity | 25 kg | 35 kg |
| Closed length (inch) | 25 | 26.18 |
| Leg lock type | Twist Lock | Twist Lock |
| Foot type | Interchangeable feet | Interchangeable feet |
| Temperature Range (Celsius) | N/A | N/A |
| Extra Features | bubble level, independent leg spread, twist leg locks | bubble level, independent leg spread, twist leg locks |
| Warranty | 5 year warranty on registration | 5 year warranty on registration |
The Benro C373T (Amazon, B&H) has a 75mm bowl compatible with 75mm heads.
The Benro C474T (Amazon, B&H) has a 100mm bowl compatible with 100mm heads.
Both tripods have twist locks which only requires half turn to lock and unlock. All three legs can be independently spread. They both have a bubble level to balance the tripod.
You can see the 100mm version can take a greater load. You need to factor in the load of the fluid head as well here.
2 Miller Solo-Q 100 3-Stage
Here are the specs of the Miller Solo-Q 100 3-stage tripod:
| Feature | Miller Solo-Q 100 3-Stage |
| Default base | 100mm |
| Weight of tripod | 3 kg |
| Maximum height (inch) | 74 |
| Minimum height (inch) | 9 |
| Number of Sections/Stages | 4 |
| Maximum load capacity | 30 kg |
| Closed length (inch) | 26.1 |
| Leg lock type | Q Lock |
| Foot type | Leg Spike, Wind down rubber feet |
| Temperature Range (Celsius) | -40 to 65 |
| Extra Features | Neoprene leg protection, Leg strap for securing collapsed tripod |
| Warranty | 3 year warranty |
The Miller Solo-Q 100 3-Stage has a 100mm bowl compatible with 100mm heads.
The unique aspect of this tripod is it has a Q Lock (yellow button) that allows you to extend the legs at the click of a button.
3 Manfrotto 536
Here are the specs of the Manfrotto 536 (Amazon, B&H):
| Feature | Manfrotto 536 |
| Default base | 100mm |
| Weight of tripod | 3.44 kg |
| Maximum height (inch) | 80 |
| Minimum height (inch) | 10 |
| Number of Sections/Stages | 4 |
| Maximum load capacity | 25 kg |
| Closed length (inch) | 28 |
| Leg lock type | Flip Lock |
| Foot type | Rubber |
| Temperature Range (Celsius) | -30 to 60 |
| Extra Features | 75mm adapter, Independent leg spread, leg angle selector |
| Warranty | 5 year warranty on registration |
The Manfrotto 536 (Amazon, B&H) has a 100mm bowl compatible with 100 heads, it also comes with 75mm bowl adapter ring to adapt 75mm heads. The tripod weighs around 3.44 kg which can load weight up to 25 kg. The tallest it can go is up to 80″ and minimum height is 10″.
The Manfrotto 536 (Amazon, B&H) is designed and manufactured in Italy. It has 3 stages and 4 section of legs expandable. It has a Flip lock type leg lock system with legs angles at Leg 23, 50, 70°. The legs can be independently controlled and adjusted.
4 Cartoni STABILO 3-Stage
Here are the specs of the Cartoni Stabilo 3-stage tripod:
| Feature | Cartoni Stabilo 3-Stage |
| Default base | 100mm |
| Weight of tripod | 3 kg |
| Maximum height (inch) | 72 |
| Minimum height (inch) | 8.8 |
| Number of Sections/Stages | 4 |
| Maximum load capacity | 40 kg |
| Closed length (inch) | 25 |
| Leg lock type | Twist Lock |
| Foot type | Rubber, Retractable, Spiked |
| Temperature Range (Celsius) | N/A |
| Extra Features | Foam Cushion Top Sections, Independent leg spread, Marked pre-set locking positions |
| Warranty | 2 year warranty |
The Cartoni Stabilo 3-stage tripod has a 100mm bowl base compatible with 100mm heads. The tripod is designed for the Cartoni Focus 10 or the Focus 12 fluid head.
The Cartoni Stabilo 3-Stage also has an alternate 75mm version with similar features and same price.
5 Gitzo GT5563GS Systematic Series 5
Here are the specs of the Gitzo GT5563GS Systematic Series 5 (Amazon, B&H):
| Feature | Gitzo GT5563GS Systematic Series 5 |
| Default base | 90mm Disc |
| Weight of tripod | 3.56 kg |
| Maximum height (inch) | 109 |
| Minimum height (inch) | 3.93 |
| Number of Sections/Stages | 6 |
| Maximum load capacity | 42 kg |
| Closed length (inch) | 28.7 |
| Leg lock type | Twist Lock |
| Foot type | Rubber, Spiked |
| Temperature Range (Celsius) | -30 to 70 |
| Extra Features | Easy Link attachment thread, bubble level, G-Lock |
| Warranty | 9.5 year warranty on registration |
| Cost of adapter to make it 100mm | $190 |
The Gitzo GT5563GS Systematic Series 5 (Amazon, B&H) tripod has a default flat disc with 90mm diameter. To adapt a 100mm bowl fluid head you’ll need a Gitzo 100mm Systematic Series 5 adapter (Amazon, B&H).
The Gitzo GT5563GS Systematic Series 5 (Amazon, B&H) also has G-Lock Ultra Twist Lock and a bubble level. The Easy Link attachment provides enhanced versatility and ergonomics for users to attach a wide array of optional accessories.
6 Sachtler flowtech 100 / Sachtler flowtech 100 MS
Here are the specs of the Sachtler flowtech 100 (Amazon, B&H) and the Sachtler flowtech 100 MS tripods:
| Feature | Sachtler flowtech 100 | Sachtler flowtech 100 MS |
| Default base | 100mm | 100mm |
| Weight of tripod | 3.4 kg | 4.1 kg (without spreader) |
| Maximum height (inch) | 60.24 | 61.02 (with spreader) |
| Minimum height (inch) | 10.24 | 10.24 (without spreader) |
| Number of Sections/Stages | 2 | 3 |
| Maximum load capacity | 30 kg | 30 kg |
| Closed length (inch) | 26.52 | 26.8 |
| Leg lock type | Flip Lock | Flip Lock |
| Foot type | Rubber, Dual Spiked | Rubber, Dual Spiked |
| Temperature Range (Celsius) | -40 to 60 | -40 to 60 |
| Extra Features | Individual adjustment, Magnetic Locks | Mid Spreader, Individual adjustment, Magnetic Locks |
| Warranty | 3 year warranty on registration | 3 year warranty on registration |
Both the Sachtler flowtech 100 (Amazon, B&H) and the Sachtler flowtech 100 MS are designed for 100mm bowl heads. The Sachtler flowtech 100 MS comes with a mid-level spreader, and I highly recommend it for a more stable platform.
Each leg features a single clamping lever that quickly and easily locks and unlocks the three sections. Both the tripods have magnetic lock among the legs so when you carry them they won’t come apart.
That’s it!
I hope this comparison will help you find your own ideal lightweight single-tube camera tripod for video work.
If you know of any other models that you prefer please let me know in the comments below.
