Sirui W-2204 Waterproof Tripod
The construction of the Sirui W-2204 tripod is quite good. Perhaps it's not as good as Really Right Stuff tripods, but quite good nonetheless. Sirui consider it part of their Extreme Series.
From Sirui
The W Series is an outdoor tripod specially designed for shooting in extreme environmental conditions including directly in water, dirt or sand. Its SIRUI specific leg lock components seal the legs to eliminate gaps and prevent water, dust or small particles from entering the legs or locking mechanism. It's the perfect partner for all of your photography regardless of the elements!
Is this not how all tripods should perform in the outdoors?
This tripod features four leg sections and a center post giving a total of 69.5 in. of height which is enough to level it on the most unlevel of surfaces. It's true weight is 3.84 lbs. It supports a claimed weight of just under 40 lbs. The finish perfectly matches the Sirui K-20X ball head.
When the lock on the hinge is opened, it automatically closes when the leg is bent all the way up making it ready to lock when the leg is bent down.
A one-quarter turn of the leg lock is met with resistance and then another quarter turn and the mechanism unlocks. Unlike some leg lock mechanisms that require turning seemingly endlessly, this is very intuitive to use.
As one would expect with a tripod of this caliber, there is a bubble level letting the photographer know when they've leveled the tripod. This is important for doing panoramic shots.
This tripod has a monopod built-in. Remove one leg and attach it to the center column and voila, a monopod. Also, the center column is reversible and has a hook for suspending a ballast.
Sirui make a lower end version of this tripod, the W-1204, which has smaller diameter carbon fiber legs and does not support as much weight. It is nearly identical, really, and not much cheaper either. The W-2004 is the heavier aluminum version of the W-2204 tripod.
Included
Allen keys for adjustments padded travel case padded shoulder strap steel spiked feet center column cap English and Chinese manuals
Specifications
Notice the true weight and height measured above.
Model：W-2204 Material: Carbon Fiber Sections: 4 Tube Max Dia: 29.4mm/1.2inch Tube Min Dia: 18.6mm/0.7inch Min Hgt: 155mm/6.1inch Max Hgt: 1470mm/57.9inch Max Hgt Ext.: 1800mm/70.9inch Retracted Height: 560m/22.0inchm Folded Height: 520mm/20.5inch Monopod Max: 1770mm/69.7inch Monopod Min: 470mm/18.5inch Weight: 1.7kg/3.7lb Load: 18kg/39.7lb
One thing that is not mentioned in the brochures is that Sirui is a Chinese brand and their products are made in China.
Related links: