Photography News | Issue 35 | absolutephoto.com
40 First tests
Accessories First tests We get our hands on the latest kit and share our first impressions – so you know whether or not to add it to your wish list
Reviews by Will Cheung and Kingsley Singleton
NovoExploraT10 £179
Specs
Photographers don’t usually buy tripods based on good looks, but if they did, this Novo Explora T10 would surely do very well. Its gorgeously patterned carbon-fibre legs and stylish silver trim are very pleasing to the eye. But to prove that beauty is more than skin deep this tripod is also a high-level performer and it comes in at a very tempting price. Complete with a Novo CBH-40 ball head, this carbon-fibre tripod is available at the moment for £179. The T10 just about qualifies as a travel tripod and for ultimate portability, the legs fold back on themselves. The legs are four section with rubber-coated twist grips that are positive yet comfortable to use, and the legs lock firmly without too much exertion. Should you prefer spiked feet, simply pull off the rubber feet. One of the legs unscrews and, together with the centre column, combines for a very useable, convenient and stable monopod.
The supplied ball head is an Arca Swiss compatible unit. The ball head’s tension can be adjusted to suit. The camera mount plate can be rotated, which helps with panorama shooting, and there are etched markings too that help in this regard. A spirit level is fitted but you need to level it up before fitting the camera. Stability is very good and I tested it at minimum and maximum extension including with the centre column fully extended. I used a variety of cameras on it including a full-frame DSLR and a CSC with a long telezoom. Even in a decent breeze at its maximum leg extension the tripod and camera remained rock solid and no evidence of movement even with the long exposures I shot for the test. Extend the centre column fully and, of course, there was the risk of camera movement but no problem here either when used with consideration on a still day. For its weight and size, stability from the T10 rated highly. WC
In the box Novo NV-EXT10 carbon-fibre tripod, CBH-40 ball head, quick- release plate, carry case, shoulder strap and tools Leg sections 4 Material Legs carbon fibre with twist leg locks Max height (with head) 176cm, centre column extended 142cm, centre column retracted Min height (with head) 49cm Max load 15kg (legs and head) Closed length 49.5cm (legs folded) Weight 1.75kg (with head), 1.34kg (legs only) Contact ukdigital.co.uk
Verdict
Carbon-fibre legs, Arca-Swiss compatible head, monopod option and more, plus very good stability, portability and stylish good looks – all for a bargain £179. What is there not to like!
Pros Excellent value, carbon-fibre tripod Cons Spirit level not visible with the camera mounted
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