Photography News Issue 41

Photography News | Issue 41 | absolutephoto.com

57 First tests

SlikLiteCF-422 tripod £279.99

Specs

Price £279.99

In the box Legs, head with 6505 quick release plate, integrated LED torch, tripod case and 2x AAA batteries Leg section 4 (22mm top section) Material Carbon-fibre with aluminium centre column Max load 3kg Max height 178.1cm, centre column extended 143cm, centre column retracted Min height 19.6cm Closed length 47.5cm Weight 1103g Contact intro2020.co.uk

The headline feature of Slik’s CF-422 tripod (and the rest of the new Lite tripod range) is that its centre column incorporates a removable LED torch. The immediately question there is, WTF? (Translation: what’s that for?) Well then, sure, at first glance, it might seem like Slik has solved a problem that didn’t need addressing, but the more you think about it, the more useful the addition is. After all, much tripod work is carried out in the gloomof dawn, dusk or in the night itself, and although you could conceivably gaffer tape a torch to any tripod’s centre column, this is a far more elegant solution. It’s not going to fall off, get forgotten, or get in your way. Although you can take the torch out and wield it as normal, for instance to look in your camera bag, I actually found it most useful in creating a pool of light beneath the tripodwhenworking in low light, and also when carrying the tripod around between locations. Of course it should be switched off when exposing, but a simple twist does that. It’s even bright enough to do a bit of light painting if required, but you’ll want to cover the torch’s lens with a red gel if you’re shooting astro, or there’s a risk of being dazzled. The torch screws directly into the bottom of the centre column, so on the downside, that spot being usually

reserved for a hook, you don’t get the benefit of adding ballast to your legs. The thread will also need to be kept clean to avoid it becoming stuck with grit, and there’s no suggestion that the torch is waterproof, so some care will be required shooting near lakes, rivers and the sea. Away from its headline feature, the CF-422 offers plenty. It’s very slim and light, but also tall and versatile. Weighing just 1103g it extends to just over 178cm and around 143cm with the centre column down. The folded length is 47.5cm, which isn’t the smallest, but still a good length for a travel model. The 143cmheight is veryworkable, and results from shooting with the CF-422 showed all the sharpness you’d expect. Despite its lowish loading weight, quoted at 3kg, the CF- 422 and its SBH-180DS head didn’t struggle with the Nikon D800 and 16-35mm f/4 G that I mounted on it. It’s a little top-heavy compared to beefier legs, and arguably suited to smaller, lighter cameras, but that’s to be expected. The rubberised twist- locks turn easily and lock firmly, and the legs’ rubber feet give a little extra grip in the wet. The SBH-180DS head is small and streamlined, but what it lacks in size, it doesn’t seem to lose in strength; there’s no lack of stiffness in the lock, and no creep during exposures, even

legs can be inverted through 180º, closing upwards over the collar for easier packing, and it’s here that another of the model’s excellent features makes itself known. This Rapid Flip Mechanism works via simple vertical switches, rather than the levers you normally find, and this means that you don’t need to exert any pressure when changing leg angles. You just flip the switch, angle as required, then flip it closed to lock, or let the mechanism click-lock on its own by tilting a leg. The only downside of stowing the tripod in this way, is that it leaves the torch lens exposed through the collar. The included carry bag is a nice addition. Slightly padded, water- resistant and in a rather natty blue and cream combo, it’s much better than most bundled cases, and comes with a karabiner and carry handle for easier handling. KS

when the camera was angled. The quick release plate is even tinier, and it could really do with a D-ring to help attach it. As it stands you need a coin for the groove and though it’s not a big deal, it could be a frustration if you can’t tighten it sufficiently. There’s no bubble level in the legs or head, which is an omission at this price, and something else that’s a victim of the streamlined design is the lock for the centre column. It’s quite a tight fit between the knuckles of the collar, and doesn’t feel like the freest of turns because you can’t get your fingers around it. The centre column itself can be inverted, and also split, so only a short column is used. The latter reduces weight (the centre column is aluminium), and allows a wider spread of the legs for low angle shots, but the torch can’t be screwed in. Like many current designs, the CF‑422’s

Away from its headline feature, the CF-422 offers plenty. It’s very slim and light,

but also tall and versatile

Verdict

The CF-422 isn’t cheap for a travel model, but for your money you’re getting a cleverly engineered, well- built and well-specified tripod with some great features. It’s very light, stable enough for most situations, has a good working height and packs down small enough to fit in a case or carry-on. Pros Light and strong, mostly good handling, built in torch Cons Pricey, a bit too streamlined in places

Above The LED torch screws into the bottom of the centre column. Left Used in situ, the torch is very handy when shooting in low light, especially when working in a road. Right Keeping the CF-422 so slim results in some compromises; the centre column lock is a bit of a pinch to turn.