Good issues are available in small packages, and the Novo Helix T50 is a major instance. Packing down to simply 35.5cm, with the legs wrapped neatly across the head, it extends to an honest, if unremarkable, working peak of 140cm and weighs in at a comparatively light-weight 1.84kg, with the BHP-32 ball head hooked up. The tripod can be accessible as a legs-only possibility, however the equipment is sweet worth, saving round $50/£50 over shopping for the legs and head individually.
This spectacular peak differential is achieved with at least 5 extendable leg sections plus an extra two-section heart column. Regardless of the variety of twist locks and light-weight construct, the tripod feels inflexible when absolutely prolonged, due to the chunky legs’ ‘Superweave’ development, made up from 10 layers of carbon fibre. The leg locks and spider are made from aviation-grade aluminum and have a wise black anodized end. Novo says the legs can help a 20kg payload, or as much as 8kg with the included head, which is a lot for an enormous full-frame Nikon and super-telephoto lens.
The legs can help as much as 20kg whereas the pinnacle is rated for an 8kg payload. (Picture credit score: Future)
It is not a very tall tripod, and it is full 140cm peak requires the two-section centre column to be absolutely prolonged. (Picture credit score: Future)
Leg angles modify between 23, 50 and 85-degree settings, and the centre column may be eliminated and changed with an included stub column for low-level taking pictures, just about at floor degree. If it’s essential to get even decrease, or shoot immediately downwards, the middle column may be reversed so the digital camera sits beneath the tripod legs. One leg will also be unscrewed and reattached to the middle column to create a monopod.
The tripod’s three rubber ft may be unscrewed to disclose spikes for stabbing into tender floor for additional stability. There’s additionally a hook underneath the middle column to hold a bag for additional weight in breezy circumstances.
The pinnacle has two separate panning controls; one above the ball mechanism, the opposite beneath it. (Picture credit score: Future)
Heads up
The equipped Novo BHP-32 ball head is crafted from light-weight aviation-grade anodized aluminum, sporting a black-and-silver end that enhances the legs nicely. An Arca Swiss-compatible plate attaches to the digital camera through a D-ring and has a slot for added tightening. There’s a bubble degree atop the tripod, although that is coated up when the plate is hooked up.
The ball is loosened by a big knob that operates easily and locks firmly. A further drag management within the heart units the quantity of stress when repositioning the pinnacle. Two panning controls are marked in 360 diploma increments, one under the ball mechanism and a secondary one above it, helpful for panoramas and macro.
Novo Helix T50 CF Tripod Package: Verdict
(Picture credit score: Future)
If a compact set of legs that can match inside a digital camera bag is of prime significance, the Helix T50 may very well be the tripod for you. The flip facet is that there are a variety of locks to fiddle with to realize most peak, and even with the middle column prolonged, it’s not that tall. It’s matched with a well-engineered and smooth-operating ball head, and a five-year guarantee ought to present peace of thoughts.
