Sunwayfoto T3240CM Tripod Review
Firstly, let me apologise to Sunwyfoto and ATCers’ who have messaged me about the T3240CM tripod for this review taking rather longer than intended. This was due to a couple of things. Firstly, guiding work has been mental busy and, unfortunately, left little time for photography. Secondly, the really good weather, blue skies and minimal cloud hasn’t really been that photogenic. Anyway, enough of my excuses and on to the review.
I really wanted to get some great photos and a video of the tripod in use before writing this review and a sunrise on Sgurr a Ghreadaidh certainly clinched this. Clouds were rolling in over the northern Cuillin, coming and going like tides in the sea. And all the while, the sun was rising , the light exquisite and fast changing. The tripod and XB-52 head performed smoothly and I was glad of a ball head since the light was rapidly changing and there were photo opportunities in every direction.
Those of you that know your photography gear will recall my review of Sunwayfoto’s T3640CM tripod. When Sunwayfoto asked if I’d like to review some more gear, it was tempting to go for something completely different to the T3640CM but it was so near to being the perfect tripod for me that I decided another from the Master Series was in order.
The Master Series sit at the top of Sunwayfoto’s range of tripods. The T3240CM is the little brother of the T3640CM. Size is relative and the T3240CM is still a very solid, stable tripod with a great range of height. To be honest, the T3640CM was possibly overkill for my needs but it did provide rock solid stability even in the most demanding conditions. It will still be used but more for winter when conditions are extreme. Also, a dream future purchase would be a Fujifilm GFX100s for which this would be ideal.
The T3240CM is noticeably lighter (1.55kg as opposed to 2.05kg), packs slightly smaller (folded length is 52cm rather than 55cm). It’s maximum height is a bit less but still plenty tall enough (140cm versus 150cm).
On opening the box, it was clear that the T3240CM is from the same DNA as it’s big broth
er but it immediately felt lighter and a bit more compact. The almost 500g saving is clearly felt when climbing a mountain and the slightly smaller packed size means it fits more easily inside my pack or on the outside; important considerations when operating in the rugged mountain environment.
The Positives
A. The Feel Good Factor
I suppose it is a mixture of good design and engineering but every bit of Sunwayfoto kit that I’ve used has an indefinable feel good factor and the T3240CM is no exception. Straight out of the box it feels like an expensive tool that makes you want to use it. The tripod exudes quality and makes your job as a photographer seem easier. It’s impossible to define but the tripod feel like a top notch tool that not only will you want to use it but also that it will aid you to get better photos.
Tripods are under rated kit by many photographers yet something so simple can make a huge difference to image quality so it’s difficult to under estimate the value of the feel good factor because it will encourage you to take the tripod with you.
B. Design & Construction
The design is exactly as per for the T3640CM, just a little smaller. Thus there is no centre column, something that I definitely don’t miss. The tripod is plenty tall enough for me without needing a centre column although I believe you can buy one as an optional extra.
It’s a professional, heavy duty design which accepts pretty much any head which can be screwed onto the plate which links the legs. No centre column and this plate reduces the chances of the tripod being less stable and movement effecting the camera and thus the final image quality
Everything is well thought out and works really well in the field. Most tripods seem to have flimsy bent wire hooks which are sprung loaded and used to hang your camera bag or similar from to anchor the tripod in windy conditions. On the Sunwayfoto Master Series a solid metal hook is provided and, best of all it isn’t sprung loaded (something that always seems to go wrong, in my experience) and can be easily screwed on or taken off as and when needed. Love this. The only caveat I’ll add is that the tripod is so stable that even in windy conditions I haven’t found it necessary to use the hook but nice to know it’s there if needed.
C. Sturdiness/Stability
Like it’s big brother (and all the models in the Master Series), the T3240CM makes most other makes look like toys. Not quite as big as it’s big brother but the T3240CM can still support a whopping 25kg of camera gear so more than enough for pretty much anyone.
The two Sunwayfoto tripods are the only ones that I’ve used (and I’ve used many top end makes) that I’m completely happy that my camera and lens will be safe left on even if the tripod is set up in deep water. Superb stability is a given. Even using telephoto lens, there is literally zero discernible movement and wheras in the past I’d have to use a fast shutter speed and a correspondingly higher ISO number, now I can still operate at base ISO knowing that telephoto images will be super sharp.
Check out Sunwayfoto's website for details about the quality of carbon fibre but another determining factor for stability is the length and shape of the shims in the leg joints. The legs really are superbly sturdy and as good as you'll get on any tripod at any price point.
D. Ease Of Use
The T3240CM is just and slick and easy to use as it’s big brother. Ease of use is crucial, otherwise it would get left at home. As it is, the T3240CM is my go to tripod whether climbing in the mountains, walking on the beach or going to the shops.
The design ergonomics are top notch and it’s speedy to set up and put away. The twist locks on the legs are quick and easy to operate, their tactile feel a joy to handle.
E. Versatility
The T3240CM is a very versatile tripod with a height range which should cover most bases. I really like that with the legs fully splayed you can get down to a lowly 8cm whilst full height is 140cm excluding the head of your choice. It’s small packed size really appeals to me since I can actually fit itinside my pack thus protecting it from scratches and bumps.
It is a workhorse of a tripod which can accept pretty much any type of head and many other accessories to cover all eventualities.
F. Water/Dust proof legs
As in all the Master Range, the T3240CM has legs which are sealed against the ingress of dust and water and grit and dirt in general. The legs’ twist locks are covered in a soft silicone which feels great on the hands and fingers but also helps keep the elements at bay. This silicone also acts as a brilliant grip which is useful in cold weather, wet weather and if wearing gloves. Inside the legs, internal “O” rings further add to the weather proofing. Both the metal spiked feet and rubber feet also have rubber “O” rings, a nice additional touch.
When I first read about waterproof tripod legs, I thought it a bit of a gimmick but having used them, I now think it’s indispensable. Waterproofing makes for a much more practical tripod. I can plonk it in a river or stream, loch or the sea knowing that there will be zero water ingress. With previous tripods, after they got wet, especially with salt water, I’d religiously strip them down, rinse in fresh water and leave to dry overnight. Now there’s no need for any of that hassle.
The waterproofing is also a big plus for my mountain photography because in the past I’ve had tripod legs freeze up in winter and been impossible to open/close. No such worries with the Master Series.
Keeping out not just water but grit and dirt also prolongs the life of the tripod so good for your bank balance and the environment.
G. Accessories
Nice how it comes with a generous sized zipped bag which holds the tripod with a head attached. Also a choice of spiked feet and rubber feet to cover all terrain. Other extras include allen keys, a cleaning cloth and 75mm bowl
Negatives
This is going to sound absurd but I’m struggling to think of any downsides to this tripod. In an ideal world, it would be half the weight, pack to half the size and be twice as stable for a quarter of the price.
The only real disappointment has been that the tripod won’t accept the IB65 inverted ball head which arrived with it. Of course, I knew that because the experts at Sunwayfoto had already informed me of that fact but pointed out that it would work with it’s big brother, the T3640CM.
When I get a chance I’ll do a review of the IB65 but at his point all I need say is that it is by far the best ball head I have ever used at any price point. I do however note that Sunwayfoto have recently introduced the T3240CS which has a smaller version of the IB65 combined with the T3240, all the metallic parts in a rather distinctive green finish. It is being sold as a tripod for hunters and shooters but, to me, it looks like the ultimate mountain and landscape photography tripod.
The T3240CM has performed faultlessly for me and has been a great evolution in my long questing search for the ultimate tripod.
https://www.sunwayfoto.com/e_goodsDetail.aspx?gId=1552
