Testing
The Sabrent TP-CF69 tripod is easy to use as it’s lightweight and all controls are easy to understand. This is thanks to the usage of clips to hold the legs extended instead of twist clips.
As is the case with many modern tripods, the center column of the Sabrent TP-CF69 can be removed from the body and installed from the bottom. This is called an inverted column setup and it is used for macro photography. Why macro? Because with an inverted column, the tripod is more stable and the camera can be pushed closer to the ground and thus, to the subject.
Removing the tripod head from the base is simple, as you just unscrew it from the tripod. With the head gone, you gain access to the tripod head base where any standard tripod head will install with ease, however, this round base can be removed as well by just unscrewing it, when you do that, you will get the surprise that this tripod has included a thread adapter. You simply flip the double threaded insert inside the base and screw the base back into its position.
Rotating the legs of the tripod is done by releasing the locking clips at the top of the legs. Afterwards, they can be rotated up and down with ease.
The tripod can be extended to no less than 1.75meters or 69 inches with all legs extended and the center column raised to its maximum setting. Below you have a photo with the tripod extended to various lengths.
Final thoughts
The Sabrent TP-CF69 is an interesting tripod, it’s well made, it looks great and has a lot of good features that will prove to be useful to both casual and professional users.
Thanks to its large size, the TP-CF69 can handle even longer and heavier lenses, the tripod is also stable even on loose surfaces thanks to its metal spikes and rubber pads on the lower part of the legs.
The build quality is great and on the same level as the big brand tripods, especially the carbon fiber models. The aluminum parts are well made, and the paint does not chip or scratch with ease.
The tripod ball head included with the TP-CF69 is great, it’s made from solid metal and has a good motion on all axis. The added panoramic markings just add more value to the tripod as they are easy to use and will help you in a pinch.
If there is any drawback with this tripod, it must be the lack of an integrated monopod. While other tripods that are priced similarly will allow you to detach one of the legs to use as a monopod, the TP-CF69 does not have that feature.
The second drawback of this tripod has to be the price, while not overly expensive, it’s not cheap either. And at close to 170 USD, an integrated monopod should have been offered, not only that but a wider baseplate for the tripod head too.
In conclusion, the Sabrent TP-CF69 is a well-made carbon fiber tripod that does its job even in rough conditions. The build quality is great, everything from the aluminum body to the carbon fiber legs feels solid. The ergonomics are good too, the included ball head is easy to use and has plenty of features to cover a wide range of users.
