Over the past few weeks I've had the opportunity to try a new tripod, the Kingjoy C85 - in this instance with a Ball Head, the T30x. KingJoy may sound a new name to many but they seem to have been around for quite a while, quietly making tripods for other brand names so while the name may be new the experience is clearly there.
The Tripod I have been trying is the C85 and I've been using it combined with the T30x Ball Head. The retail price for this combination is £449 legs only or £569 with the T30x Ball Head. In terms of weight, height and stability this is a substantial and well made tripod.
First a few facts and figures.
Construction: Lightweight alloys and 10x Carbon Fibre
Weight 2.14 kg
Folded length: 56.3cm
Max height: 154cm ( I’m 6ft and it comfortably reached eye level)
Min Height: 12.3cm
Max weight supported: 25 kg
The box contains the Tripod, ball head, tripod bag, tripod carrying strap (to use without the bag) , tripod leg spikes (as alternatives to the supplied rubber feet), allen keys, instruction leaflet.
Most of the above is as one might expect. An immediate difference however is the inclusion of a levelling base to which the tripod head attaches. This allows the platform to be levelled without making multiple fine adjustments to the tripod legs. The process is achieved neatly by use of a single screw adjuster. A second difference that may very well go unnoticed is the inclusion of a rubber ‘o’ ring on the threaded feet. This is a less than common enhancement and very nice to see indeed. For anyone who has found feet or spikes stuck, this should serve to alleviate the problem. The legs joints are described as being weather sealed to prevent dust and sand entering the joints.
First impressions are very good indeed. Well finished, nicely designed cut away castings and everything works exactly as one might expect.
In use
After the initial positive first impressions I was keen to put the tripod to use in the field so I headed out to make some photographs and made use of the tripod over a number of sessions.
This is a well made, lightweight (for the support provided) tripod that compares well in use with any on the market. The twist locks have a suitably short travel and quickly lock and unlock ( a feature which surprisingly is often poor on tripods across the price ranges). The rubber grips are also of good size and (again often overlooked) have a really good grip. Setting up and taking down is quick and smooth.
I find maximum supported weights to be a ‘non standardised standard’ but the quoted weight of 25kg is typical for this class of tripod and I’d suggest more than sufficient for all normal usage. In my opinion the stability is excellent with regard to load bearing and resistance to twisting. Damping seems similar to what one might expect for this size, weight and load bearing capacity. It should be noted that the C85 does not have a centre column, it reaches eye level without. This of course means that the eye level height is achieved in the most stable way. A second benefit is that there is no column to restrict minimum height and this tripod gets down to a very creditable 12.3cm. Any head will add to that of course. With the T30x head that height is ~20.5cm still very low indeed. It is a pleasure to use. Everything clicks nicely into place, nothing irritates or requires a second adjustment. As with the very best of so many things, it seems to all but disappear in use. It performs its tasks quietly, perfectly and with zero fuss.
As three 10x carbon fibre legs go, the C85 is a very good tripod indeed and should be on any list for that alone. However Kingjoy give you a little more than most and include a levelling base as standard.
For the majority of tripods on the market, you have to spend extra to add this feature. To be honest any advantage here depends upon exactly how you use your tripod. The advantage of a levelling base is realised fully when making panoramic photographs. As the camera is rotated, it is desirable that it remains precisely level so that the stitch is as accurate as possible. A rotating tensioner protrudes from below the levelling base which allows the cup to be loosened and tightened once level. There’s an offset bubble level on the base to guide the levelling process. For part of the test period I had an early version that did not have this included so not all images include it. That bubble is present on the production versions.
The cup moves smoothly and the tensioning is secure. On the bottom of the tensioner is a well designed hook to allow you to hang a weight such as a camera bag or attach a length of cord to secure in high winds. Again there is a huge breadth of design of these tripod hooks ranging from completely useless to those which are secure but require two hands to operate. The Kingjoy is a very good one indeed.
The T30x head is another very well engineered piece of equipment. The adjustments are smooth and secure. It holds substantial lenses securely and in all my attempts, there was only a slight initial sag with longer lenses. Once locked, the ball stayed put.
As you approach the end of a test period there are some key indicators that shed light on final judgements. Are you anxious to box up and send it back? Are you looking forward to returning to your own kit? Are you checking your bank balance and hitting Buy it Now? I’ve been a Gitzo user for very many years and this tripod is the equivalent of a Series 3 Systematic. It demonstrates very similar performance at a substantial saving in cost. I’ve really enjoyed using it and I’m in absolutely no hurry to return. That is a huge compliment, it does very many things very well and with minimum fuss. The real proof of the pudding is that once I'd got the information that I needed to inform the review it was then just a question of picking a tripod off the shelf each day to use. I noticed gradually that I kept choosing the Kingjoy. Considering it was on a shelf with some of the generally acknowledged industry leaders, that's quite a compliment. It works flawlessly, seems to have no vices and is a pleasure to use. I can see this tripod finding a permanent place in my daily use in the future. This tripod immediately earns an unreserved highly recommended from me.
Have a look at the Kingjoy website here to see the full range.