Sirui T-1204SK vs. A-1205

[parshal]

I have somewhat of a tripod addiction. I've been running an RRS series 2, 4-section for a few years by the truck and a Sirui T-025x in my pack. I decided to try a new 'lightweight' tripod. I wanted a retractable center column and a bit more stability than the 025x.

I ordered both the T1204SK and A1205 to compare. The 1205 has a lot of positive reviews from photography folks and the 1204 has some reviews, even here, from hunting folks.

Weights without heads, just the legs, on my postal scale:

T-025X - 1 lb 8 oz
A-1205 - 2 lbs 2.5 oz
A-1205 - 2 lbs 10 oz, with Outdoorsmans panner and RRS BC-18
T1204SK - 2 lbs 13 oz
T1204SK - 2 lbs 11 oz, with short column

Other than weight savings, the 025x can't compare at all with the other two. It's not even in the ballpark.

The 1205 is much more stable than the 1204 at full expansion and even with the last (smallest) legs retracted. The smallest leg on the 1205 is the same diameter as the second to last leg on the 1204. I no longer have my 85mm Vortex or 95mm Swaro ATX but I have no doubt they would be stable on the 1205. I don't think I'd drag my RRS along unless I were planning on shooting off it.

I used an RRS BC-18 micro ball head during the Colorado 4th season this year. It took just a few minutes to use it effectively. It's light, small and holds the weight of 12x50's and a Kowa 55 steady as a rock. It locks down tight. I know it looks it couldn't be solid but it is. For comparison, the Sirui ball head that came on the 1205 is 9.4 oz.

I added an Outdoorsmans panner to the RRS BC-18 to see how much easier it would pan and it works great. With those on the 1205, it's one ounce less than the 1204 with short column and no head. I can remove the tripod top plate for a weight savings of another ounce and use a bit of allthread to attach the panner.

The panner weighs 2.4 oz. on my scale. I have an RRS BPC-16 on the way which has an integrated panner and weighs .7 oz. more than the BC-18. If that works out I can drop the weight the weight of the Outdoormans panner.

 

[tdot]

Thanks for the info. I was told to 1205 was the replacement for the 025? You're saying they're not even close?

I currently have the 025x and just waiting to receive my Swaro 12 EL. I've used it I'm happy with the Kowa 663. Possibly upgrading to a BTX 95, and for that setup I'm waiting to see if the 025x will work. Do you think the 1205 is enough to handle the BTX/95?

 

[parshal]

The A1205 is way more robust than the T-025X. Nearly a 3/4 pound difference in weight.

1205 on the right. 025 on the left. No way the 025x will hold the 95 steady. I don't think the 1205 will hold the 95 at full extension. With the column down it would but you'd notice wind. Without the center column, the 025x would be close but not as steady as the 1205.

Note, the 025x is discontinued. I’m not sure which is it’s direct replacement.

 

[tdot]

Awesome. Thanks for that. I wouldn't have even looked at the 1205, without this info.

I have the 025x and typically only use it seated, so no more then 2 leg extensions out. I'll be curious to see how much heavier then 025x I'll have to go, given the seated configuration, to stabilize the BTX/95

 

[parshal]

That's how I usually run mine, too. I'd say the 1205 is a bit more stable than the 025x used like that. It's noticeable but not earth shattering.