Reviews |SmallRig FreeBlazer Heavy-Duty Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit 3989 Review

SmallRig FreeBlazer Heavy-Duty Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit 3989 Review

SmallRig FreeBlazer Video tripod
Review

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By Ali Jennings

Price when reviewed

£399

$370

Our Verdict

The SmallRig FreeBlazer Heavy-Duty Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit 3989 is a sturdy video tripod kit that’s great for DSLR, Mirrorless or mid-sized camcorders such as the Sony FX6. With a maximum payload of 10kg, this kit can support your camera equipment, whether you’re using a matte box, monitor, or audio.

The tripod’s build and support can easily handle the weight even when switching to larger cameras such as the Canon C300 or Sony Fx6.
Setting up and adjusting the tripod is easy, with each leg secured with a lever lock. However, it’s not as fast as traditional twist lever lock releases. The leg spreader works well with individual locks to secure the tripod shape. The bowl enables easy head levelling, making it ideal for shooting in outdoor environments or uneven terrain.

Once set up, the tripod’s stability is good, with the carbon fibre legs keeping the weight down. However, as a heavy-weight full-height professional model, it has a little more flex than you’d expect from a full metal equivalent. That said, it’s enough for most video shooters on DSLR, Mirrorless, or even mid-sized camcorders like the Canon EOS C300 or Sony FX6.

The feet flip down and adapt well to uneven surfaces, and there’s also an option for spike feet which are quick and easy to swap from the wide feet. This video tripod’s price point is reasonable compared to other mid-level video tripods with similar features. While competitors may offer aluminium legs for less, including SmallRig, the SmallRig FreeBlazer Heavy-Duty Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit 3989’s carbon fibre legs do give you a decent base and the weight, despite the name is actually relatively lightweight, making it well worth the premium.

For

  • Quick height adjustment with one-key locking
  • Adjustable step-less damping system for smooth panning
  • Lightweight yet sturdy carbon fibre legs

Against

  • High price point
  • No sand or dust resistance
  • Middle spreader must be locked before use

The SmallRig FreeBlazer Heavy-Duty Carbon Fibre Tripod Kit 3989 is designed as an entry level robust and dependable video tripod kit for DSLR, Mirrorless, and mid-sized camcorders. With a maximum payload of 10kg, this kit can support your camera equipment, including accessories like matte boxes, monitors, and audio devices. Whether you’re shooting with a Sony FX6, Canon C300, or similar cameras, the FreeBlazer tripod provides the stability and support you need.

Setting up and adjusting the tripod is simple, with lever locks securing each leg. While not as quick as dial locks, the leg spreader and bowl base allow for easy adjustments and levelling on uneven terrain. The carbon fiber legs keep the weight down while maintaining sufficient stability, even for heavier setups.

The SmallRig FreeBlazer Heavy-Duty Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit 3989 offers excellent performance at a reasonable price point, making it an ideal choice for videographers seeking a reliable entry to mid-level video tripod. With smooth panning, interchangeable feet, and solid construction, this tripod can handle various shooting conditions with ease.

SmallRig FreeBlazer Video tripod

Specification

  • Adjustable height: 94-197 cm
  • Folded length: 99 cm
  • Weight: 5 kg
  • Max payload: 10 kg
  • Bowl base diameter: 75 mm
  • Tilt range: 90°/-60°
  • Counterbalance: 8 kg

Features

The SmallRig FreeBlazer Heavy-Duty Carbon Fibre Tripod Kit 3989 boasts several impressive features considering it’s price. Firstly, it offers quick height adjustment with one-key locking, allowing for easy and efficient setup.

The adjustable step-less damping system ensures smooth panning, enabling you to achieve professional-looking shots.

The lightweight carbon fiber legs provide a sturdy foundation while keeping the overall weight of the tripod kit manageable. Additionally, the tripod’s compatibility with the Manfrotto Quick Release Plate (501PL) offers convenience for users who already own this accessory.

SmallRig FreeBlazer Video tripod

Performance

The SmallRig FreeBlazer Heavy-Duty Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit 3989 is an excellent option for those looking for a mid-level video tripod. The tripod’s maximum payload is 10kg, enough to support most video rigs and equipment, including DSLRs, Mirrorless cameras, and mid-sized camcorders. The carbon fibre legs are sturdy yet lightweight, and the interchangeable feet can adapt to different shooting conditions, including uneven terrain. The bowl base diameter is 75mm, which can be interchanged with other heads if you feel the need, however, the head supplied in the kit is very decent.

The Tilt and Pan control is smooth and nicely counterbalanced, with a slight dampening effect that helps achieve professional-looking pans and tilts. The head is simple but works incredibly well. The head also enables 90º forward and 60º back for tilt, while the pan works through the full 360º.

At its maximum height of 1.97cm, the tripod can hold the weight of most cameras and equipment. However, the lower leg sections show some flex at full height, so it’s not ideal for motion shots at the maximum extension. The leg spreader can be locked into place to support heavier cameras and accessories. Removing the wide feet reveals the tripod’s spikes quickly, ensuring a secure grip on soft ground.

SmallRig FreeBlazer Video tripod

At the lower heights, the tripod is solid, with no noticeable vibrations or shaking when panning or tilting. As the final leg section extends, flex is noticeable, but it’s not major and is expected from a tripod of this weight and pricepoint.

Final Thoughts

The SmallRig FreeBlazer Heavy-Duty Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit 3989 is a reliable and sturdy option for videographers looking for a mid-level video tripod. With a maximum payload of 10kg, it can handle most camera rigs and equipment, including DSLRs, Mirrorless cameras, and mid-sized camcorders. The adjustable step-less damping system provides smooth panning, and the carbon fibre legs make it far more lightweight for a heavy-duty tripod than many competitor models.

While the tripod may not be as fast to set up as others due to the lever lock releases, it’s still easy to use and adjust, and the leg spreader works well with individual locks to secure the tripod’s shape. The bowl base enables easy head levelling and you can swap for other heads if you want.

The SmallRig FreeBlazer Heavy-Duty Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit 3989 is a great option for those looking for a reliable, sturdy, and mid-priced video tripod kit that can handle most shooting environments and conditions.