Sirui

Sirui ET-1204 + VA-5 Carbon Fiber Travel Video Tripod

1.0inch0.6inch5.1inch45.7inch55.1inch

Ultra-light carbon fiber travel tripod and fluid head kit that folds to just 16.5 inches for video on the go.

$198.00*
In Stock on Amazon.com
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 27, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Sirui ET-1204 + VA-5 is a travel-focused carbon fiber tripod and fluid video head combination built for videographers and hybrid shooters who refuse to compromise on smooth motion just because they're traveling light. At only 3.7 pounds total and folding down to 16.5 inches, the kit slips into a carry-on or backpack with room to spare — yet it extends to a working height of 55.1 inches with the center column raised. The four-section carbon fiber legs use flip locks for quick deployment, and the retractable spike feet beneath the rubber pads let you confidently set up on everything from studio floors to rocky trails.

The VA-5 fluid head is the real differentiator in this kit. Machined from high-density aluminum alloy with a hard anodized finish, it delivers 360° panning and a generous -60° to +90° stepless tilt range with genuine fluid drag — a rarity at this weight class. The included dual center columns (long and short) add versatility, letting you shoot at standard heights, connect both for extra reach, or swap to the short column for macro and low-angle work at just 5.1 inches off the ground. The head accepts both 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch screws, ensuring broad compatibility with cameras, monitors, and other accessories. For travel videographers carrying mirrorless setups under 6.6 pounds, this kit is a compelling blend of portability, build quality, and fluid head performance.

Key Features

ET-1204 Tripod with VA-5 Fluid Head: Material: Carbon Fiber; The whole tripod kit weighs 1.7kg/3.7lb (1.1kg/2.4lb tripod +0.6kg/1.32 lbs fluid head); Sections: 4; Tube Max Dia: 25mm/1.0inch; Tube Min Dia: 16mm/0.6inch; Min Hgt: 130mm/5.1inch; Max Hgt: 1160mm/45.7inch; Max Hgt with Column Extended.: 1400mm/55.1inch; Retracted Height: 480mm/18.9inch; Folded Height: 420mm/16.5inch; Tripod Max Load:8kg/17.6lb; Video Head Payload: 3kg/6.61lb;

Lightweight and Compact Carbon Tripod --- SIRUI ET Series Tripods are tailored for travelling photographers. Besides being lightweight and compact, the flick leg lock system of the tripod facilitates fast leg extension and retraction, and enables users to easily capture stunning images during travelling. The ET Series is the ideal partner in travel shooting.

Convertible Center Column for Flexible Adjustment --- The ET tripods include a long center column and a short center column for flexible height and versatile shooting angles. The 2 center columns can be connected to increase additional height or converted for macro photography.

Ultra Stability with Flip Locks and Spikes --- ET series tripods are designed with flip leg lock system, which helps photographers to quickly set up the tripod and preventing tripod from slippage. The tripod also include a hook to increase the stability by hanging objects. Rubber tripod mats with retractable spikes are especially designed to enhance the stability and adapt to various shooting environment, helping tripods to stand firm on different terrains for indoor and outdoor photography.

VA-5 Fluid Head --- Adopting durable high-density aluminum alloy and hard anodized forging process, it is solidly constructed with large load capacity. With dynamic balancing system of 360° panorama and -60°to +90°stepless tilting, the fluid head can be rotated smoothly at different angles to meet to meet numerous shooting scenarios.And it is equipped with 1/4" and 3/8" screws.

Specifications

Brand
Sirui
Model
ET-1204 + VA-5
Leg Material
Carbon Fiber
Leg Sections
4
Max Tube Diameter
25mm (1.0 inch)
Min Tube Diameter
16mm (0.6 inch)
Minimum Height
130mm (5.1 inches)
Maximum Height
1160mm (45.7 inches)
Max Height (Column Extended)
1400mm (55.1 inches)
Retracted Height
480mm (18.9 inches)
Folded Height
420mm (16.5 inches)
Tripod Max Load
8 kg (17.6 lbs)
Video Head Payload
3 kg (6.6 lbs)
Total Weight
1.7 kg (3.7 lbs)
Head Material
High-density aluminum alloy
Tilt Range
-60° to +90° stepless
Pan Range
360°
Screw Mounts
1/4" and 3/8"

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Carbon fiber construction keeps total kit weight to just 3.7 lbs while maintaining rigidity
  • Folds down to 16.5 inches, easily fitting in carry-on luggage or a backpack side pocket
  • VA-5 fluid head provides smooth panning and tilting with -60° to +90° stepless tilt range
  • Dual interchangeable center columns enable both full-height and ultra-low macro shooting
  • Flip leg locks allow fast setup and teardown compared to twist-lock designs

👎 Cons

  • VA-5 head payload of 3 kg (6.6 lbs) limits use to lighter camera and lens combinations
  • Maximum height of 55.1 inches with column extended is shorter than many full-size tripods
  • Four-section legs with smaller minimum tube diameter of 16mm trade some stiffness for compactness
  • No leveling bowl — the flat-mount head attachment is less forgiving on uneven ground

Frequently Asked Questions

The full kit weighs 1.7 kg (3.7 lbs) — 1.1 kg for the tripod legs and 0.6 kg for the VA-5 fluid head.
The tripod legs support up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), while the VA-5 fluid video head has a payload rating of 3 kg (6.6 lbs), so the head is the limiting factor for video setups.
Yes, the kit includes both a long and short center column. The short column allows you to get down to a minimum height of 130mm (5.1 inches), and the columns can be swapped or connected for flexible height adjustment.
The VA-5 offers stepless tilting from -60° to +90° and full 360° panning with a dynamic balancing system for smooth video movements.
Yes, the rubber foot pads include retractable spikes underneath, allowing you to switch between stable indoor footing and secure grip on soft outdoor terrain.