
Sirui
Sirui N-1204X Carbon Fiber Tripod/Monopod, 160cm
★★★★★
At 1.12kg of carbon fiber, the N-1204X converts from a 160cm tripod to a 156cm monopod so you can switch support modes without swapping gear mid-shoot.
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Overview
Key Features
Material: carbon; weight: 1.12 kg
Tripod height: 14 – 160 cm, monopod height: 43 – 156 cm
Packaging dimensions: 46 cm; maximum load: 12 kg
handles offering protection against the cold, rubber feet, weight hooks, ¼-inch and 3/8-inch screws
Box contents: Sirui X-1204X Tripod, 2 mounting plates, hand cable, case, strap, tool, user manual
Specifications
Material
Carbon Fiber
Weight
1.12 kg
Tripod Height Range
14 – 160 cm
Monopod Height Range
43 – 156 cm
Maximum Load
12 kg
Packed Length
46 cm
Thread Compatibility
¼-inch and 3/8-inch
Included
Tripod, 2 Mounting Plates, Hand Cable, Carry Case, Strap, Tool, User Manual
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- 1.12kg carbon fiber construction keeps the full kit under shoulder-bag weight limits for a day of travel or landscape shooting without fatigue
- 12kg load rating handles full-frame DSLR and mirrorless rigs with fast telephoto glass without flex under the weight
- Converts to a 156cm monopod, eliminating the need to carry separate monopod for event or sports work alongside tripod shooting
- Cold-protection grip wraps make the legs comfortable to handle during winter outdoor sessions where bare carbon would be uncomfortably cold
- Included carry case with strap means the tripod is ready to pack and transport without sourcing a separate bag
👎 Cons
- No head is included — photographers need to budget and source a separate ballhead or pan-tilt head, adding to total system cost
- The tripod-to-monopod conversion, while useful, requires time mid-shoot that a dedicated monopod would not
- At 46cm packed length, it's compact but not as pocketable as shorter travel tripods designed specifically for ultralight backpacking kits
- Maximum 160cm height may leave taller photographers angling down at eye level without raising the center column, which trades off stability
- Single-leg monopod conversion means the detached legs must be managed or stowed while shooting in monopod mode
Frequently Asked Questions
How sturdy is the N-1204X at maximum height with a heavier mirrorless or DSLR kit?
The N-1204X is rated to 12kg, which comfortably handles full-frame DSLR bodies with medium telephoto lenses. At 160cm maximum height the carbon fiber legs maintain good rigidity, though like any tripod at full extension, the center column raised adds some vibration susceptibility — keep the column low for critical sharp work and you'll get clean results.
How quickly does the tripod-to-monopod conversion actually work in the field?
One leg detaches and the remaining two fold away to form the monopod — the conversion takes about 30–45 seconds once you're familiar with the mechanism. For event or wildlife shooters who alternate between stationary setups and moving with a long lens, this means you're carrying one piece of support gear instead of two.
What do the cold-protection handles actually do and when do they matter?
The foam-wrapped leg sections prevent the carbon fiber tubes from conducting cold directly to your hands in sub-zero temperatures — a detail that matters significantly when shooting landscapes or wildlife in winter conditions where bare carbon can become painful to grip after minutes of exposure. They also improve grip security in damp conditions.
Are both the ¼-inch and 3/8-inch thread screws included, and which head mounts will fit?
Yes, both ¼-20 and 3/8-inch adapter screws are included. This means the N-1204X is compatible with virtually any ballhead, pan-tilt head, or fluid head on the market regardless of thread standard, and you can also mount cameras directly without a separate head if needed.
Does the N-1204X include a head, or is it legs-only?
The N-1204X ships as legs only — no head is included. The package does include two mounting plates, a hand cable, carry case, strap, and tool, but you'll need to source a compatible ballhead or pan-tilt head separately based on your shooting style.