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Sirui ST-124+VA-5 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Fluid Head — main product image
Sirui ST-124+VA-5 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Fluid Head
Sirui ST-124+VA-5 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Fluid Head
Sirui ST-124+VA-5 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Fluid Head
Sirui ST-124+VA-5 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Fluid Head
Sirui ST-124+VA-5 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Fluid Head
Sirui ST-124+VA-5 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Fluid Head
Sirui

Sirui ST-124+VA-5 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Fluid Head

★★★★★4.6 (121 reviews)

Tack-sharp stills and smooth cinematic pans from a carbon fiber rig light enough to carry all day in the field.

$226.00*$349.90Save 35%
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 28, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Sirui ST-124+VA-5 is built for photographers and hybrid shooters who move between studio setups and location work and need a tripod system that doesn't force a compromise between portability and structural confidence. The four-section carbon fiber legs keep the complete system at 3.96 lbs — light enough to carry on extended outdoor shoots without fatigue — while the large-diameter carbon layers and triangular center column geometry deliver a rigidity level that outperforms the weight savings might suggest. Twist-lock leg sections deploy quickly in the field and resist contamination better than lever-lock alternatives in wet or dusty conditions. This is a tripod that suits landscape, portrait, and event photographers who want to arrive on location ready to shoot without wrestling with a heavy aluminum setup.

The bundled VA-5 fluid head elevates the package beyond a basic still photography tripod. Constructed from hard-anodized high-density aluminum alloy, the head provides genuine fluid drag for controlled panning and tilting in video applications — interview setups, slow landscape pans, and product video benefit from the smoother movement compared to a ball head. The Arca-Swiss compatible clamp with dual 1/4" and 3/8" screw options means plates from virtually any manufacturer seat securely without adapter plates. Retractable spike feet complete the field-readiness picture, giving the legs a secure bite on grass, gravel, and soft earth when rubber feet would slip. Within its 6.61 lb load rating, the ST-124+VA-5 is a well-matched carbon fiber system that punches competently across both photography and video workflows.

Key Features

This unique triangle shaped center column allows for a more compact design as well as a sturdier center section.

Non-slip Retractable Spikes: Rubber tripod legs with retractable spikes are designed to enhance the stability and can adapt to various shooting environment.

VA-5 Fluid Head: Adopting durable high-density aluminum alloy and hard anodized forging process.

Carbon Fiber Construction: Lightweight and strong carbon fiber sections provide the ultimate stability for your camera. The large leg diameters enhance the strength of the carbon layers.

Wide Compatibility: The arca-compatible VA-5 is equipped with 1/4" and 3/8" screws and compatible with a great number of photographic devices.

Specifications

Model
ST-124+VA-5
Material
Carbon Fiber
Maximum Height
62.2 inches
Maximum Load Capacity
6.61 lbs (3 kg)
Item Weight
3.96 lbs (1.8 kg)
Tripod Head
VA-5 Fluid Video Head
Head Material
Hard-Anodized High-Density Aluminum Alloy
Leg Lock Type
Twist Lock
Collapsed Length
25.6 inches
Dimensions
25.6 x 5.5 x 5.1 inches
Screw Compatibility
1/4" and 3/8" (Arca-Swiss Compatible)
Special Features
Retractable Spikes, Waterproof, Triangular Center Column

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Carbon fiber construction keeps total system weight at 3.96 lbs — light enough for a full day of location shooting without fatigue
  • Triangular center column design adds rigidity at the core section without adding bulk, improving stability at mid and full extension
  • Retractable metal spikes give the legs genuine grip on outdoor terrain — a practical field advantage over rubber-only feet
  • Arca-compatible VA-5 head with 1/4" and 3/8" compatibility integrates into virtually any existing plate-and-clamp system without adapters
  • Twist-lock leg sections are fast to deploy and more secure than flip locks in wet or muddy outdoor conditions

👎 Cons

  • 6.61 lb maximum load capacity limits use with heavier telephoto rigs or cinema cameras with full cage and accessories
  • Maximum height of 62.2 inches falls short for over-shoulder shooting or elevated angles without raising the center column, which reduces stability
  • The VA-5 fluid head drag is adequate for basic video panning but lacks the precision tension adjustment of dedicated cinema fluid heads
  • Waterproof designation covers the twist-lock mechanism but does not imply the VA-5 head is sealed for submersion or heavy rain
  • At 25.6 inches collapsed, it is too long for most rolling carry-on bags and requires a dedicated tripod bag or external attachment

Frequently Asked Questions

The VA-5 is a genuine fluid head designed for smooth panning and tilting in video applications. Its drag resistance makes it useful for controlled camera movements in interview setups, landscape timelapse transitions, and event video — though it is not a broadcast-grade fluid head and won't replace a dedicated cinema head for narrative work.
The tripod system is rated to 6.61 lbs. A mirrorless body with a mid-range telephoto lens typically falls within that window, but a heavy 70-200mm f/2.8 with accessories can push close to or past the limit. Verify your complete rig weight — body, lens, baseplate, and accessories — against the 6.61 lb rating before relying on this for long telephoto work.
Yes — the rubber-tipped legs retract to reveal metal spikes designed to grip soft outdoor surfaces like grass, gravel, and packed earth. The transition between rubber feet and spikes is tool-free, making it a practical field swap when moving between indoor hard floors and outdoor terrain.
The VA-5 head features an Arca-compatible clamp with both 1/4" and 3/8" screw options, so standard Arca-Swiss plates from most manufacturers will seat and lock securely. This makes it straightforward to swap cameras between this tripod and other Arca-compatible heads without changing plates.
The collapsed length is 25.6 inches — manageable for carry-on luggage or a tripod bag, but not an ultra-compact travel tripod. At 3.96 lbs total, it sits in the lightweight-but-substantial category: lighter than aluminum alternatives, but not a featherweight hiking tripod.

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