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SmallRig Tripods AD-01, AD-50, and AD-80: A Comprehensive Overview
SmallRig 2024-11-15 02:33:08
SmallRig is a renowned brand in the world of photography and videography, known for its durable and versatile gear. Among its offerings, the SmallRig AD-series tripods stand out for their excellent build quality and performance across a range of user needs. The AD-01, AD-50, and AD-80 are designed to cater to different levels of photography and videography, each tailored to specific needs based on device weight, stability requirements, and ease of use. Here’s an in-depth look at these three models.



1. Heavy-Duty Fluid Head Tripod AD-01:The Lightweight Companion for Everyday Shooters

Best For: Amateur photographers, vloggers, travel content creators. The SmallRig AD-01 tripod is a lightweight, entry-level tripod designed for everyday use. It offers reliable support while prioritizing portability.

Key Features:
  • Lightweight and Portable Design: Weighing just a few pounds, the AD-01 is ideal for photographers and videographers on the go. Its compact, foldable design ensures easy portability, making it perfect for travel.
  • User-Friendly Setup: Features a standard 3/8"-16 threaded hole, making it compatible with most cameras, action cameras, and smartphones for quick and easy setup.
  • Durable and Stable Construction: Made from high-quality aluminum alloy, this tripod is built for longevity and offers solid stability.
  • Dual-Mode Quick-Release Plate: The fluid head is compatible with two types of quick-release plates, designed for DJI RS 2/RS3/RS3 PRO. This versatile mount allows for easy switching between the two plate types.

  • Stable and Adjustable Tripod: The professional aluminum double-tube tripod features a built-in bubble level, high-strength aluminum alloy tubes, and a 75mm bowl bottom, ensuring excellent stability for video shooting. Its three-section height adjustment (85-186cm / 33-73in) and a maximum load capacity of 8kg (17 lbs) make it versatile for various shooting needs.

  • Professional Fluid Head: The fluid head features built-in damping and balancing systems, enabling smooth 360° horizontal and +90°/-60° vertical movements. The side-pressed quick-release mechanism allows for quick disassembly and installation with ease.
  • Easy Portability and Storage: The tripod includes a spacious carrying handle with an anti-slip design for comfortable portability. The quick-release plate also includes a built-in wrench for added convenience. For easy storage, a carrying bag is included to ensure everything is neatly packed and ready to go.
Perfect For:
  • Travel bloggers, vloggers, and amateur photographers looking for a quick and portable tripod solution for light gear.

2. Lightweight Video Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit AD-50: The All-Rounder for Enthusiasts and Semi-Pros

Best For: Intermediate photographers, content creators, YouTubers, independent filmmakers. The SmallRig AD-50 tripod steps up from the AD-01, offering enhanced stability and a higher load capacity. 


Key Features:
  • Sturdy Build: Constructed from high-quality aluminum alloy for strength, with rubber feet to increase stability on various surfaces.
  • Heavy Duty, Yet Lightweight and Compact: The tripod legs are made from carbon fiber and feature an innovative 2-1-1 structural design. Combining the stability of traditional heavy-duty tripods with a lighter weight than the traditional 2-2-1 structure, the tripod weighs only 2.8kg (6.2lbs) and supports a load of up to 15kg (33 lbs). This makes it perfect for both everyday video shooting and travel, offering portability without compromising on performance.
  • Quick Setup and Adjustable Height: The tripod features a center quick-lift rope system that allows you to easily adjust the center column's height. By connecting the pull rings on the center connector and bowl seat, you can quickly raise or lower the center column, saving valuable time. The adjustable height range is from 73cm to 163cm (28.7in to 64.1in), with a folded length of just 79cm (31.1in) for easy storage and transport.
  • Detachable Fluid Head with Step-Less Damping: The detachable fluid head offers an adjustable, step-less damping system for tilt and a fixed counterbalance system. Creators can fine-tune the damping based on their specific needs and preferences, providing greater flexibility than fixed-damping heads. The video head allows smooth 360° pan and +90°/-50° tilt movements, and is compatible with other tripods with a 65mm bowl base.
  • Enhanced Stability and Versatile Applications: The tripod features a mid-level spreader that allows you to control the unfolding angle, enhancing stability compared to fixed mid-level designs. It also includes a 1/4"-20 threaded hole for attaching external devices such as magic arms, microphones, or monitors. Additionally, the tripod is equipped with built-in, hidden spiked feet, making it suitable for various terrains and environments.


Perfect For:
  • Enthusiast photographers, content creators, and semi-professional videographers who need a reliable tripod for everyday use and slightly heavier gear.


3. FreeBlazer Heavy-Duty Aluminum Alloy Tripod AD-80: The Heavy-Duty Professional Tripod

Best For: Professional photographers, videographers, filmmakers, and studio work. The SmallRig AD-80 is a heavy-duty tripod designed for professionals who demand the utmost in stability, precision, and load-bearing capacity. Whether for large DSLR cameras, cinema cameras, or video rigs, the AD-80 offers unmatched strength and performance for demanding shoots.


Key Features:
  • One-Step Height Adjustment: The AD-80 heavy-duty video tripod features a one-step height adjustment system. Unlike traditional tripods that require unlocking multiple steps, this system allows you to quickly extend and retract the legs with ease. It offers an adjustable height range from 34" to 75" (87 cm - 191 cm) and folds down to just 35" (90.5 cm) for easy storage and transport.

  • Stable Support with Maximum Load Capacity: Built with high-strength aluminum alloy and double-row tubes, this professional video tripod ensures exceptional stability. Weighing 9.6 lbs (4.3 kg), it supports a maximum load of up to 15kg (33 lbs), making it ideal for heavy-duty video shooting.

  • Fluid Head with Damping System: The heavy-duty video head features a damping system that allows for smooth 360° panning and +90°/-65° tilting. With the center of gravity set at 55mm, the pre-set counterbalance system ensures precise control and dynamic balance. A built-in spirit level helps you easily find the horizontal position for accurate camera placement.
  • Dual-Mode Quick-Release Plate: The fluid head is equipped with a snap-on quick-release plate mount, offering a more efficient and secure mounting solution than traditional slide-on plates. It supports both DJI RS 2/RS 3/RS 3 Pro quick-release plates and MFT plates, allowing you to switch seamlessly between stabilizer and tripod shooting.
  • Detachable Handle for Easy Storage: The pan handle is detachable for convenient storage and operation, suitable for both left- and right-handed users. The video head also includes a 1/4"-20 threaded hole for attaching accessories like magic arms. A custom carrying bag is included for better storage, protection, and portability.


Perfect For:
  • Professional filmmakers, photographers, and studio-based users who require a tripod capable of handling heavy equipment and providing ultimate stability during critical shoots.



Which Tripod is Right for You?

  • SmallRig AD-01: If you are an amateur photographer or a content creator who needs something lightweight and portable for daily use, the AD-01 is a great option. It’s designed to carry light equipment and is easy to take on the go.
  • SmallRig AD-50: If you are an intermediate enthusiast who needs a versatile tripod that can handle a mid-weight camera and provide greater stability, the AD-50 is your go-to choice. It offers a balance between portability and robustness.
  • SmallRig AD-80: If you’re a professional photographer or videographer working with heavier setups like cinema cameras or rigs, the AD-80 is built to handle demanding shoots. Its high load capacity and superior stability make it ideal for critical, high-stakes productions.


The SmallRig AD-01, AD-50, and AD-80 tripods each serve unique purposes for different levels of photography and videography. From casual shooters to seasoned professionals, SmallRig has designed these tripods to meet the varying demands of photographers and videographers. Choosing the right tripod depends on the type of gear you use and the level of stability you require for your shoots.
Whether you need a lightweight solution for travel, a versatile tripod for everyday shoots, or a heavy-duty companion for studio work, SmallRig has a tripod in the AD-series that fits your needs.


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