Key specs
- 8kg Load capacity
- Detachable monopod
- Extended height at 1.6m
- Lightweight at 1.56kg
- Arca-swiss quick release plate
- Central column can be placed horizontally
- Detachable monopod
- Extended height at 1.6m
- Lightweight at 1.56kg
- Arca-swiss quick release plate
- Central column can be placed horizontally
Intro
First things first: the name. For whatever reason some Chinese brands can't settle on their own brand name. The model of this tripod is the Q999H but can be branded as Beike, QZSD or Qingzhuangshidai. Names apart, the product is still the same. Furthermore, the code QZSD-02 can be found engraved on the head, but I suppose it refers exclusively to the detachable top portion.
Overall this is a super complete tripod loaded with features, at an attractive price point, lightweight and easy to carry. It is suitable for many genres of photography, from landscape and portraits to macro and wildlife and even product photography.
Overall this is a super complete tripod loaded with features, at an attractive price point, lightweight and easy to carry. It is suitable for many genres of photography, from landscape and portraits to macro and wildlife and even product photography.
Features
This tripod is supported by 3 legs with 4 sections with twist locks. Personally, I prefer flip locks but these do the job as well. The legs can be positioned in two different angles and also flipped 180º for better portability. Two of them have a sponge grip which is a great addition. The other leg can be detached into a monopod, adding a lot of versatility to this product.
The central piece houses the central column and can be twisted 360º facilitating the compositions. At the bottom of the central column, a stretchable hook is present allowing to hang heavy objects to increase stability. This hook piece also works as a lock. Once removed, the central column can be rotated 90º or 180º allowing some creativity to be explored for macro/ product photography and also shots close to the ground level.
The top piece is reserved for a fully featured head. 3 knobs can be found here. One will lock and unlock the golden ring that allows for smooth horizontal panning. The other two will make sure the ball head is perfectly secured. I find the ball head to be a bit stiff and not as smooth as I would like, but I believe it will get loose with time, and that will not be a problem with the double knob lock. The mount top is an Arca-Swiss type and can be locked and released with a few twists of a knob. Furthermore, two bubble levels allow for perfect positioning with the central column either vertical or horizontally.
The Q999H is a well-built and versatile tripod. Able to extend at eye level, be placed for top-down or low level photos and with many possible configurations, it basically allows any type of creative photography. The metal ball head and the aluminium alloy body strongly contribute for the overall stability. With a load capacity of 8kg it allows for the heaviest gear the be secured. For example, it can easily support a standard DSLR body with a Sigma 150-600mm Sport (at a whopping 3kg!), and still have a backpack full of beer hooked at the bottom ;).
Conclusions
The Beike/ QZSD/ Qingzhuangshidai is a compact, flexible, lightweight and sturdy affordable tripod. At roughly 1.5kg and less the 45cm when folded it sits perfectly on a backpack. Tripods that are sturdy and light to carry are not easy to find, and especially at such an attractive price point. It is definitely a value-for-money photography essential priced at $55US - $75US. In Vietnam it is easily found for less than 1,500,000 VND.
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to Michael from Khánh Long Camera in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) for sponsoring a unit for this project. Khánh Long Camera is a popular shop among the expat community in Saigon. They buy and sell camera gear at fair prices with a 5* customer service.
