Tripods are an essential part of photographers’ tool chests. As I indicated in an article, selecting a tripod is not easy. Starting with the cost, one must consider the weight, capacity, sturdiness, dimensions, and other personal requirements. The ROGETI T32Lite tripod combines qualities that may satisfy many photographers.
Disclosure: ROGETI provided the review sample, but the post contains no affiliate links.
T32Lite Tripod
I have been downsizing my camera and lenses and a lighter tripod would also be welcome. The ROGETI T32Lite was aptly named. But how sturdy could it be? As I extended and spread the legs apart, the lightweight tripod felt reassuringly sturdy as I leaned on it standing on the floor, especially for its size and weight.
Impressions and Observations
ROGETI products project high quality and superb build. The legs have just enough resistance to spread confidently as you apply gentle pressure. Where you stop, there is a definite feeling that the leg will stay put. They even ensured that the legs did not go as far as they could when closed, and touched the center column. They stop at zero degrees and stay there. This controlled leg movement may allow setting up the tripod very close to objects, walls, and the like.
Click on the images to see them larger, uncropped, and read their titles.
The legs have two extensions with twist locks. These twist locks differ from the other tripods I have owned or used. They are at the top of the structure and when twisted, you will slide down the lock to extend the leg rather than reaching for the section below it. It is more comfortable and natural since you can easily adjust the height without moving your hand. The locks feel very sturdy and I almost feel a two-stage loosening of the lock.
The fiberglass legs begin with a narrow set at the top and each additional section introduces a wider leg tube to house the sections above it. Another unusual element of the T32Lite tripod is the tip of the legs. Instead of being round with hidden spikes, ROGETI designed them like tiny rubbery horseshoes. They sit on flat surfaces comfortably and securely.
The review tripod came with a C32K40 center column with an Arca-Swiss clamp fixed at its top. The one listed on their website comes with a C32R40 center column with a regular tripod head mounting screw. If you are not planning to purchase their tripod head which fits on this center column, you are better off buying the one with the C32R40 center column. ROGETI offers many optional center columns and tripod heads, including an extender, a geared column, and even one that can become a mini tripod.
Needs A Tripod Head
It will need a more flexible tripod head, so I improvised one. I put an Arca plate on an AcraTech ball head and attached it to the clamp on the center column. ROGETI says this center column was designed for their 360 Panoramic Head which I will review next. We’ll see. I also found the center column clamp lever smaller than I would prefer. It works but it is a little harder for me to tighten. But, I don’t have the strongest fingers either!
T32Lite Specs
Made of fiberglass legs and high-quality aluminum parts, the T32Lite weighs 2.9 lbs and is a hair over 18″. When the legs are collapsed, the circumference at its thickest part is about 12.25″. In short, it is quite compact, lightweight, and will likely fit in your suitcase.
Its load capacity is rated at 44 lbs at the center column, that’s quite a load for such a small tripod. Although I do not have any gear that will approach that, I would feel comfortable putting it on this mini-marvel! Its height is adjustable from 18″ to 50″ with the center column fully extended. It also has a collection of optional accessories from center columns to wheels and spikes. The link in the first paragraph has more detailed specs.
In Use
As I said earlier, I added a ball head using an Arca-Swiss plate. The result was quite satisfying, a light tripod that is easy to set up and a ball head allowing me to position the camera however I wanted. I brought the tripod near our dining room table and framed a small section of a three-year-old poinsettia. The camera was very stable and I could see the back screen comfortably.
I wondered if I could point the camera down on the leaves for a different angle of view. So, I mounted the nodal slide plate to the Arca clamp on the center column. It is a part of the panorama head I will soon review but it fits the need. The ball head was now on the clamp at the end of the slider and the camera mounted on it. Even with this extended arm and the camera at the end of it, the tripod did not complain a bit. In this case, the Arca clamp on the center column came in handy, but it may be a liability for some users.
My overall experience with the T32Lite has been a very satisfying one. If you are looking for a light but sturdy tripod, you will not be disappointed with it.
Summary
- The T32Lite is a capable yet small and lightweight tripod
- Highly suitable for travel and hiking
- It has a surprising load capacity
- Consider offering a central column that has a standard screw for a tripod head
- Although tripods are not complex tools, the inclusion of a user guide would be better
- What exactly is the specially designed wrench for?
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Haluk Atamal
Tripods are very important tools and personally I do not think they have to be super light at all. Normally I never carry a tripod when hiking; if I need one, it has become a second nature for me to automatically find a fixation surface like a piece of rock, etc. The only exception to this is when I shoot in caves – usually damp ones.
On the other hand, I really need a sturdy tripod for night photography. For that, I do not need to carry the beast; just take it out of the boot (trunk) or the cupboard in the room.
Still I admire handling those efficient wonders able to carry bigger loads than one would expect. Thanks for sharing your experiences, esp. with the heads, latter being the more important part of the whole setup.
Next time carrying my old Manfrotto begins to worry me in the damp caves, I will remember your article!
Take care and kindest regards,
Haluk
A. Cemal Ekin
Hello Haluk, tripods present a love-hate relationship to many as the extra load and the time to set it up challenge the time. Yet, when I took the photographs of this tripod using my camera mounted on another one, I was very pleased they did not suffer from my shaky hands! I found this to be a very capable and portable tripod. Definitely worth remembering!
Take care,
Cemal
James Turner
As you know I saw this tripod. Felt its weight and sturdiness. Your fits what I intuitively sensed on this product. You are so thorough. Excellent review.
A. Cemal Ekin
Thank you, Jim. I strive to provide the best impression of the products I review being true to my nature of being objective to a fault! Surprisingly robust.
Cemal