SmallRig Tripod Review - the CT180 Video Tripod & HawkLock clamp system

A New Video Tripod from SmallRig _ Review of the CT-180 tripod and more

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:20 SmallRig overview - tripods and clamps
03:00 The CT180 tripod - strengths and weaknesses
06:07 The fluid head
08:00 Two problems with the tripod head
10:30 What to use it for 12:33 QR issues - the 3rd issue with the tripod
13:57 Price check ($119) and the phone mount
17:00 Smooth segue to the HawkLock clamps
18:00 Gushing praise for the nubbin clamps
25:37 HawkLock prices and summary
26:10 You , me and Patreon. summary, and farewell

This is a double review of the new video tripod and mini QR clamping system from SmallRig. Short version - I love the tripod, it is very well made and does what it is supposed to do. One or two little issues are related to its size, but no reason to avoid. I just keep embarrassing myself over these HawkLock mini QR clamps. They are MADE for my kind of technical photography, and for making videos about it. I love this gear and I have been using it every day for months.
Note that some of the following links are Amazon Affiliate links and that I might make a small commission from qualifying sales.
It can be found at the SmallRig Amazon store https://amzn.to/3LfqXec
It all started with the best bendy arms ever made… https://amzn.to/3IET5p6
Then came the amazing mini QR clamps https://amzn.to/3DhO3xV
Next thing you know, we had some of the most versatile and amazing clamping systems - made for macro cage work! https://amzn.to/3us0cMH and for attaching stuff to cameras… https://amzn.to/3umVM9U

ME & MY GEAR
(or my gear and I)
When in the studio I use the Nikon D850 as my main camera - https://amzn.to/3zEznWK
It is always wearing a gorgeous black device called a 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom - my favorite video and portrait lens - https://amzn.to/3zzaoUy
Other cameras that are used as needed include a Nikon D7500 - https://amzn.to/371KoFe
A Nikon D3400 for emergencies - https://amzn.to/3xbwXgu
A Fujifilm XT-2, with a battery grip - https://amzn.to/3l3Agnw
Without any Fuji glass, I use a TS adapter from Kipon and any Nikkor lens I like - it is an awesome TS adapter - https://amzn.to/2Vikjze
My studio lights are basic Neewer panels (LED) - they are really very good, but I aspire for something more powerful - https://amzn.to/2Wk8Xel
I use Audio Technica shotgun microphones in the studio, - https://amzn.to/3iQLNnv
but I also have a Pro Caster from Australian mic-maker Rode - https://amzn.to/3rDPqkx
who also make my DSLR microphone - https://amzn.to/3iTxfU6
and my wireless microphone system - https://amzn.to/371C8oD
I record all my sound separately onto the awesome Zoom H5 Digital Audio Recorder. - https://amzn.to/3BM8aTG
I forgot to mention my trusty GoPro Hero 8 Black, complete with the Media Mod for on the go video - https://amzn.to/2UScm3J & https://amzn.to/3l3Desa

That is just some of the stuff I use - if you have any questions about my macro gear, or my recording equipment, just ask.

All my audio, music and sound effects comes for Epidemic Sound - I have been with them for about 3 years and they are pretty awesome - www.epidemicsound.com

All the photography you see on my channel, in my videos and on my website, was done by me. I tell you that so that you know I would never blame another photographer for my photographic mediocrity. But I love taking pictures, so I do.

FIND ME HERE

You want to hang out somewhere else on the interwebs? Here is how you can find me on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/old_dog_new_trix
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/manofmacro/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/allanwalls
Discord: This is an invitation… come on over and meet the rest of the gang! https://discord.gg/EYjgq42
My website: https://www.allanwallsphotography.com

SUPPORT ME HERE

If you would like to support my work, you can do so in any of the following ways:
by becoming a Patreon patron - https://www.patreon.com/allanwallsphotography
By making a donation to the video assistance fund on my website https://www.allanwallsphotography.com/donations
You could buy me a cup of coffee via PayPal, but clicking on https://www.paypal.me/manofmacro
If you wanted to help me without having to give me anything, you could use this link when you go shopping on Amazon - that is it, you don’t have to do anything else but you will have helped the channel pay the bills - the link is https://amzn.to/3eV74vk