The 63-inch tripod from K&F Concept marks the second photography stand featured on FirstQuadcopter. My first tripod served faithfully as a ground station, supporting a 10-inch FPV screen and directional antennas. This new addition, however, takes on a different role—it will be my primary tool for product photography.
What immediately stands out is the thoughtful design: a ball head paired with a panoramic base. This combination offers remarkable versatility, surpassing even my long-trusted Manfrotto tripod, which cost three times more and served me for many years. Supporting a heavy load and a reversible central tube, the K&F Concept tripod feels like a smart upgrade for creators who value flexibility without breaking the bank.
Weighing only 1,179 grams (2.6 lb) and folding down to 15.3 inches (including the ball head), this tripod is ideal for travelers who pack light. Despite its compact size, it doesn’t compromise on strength or stability. With an adjustable height range from 44 cm to 163 cm (17.3″ to 64″) and a maximum payload of 10 kg (22 lb), the K&F Concept tripod can handle even the heaviest photography setups. Whether you’re shooting outdoors or in a studio, it delivers the reliability you need.
K&F CONCEPT O235A1 tripod review
Disclosure: I received this versatile tripod as part of a product review collaboration with K&F CONCEPT. Product specs and quality may vary according to the manufacturer’s reliability, so I cannot guarantee that you will get a product that performs the same as seen in my article.
I got the tripod about two months ago, but I’ve been busy with other product reviews and furnishing my new house, where I hope to move in soon. During this time, I also set aside a room that I plan to properly equip for product photography. I’m really looking forward to creating a dedicated space where I can test gear more professionally and take my content to the next level.
At a glance
The tripod comes nicely packed and includes a pouch bag, ball head, universal phone holder, and two hex wrenches. The tripod’s folded length is about 46 cm (18”) or 39 cm (15.3”) without the ball head, making it significantly shorter than my other tripods. It features four main leg sections and a reversible center column with a hook for attaching a bean bag or counterweight. The tripod is made primarily from aluminum, which gives it a solid and durable feel. However, the section release clamps are made of plastic, which is a bit disappointing. While they do the job, metal clamps would have inspired more confidence in long-term durability.
Thanks to its center rod’s triangular-section design, the tripod’s diameter is only 6 cm (2.4”), roughly the same as a 0.5 L water bottle. Its slim profile makes it incredibly easy to slip into almost any carry-on bag, making it a perfect travel companion. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or a longer trip, it won’t take up much space in your luggage.
At the end of each leg, the tripod features a metal spike covered by a removable rubber cap. This simple yet practical design allows it to adapt easily to different types of terrain. With the rubber caps on, it sits securely on smooth indoor floors or pavement without scratching the surface. Remove the caps, and the exposed spikes provide extra grip on grass, dirt, gravel, or other soft ground. It’s a thoughtful detail that adds versatility and helps ensure better stability wherever you choose to shoot.
The included 2-in-1 phone and tablet holder can accommodate most modern smartphones in both portrait and landscape modes, and it features two standard 1/4” tripod mounting points. I tested it with both the Samsung S25 Plus and the iPhone 16 Pro, and it held each device securely without any flex or instability. The grip feels firm and reliable, giving me confidence that the phone will stay safely in place, whether I’m shooting photos, recording video, or using it for remote camera control.
BH-40 Ball Head with 360° Panorama Scale and Built-in Level Indicator
Over time, I’ve tried a couple of ball heads, both expensive and budget-friendly. This K&F CONCEPT BH-40 is by far the best affordable one I’ve found so far. It feels smooth in operation and handles a larger camera rig with confidence. Many cheaper ball heads work decently, but they usually lack a proper panorama feature and are clearly designed for smaller, lighter cameras.
This one features a double-locking mechanism: one knob to adjust the ball’s friction and another to lock the panning movement independently. The motion is impressively smooth — not quite as buttery as a high-end Manfrotto, of course — but more than adequate for most photo and video work.
Thanks to the quick-release plate, attaching or removing the camera and other gear is quick and effortless, which makes switching setups much more convenient during a shoot.
Additionally, it features a built-in bubble level indicator and a compass for more precise setups. However, to be completely honest, their placement isn’t ideal. Once the camera is mounted, they become difficult — sometimes even impossible — to see. While it’s nice to have these features included, their practical usefulness is somewhat limited due to their positioning.
Price, availability, and options
All K&F CONCEPT tripods can be ordered directly from their official Amazon store, making the purchasing process simple and reliable. The 63-inch model featured in this review is currently available with an 8% discount and is priced at $54.99. The kit includes everything shown in this review: a storage bag, a phone holder, and a ball head. If you need an even more advanced photography tripod made from lightweight and durable carbon fiber, their X-Series 68-inch model is priced at $149.99.
Key features
- [Compact and Portable]: The tripod’s folded length is just 45cm (18″) with the ball, making it significantly shorter than competitors. It easily fits into a 20″ carry-on luggage, making it perfect for travel. The central axis uses a special tube design that is more compact than round tubes. It has a diameter of 2.4″, similar in size to a 16.88 oz bottle of mineral water, and can be held easily with one hand.
- [Enhanced Stability and Durability]: Featuring high-quality aluminum alloy legs and a 40 mm ball head, this tripod supports up to 10KG (22 lb) of weight, providing solid support for most video, DSLR, and mirrorless cameras, ensuring steady shots even with heavy gear.
- [Flexible Height Adjustment]: With a 5-section leg design and adjustable 2-stage leg angles, the tripod offers a height range of 44 cm to 163 cm (17.3″ to 64″), allowing users to quickly set the desired height and making it suitable for a wide variety of shooting situations.
- [Versatile Shooting Angles]: The 40 mm ball head rotates freely, and the 360° panoramic base allows for smooth and precise panning. The ball head tilts down 90° for vertical shooting, while the reversible center column enables low-angle shots.
Who Is It For?
The K&F CONCEPT O235A1 tripod is built with portability and everyday use in mind, without compromising on style. Its slim profile makes it simple to slip into bag compartments or side pockets, while the removable ball head adds extra flexibility for storage and transport. Whether you’re walking through city streets or hiking to a scenic spot, the lightweight design makes it easy to carry by hand, making it a reliable companion for travel and on-the-go photography.
Being lightweight, the tripod may experience some shake or vibration in strong winds or when used near flowing water, especially if a counterweight or beanbag isn’t attached to the center column. It isn’t designed for extreme conditions, so for the best results, use it in calm or relatively controlled environments.
In more typical settings, the tripod performs very well. It’s versatile enough for smartphone content creators looking for a compact, reliable support, while also capable of handling advanced mirrorless camera setups for professional photographers. Its balance of portability and stability makes it a solid choice for a wide range of creative shooting scenarios.
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