3 Legged Thing Wes tripod kit review: one for the road, this high-end carbon fiber travel tripod for hybrid shooters comes complete with built-in leveling base and next-gen fluid head

The 3 Legged Thing Wes tripod kit is a high-end carbon fiber travel tripod specifically designed for hybrid shooters. This tripod comes with a built-in leveling base and a next-generation fluid head, making it an ideal choice for professional videographers and photographers. The Wes tripod is available in two versions: as a set of legs only or as a complete kit with the fluid head. The premium kit, including the fluid head, costs $599 / £569, while the legs alone are priced at $399 / £379.

Made from premium Japanese eight-layer carbon fiber with an aerospace-grade magnesium alloy canopy, the Wes tripod is lightweight at 2.1kg / 4.6lb and boasts an impressive load rating of 14kg / 30lb. The tripod features five sections per leg and a center column, with a folded height of 54.8cm / 21.6in and a maximum height of 134.5cm / 53in. The legs are compatible with monopod conversion, and the tripod comes with a padded case for protection during transportation.

Despite its compact size, the Wes tripod is surprisingly stable, with a significant payload capacity for its size. The tripod's five-section design offers excellent stability and load-bearing capabilities, making it an excellent choice for travel videography. The twist-action section locks and leg angle locks are easy to use, ensuring quick and secure setup and teardown.

While the Wes tripod has some potential drawbacks, such as the possible weakness of individual joints and the number of locks required for full extension and contraction, the overall design and build quality make it a worthwhile investment for professional videographers and photographers. The tripod's travel-friendly design and excellent build quality make it a strong contender in the high-end tripod market.