Good things come in small packages, and the Novo Helix T50 is a prime example. Packing down to just 35.5cm, with the legs wrapped neatly around the head, it extends to a decent, if unremarkable, operating height of 140cm and weighs in at a relatively lightweight 1.84kg, with the BHP-32 ball head attached. The tripod is also available as a legs-only option, but the kit is good value, saving around $50/£50 over buying the legs and head separately.
This impressive height differential is achieved with no less than five extendable leg sections plus an additional two-section center column. Despite the number of twist locks and lightweight build, the tripod feels rigid when fully extended, thanks to the chunky legs’ ‘Superweave’ construction, made up from 10 layers of carbon fibre. The leg locks and spider are made of aviation-grade aluminum and have a smart black anodized finish. Novo says the legs can support a 20kg payload, or up to 8kg with the included head, which is plenty for a big full-frame Nikon and super-telephoto lens.
