SCG StediFast HD Carbon Fiber Tripod Review
The SCG StediFast HD is a well-designed, high-performing, fast-setup tripod with long-enduring mostly metal and carbon fiber (or aluminum) construction. The performance and quality of this tripod for the price is impressive.
The story doesn't change: a great video head requires a great support to operate at its full potential. Often, video heads are available in a kit with legs that are typically matched to their performance level. In this case, the SCG (Smooth Camera Gear) StediFast HD Carbon Fiber Tripod came in a kit with the SCG T8 G2 Fluid Head.
While this tripod provides great support for still photography, the twin leg design is optimized for video recording.
SCG StediFast HD Carbon Fiber Tripod Dimensions, Specs, and Weight
Back to TopHere is a look at the SCG StediFast HD Carbon Fiber Tripod's specs and measurements.
| Specifications | SCG StediFast HD Carbon Fiber Tripod | |
| Load Capacity | 70 lbs | (35 kg) |
| Max Height | 63" | (162 cm) |
| Minimum Height | 11.8" | (30 cm) |
| Folded Length | 29.9" | (76 cm) |
| Weight | 7.67 / 9.0 lbs | (3.48 / 4.1 kg) |
This tripod's load capacity exceeds most video rigs in use today, even when loaded with accessories. Still, a load capacity that far exceeds the actual load means less vibration and flex.
The taller a tripod is, the more likely it will accommodate your eye-level height or even your eye-level height with one or more tripod legs positioned lower than you. The StediFast HD with the mid-level spreader locked in its narrowest setting puts the top of the 75mm half ball adapter1 65.3" (165.9 cm) over a floor, which takes the mounted T8 G2 head's clamp to 75.6" (192.0 cm). Add a camera over this setup, and the available flat surface working height requires a ladder for most of us to use.
While high is good, so is low, and getting the camera down to the ground can be ideal for some compositions. The StediFast HD goes down to 11.8" (30 cm) without a spreader attached. While that number is low, remember that the height to the top of the head's clamp is about 18.2" (46.2 cm).
A tripod's folded length is of primary concern for packing and transport. A tall 3-section tripod will not be compact when retracted, 29.9" (76 cm) in this case. This tripod is also relatively large in diameter. Figure a snug fit in an 8" (20.3 cm) internal diameter case.
All other aspects being equal, larger diameter leg sections will provide greater stability and lower vibrations than smaller diameter sections. Of course, leg wall thickness and construction details enter into play. This tripod's 0.63" (16mm) diameter leg tubes are relatively thin. However, the design includes double tubes in the top two sections, and a wider 0.87" (22.0mm) diameter single tube is used in the lower section. The structural rigidity of this design is quite good.
This tripod is available with aluminum or carbon fiber rods, and the aluminum version spec weights follow the "/". With the substantial rod length included in the design, the more expensive carbon fiber construction saves a considerable amount of weight. Though substantial in structure, the StediFast HD is relatively light relative to its strength and rigidity.
The Apex
Back to TopVideo heads are usually two-way adjusting, requiring a level platform, and tripods at this performance level feature a bowl for a half ball to mount in. Accommodating a 100mm bowl requires a substantial apex, and this tripod has one.
An included 100mm to 75mm bowl adapter (reduction ring) adds versatility to this tripod.
Threaded inserts are provided on the three outermost points of the chassis, ready for attachment of an arm or other accessories. My kit came with a strong aluminum alloy handle attached to one of these features. One of the remaining inserts is 3/8" (with a 1/4" adapter bushing included), and the other is 1/4".
Leg Angle Stops
Back to TopUsually, independent leg spread, allowing the tripod legs to open at various angles, is a desired feature, ready to accommodate any terrain or the lowest camera heights. This tripod has that feature.
Still photo tripods usually feature independent leg spread with angle stops that suggest and facilitate equal pivoting and firmly locking in specific angles. This tripod has only a single stop — at its widest available opening, with modest vertical flex exhibited at this weakest leg position.
However, the tripod legs can be opened to any desired angle.
The double-spiked feet (more about feet later) or spreader (discussed next) are counted on to prevent the legs from sliding outward. The tripod and mounted camera's combined weight is, in most cases, sufficient to prevent inward slippage without a locked spreader.
Spreader
Back to TopThe useful SCG mid-level aluminum alloy spreader is included.
Locked in place, the spreader holds the legs at their set angle and significantly increases stability and reduces vibration.
The spreader attaches to dual holes at the bottom of each top leg section. Dual red metal push buttons at the end of each spreader section retract metal pins that lock into the tripod leg connection holes when the buttons are released.
The selected spreader arm length, aided by indexing, is locked with the black knob on each arm.
An upward pull on the centered split ring attached to a metal pin folds the spreader, which retracts all tripod leg sections for quick location change or teardown.
The SCG spreader system is easy to deploy, and it is effective at dampening vibrations.
This spreader weighs 10.5 oz (297.6 g).
The StediFast HD is also available with a ground-level spreader.
Legs
Back to TopLike the apex, the legs are a critical part of a tripod. The reviewed SCG tripod has carbon fiber (optionally aluminum) tubes.
When panning under a panning load, torsional stability is a key to high performance. It is critical that the tripod head does not twist, which impacts panning performance, including rebound on release. The dual top leg tubes mounted in a substantial metal structure meet a similarly substantial metal apex several inches apart, effectively delivering high rigidity.
At full extension, this tripod does flex slightly under strong torque from a pan handle on a locked head, but the realized performance is quite good. Fully retracted, this tripod shows only a slight flex under the same load.
A plastic clip allows connecting two legs, avoiding the bottom leg from dropping while carrying with the handle.
Leg Extension Locks
Back to TopMost tripods have multiple legs sections, allowing them to be set to various heights or retracted compactly. This means that leg section locks are needed.
As is common with better video tripods, the StediFast HD features a single lever on each leg to quickly release both leg locks simultaneously.
Extending and locking the legs of a heavy tripod load can be physically taxing as well as slow and risky. Lift the large metal lock lever, and the SCG's three leg sections become immediately adjustable.
Slide the open lever down to the desired position on the top section. When the second section is fully deployed, maximizing the larger and wider-separated tubes, the third section automatically deploys, with gravity and ground pressure adjusting the bottom section length. Close the lever to lock the selected leg lengths and section positions.
This design works well and makes setup easy. Dialing in the ideal tripod leg extension positions without bending over while supporting a heavy camera is a great feature.
Sufficient space is provided for fingers at the top of each leg, creating a comfortable grasping point. The leg connection points all feature metal construction except the alignment piece at the top of the lowest leg section that slides against the tubes.
The open leg lock levers, especially when open, have play, but it is not performance impacting, and they assuredly lock tightly. I wiped a little excess grease from the lock levers on the evaluation tripod to prevent it from spreading.
The red color choice for the leg locks adds a splash of style (red seems to be the industry standard color accent choice) to the clean tripod design.
Tripod Feet
Back to TopEach tripod leg features twin-spiked feet with hooking rubber metal tripod feet that ride in a small saddle between the spikes and attach via strong rubber pull tabs.
Use the rubber feet when on a flat surface, and use the floor-marring spikes for better locking into the ground outdoors.
Gear Capacity Recommendations
Back to TopThis tripod's rated and tested load capacities far exceed what most photographers will need to support.
This SCG tripod easily managed the weight and high magnification of Canon EOS R5 Mark II and RF 600mm F4 L IS USM Lens combination. Vibrations caused by a strong lateral tap to a SCG T8 G2 Fluid Head's extended pan handle settled out in about a second — an impressive performance.
The factory-adjusted leg locks begin to slip with around 110 lbs (49.9 kg) of vertical pressure, and the brakes are adjustable.
I was provided with the StediFast HD kit with the SCG T8 G2 Fluid Head and reviewed the head first. The head's performance on this tripod was superb, which meant it was also performing its role at a high level.
Build Quality
Back to TopThis is a high-grade tripod, featuring high-quality materials and design, with attention paid to details. It seems ready for the long haul.
Tripod Case
Back to TopFinding a case that ideally fits a tripod and head is often challenging, and the padded soft bag included in this tripod's with-head kits is an ideal option.
This well-padded case features web handles with a padded connector, along with a sewn-in, adjustable, wide-webbed shoulder strap that has a sliding padded section. The zipper extends around three sides of the case for easy access. A 4.5" (155mm) wide padded strap wraps around the video head, with hook-and-loop holding it in place. A wide, unpadded strap holds the legs in place, and a long pocket holds a pan handle.
No exterior storage is provided.
The SCG StediFast HD Tripod and T8 G2 Head kit fit optimally in this case.
Price and Value
Back to TopThe SCG StediFast HD Tripod is moderately expensive, but many features are included, and it performs well above its price point. The with-head kit price is discounted for an even better deal.
This tripod features a limited 1-year warranty.
Summary
Back to TopStanding out among the many positive features of this tripod is its significant strength and rigidity, including against torsional force. The design and build quality are great.
Overall, the SCG StediFast HD is a rock-solid base for high-quality video and still image capture with an attractive price.
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