The Sunwayfoto T1A20D is now a few months with us but somehow it escaped my attention until I realized its features are very novel and innovative.
This T1A20D aluminum tabletop or more appropriately desktop according to the "D" at the end of the model name, is far smaller and lighter than the original T1A20 tripod, but shares the 2 section and aluminium features which give it the name post probably.
Innovation lies in the design of the spider structure, the leg angle lock mechanism and finally the way the leg tubes extend and lock. These original features are seldom found in a small and inexpensive tripod like this and that's the most important fact.
The T1A20D besides the name, does not share anything else with its big brother the Sunwayfoto T1A20 Aluminium Ground Level Tripod (Preview)
Now that even more manufacturers in China are cloning the designs of their national, I guess it was time for Sunwayfoto engineers to prove their capabilities with fresh and original ideas.
The T1A20D Pod
| Manufacturer Specification: | |
|---|---|
| Model: | T1A20D |
| Material: | Aluminum T6061 |
| Number of Leg Sections: | 2 |
| Leg Diameter Maximum / Minimum: | 17.5 / 12mm |
| Mounting Platform Diameter: | 40 mm |
| Mounting Stud Thread: | 1/4"-20 UNC |
| Maximum Height: | 174 mm |
| Minimum Height: | 77 mm |
| Folded Length: | 174 mm |
| Max Load Capacity: | 10 Kg |
| Weight: | 264 gr |
Following the Sunwayfoto quality standards, the T1A20D is made of Aircraft grade Aluminium is hard coat anodized with improved abrasion and corrosion resistance.
Nonetheless, the design has inherited nothing from other Sunwayfoto models. The 40 mm mounting platform looks more massive and rounded, while the legs are made of aluminum tubes instead of a CNCed rectangular cross section and are screwed on the respective hings on the spider.
The bell-shaped rubber feet on the legs that are completely new shared only with the smaller T1A11.
The spider is CNCed from a single block and bears a slide switch responsible for locking the legs in two angles. Each leg has one tension regulating screw only visible from one side.
The leg tubes are quite thick compared to other small tabletop / desktop tripods adding a lot to the tripod strength and load capacity.
Besides the two sections, T1A20D is still very compact and lightweight with a good maximum load capacity of 10 kg. Compared to the older T1A10 below stands a little higher but is not too much bigger.
The T1A20D is only 175 mm long collapsed and 270 mm when the second section is extended.
As shown below the leg hings have double threads for both external an internal tubes when both sections are collapsed with the narrower within the larger.
In order to extend the inner second section one has to unscrew it holding the rubber foot and then pool it out as long as it goes and tighten it at the end of the outer tube (1st section) which is equipped with reverse thread.
This is very easy and very stable. since there are not any loose parts. Nevertheless, there are only two stages for the legs. Either completely retracted or completely extended.
Combined with Sunwayfoto XB-28 Low Profile Ball head
The T1A20D is offered stand alone as described above but also bundled with the Sunwayfoto XB-28 Low Profile and Lightweight Ball Head (Preview) called model T1A20D-T at a very tempting combo price.
| Manufacturer Specification: | |
|---|---|
| Model: | T1A20D-T |
| Material: | Aluminum T6061 |
| Number of Leg Sections: | 2 |
| Leg Diameter Maximum / Minimum: | 17.5 / 12mm |
| Mounting Platform Diameter: | 40 mm |
| Mounting Stud Thread: | 1/4"-20 UNC |
| Maximum Height: | 255 mm |
| Minimum Height: | 153 mm |
| Folded Length: | 240 mm |
| Tripod Max Load Capacity: | 10 Kg |
| Ballhead Max Load Capacity: | 4.5 Kg |
| Weight: | 458 gr |
As full features of the XB-28 Low profile head are described in the forementioned article, I will stay in the small size and high quality of the head.
A small quick release plate the DP-39R shown below is also included in the combo package. Should I point out here, that the small plate is fully Arca compatible even with RRS lever release clamps.
 |
| Sunwayfoto T1A20D-T tripod bundle with XB-28 Loe Profile ball head and DP-39R plate in legs slayed out position. |
 |
| Sunwayfoto T1A20D-T tripod bundle with XB-28 Loe Profile ball head and DP-39R plate in legs upright position |
Sunwayfoto T1A20D-T bundle with extended legs offers a wide base where even larger DSLRs can be positioned off balance without tripping over.
 |
| Sunwayfoto T1A20D-T tripod with extended legs with DSLR in portrait position |
Using the Pod
A small pod like the T1A20D is ideal for use with small packaged ILC cameras as the first illustration shows. In this case the Fujifilm camera is directly mounted on the top platform 1/4"-20 stud.
The combination of the T1A20D-T with the Sunwayfoto XB-28 Low Profile ball head is capable as mentioned previously to hold a DSLR easily.
Same goes when the CPC-01 Professional Phone Bracket is added, where supporting an iPhone® 7 plus smartphone in all possible positions is a brease.
Nevertheless, the T1A20D load lifting abilities can make it a good candidate for supporting even large DSLRs with an 70-200 mm telephoto lens. The Sunwayfoto XB-28 Low Profile ball head, besides its preservative low maximum load rating can hold very well quite heavy camera / lens combos when balanced on the lens collar foot.
I hope you found the information useful, thank you for viewing.
All Photos by courtesy of Sunwayfoto ©2017
Price & Availability:
Recommended retail price for the T1A20D Tabletop Tripod is US$ 49.95 and for the T120DT bundle is US $ 79.95. Both configurations are available from Amazon or from eBay
However, as of 2022 the T1A20D and its iterations is also available to purchase direct from the Sunwayfoto Store.
Please note that we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases through above affiliate links.
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