SmallRig AD-01 Heavy-Duty Fluid Head Tripod Announced

Accessory News

by Jakub HanApril 4^th, 2022

The new SmallRig AD-01 heavy-duty fluid head tripod offers three-section legs, a 75mm bowl, a working height between 186cm (74″) and 85cm (33″), and a maximum payload of 8kg (17.6lbs). The fluid head offers extra mounting threads and is compatible with DJI RS 2 and Manfrotto quick-release plates with a bi-directional quick-release system. The tripod with a carrying bag will start shipping at the end of May for $159.

Chinese company SmallRig has been offering a wide variety of camera accessories, such as camera cages and rigs, for a while now. Recently, SmallRig ventured into the world of COB lights with the new RC120D and RC120B and they also announced a new lightweight fluid video head. A few days ago, SmallRig announced yet another new product from a category that is not very typical for the company, a full-sized tripod. Let’s take a closer look at the features and specs of the very affordable SmallRig heavy-duty fluid head tripod AD-01.

SmallRig heavy-duty fluid head tripod AD-01

The AD-01 tripod from SmallRig (product number 3751) is a full-sized three-section video tripod with a 75mm bowl base and a fluid head. The maximum working height of the combo is 186cm (74″) and the minimum working height is 85cm (33″). When folded for transport, the Smallrig AD-01 tripod is 89cm (35″) long. The weight of the tripod is 4kg (8.8lbs). The upper two sections of the legs have a double-tube design and there are two lever locks on each leg.

The tilt range of the fluid head is between +90° and -75°. Panning is naturally available in full 360°. It seems that there is no way to change the friction level and there is also no counterbalance. The maximum payload of the fluid head is 8kg (17.6lbs). The panning/tilting handle is removable, but not retractable. The angle can be adjusted, but the handle can only be mounted on the right side. The good news is that there is a bubble level indicator on the head.

According to SmallRig, the fluid head is compatible with DJI RS 2 and Manfrotto quick release plates. In fact, there is a handy little knob at the top of the head, that can be moved back and forth depending on which quick release plate needs to be mounted. The plate can be inserted either way thanks to the bi-directional quick release system. The quick-release plate that comes with the sticks, includes a built-in Allen wrench for proper tightening and opening of the camera screws. The plate comes standard with one 1/4″-20 and one 3/8″-16 screw.

The fluid head includes two 1/4″-20 and two 3/8″-16 threaded accessory holes. The tripod legs offer three extra 1/4″-20 threaded mounting holes for more flexibility.

Price and availability

According to SmallRig, while the AD-01 tripod can already be pre-ordered, it should start shipping on May 20, 2022. The price is $159 and on top of the tripod itself, it also includes a carrying bag. For what it offers, the tripod is very affordable in my opinion. Hopefully, the very friendly price tag won’t compromise the build quality. In the end, the saying is that a good pair of sticks will last you a lifetime. Is that still true nowadays? What is your go-to tripod for up to 8kg rigs?

Would you trust this tripod with your camera rig? Do you use any similarly affordable tripod for your work? Let us know in the comments section underneath the article.