A Compact Ultralight Tripod and Head Setup at Workable Height under $150: Marsace XT-26S + Highlights S2QX
I am always on the lookout for a functional, lightweight, and compact setup, especially when it comes to a support system. Zodiacphoto has conducted a thorough three-way comparison between the Heipi, Benro Cyanbird, and Peak Design—definitely worth checking out. After exploring numerous options, I'm eager to share what I believe could be a fantastic find.
Let's dive into a quick overview of the specs. The Marsace XT-26S boasts an eccentric tube design, ditching traditional leg locks for friction locks, significantly reducing its weight. Weighing in at a mere 21.2 oz (600 grams) without the head, it's truly a featherweight. In comparison, the Benro Cyanbird is around 742 grams, Heipi 1070 grams, and Peak Design 1196 grams—all with center columns.
Notably, the Marsace is the only eccentric tube design with 28mm top tubes (likely resulting in a more rigid tripod) and a compact, column-less apex. The Heipi has a 26mm top tube and a larger folded girth than the Marsace. Achieving a compact folded length of 13.7” (347mm), it requires 6 sections; Heipi, Peak Design, and Benro have 5 sections each, but the Marsace's last section has the same diameter as the Heipi’s. A comparison shot next to my Gitzo, RRS, and FLM drives the point home.
Another notable feature is the 24-degree primary leg angle, compared to the 22-degree of the Benro and Heipi and 23-degree of the Peak Design. For an ultralight tripod, every stiffness advantage counts. For the max height without raising the center column, the Marsace matches the Peak Design, with a height taller than both the Benro and Heipi.
Now, onto the Highlights S2QX, the lightest ball head with a 20mm ball size that I could find, weighing in at a mere 2.8 oz. (80 grams). Other mini ball heads I came across, like the RRS BPC-16 and Leofoto MBC-20, have similar or smaller ball sizes but significantly higher weights. The Highlights head features a panning base sharing the same lock with the main ball and a functional Arca Clamp. Despite my attempt, I couldn't manage a reverse mount.
In the field, the eccentric tube design took a bit to get used to, but I quickly adapted. The key is using the right amount of force and double-checking every 2 sections for tightness before setting up the camera. It's not a race for me, so the slightly slower setup time isn't a drawback. Due to the friction lock design, extending and collapsing the legs requires more resistance than the conventional tripod. There are no spike feet, making it suitable for a day hike. The clever ¼” accessory ports incorporated into the spider-leg joints are excellent for space and weight saving. The angle tabs aren't auto ratchet but still easy to control. In practice, the tripod feels sturdy enough for its purpose. The Highlights head securely holds my Sony A9 and GM135 at any angle, making it perfect for my ultralight setup. In short, at a price of less than $150 (I paid around $120 for my combo during the recent sale), this offers excellent performance value.
