very good feedback – how do You secure the legs against water intrusion?

Hi Spike

Thank you for the reply.
Yes I still have not only one but two Sirui tripod and with all the abuse and countless times they have been dipped and dunked in water (both fresh and salt) they’re still like new.
I’ll say go for it, I’m not too updated on if there’s a successor to the R-4213X, if so go for that instead.

Hi Tobias for your positive review and for your constructive feedback JE Perez,
The whole tripod purchase process seems vaguely challenging. I thought I had settled on the SIRUI PRO TRIPOD R-4213X CARBON FIBER HEAVY DUTY TRIPOD until I read the post purchase experience of JE Perez. Has your Sirui lasted well over the last three years Tobias? Would you still recommend it?
Any update would be most welcome.
I am wanting a robust tripod for seascapes, landscapes and astro photography, as well as my evolving interest in videography. I am using a Canon 1DX2 and my largest lens is the 100-400L IS II plus 1.6x converter (so approx payload of 3.5kg). I have also more or less settled on the Acratech Video Ball Head that will let me combine the pan & tilt of video with the ability to shoot panoramic photos.
Thoughts?
Many thanks,
Spike

I have just bought the same tripod but the shorter version, after trying in different scenarios my finding are :

1) Overall the tripod looks well made, attention to detail is god.
2) The carbon legs are not as stiff as a 6 layers leg from a well know manufacturer made 10 years ago, it seems that in spite that Sirui claims that it is a 10 layer carbon webbing, not all the carbon fibres are born equal, the material looks considerable softer and flexible being the tripod very prone to vibrations.
3) The rubber feet have god grip but the material use is soft, being this another cause of being unstable, it looks as if the tripod is seated on jelly.
4) All metal parts are very well made and the finishing is very good.
5) The stainless steel spikes provided are good but I think that for soft ground longer spikes will be more desirable.
6) In the design of the lower legs there is not provision to avoid the entrance of water into the lower leg tube, this can be easily fixed, in fact I will do some modifications to avoid it.
7)My conclusion is that Sirui has to pay more attention to the quality of the carbon fibre legs and conduct dynamic test to reduce vibrations. Vibrations and resonance can be triggered by the flip of the mirror the wind or even occasional knock.

I would like that other users give me their opinion over the pros and cons above described.

Regards.

J E Perez E

Hi Sebastian

Thank you for the kind words, means a lot!

Unfortunately I can’t really comments on your question other than speculations as I’ve not tried the n3204x BUT the m3204X is more than sufficient for the 70-200 so if the price is right for you and the cost is lower by a larger margin I’ll say go for it

Do note that if you’re planning on buying something as large or larger than 500mm F/4 I would go for a flat base tripod!