Harlowe has just launched the Rocket Air, a brand-new tripod that is bundled with a fluid head, providing a wonderfully light solution for hybrid shooters. The fluid head has a leveling adjustment, so for me, this makes it the perfect travel tripod for photography. If I want to shoot some video too, the fluid head has very good dampening to absorb external vibrations and resist rapid, jerky movements.
The big deal with this tripod is that, combined, the head and tripod weigh just 2.2 lb (1 kg). This is very impressive indeed. The tripod itself weighs an insanely light 1.4 lb (641 g).
Impressive weight aside, the Rocket Air is a masterclass in beautiful design and quality manufacturing. It's made of carbon fiber and aerospace-grade aluminum. It has Harlowe's signature silver and champagne gold finish too, which looks sumptuous.
The four-section legs are extended by twisting and unlocking/locking the large rubber foot on each leg. No twisting three or four places per leg, just one! You can extend the legs from 19.7 inches up to 61.8 inches (50 cm up to 157 cm). Maximum load capacity is 22 lb (10 kg).
An integrated center column hook allows hanging a bag to add weight and improve stability, and the legs have three adjustable positions (21°, 52°, and 82°) that allow you to quickly switch between standard, low-angle, and ground-level shooting for greater creative flexibility. The center column can be inverted for low-angle compositions and macro photography.
First Impressions
I received a copy of the Rocket Air, and it arrived in a very well-made padded bag. I've played with it, and first impressions are that it's a very innovative offering. To use a car analogy, most higher-end tripods are like owning a BMW or Mercedes. The Rocket Air is like owning a Bentley. There are a couple of carbon tripods on the market that are slightly lighter, but none so beautifully designed and made.
My plan is to use this tripod over the coming months and report back with a review.
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