Sunwayfoto T2840CE Review

Is it the real “Explorer´s Tripod”?

1. Introduction

Recently, I had the opportunity to put the Sunwayfoto T2840CE tripod to the test over a couple of weeks of use in my photography sessions. Attached to my backpack, this tripod accompanied me during long walks and different photography sessions. From the beginning, its light weight was noticeable, making it much easier to carry during my shoots.

2. Technical Specifications

• Materials: Made of carbon fiber and T6061 aluminum, offering an optimal combination of strength and lightness.
• Load Capacity: An impressive weight capacity of up to 25 kg.
• Height: Maximum height of 163 cm and a minimum of 10 cm, offering great versatility.
• Structure: 4 sections in the legs with diameters ranging from 19 mm to 28 mm.

3. Portability

During the routes, the Sunwayfoto T2840CE excelled with its compact and lightweight design, providing incredible portability and lightness.

• Weight and Dimensions: Weighing just 1.4 kg and a folded length of 51 cm, it takes up minimal space, making it perfect for long hikes.
• Hollowed-out desing: Reduces weight by strategically removing sections of aluminum while preserving the tripod’s stability and structural integrity.
• Size Optimization: The leg folding system is optimized by significantly reducing the total size, while maintaining the center column, making it easier to carry attached to any backpack.

T2840CE folded inside the backpack

T3240CK VS T2840CE – Size comparisson

4. Stability

When I reached a night shooting location, I was pleasantly surprised by the stability this tripod offers. Despite its light weight, it easily supported my night photography equipment, including a tracker and additional accessories. One of its key strengths is its remarkable performance and stability despite its light weight:

• Robust Construction: The 10-layer carbon fiber legs combine progressive diameters (28-19 mm) with reinforced connections, ensuring solid support even on uneven terrain.

• Counterweight Hook: The central column includes a metal hook designed for adding weight, providing extra stability during long exposures or strong winds.

• Strong Connections: The connections between the tripod sections are reinforced with 40mm long shims and a threaded connection between the carbon fiber and the metal twist locks.

• Sealed Twist Locks: The leg locks incorporate internal rubber rings to seal the locks aginst the environment.

These features ensure that the tripod will securely support your camera equipment, providing a stable support for a flawless night photography session.

Tripod in use while hanging a camera backpack in the hook

5. Versatility

The ability to adapt to the uneven terrain and different photographic situations is another great advantage of the T2840CE. The maximum height of 163 cm was more than sufficient, while the minimum height of 10 cm allowed me to take shots close to the ground, thanks to the removable central column, which added extra flexibility for low-height setups. A tripod with versatility that is hard to beat.

• Adjustable Angles: The legs can be placed in three preset positions (23°, 55°, and 85°), ideal for sloped terrain or low-height setups.


• Adaptable Height: A working range from a minimum of 10 cm to a maximum of 163 cm, providing creative freedom for all types of compositions.

• Double-threaded central screw: The central mounting screw is double-threaded with 1/4″ and 3/8″ standards to be compatible with any ballheads or camera mounting systems.

• Optional Accessories: Compatible with a variety of optional accessories thanks to its multiple 1/4″ mounting holes along the central platform and the legs joints.


• Rubber feet or spikes: You can choose between use the standard rubber feet or the included stainless steel spikes for better grip on soft or snowy ground, expanding its utility in different environments.



• Reversible and removable column: The central column can be inverted for low-angle shots or completely removed, especially useful for macro photography or unusual perspectives.



Inverted column



Removed column

This feature allows you to shoot really low for those breathtaking foregrounds. Seriously, you can go really, really low!



All these characteristic make the Sunwayfoto T2840CE one of the most, if not the most, versatile tripod I have ever used. It has incredible features in a very light, portable and compact package.

6. Durability

Although I didn’t encounter extreme weather conditions, the robust construction of this tripod is designed to withstand very harsh weather conditions. The Sunwayfoto T2840CE incorporates features designed to maximize its durability:

• Sealed Locks: As we saw before, the sealed twist locks protect internal components from water, dust, and sand, ensuring consistent performance even after prolonged use.
• Anodized Parts: The aluminum parts are treated with hard anodization, increasing wear and corrosion resistance.
• Weather Protection: In my experience, even though I didn’t face extreme conditions, the structure and seals gave me confidence that the tripod could perform well in rain or dusty environments.
• Glove Compatibility: The large, textured locks are designed for easy handling, even in cold weather when gloves are necessary.

The Sunwayfoto T2840CE tripod, besides its compact size, is built for harsh conditions thanks to all the above features, making it highly reliable and convenient for challenging environments like rain, dust, or cold weather.

7. Price and value for money

If you’re considering any of the configurations available on their website, I recommend opting for the version with a ball head included. Not only will you get a more complete product, but you’ll also save money compared to purchasing the components separately.

What´s in the box for 229.00$

8. Dislikes

There are no real dislikes about this tripod to be honest, just a couple of things that could be improved and would make this tripod just perfect for the travel and explorer photographer.

• The center column hook: The end of the central column is made up of a threaded aluminum piece that contains the hook from which the backpack is hung.

  

  When this piece is placed in the central column and the tripod is folded into its storage position, this piece can collide with the carbon fiber of the legs and may even rub against the carbon fiber, potentially breaking it if the pressure is too high.

  

  This could be solved by making an indentation and placing a rubber “o-ring” on that piece. Below, I show how I solved it just by placing a rubber “o-ring” at the end of the center column.

  

• The carrying case: In terms of build quality, there is actually no issue with the carrying case. However, I believe the choice of case was not ideal, as it is too short.

  

  If we want to transport our tripod with a head attached, we simply won’t be able to do so, as the head will protrude, preventing the case from closing properly and leaving the head exposed. This could easily be solved by including a slightly longer case in the pack, which is a simple fix.

  

These are not major defects, and they do not compromise the overall quality of the tripod. Rather, they are simply areas that could be improved to make the product 100% perefect.

9. Conclusions

After my experiences with this tripod, I can confidently say that the Sunwayfoto T2840CE is an outstanding tripod for adventure and landscape photography. Its combination of lightness, stability, and versatility makes it an ideal companion for photographers who value both image quality and portability.

The experience in real-world conditions exceeded my expectations. The ease with which I was able to transport it during long hikes, combined with its flawless performance during the night sessions, shows that Sunwayfoto has created a product that understands the needs of outdoor photographers.

In conclusion, the T2840CE is a valuable investment for any photographer seeking a reliable, lightweight tripod capable of facing the challenges of the natural environment. Its performance has fully convinced me; it will undoubtedly be my companion on many more photographic adventures to come.

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