Sunwayfoto T3640CM vs T3240CK

Sunwayfoto Tripod Comparison

Sunwayfoto T3640CM vs T3240CK

Master or Knight Series

Which one is for you?

After using these two tripods for a couple of years on the field, which are so similar yet so different, today I would like to talk a bit more about them and compare them from an experience perspective. I want to share with you their similarities, differences, and the situations in which one might be preferred over the other.

Imagen del trípode Sunway con mochila

T3240CK in the Vignemale basecamp

1. Similarities

The Sunwayfoto T3240CK and Sunwayfoto T3640CM share several characteristics that make them ideal for professional photography and videography in outdoor environments. Below are the features they have in common:

  • Carbon fiber material: Both tripods are made of carbon fiber, offering a combination of lightweight and high durability. This makes them suitable for transport and intensive use.
  • High load capacity:
    • The T3240CK supports up to 55 lb (approximately 25 kg).
    • The T3640CM supports up to 66 lb (approximately 30 kg).
    Both are ideal for DSLR cameras and heavy equipment.
  • Waterproof design: Built to be waterproof, making them suitable for humid environments or adverse weather conditions.
  • Portability: Both are described as compact and lightweight, facilitating transport during trips or outdoor sessions.
  • Professional design:
    • Engineered for professional photography and videography.
    • Includes features that enhance stability and precise adjustments, essential for high-quality shots.
  • Versatile applications: Suitable for both photography and videography, including landscapes, portraits, and action shots.
Although the two tripods share similar features, there are differences in their dimensions, load capacities, and specific designs that may make one more suitable than the other depending on the user’s needs. For example, the T3640CM is optimized for a higher load capacity, while the T3240CK is slightly more compact.

2. Design and features

Both tripods feature premium carbon fiber construction, known for its strength-to-weight ratio. However, their designs diverge significantly in terms of height, weight, and leg sections. The specs for each tripod can be seen in the next images:

Imagen del trípode Sunway con mochila
Imagen del trípode Sunway con mochila
Both tripods share water, sand, and dust-resistant twist locks, which ensure sealed closures, reliability, and operability under any circumstances.

Imagen del trípode Sunway con mochila

They both have a patented system that prevents the legs from loosening.

Imagen del trípode Sunway con mochila
This is an essential feature for tripods designed for landscape and nature photography.

3. Portability

Portability is where the two tripods differ most significantly. The T3240CK is designed with travel in mind, while the T3640CM prioritizes functionality.

  • T3640CM: With a folded length of 55 cm and a weight of 1.85 kg, it’s easy to transport in its included padded bag. Ideal for car travel or studio work.
  • T3240CK: Its compact folded length of 47 cm and lighter weight of 1.58 kg make it perfect for airplane travel or long hikes. The smaller bag size adds to its travel-friendly design.
Imagen del trípode Sunway con mochila

Folded size comparison

The slim desing of the T3240CK without a central platform makes it ideal for backpacking. On the other hand the T3640CM thanks to its central platform makes it more robust and sturdy as we will see in the next section.

Imagen del trípode Sunway con mochila

T3240CK central platform

Imagen del trípode Sunway en el Vignemale

T3640CM central platform

Either of these two tripods, whether or not they have a central platform, is portable and lightweight enough to fit in any photography backpack.

Imagen del trípode Sunway con mochila

Both tripods neatly packed in the backpack

4. Load capacity and stability

Both tripods offer impressive load capacities, but their differences cater to distinct equipment needs:

  • T3640CM: Handles up to 30 kg, making it ideal for professional setups with heavy DSLR cameras, long lenses, or video equipment. Stability is excellent even on uneven terrain.
  • T3240CK: Supports up to 25 kg, suitable for most DSLR or mirrorless cameras. While stable, it may be more affected by wind or vibrations with heavier setups.
    • Imagen del trípode Sunway con mochila

    T3240CK with light tracking setup

    Imagen del trípode Sunway en el Vignemale

    T3640CM with heavy dual tracking setup

5. Versatility

Both tripods are equipped with multi-angle legs and water-resistant designs, but their use cases highlight their strengths:

  • T3640CM: Features 4 leg sections, allowing it to reach a maximum height of 150 cm. The wider leg diameters provide excellent stability, even for heavy equipment. Excellent for studio photography, nature photography, and architectural work where height and stability are crucial.
    • Imagen del trípode Sunway con mochila

  • T3240CK: With also 4 leg sections, this tripod folds down to just 47 cm, making it highly portable. The smaller leg diameters result in slightly less stability but maintain good rigidity for its size. Perfect for landscape and travel photography, offering portability without sacrificing creative angles.
    Imagen del trípode Sunway con mochila

6. Price and Value for Money

Both tripods are in the premium category, and their pricing reflects their quality. The choice depends on whether you prioritize portability or maximum capacity:

  • T3640CM from $389.00 USD: Higher price justified by its capacity, stability, and versatility, making it a professional-grade investment.
    Imagen del trípode Sunway con mochila
  • T3240CK from $269.00 USD: A more affordable option for photographers seeking a lightweight and portable tripod without compromising on quality.
    Imagen del trípode Sunway con mochila
    • For the initial price of the basic kit, both options include the carrying bag and the tips for using the tripod on sand, rocks, or icy surfaces. On the other hand, if you want to purchase this tripod with any of the configurations shown on their website, I recommend buying it with a ball head included. You’ll save some money by doing so.

    7. Conclusions

    And finally, after reviewing the features of each of these tripods, their similarities and differences, and the strengths of each, it’s time to “get down to it” and give my opinion on which would be the best option if you’re looking for a tripod that you can use in practically any situation. An opinion based on my own experience after using both tripods for an extended period of time and under every imaginable weather condition.

    From my point of view, if I had to choose one for myself and for the type of photography I practice, I would go for the most robust and stable version, in this case, the Master Series T3640CM, since I use very heavy equipment and star tracking systems that together weigh several kilos, and I prefer to sacrifice a bit of portability for stability.

    Imagen del trípode Sunway con mochila

    T3240CK packed for Vignemale MT hike

    On the other hand, if your idea is to use lighter equipment and you prefer a bit more portability, the T3240CK is your option: a tripod with premium build quality, portable, and at the same time stable, which you can take anywhere thanks to its lightweight and compact size.