Digital Camera World Verdict
If a compact set of legs that will fit inside a camera bag is of prime importance, the Helix T50 could be the tripod for you. The flip side is that there are a lot of locks to fiddle with to achieve maximum height, and even with the centre column extended, it’s not that tall. It’s matched with a well-engineered and smooth-operating ball head, and a five-year warranty should provide peace of mind.
Pros
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Packs up small yet has a strong, sturdy build
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Removable and reversible centre column
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Thoughtful extras include leg spikes and a hanging hook
Cons
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Lots of locks to fiddle with to get any decent height
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Max height only 140cm, even with center column extended
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Each of the 14 twist locks is a potential weak point
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Good things come in small packages, and the Novo Helix T50 is a prime example. Packing down to just 35.5cm, with the legs wrapped neatly around the head, it extends to a decent, if unremarkable, operating height of 140cm and weighs in at a relatively lightweight 1.84kg, with the BHP-32 ball head attached. The tripod is also available as a legs-only option, but the kit is good value, saving around $50/£50 over buying the legs and head separately.
This impressive height differential is achieved with no less than five extendable leg sections plus an additional two-section center column. Despite the number of twist locks and lightweight build, the tripod feels rigid when fully extended, thanks to the chunky legs’ ‘Superweave’ construction, made up from 10 layers of carbon fibre. The leg locks and spider are made of aviation-grade aluminum and have a smart black anodized finish. Novo says the legs can support a 20kg payload, or up to 8kg with the included head, which is plenty for a big full-frame Nikon and super-telephoto lens.
Novo Helix T50 CF Tripod Kit: Specifications
Construction: 10-layer carbon fiber 'Superweave'
Leg sections: 5
Center column sections: 2
Max tripod payload: 20kg
Tripod feet: Rubber pads & metal spikes
Head payload: 8kg
Arca Swiss compatible: Yes
Bubble levels: 1
Max height: 140cm
Stowed length: 33.5cm
Weight: 1.84kg
Novo Helix T50 CF Tripod Kit: Key features
Leg angles adjust between 23, 50 and 85-degree settings, and the centre column can be removed and replaced with an included stub column for low-level shooting, virtually at ground level. If you need to get even lower, or shoot directly downwards, the center column can be reversed so the camera sits beneath the tripod legs. One leg can also be unscrewed and reattached to the center column to create a monopod.
The tripod’s three rubber feet can be unscrewed to reveal spikes for stabbing into soft ground for extra stability. There’s also a hook under the center column to hang a bag for extra weight in breezy conditions.
Heads up
The supplied Novo BHP-32 ball head is crafted from lightweight aviation-grade anodized aluminum, sporting a black-and-silver finish that complements the legs well. An Arca Swiss-compatible plate attaches to the camera via a D-ring and has a slot for additional tightening. There’s a bubble level atop the tripod, though this is covered up when the plate is attached.
The ball is loosened by a large knob that operates smoothly and locks firmly. An additional drag control in the center sets the amount of tension when repositioning the head. Two panning controls are marked in 360 degree increments, one below the ball mechanism and a secondary one above it, useful for panoramas and macro.
Novo Helix T50 CF Tripod Kit: Verdict
If a compact set of legs that will fit inside a camera bag is of prime importance, the Helix T50 could be the tripod for you. The flip side is that there are a lot of locks to fiddle with to achieve maximum height, and even with the center column extended, it’s not that tall. It’s matched with a well-engineered and smooth-operating ball head, and a five-year warranty should provide peace of mind.
