Neewer Tripod Review: T30 – Flexible Legs with Ball Head (For GoPro Cameras)
In this Neewer tripod review I’ll be focusing on the T30 flexible ball head model and in particular using the T30 with a GoPro Hero 10 and GoPro Max 360 cameras. Of course you can use the tripod with any camera up to the recommended 2Kg maximum load weight.
If you’re looking for a small lightweight tripod with flexible legs, plus a ball head then the T30 is a great affordable alternative to a Joby GorillaPod.
Read on to find out what I think of this mini tripod when using the tripod with a GoPro action camera.
Neewer T30 Specification
At a lightweight 320 grams compared to the GorillaPod 3K Pro at 463 grams the T30 is the better option for those looking to pack an ultralight backpack when hiking. Remember the GorillaPod does have a 3kg load capacity though.
The closed length at 32 centimeters is ideal to fit inside a daysack along with other action camera accessories.
- Load Capacity: 4.4lb / 2kg
- Closed Length: 12.6” / 32cm
- Phone Holder Adjustment: 2.4”–3.5” / 62mm–90mm
- Weight: 11.3oz / 320g
T30 Tripod Features
For a small tripod to use with an action camera the T30 has all the essential features covered. Allowing you to capture a range of different content from time-lapse video to a handheld grip for vlogging.
You will need a ¼ x20 tripod adapter screwed onto the ¼ inch screw mount to attach the GoPro using the mounting fingers.
360 Degree Ball Head
The most useful feature is the 360 degree ball head in a red machine finished aluminum. In practice the ball head works very well and locks off using the large plastic thumb lock.
Taking portrait 9:16 aspect ratio content for Instagram and TikTok is made easy by rotating the ball head at 90 degrees. Of course you can set the head to the traditional landscape aspect ratio as well for YouTube videos and other 16:9 content.
Having a small spirit level bubble is a great little addition to have which ensures your horizon is kept level within the frame of the photo or video composition.
¼ inch Screw Mounts
Sporting a stainless steel ¼ inch thread at the top of the tripod plate. This standard fixing allows you to attach cameras upto 2 kilograms in weight. As mentioned earlier you will need a tripod adapter for using the T30 with a GoPro camera.
The 1/4 inch thread allows other camera accessories to be attached not just action cameras. I use my tripod with the Ulanzi VL49 when photographing tabletop items.
At the side of the tripod head you’ll find a brass ¼ inch thread insert which is useful for attaching gear such as photographic lights and such.
Bendable Legs
Having bendable legs is such a useful feature to have on a small action camera tripod. Not only does it allow you to place the camera and tripod on uneven ground. It also lets you attach the legs of the tripod to a whole range of objects.
As you can see from the photos I’ve taken of my T30 while out hiking in the countryside.
Phone Holder
I haven’t used the phone holder extensively but it’s there if you need it and it seems to work very well. Holding the smartphone in place securely.
My iphone is a larger model with a 6.46 inch diagonal screen size. I’ve had no issues using the phone holder. It’s just a matter of pulling one end of the tripod head out to release the phone holder.
Cold Shoe Mount
In addition to the phone holder there is a cold shoe mount at the top of the phone holder which is great for attaching an LED light or even a small microphone for vlogging or perhaps a zoom meeting.
Build Quality
Coated with a large knurled rubberised pattern the bendable legs are easy to manipulate into almost any position. They really do feel as though they’ll stand up to a lot of use over time.
At the end of each leg are rubberised feet with a circular grip pattern which provides stability on wet or slippery ground.
The only potential weak spot is perhaps where the legs are attached to the underside of the tripod head. However, for general use I can’t see any problems. Unless you’re too harsh while applying pressure close to where the legs are attached to the head.
Uses & Applications
I’d suggest having this type of tripod in any action camera accessory kit. The reason being its so versatile for a whole range of activities and content creating.
Personally I bought my T30 to be used mostly when out hiking and camping. The small size and low weight make it an ideal choice for taking with you up hills and mountains.
As of yet I haven’t used my Neewer T30 in the winter months. I’m looking forward to taking the tripod on the ski slopes and getting some skiing content to share with you all.
Time-Lapse Video
The bendable legs really are easy to wrap around a whole range of objects while out and about. Whether you’re hiking or taking urban photography. The legs give you a stable platform in order to take stunning video time-lapse footage.
Handheld Grip
The tripod also works very well as a handheld grip. Just bend the legs into a curved shape which makes it comfortable to hold. This means you can record vlogging content or even tracking shots with the GoPro Hero 10 excellent stabilization feature switched to ON.
I personally tend to have the Hero 10 mounted on my T30 and the max 360 onto a backpack shoulder mount while hiking. This gives me flexibility to quickly capture video when I come across an interesting subject to record.
Point of View Shots (POV Shots)
An integral part of any video sequence is the POV shot. Having a small tripod with flexible legs allows you to set the GoPro camera in a whole range of different types of angles.
Take this classic low angle shot of walking through the frame. As an alternative a high POV shot looking down onto the subject as it moves through the camera’s field of view.
Final Thoughts
In the time I’ve spent with the Neewer T30 tripod I’ve recorded a lot of content with both the Hero 10 and the Max 360 cameras.
The tripod has provided a stable platform for taking time-lapse video in windy conditions. To a whole range of POV shots for my content creation.
The T30 offers far more than the basic GoPro Shorty tripod. Having the ability to rotate the ball head at 90 degrees will be popular for those who create content in 9:16 aspect ratio.
If you’re thinking of adding a small tripod to your action camera accessories kit then I’d suggest taking a look at this affordable and versatile little tripod.
For those looking for a more traditional style tripod that extends to a height of 193 cm, I suggest reading my guide on this travel tripod.