The Fotopro X-Aircross 3
Two years ago, I had the opportunity to test and review the FotoPro X-AirCross 2. Now, I have the opportunity to give the latest version, X-AirCross3, a go. I have heavier tripods by FotoPro that I also use, but I’m always drawn to the lightness of the X-AirCross series. The rapid deploy legs and light weight of the Aircross series really lets you run-and-gun if you are trying to hit multiple locations in a short amount of time.
You can check out my review of the X-Aircross 2 at the link below.
https://www.tonycolasurdo.com/blog/the-fotopro-x-aircross-2
Below are some detail and behind the scenes images of the X-Aircross3 that I’ve taken. You can even see the tripod in action holding my Canon R5 + Sigma 150-600 Sport Lens + Canon 2x Adapter, a combination that weighs roughly 12 pounds.
Much like its predecessor, the AirCross3 is insanely light weight. This is a great tripod for hiking. I spend a lot of time in the Adirondacks, so sometimes I need to be selective with the gear I bring out. It’s truly a godsend with how light this tripod is, I can grab this when I go out on a hike without even thinking twice about it being cumbersome. One would think a tripod this light wouldn’t be stable, but that is just not the case. Carbon fiber, while light, is an incredibly sturdy material. I’ve had this tripod over water, dangling over a cliff, and even fully submerged in water, and it has never lost its grip or gotten top heavy. The one thing I would have to say to be mindful of is tightening the ball head of the tripod. On the AirCross2 I had broken the lever that is used to tighten it, but that wasn’t a design flaw by FotoPro. That was my own doing by over tightening. I would say once you feel that it is tight, and not moving, you’re good to go. The AirCross3 includes the same threaded holes to be used with FotoPro’s magic arm extensions. These extensions are great for allowing the AirCross3 to hold your phone, using it to record behind the scenes or a different perspective from the camera.
Below is a handful of images that I’ve taken while using this tripod. These images are all under various conditions showing the versatility of the tripod and the conditions it can handle.
I really look forward to continuing to use this tripod as my main travel tripod. Even though I have an AirCross2 as well, I see another AirCross3 in my future. I’d can see these as being a great option to use as light weight on location light stands.