The Cullmann Carvao is a brand new range of tripods aimed at travel photographers. There are 5 models in the range, varying in size from a max height of 70.5cm when fully extended to 180cm when fully extended. They all feature a detachable monopod and an aluminium build with legs made out of 8-ply full carbon fibre. Here, we're taking a look at a mid-range option, the Carvao 825MC. Let's see how it performs. 

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Cullmann Carvao 825MC Tripod Features

The Cullmann Carvao comes well-equipped - in the box, you get the tripod inside a padded carry bag with shoulder strap, carry handle and front zipped pocket. In this pocket is an accessory kit, consisting of an attachment for using the tripod at low level without the centre column, 3 spiked metal feet which can be interchanged with the rubber ones fitted to the tripod and a set of 3 Allen keys. 

The Carvao 825MC has a maximum height of 156cm, can splay as low as 20cm and folds down to a width of 47cm, making it reasonably portable. It can hold a maximum weight of 10kg, and weighs 1.4kg. 

The Cullmann Carvao 825MC features a detachable monopod leg, and is constructed of 8-ply carbon fibre legs and CNC machined aluminium body.

It's a smart and professional looking travel tripod, with shiny blue leg angle locks and rubber grip on the detachable monopod leg. Each leg has a 'quick-turn' lock system allowing for fast setup and takedown of the tripod - you only have to turn these a quarter of a rotation. 

There are 3 different leg angles to choose from. The central column has a chunky collar around it featuring 3 spurs, making it easy to tighten and loosen to achieve the right height. The central column features a hook on the bottom which can be unscrewed to revert the central column, or remove it completely for low level work. 

The head features an arca-swiss compatible base plate with a spirit level on the side, which is tightened and loosened with a small knob which features a spirit level on the end. The base plate has 4 grippy rubber patches for maximum grip to the camera base. 

The ball head features a dual friction control on the ball, allowing you to adjust movements to your liking. There's also a separate knob for the horizontal axis, so you can sweep around without disturbing the positioning of the ball head. 

The legs have 4 sections, and when the monopod leg is unscrewed the central column is screwed on to this to create a full-sized monopod. 

The tripod legs fold upwards, around the fully extended central column, to pack the tripod away.

Key Features

• 8-ply carbon fibre legs
• CNC machined aluminium body
• 10kg max load 
• Weighs 1.4 kg
• Detachable monopod 
• Arca-swiss compatible ball head 
• Dual friction control 
• Rupper grip on monopod leg
• Quick turn-lock system 
• 156cm max-height