Cullmann Nanomax 230T CB6.1 Mini Tripod Review

Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification

The Cullmann Nanomax 230T CB6.1 is a compact aluminium tripod that is suitable for (lightweight) DSLR, Mirrorless, and compact cameras, and comes with a 10 year warranty.

Cullmann Nanomax 230T Features

Designed as a travel tripod for small to medium camera equipment including compact, bridge, mirrorless system and DLSR cameras the Nanomax 230T CB6.1 features small dimensions and a high level of operating convenience.



The tripod features twist-proof, anodized aluminium tripod legs for a secure hold even on rough terrain. Abrasion-resistant feet made of non-slip rubber material provide the tripod with secure grip on wet ground. The ergonomic clips allow convenient and fast operation of the tripod.

To offer improved support for macro shooting, the centre column of the Nanomax can be separated to enable a lower shooting height. The leg angle on the tripod has two positions, making ground-level shots possible. The Nanomax 230T CB6.1 comes with a soft microfibre bag and a 10 year warranty.

Key Features

• Compact travel tripod with durable ball head CROSS CB6.1
• Aluminium ball head with camera plate (1/4" connecting thread)
• 10 year warranty
• Twist-proof, anodized aluminium tripod legs
• Tripod star made of die-cast aluminium
• Dual tripod leg angle adjustment for macro photography
• Separable centre column for ground-level shots
• Foam padding on the upper tripod legs
• Ergonomic clips for convenient operation
• Abrasion-resistant tripod feet made of non-slip rubber material

Cullmann Nanomax 230T Handling

The ball head can be rotated 360° and features one locking lever to lock both the pan and ball head position. The ball head features a 1/4 inch adapter plate which made it well suited for use with the Olympus OM-D E-M5, a relatively compact mirrorless camera.
 

The leg angle can be adjusted with the top knob - you simply twist this round 180 degrees and then the legs can angle out fully. The top knob clicks into two positions giving the legs two angles. If you use the tripod without raising the centre column and the legs extended to the widest angle, then you need to remove the bottom half of the centre column, which simply unscrews, as shown:

You can also reverse the centre column, if you want the camera to be even lower to the ground for macro work, although this would work best with a camera that has a vari-angle screen, rather than just a tilting screen.

Cullmann Nanomax 230T Performance

The head has one locking knob, which locks both rotation (for panning) as well as the ball, which means that as you loosen the knob for panning, the ball also loosens, which could make panning more difficult with heavier equipment. The head can be used on both 1/4 and 1/2 tripods as it has a removable screw mount, and can be removed from the tripod to save additional space when packing. The tripod with head attached fits into smaller bags such as the LowePro CompuDay 250.



Unscrewing the camera from the top of the tripod can result in the mounting coming off the head, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, as you can just leave this on your camera, and then screw it onto the head.



The head feels well built with the twisting knob being spring loaded so you can fit your finger in between it and the head for easier grip.  In addition the plate that attaches to the camera has a decent amount of rubber to give a firm grip of the camera and avoid movement.

The centre column is made out of aluminium, and the top of it has a rubber ring to avoid the camera dropping with a bang if you release the column too quickly.

Value For Money

Available for under £40, this tripod and head combination offers excellent value for money, particularly considering the generous 10 year warranty provided. Others to consider include the Slik Sprint Mini II GM £55, Manfrotto 393-H Tripod £52, Manfrotto Compact Photo £49, Hama Traveller Mini Pro £40, and the compact Vanguard Nivelo 204BK designed for mirrorless cameras, available for around £42.

Cullmann Nanomax 230T Verdict

The Cullmann Nanomax 230T is surprisingly well built for the price with an excellent range of features and design. Foam padding can be found on all arms, with aluminium legs and centre column. Also the centre column can be shortened for low down use. The three clips on the legs allow quick extension of the tripod legs and you can remove the head and make the tripod even more compact for travel. Included with this is an impressive 10 year warranty!

There is nothing to stop you removing the centre column completely, without first having to press a release like in other tripods. A single knob for the head controls panning and the ball position, which makes it easier to use, but could cause difficulty panning. While the tripod head does not feature a traditional tripod plate, other models in the Nanomax range are available if required, and the ball head makes it easy to position the camera quickly. Despite some negatives, the Nanomax 230T is a well built and compact tripod available for a bargain price.

	The Cullmann Nanomax 230T is a well built compact tripod with excellent value for money.

Cullmann Nanomax 230T Pros

Compact size
Foam grip on all three arms
Rubber ring at top of centre column
10 year warranty
Excellent value for money

Cullmann Nanomax 230T Cons

Only one knob on head (keeps it simple, but panning could be difficult)
Some paint chipping

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
OVERALL

Cullmann Nanomax 230T CB6.1 Specifications

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