BC Master TC533 review - camera tripod with ball head

First impression of the BC Master TC533

What's in the box

The camera tripod comes in a handy nylon tripod bag with zipper and carrying strap. The bag is additionally padded for safe transport. In addition, a threaded bolt and a connecting piece, which converts the tripod into a monopod, as well as a suitable Allen key are included. A multilingual user manual is also included.

Design and workmanship

The design of the BC Master TC533 is kept simple. The tripod legs are made of carbon, which is to be regarded as the ultimate in tripod construction. In addition to a noble appearance, this also gives it a high breaking strength. At the same time, the use of carbon results in a low weight of only 1198g (weight with ball head - 1602g), which makes the TC533 a comfortable travel companion with an additional fold size of 490mm. The ball head and the quick release plate are made of metal. The ARCA system used ensures high compatibility with separate accessories. Unfortunately, neither the quick release plate nor the adapter plate have any scaling.

The workmanship is good according to the price and not objectionable. The twist locks of the tripod legs grip softly and can be retracted and extended without play, and the step-adjustable joints snap in cleanly.

stability

The tripod legs consist of one fixed and 3 extendable segments. Completely extended and with the lowest angle of attack, the TC533 reaches a total height of 1.75 meters. The stability at the highest level is good as long as you use the tripod on a level surface. Removable rubber feet at the leg ends ensure slip resistance. Spikes for a better hold on uneven surfaces are not included, but can be bought and screwed on at a later date thanks to the 3/8 inch thread. Adding suitable spikes to the scope of delivery or integrating them into the tripod base would have been more desirable.

An extendable hook at the lower end of the center column provides even more support. Thus, the weight of the tripod can be increased and at the same time you can stow your luggage well.

uses

The BC Master camera tripod is versatile. As a tripod, it reaches a maximum height of 1.75 meters. Thanks to the height-adjustable central column and the angle of incidence, which can be adjusted by three steps (can be folded by 180 °), the extension height can be reduced to a minimum of 50 centimeters. The center column is completely removable and can also be used overhead for macro shots. What is missing is the possibility of using the center column horizontally.

The TC533 can also be used as a monopod. A handy monopod can be conjured up from the removable center column and the non-slip tripod leg with a foam rubber cover.

field test

Except for the lack of spikes and the lack of ability to attach the center column across, the BC Master TC533 has so far left a decent impression on the price. Of course, the tripod also has to prove itself in practice.

The TC533 can be set up in no time thanks to the twist lock system and locking of the angle of attack by means of locking rockers. The tripod head uses an ARCA system so that the camera and the quick-release plate are quickly attached to the adapter plate. The tripod head offers a small spirit level for alignment, which is covered when the camera is attached. This placement is unfavorable because you have to align the tripod head before putting on the camera for horizontal shots. You will look in vain for other spirit levels, for example on the tripod leg mount. The grip of the locking screws is also in need of improvement. Although these grip cleanly and firmly, a rubber coating on the locking screws would have improved the grip.

The panoramic plate is firmly connected to the tripod head. Grades are printed legibly. The fixing screw is well placed and does not get in the way of the large locking screw of the ball joint. An attached camera has no effect on the frequency of the panorama element. Clean panoramic images are no problem for the BC Master.

The stability has convinced in practice. Fully extended and with additional weight on the hook (max. Load 12kg), the TC533 does not wobble a bit, at least on a flat surface. For use on uneven surfaces and especially during travel activities, the missing spikes are noticeable, which is why a perfect stand is made more difficult by the slightly pointed rubber feet.