Novo Helix T50 Carbon Fibre Tripod Kit Review

The Novo Helix T50 Carbon Fibre Tripod Kit features the Novo Helix T50 Carbon Fibre Tripod and Novo BHP-32 Ballhead which, when combined, offer a great option for those looking for a professional travel tripod. It’s priced at £299 for the kit, making it good value for money, but is its performance just as good, too?

Novo Helix T50 Carbon Fibre Tripod Kit Features

The Novo Helix T50 is a carbon fibre travel tripod that comes with a Novo BHP-32 ball head when purchased as the kit (on test). ‘Superweave’ 10x layer carbon fibre with a black/graphite finish is used in the construction of the tripod while aluminium leg locks bring added strength to movable pieces. 

When going on a trip or holiday, the Novo Helix T50 folds down to 355mm and weighs just 1.84KG (including the head). Plus, there’s an integrated detachable monopod for days you don’t require a full tripod and it comes in a handy carry bag (as does the ball head which is a nice touch). 

Other features include rubber as well as spiked feet, twist locks on the 5 leg sections, a short column adapter and a reversible 1/4″ and 3/8″ adapter.

Key Features

• 10x Layer Carbon Fibre
• Novo BHP-32 Drag Adjust Ballhead
• Integrated Detachable Monopod
• Arca-Swiss compatible head
• Rubber and spiked feet
• Folded length of 35.5cm
• Max height of 1.4m
• Min height of 20.5cm
• Removable hook for adding weight
• Weighs 1835g with head
• 20KG load capacity
• Black/graphite finish

Novo Helix T50 Carbon Fibre Tripod Kit Handling & Performance

The Novo Helix T50 Carbon Fibre Tripod Kit is a carbon fibre travel tripod that most certainly fits the brief of a travel tripod with it being lightweight, compact and featuring an integrated monopod. Thanks to the legs having the ability to reverse by 180 degrees, the tripod folds down to just 355mm so will easily attach to the front of a backpack or sit inside a case where you can store it in the provided carry case which is made from strong, robust material. There’s a handle on the case so you can easily pick it up but it’s not quite large enough to fit over your shoulder so you’ll just have to carry it in your hand. Unlike some tripod bags, this one doesn’t have a zip as you remove the tripod from the end of the bag which we have to say is much easier to do as sometimes, it can be a snug fit getting a support back into its case with a sideways opening. To stop the tripod from falling out, there’s a clip you secure once the tripod is tucked away. 

The fact that one leg is detachable and can attach to the centre column to turn into a monopod with a max height of 1430mm when the ball head is equipped means you’re getting two pieces of kit in one so you have less to pack. You might not think you need a monopod but they’re ideal for days you don’t need a full tripod or when you’re visiting locations they may not be allowed (such as some museums). 

In use, the Novo Helix T50 Carbon Fibre Tripod has a max height of 1400mm when the centre column is extended which is fine for most situations and it has a max payload of 20kg, 8kg with supplied BHP-32 head. As most camera/lens combos weigh only around 2KG, the max payload won’t be an issue for most users and neither will be stability as even at full height, the Novo Helix T50 Carbon Fibre Tripod offered good support. When you do need to work at greater heights, always start adding length to the legs top down for stability. On windy days, there’s a hook you can hang your camera bag to bring added stability and if you screw off the rubber feet you find spikes which can be pushed into the ground. 

The legs on the Novo Helix T50 feature 5 sections and to release each section you twist the locks which are rubberised so you can get a good grip on them. They turn easily, too, but not so easily that the legs slide – they always remain in place with no slippage or accidental rotation. So you know which way locks/unlocks, there’s a diagram on each leg. Novo says they have added ‘one-piece leg captured shims’ to the tripod which means when removing the legs to clean them, you won’t accidentally lose or damage the shims. 

At the top of each leg is an aluminium lock which you push to adjust the angle of the legs which operates smoothly and easily as does the centre column which features two sections so you can tuck it away when folded and extended to maximum height when shooting. The centre column is also reversible so it can be mounted upside down when needed and there’s also a short centre column provided for macro photography and low-level shooting. 

The Novo BHP-32 ball head included in the kit is a lovely-looking thing and it’s very practical, too. It has the same black/silver finish as the tripod and is constructed from aluminium. It comes in its own pouch which is a nice touch and keeps the head safe and free from damage. 

A 50mm Arca-Swiss plate featuring a safety lock and rubberised base can be found on the Novo BHP-32 and it sits on top of the 32mm ball which moves smoothly. There’s a large lock knob which you can get a good grip on and this is a separate control to the drag/tension function which can be found in the centre of the knob. A panoramic control can be found at the base of the head and markings are also shown for assistance when creating panoramas. The addition of a panhandle for easier control when panning would be nice but it’s not essential and you can rotate the head with ease. 

Overall, the Novo Helix T50 Carbon Fibre Tripod and Novo BHP-32 ball head are an excellent combo that is built extremely well and offers a great compact solution for travel photographers as well as those looking for a smaller/lighter tripod for walking trips and days out that won’t compromise on stability. 

Value For Money

The Novo Helix T50 Carbon Fibre Tripod Kit is priced at £299 which makes it good value for money when you compare it to purchasing the tripod (£229) and ball head (£119) as separate units. £299,  for some, might seem like a lot of money to spend on a tripod but it is on par with other tripods out there. You also have to remember that it will probably last you years so use vs pounds spent is worthwhile (remember; you get what you pay for). 

For more options, take a look at our Best Tripods, Travel Tripods & Monopods top list. 

Novo Helix T50 Carbon Fibre Tripod Kit Verdict

The Novo Helix T50 paired with the Novo BHP-32 Ballhead is a great combination and it makes sense to purchase both together as it works out better value for money. Plus, they’re both constructed well and guarantee sturdy support when out in the field. The compact size when folded means you can easily take the tripod away with you on holiday or easily secure it to a rucksack when out walking. The addition of spiked as well as rubber feet make the tripod usable on multi-terrain and the fact that it converts to a useable monopod means you don’t have to pack multiple supports or you can even leave the tripod at home, taking just the monopod with you (you’re essentially getting two supports for the price of one). We really like the Novo Helix T50 Carbon Fibre Tripod Kit and we think you will too. 

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