Review: SmallRig RT190 Reversible Portable Studio Tripod

Stephen Knight
Apr 11
3 min read

When SmallRig recently sent me their fun RC 05B zoomlight for review, they also sent me the RT190 reversible portable studio tripod for an independent and honest review.

SmallRig RT190 Product Link.

Design and Construction

The SmallRig RT190 Reversible Portable Studio Tripod is a budget priced (US$31.49 at the time of writing), lightweight aluminium tripod for lighting. The RT190 uses a reversible/foldback design that can fold down to 43cm for storage, and extend to an impressive 190cm in height. The weight is just 0.97kg. The tripod is rated for a 4kg load, but as with all tripods, I would aim to stay within 33% of rated load, especially if on uneven ground. This light is most suitable for portable lights such as the SmallRig RF 60C and RA-D30 mini-soft box, small/medium LED panel lights, and portable zoom lights such as the RF 10C.

The legs are 2 section, 26/23mm in diameter, with a plastic flip-lock. The leg angles are 24, 54, and 84 degrees. The base of the legs have a non-slip silicone foot pad. The central column has 4 sections 26/23/20/17mm in diameter, with 3 plastic flip-locks.

The top of the central column has a 1/4"-20 mount, which allows for direct mounting of lighting equipment such as COB video lights, LED panel lights, ring lights, action cams, or flash/strobe units. However, lights usually need to be angled in some way, and as is standard with light stands, no ball head or angle bracket is included. The SmallRig Cold Shoe to 1/4" Threaded Adapter should do the trick for most portable lighting, and is only US$4.99. Many photography ball heads use a 3/8" thread and thus will not be directly compatible without a 1/4" to 3/8" adapter. There is a hook at the bottom of the central column for hanging a weighted bag to increase stability.

The package includes a carrying bag, and 2 hex keys (4mm Allen).

In Use

I found the SmallRig RT190 really easy to use. The flip locks are much faster than rotating knobs are commonly found on lighting stands. The height range from 51.5cm to 190cm (or more with a ball-head) is incredibly useful. I currently use a Fotopro X-Aircross 3 Lite as my lightweight light stand. Whilst the RT190 is 100g heavier, the easier leg mechanism and extra 40cm of maximum height means that the RT190 will replace it for lighting stand use.

The stability is pretty decent for a lighting stand when used with portable lighting equipment. I don't think it is stable enough for use as a photography tripod, but that isn't its intended use. Despite the low price, the build quality is quite decent, and I found this much easier use than many professional lighting stands I've come across in studios.