2026-10-31 OPTEX T-12 Tripod

The OPTEX T-12 tripod probably gets its name from its folded length. It is 12 inches (30.5 cm) from tips of the feet to the folded down head. Standing as shown it is still 12 inches from table top to tip of attachment screw. It weighs 594 g (21 oz).

Fully erect—including that column—the T-12 stands 23.5 inches (very close to 60 cm) tall. You get 3.75 inches (10 cm) of that height from the center column.

Yet there is a lot to admire in the design and execution of this Taiwan product.

Referring to the first image again, the leg locks are on the side of the leg. They lock up with the bottom leg section lock nestling into the top. They are out of the way and not likely to be snagged.
There is very little metal too. Other than the handle shaft, the leg sections, the spider arms, and the occasional nut, rivet or pin you have a lot of plastic.

But to its credit, it seems like good plastic.
One step up from the shortest tripods and one big step down from regular tripods the OPTEX T-12 has a valuable role to play holding microphones, small digital and video cameras, a small spotting scope and any other job, working on table, you can find for it.

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