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Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod

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Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod

LxJLthr

451

Apr 6, 2016

As an enthusiast photographer, I find these higher-end "compact" tripods to be a weird market segment...I keep trying these from time to time but keep running into the same problems...
1) They are not sturdy, balanced or convenient enough for any sort of legitimate enthusiast or amateur photography work due to the low payload weight and lack of features.
2) They work better with light weight entry level DSLR and lenses, but IMHO majority of such target market (i.e. convenience snapshot takers) would not be immediately aware or interested (or other accessories for that matter). And anyone starting out with intention to grow their skill would quickly realize limitation of this unit.
3) They work best with four-thirds size or PaS cameras, but at this point there are way cheaper and more-portable options. Rarely will someone be doing a frequent long exposure, night time, macro, portrait, etc type work with those cameras. I found this one from Mafrotto absolutely awesome for 1/3 cost. http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-MTPIXI-WH-PIXI-Tripod-White/dp/B00GUND8XM/ref=pd_bxgy_421_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1V1CXN496FDJMHWV23KX.
That's just my $0.02. But I have not not tried every tripod out there, I have my own biases and at the end of the I am just an individual data point which in the grand scheme of things means nothing :)

stowbari

Apr 10, 2016

LxJLthrI agree that a very small tripod can be incredibly useful. I personally use a Pedco Ultrapod II. It's just sturdy enough to support a Canon SL1 and a medium size lens such as the 18-55, 10-22, or 50mm f/1.4. It's also small and light enough that I always keep it in my camera bag. I'm still in search of a decent tripod that fits in a carry-on bag and extends to full height that doesn't either suck or cost an arm and a leg.

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LxJLthr

451

Apr 11, 2016

stowbariI still have not found one :( Unfortunately sometimes you get what you pay for. I think of it like ultra-portable laptops; to get the power of a full size laptop into a tiny package isn't as easy or cheap hence the big arse price tag...portable tripods are the same; to get full height and sturdiness into a small package usually means actual thoughtful engineering and materials, none of which is cheap.

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GL1TCH3D

275

Apr 27, 2016

LxJLthrI have the pixi too and it holds up even my Sony A7ii and 90mm macro lens for table top settings (I wouldn't use it for slanted surfaces with that camera though).

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lastzero

254

Apr 28, 2016

LxJLthrNot all compact tripods are built the same. I have this one. http://www.obensupports.com/detail?sku=864568 It still fits in my backpack and holds all my gear quite well. As they say, it's what you pay for and I've tried cheaper ones ($100-$200) and they still can catch in the wind. This one does but a lot less.

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lastzero

254

Apr 28, 2016

LxJLthrI found that with the smaller Sirui ones (T-005KX and the carbon fiber variant). They are very nicely built but lack the height and very prone to shaking in the wind. If it's not a problem, then by all means use it but I use my camera for a lot of different things and I don't want to be gimped on that.

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dalethorn

193

Jul 1, 2016

LxJLthrI bought the black standard version from B&H for $60, and promptly tossed my Benro that I paid $400 for. This Manfrotto isn't as sturdy, but I've found it to work fine with mirrorless cameras in wind less than ~10 mph. More wind or shaky surface, just hang a weight on it and you'd be good in most cases. I really like it - very handy, comes with the perfect bag...

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