Used Manfrotto Compact Series Tripod with Built-in Photo/Video Head, Black

2014-07-05T21:00:00

It's too flimsy for all but the lightest-weight point-and-shoot. My camcorder (within the specified weight limit) bounces on top of the tripod as if it were mounted on a spring. Even nearby footsteps spoil the shot. It's lightweight and compact, but not enough to compensate for the unstable platform the tripod provides.

Talking D.

2014-02-12T19:00:00

It is less than 18" and packs well. Not form windy conditions due to the light weight but excellent for most work.

Gug1953

2013-12-30T19:00:00

I needed a tripod that would fit in my bag and hold my DSLR. This tripod does that quite well. The only thing I don't like about this tripod is that it doesn't go vertical, but I shoot mostly horizontally. It's fast and smooth to move and locks right where you are holding it when you turn the wheel.

LEVI B.

2013-04-28T21:00:00

Trying to keep the subject in the lens while locking the head in place is nearly impossible. As you lock it down with the locking wheel, it forces the head to creep up.

Ed

2012-05-29T21:00:00

I used it last to take pics of my nephews soccer match. It was great. It fit perfect strapped onto my Incase sling pack. It was lightweight and did not stick out at all. My back and neck started to strain as I was hunched over looking into the viewfinder till i realized the middle column extends, that solved the problem as it brought it up to straight up height and I'm 5'11". It was pretty stable too. The legs take a few seconds to unlatch but slide out quick. Only negative thing is that in a 3hr session the screw got loose on the quick release plate 3 times, so I just tightened it real tight and it held for a while. I wanted a full height, lightweight tripod with removable plate and for the money it was the best bang for my buck from a reputable brand. The wheel to tighten is amazing and my Nikon 55-200 lens held up well. I couldn't figure out the switch and how to manuever it easily, you probably will.

FABIAN G.

2012-05-24T21:00:00

I love this tripod. Only con I have is I wish the legs folded out so that the tripod would sit low to the ground. To get that ground level shot. Other than that, I highly recommend for the casual photographer.

David C.

2012-01-29T19:00:00

Great product for the money

Woody

2011-10-30T21:00:00

I'm a professional wedding photographer, and I was skeptical when I bought this tripod that it wouldn't be sturdy enough. I gave it a shot, because it is so darned cheap, and I was intrigued by the pistol grip head. I am continually amazed at how easy it is to use. The pistol ball head is completely brilliant. There is a slight movement when you tighten the wheel to lock the head in place, which could make composing with a long lens rather tedious. However, as a lightweight tripod, you won't want to use anything too heavy on this anyways. The manufacturer says 3lbs, but I'm pretty sure my Nikon 10-24 on my D7000 with a flash weighs in around 4lbs, and I don't have any issues. Any heavier than that and I'd start to get nervous. It is incredibly light. I can hang it off my camera bag over my shoulder, and forget it's there (until it inevitably knocks something over). It is also incredibly small when folded. It will easily fit in a backpack, or a larger camera bag. After two months my only complaint is that if you have a heavier lens on the front of your camera, and you are moving the tripod, you have to make sure you tighten the grip more than you normally would. During normal, stay-in-one-place type operation, you barely have to tighten the wheel down at all. It's easy to forget to tighten it further when you have to run around alot, like I do at weddings. I've face-palmed a few times when the ball slipped and the lens hit one of the legs. Mind you, the camera didn't fall off, it just swiveled down. Nothing was damaged though, so no worries. Overall, it is a fantastic tripod for the price. Just remember to hold the camera when you move it around, and you'll be totally happy.

DAN P.

2011-09-10T21:00:00

this is a great compact tripod, i love the ball head option for photo or video you get different movements. decent tripod for the price. kudos to manfrotto for making something good quality and affordable.

IVY P.