With all the bad reviews I read about this tripod I still bought it and I’m glad I did.. it works really well on my mirrorless and iPad plus It’s on sale for $60.
Yeah, it's really a matter of just knowing exactly what it's for. Would I put my 5D4 with a huge lens on there? Nope... but I use it all the time for my cell phone to grab videos, and a lighter camera would be totally fine. I think if folks expect the same sort of tripod for $60 as they get for $1000 they are just going to lead a very disappointed life, lol :)
Hi Mark. An excellent review and comparison of some of the MEFOTO models. As a user of the MEFOTO GlobeTrotter tripod, which is their top-of-the-line, most robust model, I can state that it is quite robust (though of course, not in the same league or with the same level of precision as Gitzo, RRS or FML), and more than adequate for any mirrorless kit. The GlobeTrotter would also support a DSLR such as your Canon 7D with a 70-200 f/2.8. And I agree that the standard "twist" leg models offer much more rigidity and stability than those "hyper-twist" legs of the lower end models. A main reason for my original consideration of MEFOTO in the first place, was their monopod conversion feature! It's quite handy when hiking, to have the option of converting one's tripod into a monopod, and with no tools needed. Thank you!
Cool review. Need some advice about the MeFoto Roadtrip unrelated to photography, and was wondering if you could help me make a good decision. I had the idea to use a tripod with a mount to hold a kindle or ipad as a way to enjoy reading while standing and being able to do this in a variety of places or situations where I could comfortably enjoy a book both indoors or outdoors while not having to be seated. Do you think the MeFoto Roadtrip would be sturdy enough to support use of a tablet or kindle where the user is often interacting with the tablet to swipe left or right to turn pages and perform other interactions as needed? I am pretty curious about this since these tripods are obviously gorgeous but am not sure if it would be the best choice for this type of use-case since the primary focus of its design is to be as portable and lightweight as possible. Do you have any thoughts or recommendations on this?
Hey Jamie, Thanks for the question! There are a number of tools available to help do what you have in mind. If you search on B&H's website, or someplace similar, look for a "Notebook/Tablet Stand." The Roadtrip is a pretty solid tripod. It isn't a big heavy beast, but it's definitely MUCH more stable than the Backpacker Air, or Backpacker. Assuming you have the right kind of mount to secure the device, I think you would be completely set! I use my Backpacker as a stand for my cell phone all the time, using the included bracket. It works perfectly for holding the cell phone to do a video, or to read a recipe while cooking, etc. HANDY options!!
Yes, it definitely sounds really handy, and I'm really glad you can speak on this idea from your personal experience! After much research and deliberation early last week, I decided to order a used Benro Manfrotto 190xProL from someone in Florida on eBay and ordered a new Ball head for it. I was worried that the MeFoto might not be heavy enough to be stable in all conditions and that the twist-to-extend legs might not fare as well over the longer term if I were to keep it standing for extended periods. I still see the MeFoto tripod as one that's uniquely well built amongst its class shared by other portable tripods, though wanted to be safe and get something really sturdy. I'm really excited to try it out and should be able to try reading with it for the first time sometime Wednesday evening. Thanks again for your help and advice!
You keep saying this is the one I'd go with....say the names of the one your talking about our put it on the screen
With all the bad reviews I read about this tripod I still bought it and I’m glad I did.. it works really well on my mirrorless and iPad plus It’s on sale for $60.
Yeah, it's really a matter of just knowing exactly what it's for. Would I put my 5D4 with a huge lens on there? Nope... but I use it all the time for my cell phone to grab videos, and a lighter camera would be totally fine. I think if folks expect the same sort of tripod for $60 as they get for $1000 they are just going to lead a very disappointed life, lol :)
Hi Mark. An excellent review and comparison of some of the MEFOTO models. As a user of the MEFOTO GlobeTrotter tripod, which is their top-of-the-line, most robust model, I can state that it is quite robust (though of course, not in the same league or with the same level of precision as Gitzo, RRS or FML), and more than adequate for any mirrorless kit. The GlobeTrotter would also support a DSLR such as your Canon 7D with a 70-200 f/2.8. And I agree that the standard "twist" leg models offer much more rigidity and stability than those "hyper-twist" legs of the lower end models. A main reason for my original consideration of MEFOTO in the first place, was their monopod conversion feature! It's quite handy when hiking, to have the option of converting one's tripod into a monopod, and with no tools needed. Thank you!
thank you for the exact comparisson i was looking for
Cool review. Need some advice about the MeFoto Roadtrip unrelated to photography, and was wondering if you could help me make a good decision. I had the idea to use a tripod with a mount to hold a kindle or ipad as a way to enjoy reading while standing and being able to do this in a variety of places or situations where I could comfortably enjoy a book both indoors or outdoors while not having to be seated. Do you think the MeFoto Roadtrip would be sturdy enough to support use of a tablet or kindle where the user is often interacting with the tablet to swipe left or right to turn pages and perform other interactions as needed? I am pretty curious about this since these tripods are obviously gorgeous but am not sure if it would be the best choice for this type of use-case since the primary focus of its design is to be as portable and lightweight as possible. Do you have any thoughts or recommendations on this?
Hey Jamie, Thanks for the question! There are a number of tools available to help do what you have in mind. If you search on B&H's website, or someplace similar, look for a "Notebook/Tablet Stand." The Roadtrip is a pretty solid tripod. It isn't a big heavy beast, but it's definitely MUCH more stable than the Backpacker Air, or Backpacker. Assuming you have the right kind of mount to secure the device, I think you would be completely set! I use my Backpacker as a stand for my cell phone all the time, using the included bracket. It works perfectly for holding the cell phone to do a video, or to read a recipe while cooking, etc. HANDY options!!
Yes, it definitely sounds really handy, and I'm really glad you can speak on this idea from your personal experience! After much research and deliberation early last week, I decided to order a used Benro Manfrotto 190xProL from someone in Florida on eBay and ordered a new Ball head for it. I was worried that the MeFoto might not be heavy enough to be stable in all conditions and that the twist-to-extend legs might not fare as well over the longer term if I were to keep it standing for extended periods. I still see the MeFoto tripod as one that's uniquely well built amongst its class shared by other portable tripods, though wanted to be safe and get something really sturdy. I'm really excited to try it out and should be able to try reading with it for the first time sometime Wednesday evening. Thanks again for your help and advice!
way to not talk about the ball head at all
Shame they didn't put a spirit level on the legs. That stops me buying this.
Thank youuu! I've been looking for a comparison for hours!
@megan I'm so glad you found it useful! Which one did you decide to get??? (And did you use the discount code?)
The Roadtrip Classic! Unfortunately MeFoto doesn't ship to Canada so I'll need to go to a dealer here. No discount. :(