Is the PGYTech MantisPod vlogging tripod REALLY worth it?
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- Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
- Is the PGYTech MantisPod really worth buying for creators who are looking for a new handheld camera tripod. The Mantis Pod costs nearly $180 and the build quality and functionality leave a lot to be desired especially at a premium price point!
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I love it. Its solid, small and really well designed. I do not regret purchasing it at all. Better than purchasing multiple Gorilla pods and watching my camera slowly tip over.
👋 yeah, I take the point on the gorilla pods. But for me it just doesn’t seem to offer good value for money. At least at the price point I got it for. But glad it worked out well for you. What feature do you use the most?
@@VicBarry Excellent size to easily carry around in my camera bag. I really appreciate the ergonomic design which is great for "selfie mode". It's very strong and light which I appreciate. It's like the Swiss army knife of tripods, ready for any situation.
Yes. Sick of the Gorilla pods wearing out after 6mo
How's it holding up? Just read another review and he's having problems after a while.😮
@@davidpoo66 Its good as new, but I haven't use it heavily.
One of the most honest reviews I have ever seen. Thank you. Just because a product is good as a tool it is something else if it is a good value.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks Cliff
Dude - quality of this guy's videos are insane. Next RUclips star for sure!
Wow, thanks!
IMHO it's a nice tripod. It has many adjustments features such as the compact reverse ball head. Enables you to have a wider view when your lense isn't wide enough. Option to hang on things , so you can talk to your camera at eye level. It is expensive, but it is like a swiss army knife of mini tripod. I have quite a collection of mini tripod. Most days I rock with cheap lightweight screw on plastic tripod. This is quite a tool to have if i need to mount a camera and remove it quickly in an urban setting, and extend the length for a wider view. It has a hidden phone clamp which is arca swiss compatible too.
I have to respectfully disagree on this one. I saw McKinnon's video the other day and couldn't help but think he was Late To The Party. I got my MantisPod about ten months ago after seeing it on Potato Jet's channel. I use it mainly with the ZV-1 and iPhoneX, and have found it to be an absolute workhorse and the handle I use the most (I've also got the SwitchPod, as well as the Sony remote and tripods from Benro and Ulanzi). I find it to be very stable and incredibly versatile, and when I've had issues - like the ball joint loosening because I dropped it, PGYTech was very helpful and responsive in solving the issue.
I don't have a camera as heavy (or as expensive) as the FX3, but as with any support device, it's going to have a max usable weight. Don't know if the FX3 is "too heavy" but I wouldn't expect the MantisPod to be the ideal support for say, the C100mk2. I've even used the hook to mount the camera to the back of an airplane seat for a couple of hours with no issues.
Like others have said, maybe give it some time and more use. I've traveled with mine across the world and I'm not just pleased with the MantisPod, but an enthusiastic user. I consider it to be an essential piece of my shooting kit.
Hey there. Great comment. Appreciate it. Happy it’s working out well for you. The fact that you had an issue after dropping it kinda reenforces my own belief that it’s not that well built FOR the price point. Great that PGYtech helped out (as any decent company should)
My biggest problem here is that I’m completely underwhelmed with it because of how much it costs. The more expensive something is the higher our expectations sometimes. If this was $50 or even $75 we probably wouldn’t be having this conversation.
Yeah I thought about giving it more time but at least IMO you shouldn’t have to need more time to like an actual hand held tripod. It should blow you away day one. But that’s me. If it works well for you then happy days. Great comment. 🙏
Vic, great job. You clearly demonstrated my every concern. Shouldn’t need a PhD to work a small plastic tripod.
Hey Mark. Exactly. Well said. Thanks buddy
this company reached out to me to make a video about it... I'm not sure if I should or not.. Also, glad to see that I'm not the only grey haired youtuber :)
Hey Mike :) LOL! Unless it's a version 2 where they've fixed all the shortcomings ;P
Just got one used for 10 bucks at a local camera store
How can i make it vertical. I just purchased it.
100% agree! I picked this up when I saw it on Potato Jet's channel. While it's a fairly useful tripod, the cost is way out of wack!
Hey Gerald, totally agree. Cost aside, are you getting a lot of use out of it?
@@VicBarry To be honest I'm really not lol I mean I was never much of a vlogger to start with but I though this would be a great option for more tabletop stuff I do. However, I find that I use my Besnfoto mini carbon fiber tripod. It holds both traditional cameras as well as a phone mount built into it. The legs extend way out and of course it is really lightweight because of all the carbon fiber. AND it's only like $75.
I got mine last year and i use it all the time. I love it. You just have to get use to it. It took me a minute to get use to it. Once i did i was able to hang it all over the places. To me it was worth or. I paid $150. Just give it some time.
Hey there. Appreciate the input. And ya know that’s a fair point about giving it some time and while there’s good ideas here I just don’t trust it and IMO products like this shouldn’t “need” time. They should have an instant “epic” factor which I thought this had but it doesn’t. Again my opinion and I’ve sent it back. But hey, happy it’s worked well for you 🙏
@@VicBarry I’ve hung it on ledges, walls, and fences. I didn’t like it at first it was too complicated. It’s took me like 2-3 days to get use it, and now i use it all the time lol. It’s not for everyone.
@@letsrolloutnyc thanks for the follow up. Yeah fair enough. Totally take the point. I didn’t find it complicated but cumbersome. On the hanging hook it looks like the little hook part at the bottom (if that makes sense) would wear away quite quickly. How have you found it’s durability?
@@VicBarry i understand and the durability is actually pretty good surprisingly.
Gotcha! Can I ask, why are you surprised? :P
Glad for the perspective. I've handled small bits of magnesium and it does kind of feel unrealistically light, however it is actually a metal that is harder but lighter than aluminum. Doesn't really help with the feel and clunkyness I see through the mentioned though.
Hey...Yeah, I keep thinking it's just me, but this does not feel like a product that costs so much. Are you using anything for a hand held tripod at the moment?
@@VicBarry actually just the Joby 5k. Works better than I thought it would. but honestly just ended up with a monopod due to lack of space, and used the Joby to precariously hang lights in small places. Hung it off a roughly half foot wide column at one point, it was slowly sliding down. Held up long enough to take a shot though.
Agree. It's a $49.99 accessory on it's best day. All the influencers fawning over it look like doofuses.
Hi Gary, cheers for the comment. You still using it?
@@VicBarry Only for the hook thing Vic. If Sony puts that hook on the remote tripod thing for the ZV-1 I won't need both. But tomorrow when FedEx drops off, my attention will turn to the Insta360 One RS I'll have. I'm also expecting an Amaran P60C so it's like a nerd Christmas!
Thanks for the follow up Gary. Ha! Enjoy the RS :) That hook is an interesting concept, so simple, not sure on the execution from a build quality though. That aside however, it's surprisingly no other manufactuer has done something similar? Maybe they have?
What is the matt under your studio tripod that had apple logo on it?
dude this was one of the most entertaining product reviews i've seen. I absolutely loved it. Subbbed. I will definitely not be buying one. I use the switchpod and love it.
Hey John, thanks so much for the kind words! They really mean a lot! And thanks for "going the extra mile" and hitting subscribe!!!
😜
@@VicBarry no problem man. You earned it. Keep it up.
Cheers for that epic intro!
Great review man, love your honesty and energy!!!
Thanks so much. Great feedback to hear. 🙏
Thanks for the review and you honesty. I subscribe to you channel, watch your videos and trust you opinion...thanks for all you do!
Hey 👋 hope you folks are well? Thank you. Really appreciate that. Glad it helped
Thx for an honest, accurate, and entertaining reflection of gear so devoid on most reviews I’ve seen. Cheers Vic
Thanks pal
Thank you for the honest review!
Does your unit folding mechanism have jiggle? Because mine have and I hate that when doing vlog. I need it ultra solid
It’s gone back now. From what I remember it wasn’t that solid at all
Any thoughts on a product better than this?
Are you using a smallrig cage? Is your cage arca swiss compatible? And can you mount it directly onto the mantis pod pro or do you still have to use a different plate?
Actually, it's sadly not worth it.
The quality control for these things is unacceptable, mine doesn't lock into place I can easily push my finger and it will move it.
Is this not really for go pro or DJI pocket?
I found a Pallas table tripod, the thing is made of steel, you could even use it as a melee weapon, 1 screw to fix your camera and one clamp to position your camera in a certain position, only cost me €10,= and can't break. 😉
How did nobody mention you drinking maple syrup right out the bottle 🤣🤣🤣🤣
:P Hey Jack, hahahahaha! Yep....and it took more than one take for that too :)
Nice video and great review
Cheers Sebastian
Thanks for an honest review 👍
It's probably good. But that price gives a smallrig tripod, the ulanzi tripod/selfiestick. And a few pocket lights to go.
No worries!! Absolutely!! Nailed it!
Great video Vic, I watched the PM video and thought wow gotta get me one. I had seen the item before, but didn’t really take much notice. PM’s review is sponsored and it’s all smoke and mirrors as per a magician. Thanks for an honest review. 200 of whatever currency is not needed for this, although Pgytech do make some great stuff
Hey there, glad you enjoyed the vid! Yeah, I've always heard good things about PGYTech, that's why this is such a surprising disappointment!
😂😂😂 Love the review. I agree with you I wouldn't pay that much for that. I have the switchpod and really see no other that can compete
Hery Edgard, I don't actually have a switch pod, but without doubt, that seems to be top of the pile on all of these hand held tripods. STILL debating whether to send it back
@@VicBarry send it back bro lol... doesn't seem worth the money.. Blessings Vic
Should be 80 bucks, it does have a deep learning curve, I think I paid 120 with all the pre release discounts…. I lost my gorilla pod, back to using this until I have the will to buy another pod, hate spending on these items.
Hey there. Yeah. And even then I’d feel 80 is over priced. Not sure something as straight forward as a camera tripod should have a deep learning curve.
Totally get you on the gorilla pod. Unless you opt for the higher end / metal ones they’ll always fail and even then zero guarantees.
Nice video Vic 👍 very well done 😁
Cheers Will! Good to see ya the other day! Hope all is well
Takes a while to get used to, it has a learning curve with all the buttons. All the second steps to loosen and take out the camera are there for safety purposes. You don't want to unscrew something and you camera drops lol. Works well with my my a7iii and my one r.
I just picked one up for work, less than a weeks worth of time and kinda feel the same at the moment. Running my R6 with everything seems to be a little on the heavier side, kind of doesn’t always want to hold the legs where I need them to. My purpose was to help with more vlogging type material so time will tell.
For smaller things, like action cameras, feels more the right fit. Between a gopro and Insta360, hang it some where or prop it on a table for a time lapse, and good to go. Plus the mic shoe helpful because they lack them. Seeing how it ages is a question I have too. Will i still use it in a year?
Great video, like the honesty.
Hey there. Fair point on action cameras etc. but no way it’s worth the money for something like that. At least in my mind anyway when there’s so many other, better built tripods.
I’ll never know how it ages though. I’ve sent it back 😂
Out of curiosity what made you buy this vs something else?
Hey K, curious after a year are you still using the tripod?
@@larrylim I use it periodically. Action cams, phone, and my atomos monitor here and there. It’s held of well, very little wear and tear. I do use it occasionally with my main camera for when I need ground level angles.
I still think the price is a bit high but overall I do use it enough to keep it in my kit at work.
I saw the Peter McKinnon video off course checked it out at Amazon saw the price and went hell no….
I’m with the Manfrotto Pixie….mind you I did go past a Leica shop at the weekend Gadzooks
Hey there, yeah. I should have said the same :( But fools and their money LOL!! Glad there isn't a Leica shop ANYWHERE near me
I agree. I have had one for 8 months snd it sucks. It sits on my shelf and collects dust
Really? Any reason in particular it’s sitting there?
@@VicBarry because I have better alternatives and was disappointed by this device
Expectations v Reality :-(
That’s a lot of dough for such a thing.. I honestly thought that the camera was gonna fall
Hey Darren, yeah it’s a fair point. I’ve no issue paying the money for something if it’s worth it but this, at least for me, isn’t worth it at all.
I only wanted it for that swivel microphone 😢but I think I'll just get a friction arm 😂❤
It's just a cold shoe mount, that swivels :)
Potato jet had it a year before Peter. I’m thinking of buying one as I recently acquired a cheap ulanzi one which struggles with my camera weight
Dude ! Literally almost ordered this thing yesterday and for some reason I decided to wait. Happy I came accross this video, definitely changed my mind. Thanks man
Hey Riley, thanks dude. No probs. I’m sending mine back for a refund. Glad you enjoyed the vid 🔥🙏
First saw it on a Potato Jet video. Almost got it but bought the Ulanzi flexible feet Tripod for $36 instead, And honestly. Didn't really regret it. I should join the wave and make a video about a mini tripod too lol
Hey Ibrahim, yeah. To be honest, I've the Ulazni MT-36 and while I'm not super in love with the release plate, it's far better value. How do you like the plate on it?
@@VicBarry I've the MT-45 and I really like the claw quick release system that comes with it. Got a bunch of them. works as advertised and good build quality.
I think the MT-36 comes with the Falcam Quick Released? One issue is The MT-45 ball-head doesn't stiffen as tight as I would like with an a6400 + sigma 16mm combo but I ordered the U-100 ball-head because of that. Should arrive any day now.
What kind of tree is a Sony FX tree?
A big one
I'm only 30sec in, but you had me at the maple syrup chugging lol. Stay turned for my further thoughts...
Appreciate your thoughts! Purchased earlier today for an upcoming hiking trip as well as just light family photos at the park, I'm already on the fence about if it will be worth it and that's with ordering the 2.0 $80 model. Time will tell!
😂 all about the maple syrup
Thanks Sean Paul. Let me know how it works out.
THIS was the only thing I thought about buying lmao 😂
Vic any chance of a gimbal video maybe the crane ms2 ?
Hey 👋 ruclips.net/video/SZwvS8U7Rx4/видео.html this entire video was shot on the crane
Video brought to you by PGYTech...
🤔😂 more like my bank balance.
Ya know, life is complicated enough as it is. Thanks to you, I have been using the Ulanzi MT-36 Flexible Tripod in just about all my video endeavors and will not use anything else, work perfect and has held up tot he beatings it gets in the back country.
To darn many gadgets these days. Back in my Harley riding days we had a saying that fits with my attitude towards camera gear; "Chrome don't get ya home" All the fancy gear in the world can't take the place of skill and esperience.
Thanks for the video Vic, but at that price, I'd rather put 1/4 tank of fuel in my Jeep and go sit on a mountain. :) Cheers!
Chrome don’t get ya home. Dude. That is so true and a fantastic point. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
I agree with you, BUT....... I bought the basic version because it was much cheaper, and although it's not quite as flexible without the pro version stuff, it's better than most small tripods of this size and a lot more flexible and reliable, at least to me. But I agree, there's no way I would trust my camera hanging off of that rotation ball head extension on the pro version. Nah. The screw-on version feels much more solid. Thanks for the cool review...
Hey there, half you enjoyed the video. Trust is a biggie alright. Are you still using it or
@@VicBarry I use it a lot. Always in my backpack. It helps me keep my camera off the ground or other potential hazardous surfaces when I’m out and about in the world.
Cool! Thanks for following up
So what’s the difference between the one you have and the pro version?
@@sBaby-lg3sx Pro version has the rotating head
Send it back. Looks like a $50 tripod at best. Keep it real Vic!
Hey Tucker, good to hear from ya mate! Yeah, absolutely! Definitely swaying towards sending this back!!
@@VicBarry thanks. I’d been debating this after Pete’s video. Thx for being real with us.
Yap, right. It's nice but just over priced.
🙏
I've had mine since August 2021. It's a really cool unit with lots of features however like Vic said it should have been made out of aluminum or carbon and more stable...
Hopefully Peak Design makes a better version of this.
Hey Michael, thanks for the comment. You still using it?
Hey Vic, Yes it's a very compact and versatile tripod.
I mainly use it when I travel to do long exposures, time lapses or vlog type stuff...
I'm just very careful when using it because I don't think it's that stable when pairing with my A7s iii or Sony Alpha 1.
It's also easy to make a mistake when setting it up for tripod mode.
Which can cause the camera to tip over.
Thanks Michael, since August, how has it held up getting a lot of use? Do you still think it's as good as the day you got it?
You're welcome Vic, It still works perfectly and I've used it quite a bit.
It has some scratches because I dropped it without a camera however it didn't effect the performance.
The quality is decent however not as good as my peak design carbon travel tripod...
Awesome stuff!! That Peak Design tripod is just stunning!!
I was nervous when you had it on the wall. It didn’t look secure, a wind would knock it off.
Yep. Hence it’s gone back 😀
When I watched McKinnon's video, then went to its website only to reach the same conclusion--too much for too little.
Hey Keith, ya know if the build quality was more confidence inducing and it wasn't so cumbersome and it was 50 bucks less, then, and only then might it be close to something really great! You use any hand held tripods Keith?
If Would've been better if they make homemade movies to make good movie camera they and cinema camera it more better than Hollywood
Why did you hang it up where you could of just stood it up? 🤦🏻♂️
Seems like you went out of your way to prove something isn't worth it, but good vid
I agree with your thoughts. Yeah this tripod looks amazing but it is way overpriced for what it does. There are other inexpensive alternatives offering the same functionality like a cheap gorilla pod, the Ulanzi and even the good old Pixie mini. Good gear does matter, but sometimes being a little frugal and creative can help you achieve the same results or even better. Nothing against Pgytech. Their stuff is amazing but for the same price of this tripod I can save towards a better microphone or lighting.
Hey Tim, same results or better!! 100% on point here! Yeah, I've nothing against PGYTech, in fact this is one of the first products of theirs I've actually bought. I've heard good things about their bags and other products, but to be honest, I'd be slow to go back and buy something else with their logo on it
of course it does not worth it. It sell for less than 100 USD in China.
Vic 😅❤ please save me $200 Canadian dollars because after watching it peter McKinnon made it so appealing😂
Ha! To be honest, the ideas in it are good, but........
I feel like he over sold the hook 😂
The hook is what sold me to be honest. It made it stand out, but in reality, I wouldn't trust it as it definitely seems to be the cheapest part on the tripod, at least to my eyes
thanks for saving me monkey ☺️
No problem 😊