The Best Lightweight Tripod for Travel Mefoto Air Backpacker ep.112
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 11 сен 2024
- I was on a quest to find the best tripod after switching to Micro Four Thirds (Olympus E-M10 Mark Ii, Pen-F...) I found it!
Best lightweight tripod for everyday:
Mefoto Backpacker Air Tripod:
USA - amzn.to/2UKlu5o
UK - amzn.to/2WQLblL
Best hybrid shooter tripod:
Manfrotto Befree Live: amzn.to/2QX4Rop
Best tripod for Panorama and Astrophotography:
Mefoto Roadtrip Classic: amzn.to/2rC2k4l
Best Monopod:
Sirui P-204SR P Series Monopod:amzn.to/2pJ88Ix
My Amazon Store:www.amazon.com...
Social:
Instagram: / robtreklens
Facebook: / robtreklens
My Blog: robtrek.com
*We are a participant in the Ebay and Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Ebay.com Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Best lightweight tripod for everyday:
Mefoto Backpacker Air Tripod: amzn.to/2UKlu5o
My Amazon Store:www.amazon.com/shop/robtrek
I think your Olympus tutorials are much better and more informative than any Olympus visionary videos I watched on RUclips. I like the way you explain everything in detail. Keep up the awesome work.
Thanks!
I think I will add the backpack air to my Christmas list, thanks Rob for another very informative video, keep up the good work.
Thank you!
Great quick tips Rob - something nobody else has done online!! Thanks.
Thank you!
As an apprentice professional photographer, it was almost a religious belief that "you must always use the heaviest tripod you can get". To some extent, that's true. Lightweight tripods can vibrate in the wind, amongst other problems.
But, as my speciality transformed into extreme expeditions photography, not only was a heavy professional bipod out of the question, what I really wanted was a more lightweight and smaller monopod. But how to replace a heavy three legged, inherently stable tripod with a single leg monopod?
Then somebody pointed out that "YOU have the other two legs". Brilliant! If you lean into the monopod, so it provides one of the legs, and your own two legs -- with your feet spread apart -- form a very stable tripod.
These days I usually only ever need a monopod + my own two legs. My only two caveats are that 1) you will need a very solid Head to mount the camera, and 2) choose a monopod with stout legs and a good locking mechanism that won't collapse when you put your weight on it. Don't go for the universal ball type Head. Choose one that has swivel joints. And look for a monopod where even the smallest section of the leg is quite stout, as you don't want a thin and wispy last extension leg.
"YOU have the other two legs" 😄 was a brilliant piece of advice.
Have fun,
Rick
Great tips on choosing a monopod. I still prefer the tripod for most situations. It's better suited for multishot panos, long exposures, and selfies. I take lots of shots together with my dog on various trips. It's also handy for resting your camera off the ground when you need to stop for a break or go through your backpack rather than it dangling off your neck or shoulder.
@@RobTrek Quite agree, Rob. There are some situations where a tripod is essential. However, before people rush out to buy a lightweight tripod, they should consider the alternatives. In many cases a stout monopod combined with the 'human tripod' technique is a better solution. A flimsy tripod is a waste of money.
Love the idea of lugging a tripod around just so you've got somewhere to put your camera while you eat your sandwiches 😂, that's hilarious!
Rick
Stumbled across your video while looking for reviews on this exact tripod. You sold me on it. Your review is one of the best I've ever seen. Keep up the good work sir.
Thank you! Happy New Year.
I'll have to check out the MeFoto Air. Excellent tip on the vloging tripod setup...
Thanks!
I bought this thanks to your recommendation here. Imagine it will come with me almost all the time. So compact and light, there really is little excuse to go out without a tripod now.
Thanks. It really is fantastic little tripod. Just always double check the twist locks and stay low in the wind! I tighten the hex nuts time to time too.
I just ordered the tripod! I think it will be great for the Alaska trip I’m going on this summer! Thank you!
I envy you! Never been to Alaska.
So I am surfing for yet another tripod and came back to this video to see what you bought here as I was going to add this to my search, I go to Amazon to search for the Backpacker and find that I bought this in 2017. I used it with my X100F as it worked perfectly. I have the Backpacker Classic, which I don’t think is the exact same model, mine doesn’t collapse down as compact as yours here. I have to go find it and test it out with my EM-5 Mk2.
Update: I see the difference between the Backpacker Classic that I have and the Air Backpacker now. Yours is way smaller. Apparently it has been discontinued except for the camo version which I will pass on. My search continues.
That's a shame. It's a great little tripod. I'm sure one will come up as new old stock somewhere. I'll have to see if there is anything else out there. Thanks.
Hi Rob, just wanted to let you know based on your RUclips video & advice about the Mefoto backpacker tripod I bought one on ebay the other day. Ever since I first saw your Video about the tripod I wanted to get one. However in Australia they were difficult to get & quite expensive & buying one on Amazon from USA with the taxes & shipping costs was also expensive.
However last week I spotted one on eBay here in Australia, the guy bought one to use when he went travelling overseas but due to COVID his plans changed & he couldn't go so he sold tripod on eBay at a very good price & it was in as new condition. Good Christmas present to myself & will give it a workout over Christmas.
Thanks again for your advice & Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year to you & your family.
Thanks. Merry Christmas! I still use that tripod all the time. Just be concious of the legs. They tend to untwist themselves if you move it around a lot.
Thanks Rob. I like this tripod and use it now every time I go for a photo walk in the woods. The only problem is that I wish the locking was not so fiddly.
I like the portability but you're right about the locking. Good practice to double check.
I should have watched this before buying my Zomei travel tripod, which arrived today. Sure it is sturdy and fits in carry-on but it weighs over 4 lbs. The funny thing is, I thought it would weigh less than my carbon fiber tripod but it weighs almost the same. About your Manfrotto tripod, that adjustment handle will keep you from getting close to the camera's eyepiece. Thanks for helping me justify another new tripod...
Glad to help!
Great review!!! So positive about the good stuff with this tripod, and it’s easy to see you love it, but the great thing here about this review is you thoroughly go through all the potential issues and negatives with it too. Awesome job!!
Thank you!
Hey Rob, I've had this tripod for about two years now for my EM10 mark ii so it's reassuring to see you recommend the same as I absolutely love it. Did you know there's a metal hook at the bottom of the centre column where you can hook a bag or whatever for further stability in case there's a breeze or its windy!
Yes. I totally forgot to mention that here. I took mine out so I could remove the center column. There's rarely enough weight in my bag anymore to really help. I could hang my d750 I suppose. :)
Hi folks, take this tripod with me everywhere! I fixed one thing that annoyed me where I could not easily pan during a panorama without having the ball completely loosened. By simply removing the 3 screws under the head, a gentle semi slackening of the ball lock now allows a pan sideways without being too loose so the camera is tilting on the other axis’s. Perfect!
Interesting. I recently lost mine. I think I left it at a job sight.
I have the Manfrotto compact and it’s a great tripod, light and easy to carry around, but after a windy night shooting under the moonlight I decided to get something more sturdy. Yes, compact and light is important, but you have to have backup and know what you’re sacrificing.
Rob, would be nice to see a video about your camera backpacks / bags. Also, how about a “what’s in my camera bag” kind of video?
Thanks. I forgot to mention there's a hook on the column to hang weight, but still no substitute for a solid tripod. I have so many bags! Will share my thoughts on that too.
Got one a month ago thanks to your review. I'll use on my hiking trips. As you demostrated, packs small and light weight.
Thanks. Glad you like it as much as I do!
Thanks Rob! Finally a tripod I don't mind carrying around 👍
I bring it everywhere!
I have the MeFOTO RoadTrip. You didn't mention it comes in a variety of colors and that there's a hook on the center stem that you can hang your camera bag for more stability. I use with my Pentax K1 and I'm very pleased with it. I haven't used my EM10 on a tripod. Keep up the good videos. I'm looking forward to the release of the EM5 Mk3.
I can hardly wait!
Hi Rob great video again, just a comment or tip, I would try the heat shrink instead of tape, I use them on fishing rods for none slip and they are great, you can use a hair dryer or stripper gun. DLG uk cheers
Great idea! Thanks!
Why is it Rob, that when I think of a question I want answering and ask 'RUclips', your videos always crop up near the top...you must be psychic! I clicked on this video today as it appeared to help answer my question before even realising/seeing that it was produced by you! Thanks. This one does seem to be a little flimsy for my purposes though.
Great photographers think alike!
I picked up the Manfrotto Element Small version of the Element series. I think it's a bit more stable than the Mefoto Air when fully extended. It folds down to 12.5 inches and the look and feel is real quality.
Looks like a great tripod. I like the twist locks. Thanks.
Thanks man, I just purchased the Backpacker Air before this video. This is just a validation that it is nice for me ! :)
Great to hear!
Excellent Rob, from my old days with Hasselblad, nikon through to Canon digital, i've been carrying a studio manfrotto and a gitzo junior. This seems perfect for micro four thirds! Btw love your camera bag too!
Thank you!
Just got the mephoto backpacker tripod, LOVE IT!!! Thank you! So easy to use! So small! Easy to carry!
I'm glad you like it. I love mine and use it all the time. Just be careful when it's windy! Use the hook or hold it.
I’m going to Alaska in May will make my travel partner be my photographers assistant
Another excellent "real world" video Rob. I always enjoy watching them especially as a fellow Olympus MFT user I've been searching for a good objective review of this tripod as I'm intending to buy one. Best wishes, Leigh
Thanks. I try.
@@RobTrek hi rob, Oh, BTW I found this a while back, great for hanging a bag to a tripod for added stability, not sure if you've seen these. shuttermuse.com/heroclip-tripod-camera-bag-accessory/ Best wishes, Leigh
Thanks for some great tips. Would love to know more about your camera bag as well.
Thanks. Not sure they're sold anymore, but will be happy to share my thoughts on bags.
Hi Rob, you were showing a couple of camera bags around the 8min mark. Do you mind sharing the link on when I can get one of them? Great video, Thanks
Here you go:
USA: Swiss Gear Messenger Bag: amzn.to/2BktCAR
UK: Swiss Gear Messenger Bag: amzn.to/2Bs4isz
I did video reviews of bags here:
Amazon Bag - ruclips.net/video/Gb-Z34TfpNE/видео.html
Swiss Gear Bag - ruclips.net/video/Bts1Optlklk/видео.html
So impressed with your demo I've just ordered one. Thanks Rob.
Thank you!
My Velbon Videomate 438 fits in a suit case (was vital for Sandra's mum's 80th birthday). When I center the spirit level, the camera remains level when mounted. With the mounting plate on the E-M10 II I can access the battery and the card.
Thanks for sharing. Appreciate you taking the time to write.
Thanks so much for this! Been looking everywhere for this tripod!!!
Glad to help. Thanks.
This was very helpful. Can you do an episode on those Swiss plate things and the options for connecting the camera to the tripod? Thanks a bunch!
Thanks. Sure, no problem. I'm heading out for a photowalk today, so maybe in a day or so.
Excellent comparison. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Brilliant. I have a Manfrotto 055 with the ball head and its perfect, but its HEAVY. Got to have this small one for my MFT setup.
Thank you! Yes, it's been working out for me quite well. Take it out everyday.
I will definitely add this tripod to my kit. Thanks for the heads up.👍
I take it everywhere!
Thanks a lot for sharing your professional experience on tripods. After watching your vid I Bought the mefoto globetrotter to use for My Olympus m5 Mark iii. A small question, Rob; the tripod includes a Bluetooth remote control. Do you know if it’s possible to connect this to My Olympus, or is remote control only possible by using the app on the iPhone? Many Thanks!
Unfortunately it's not possible as far as I know. Only the Olympus app will connect via bluetooth.
@@RobTrek Thanks a lot Rob. Than I’ll need to do it by the app or buy a wired one.
Rob i love your videos, i have the opportunity to get in my country the "upgrade" version of this little tripod for my Olympus omd em10 markiii, the Mefoto roadtrip Air. Do you know it? Think could be a good buy. I agree the best tripod is the one you have with you! Thanks!!!!!!
Thanks! I don't think I've seen the upgrade version. Do you have a link?
Another great video! Thanks Rob.
Thank you!
Thanks Rob , happy Christmas.
Thank you! Merry Christmas!
Hey Rob, thanks for the video. I'm still dithering over what travel tripod to get but this has got me thinking; So if I have a lightweight but not too rigid tripod and it's windy. Is not the answer to leave the IBIS on? We're told to turn it off with tripods, but surely this would be an instance where it would be of use?
I just leave my ibis on auto with all but the sturdiest of tripods. So yes, use ibis with this kind of tripod.
Small and light. Pocket friendly. Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod.
Agreed! I have both the Pixi mini and Pixi evo. I actually cut out the part of this video where I talked about those. They really are not in the same class and deserve their own video.
@@RobTrek please make that manfrotto video too! I like the idea of these mini height tripods that extend to eye hieggt in this vid but would feel safer with just a bit more rigidity even if it means a bit more weight... though not too much more weight.😅
You mean the manfrotto befree i showed in this video? If so, no problem. I barely touched on the features.
@@2Old4Toys from experience, i've found ways to hang from the centre my camera bag which had at the time heavy lenses and film cameras, even the canon digital with lenses was around 11 kilos weight, it never moved after that! mft is not as heavy but will still add weight if you have a few lenses and accesories, even a water bottle.
@@arthurrmcphee4885 i looked up some other reviews of the backpacker air and see they had a hook on the end of the centre column. That reassures me a lot! My second system smaller than my Olympus is the tiny Pentax Q so I think this thin but tall tripod will be perfect to keep with me all the times. I never knew such a compact tripod existed that could extend so tall till now. Thanks @robtrek
Keep going as you are Rob, you're one of the best tutors for OMD on the web.
Thanks.
Thank you thats exactly what im looking for 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Glad I could help.
Thanks for this review. I purchased for my nikon z50 / 1.7 28mm lens
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Rob. Thanks for doing these videos on Olies. How did this tripod hold? I am afraid of the twist style. Also, would you recommend it for macro photography? Many thanks again.
Thanks. You do have to be sure everything is tight from time to time.. Picking up the tripod and setting down several times over the course of a day will inadvertently untwist the legs, I speak from experience. It's not my first choice for macro work outdoors, but on a table or hard surface with all extensions retracted to their shortest points, it's fine. Outdoors it's nice to have a larger tripod and ballhead. A quality gear head and macro sliders help tremendously if you want to get serious.
I liked the video. I just looked at amazon.com and the mefoto backpacker air is: $79. On amazon.co.uk the cheapest is a blue one at £79 up to £103 for a red one, a bit of a rip off in the UK. With the pound sterling going down the pan at the moment, it will get worse I suppose. For the moment I'll stick with my Zomei tripod.
Long as you have a tripod, you're good. Not sure why they would cost more in the uk. Add to your wish list and wait for prices to drop. Happens all the time!
that wouldn't be good for using the OMD EM1 mkiii with the 40-150 lens? great little tripod for macro though
The tripod is too small to support larger lenses. I wouldn't use it for the 40-150pro, 300pro, 12-100pro. The 12-40pro is fine, but that is the safe limit.
very informative and well presented video, thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Could you provide long term review? How's the tripod doing? I've got a sony rx100 and looking for a lightweight travel tripod. Thanks for sharing.
I'm still using it as my primary tripod. No problems. I think it might be a bit heavy for a little rx100 though. If you need the height, this is still probably your only option.
Nice job Rob. I have the same camera as well.
Thank you!
Mefoto Backpacker Air Tripod I've just purchased one. You talked me into it ;-)
It's my favorite tripod! I did a few shots over Christmas with the EM1.II + 12-40pro + Flash on it - no problem.
@@RobTrek that does sound an impressive weight racio for the pod.
Mefoto Backpacker Air Tripod Arrived today. Very nice, better than I expected and I got it new half price from a reputable UK dealer. I'm tempted to buy another as a light stand.
Thanks for the information. I'll be ordering one from your link next week. I'm still looking for a good carbon fiber tripod so if you have any recommendations...
Thanks. Sorry I missed your question. I've avoided carbon fiber due to the minimal weight difference and cost. Recently they seem to have dropped in price a bit. Sorry I can't recommend any, as I don't own any.
have you updated your travel tripod? or is the mefoto still chugging along? thanks.
I just bought a new tripod made by Sirui last month to replace this one. The twist locks on one of the legs got jammed so I couldn't collapse it all the way. Other than that, many good years of service!
Dang.... I would've instantly bought this were it available 3 years later it can't be found on amazon...
Yeah, it's been too long. Probably no more new-old stock left. I have another viewer that want's to buy mine. I said no-way!
Rob great video as always , any chance of doing a bag test for mft
Thanks. I'm uploading one on my bags now.
All astro, . . . except Lunar as that sucker moves fast.
Another informative video
Thank you!
Thank you!
Thanks.
Any idea if that would support a G9? I've moved up to it, but it is considerably heavier than my old EM5II
It's supposed to support up to 8 lbs, so technically it should be fine. I've supported my em1.2 on it with no problem. Don't know about the g9. Just be conscious of a camera/lens combo that weighs more than the tripod itself. Not a good idea to be top heavy. It does come with a hook to hang weights under the center column.
May I know what's the model for that tiny Benro tripod?
The tiny one on the table is a Manfrotto Pixi.
What L-Bracket do you use with your Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II?
It's a great grip, and not the e3 but unfortunately, it's not available anymore. The close thing is this - amzn.to/2yuWS7c
Rob,
What type of camera bags do you use?
Thanks. Not sure they're sold anymore, but will be happy to share my thoughts on bags.
Im looking at buying one used the model MeFOTO A0350 for around 25$.
Killer deal for any tripod! I use my mefoto fairly regularly.
How tall are you? So I know if I will have to hunch over
5'9"
GANDALF THE WIZARD'S STAFF FOR TRIPOD MAGIC
I'm a professional photographer who specialises in Extreme Photography, getting out-and-about on mountains and the like. That means my kit should be as small and lightweight as possible yet, from my early apprenticeship, the lesson that has always been hammered home to me is that: a tripod is essential, and it must be as HEAVY as possible. Darn, bang goes our lightweight micro 4/3rds philosophy!
DON'T even think about using a lightweight tripod -- or, worse, one of those collapsible lightweight monopods -- with a lightweight micro 4/3rds camera fitted with a lightweight plastic body lens.
Your lightweight tripod, or monopod, won't just collapse on you. It'll vibrate, and it'll be an absolute pain to erect all of those leg sections. It'll also cost a small fortune.
Gandalf the wizard had the right answer. He carried a wizard's Staff. It was extremely robust, helping him to walk over extreme terrain -- or even around the city -- and it definitely didn't have self-collapsing sections. It is a solid lump of wood about 4ft 6in tall.
In my case, my wizard's staff is an oversized ski-pole when I'm on the mountains, or an oversized walking stick in the city. Cheap, lightweight for carrying, an extremely useful and functional walking aid, and it converts into a non-collapsible Tripod. --- That's right, I did say "Tripod".
The Staff makes the first leg of your tripod. And, something that most people forget, you already have the other two legs, wherever you go. Simply spread your legs, so your feet are about 1ft 8in apart, and lean into the Staff, which you've angled forward, to form a very stable tripod.
Your own bodyweight gives you that essential HEAVY tripod, without having to lug anything heavy around with you. An aluminium ski pole doesn't weigh much, nor does a wooden Staff. (And, as stated, they're very useful walking aids, especially when going up/down steep slopes. Not to mention, you're carrying valuable photographic equipment, and a self-defense tool may dissuade opportunistic thieves.)
You will need to fit a tripod screw into the top of your Staff and, to stop the foot of your Staff slipping, you should consider a rubber boot or a metal spike on the foot. (You can get rubber feet that twist to expose a spike.)
As for the tripod screw. This needs to be a ball-joint, as you'll be splaying the Staff in front of you -- a simple vertical screw thread would be useless -- so check out fleaBay and other suppliers.
The hight of the Staff is crucial. It must bring the viewfinder to the correct eye relief with the tip of the Staff splayed out in front of you, and with your feet splayed and your body leaning forwards to form that tripod shape. You'll need to do a bit of experimenting to find the correct length of staff for you. It'll be shorter than you might think.
I'd suggest adding a small platform, to rest your hand on, while you're transferring your weight onto the top of the Staff. The handle of a ski pole works admirably. You want your weight on the Staff, not on the camera.
So, here we have a somewhat "magical" way to obtain that essential HEAVY, non-collapsing tripod, without adding any significant weight to our micro 4/3rds system. It's also a very useful walking aid for when you're out and about. ...and a ski pole can be picked up from a car boot sale. Walking sticks, try the charity shops.
Have fun,
Rick
Great idea for most, but there is still a risk of movement and won't work for precise pano or for astrophotography. I think a paracord secured to your feet and forming a triangle up to the camera would work just as well, but it obviously won't serve as a walking stick. Thanks for sharing.
@@RobTrek
Now that paracord idea is interesting, Rob. Perhaps you could be persuaded to elaborate?
The beauty of the "human tripod" system is that you utilize your own bodyweight to create a heavyweight tripod. Sure, it does have its limitations, but is well-tuned to the minimalist philosophy of micro 4/3rds.
Your paracord idea also reminds me of a technique where you slip the camerastrap down your back, so it's across your back and pulled forwards under your armpits. Similar idea to use tension. However, you yourself are more stable if you're leaning forwards, legs apart, putting your weight onto a walking stick.
Another trick, which I'm sure you've used many a time, Rob, is to sit on the ground, with your feet well apart and knees bent, both elbows resting on your knees. (For those who haven't tried it, the trick is not to put your elbows directly on the kneecaps, but to rest the backs of your elbows on the flats of your kneecaps.)*
*...and an even more impressive trick is getting yourself up off the floor afterwards 🤪 !
Please keep 'em coming, Rob. You're an inspiration,
Rick
Thanks. I got your email too. This is the general idea for the paracord ruclips.net/video/n4Mf9vWvugE/видео.html
80$???? I bought a tripod just like that, does the same as yours, carbon fiber, "amazon basics" for 20$!
I would love to share this tripod with my viewers. Maybe get one myself! Please share a link if you can. Thanks. -Rob
@@RobTrek Hey Rob, i bought mine back in 2017, cannot find it on sell right now, but found this one that is similar: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MJRXTCL/ref=sspa_dk_detail_7?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07MJRXTCL&pd_rd_w=OZXWJ&pf_rd_p=1055d8b2-c10c-4d7d-b50d-96300553e15d&pd_rd_wg=OVWj1&pf_rd_r=VTGDFW708MRHXZZ46JHX&pd_rd_r=80833b5b-e715-4930-b444-2190de2ab8cd&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzRVZQTlozNlRDM1RGJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODU5MTkzMjNHS1pLRlpWMTFOTSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTA2NTEzM0FFV1RBUVY1S1oyWCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
Hi Rob, I would agree about the Olympus Visionary statement, you have done so much to promote getting the most out of their cameras it is the least they could do :) I have sure appreciated the videos you produce. Looking at your latest video, at the end where you describe your vlogging technique, I made a connection to a device by these guys called steadyfy, www.kickstarter.com/projects/650610026/steadify/description . I am currently waiting on delivery of one as it seems idea for my OMD 10 Mark III, it has the option of a ball head which, if you mounted the camera towards you rather than away, looks ideal for vlogging.
Thanks. Neat idea. I think I've seen something like that before that hooked to your belt. I think it would be too restricting for vlogging.
I'm 6'5" it looks a little short
Hi, for reference - I'm 5'8". Tripod height is 59.5". -Rob