What I really like about your videos is that it is apparent that you actually use the stuff you review and you are not afraid to use "unconventional" stuff. Most professional photographers would probably never use anything but a Manfrotto tripod. Coincidentally I was looking for a good light weight travel tripod and I do a lot of quick setup, take the shot, and move on, type video shooting, so the FotoPro is probably a very good choice. Thanks for your videos!
The foams are useful for cold climates! Here in Finland at -30C you won't want to hold on to metal / carbon fiber even with your gloves for too long :).
Exactly. Some of the things he says are just bizarre, like a modern Ken Rockwell. The tripod grips are obviously for frigid climates where touching ice cold metal is most unpleasant.
You are single handedly keeping the manufacturers of obscure brand and cheap photography gear in business. I felt like I was watching a shopping channel. I like a tripod with a levelling bowl or head for shooting panos. Love your work Markus. keep the romance novel pics coming in the videos, love those.
My first time seeing one of your videos. I like that you cut to the chase, very detail orientend knowledgable and pro - plus my criteria are the same as yours - weight and compactness (and of course if it will hold the camera!)
I appreciate that you don't always prefer the most expensive thing for your equipment even though you are more than able to afford it. Often you choose the cheapest option if it is good quality and meets your needs.
There are some photographers who even avoid a center column on their tripods because they don't think a center column is stable enough. I guess that can be a factor if doing long exposures.
It is obvious that you don't photograph in cold climates but that is where the foam grips come in. In sub zero weather your bare hand will freeze to a metal tripod leg. I put foam pipe insulation on one leg of my Gitzo tripod just for that reason. Snap locks, made of plastic will break in sub zero weather. It happened to me once and that was enough. I had a plastic camera bag buckle shatter in -5F temps so I am careful not to touch anything plastic in that kind of environment. Thanks for the honest videos, keep them coming.
I grew up in Canada in the 70s, had to tunnel our way out of the door to see sunlight... walked a mile to school bus. I learned my lesson. There's a reason I live in the desert and travel to tropical islands 😋
Yes, a One Off unusual Shooting Situation. Your Foam sheath on one Leg idea is great and could be on all three with no decernable extra bulk or weight. Snow and Ice are Beautiful but most enjoyable Photography is done in Warmer Climates without having to dress as the Michlelin Man with Gloves 🧤
I used to be one of those that dragged around really heavy duty tripods. As I have matured, I think more about the weight more so than the functionality. Yes for videography I still need a 'fluid head', weight has certainly played a heavier role as I've gotten older Mr. Markus, thanks for the tips!
Perfect timing!! I need a tripod and my disability prevents me from carrying a lot of extra weight AND the slow and painstaking tripod setup hurts my hands. The FotoPro and Aoka Carbon never even came up when I was searching, but they seem like the perfect combo for me. Love your reviews, as always, you cover products nobody else even mentions and you don’t give any slack to “prestige” products.
always love your content, many give loads of info and very technical, you give the info with no bs and also enthusiasm and real life experience of the equipment, and I love that, THANK YOU.
I just checked pricing, today 4/12/23, the National Geographic NGHP000 Medium is only $15!! Thanks for the great video! Been a while since I last visited your channel but you never fail to provide down to earth advice and knowledge. THANK YOU!
Something to remember when it comes to Carbon Fiber vs Aluminum is that it's more about strength to weight ratio than it is about weight. The thing is - most carbon fiber tripods can hold way more weight than most photographers actually need. Mine can hold almost 27lbs! I'm sure you can put together a cine-cam rig that weighs that much but I've never put more than about 3.5lbs on my tripod. So, I guess I didn't need something this strong - live and learn - but I only paid $95USD for it, it folds down to 18.5 inches and up to 79 inches, and weighs 3.3lbs. I'm happy with it, but I could definitely have gone with something lighter and "weaker".
I was reading a Super 8 filmmaking book from the early 70s suggesting wooden tripods are lightweight. Compared to the old school heavy metal ones I suppose the are. Great video. The smaller and lighter tripods are great for action cams or light camcorders and I use one for my Zoom Q2n
Aoka - TY!! Great minimalist tripod with my mirrorless wide angle setup. Also can recommend the SLIK Sprint Mini II (43", 1.17lb, 4.5 max load) and the SIRUI Carbon Fiber Travel 5C Tripod 54.3 (54", 1.87 lb, 8.8 max load). The 3 Legged Patti - legs are great, but replace the ballhead. And yes - the cheapo tripods do work if you do your homework.
Choosing a tripod really depends on your needs. If you just need to take a photo of yourself most any tripod will do. However, if you need to shoot long exposures with the legs of the tripod in moving water or high winds this is where the better tripods are crucial. As for Manfrotto I've had many of them break! Casstings around the legs just broke (fixed it with goop), the feet on their expedition tripod fell out and recently I had the plastic side of their tabletop tripod totally blow out (there's a video on my channel) I tend to buy higher end tripods because I only have to buy them once but I totally enjoyed your video, love how you cover products nobody else does and from a user's perspective.
Remember this video is called "the most lightweight TRAVEL tripods", not all around best pro tripods. I have super heavy duty ones also but that's not what this video is about
Meant more as funny - Understandable if this is an eye roller for you but the foam is for cold weather use. As a former Coloradan it was not uncommon to go on a trail during warmish temps and use the foam exclusively before the return after temperatures dropped. Aluminum gets brutal in the hands and gloves are all kinds of slippery sucky for using with cameras.
I own the Fotopro X Aircross and love it! I actually use it to hold my Intrepid 8x10 camera when I go hiking to save a lot of weight. Thanks for making informative and entertaining videos!
Great video! Nice to see someone put something together that isn't all high end options. I picked up the FotoPro based on your recommendation and saved $500 (and over a pound) versus the Peak Design option all the other RUclipsrs recommend.
JeezLouise that was SUCH AN AMAZING video. I’ve been in the market for a tripod and you hit on so many good points!! Thanks for all the effort that went into making this video
Damn you Markus!!! Just this morning, less than 3 hours ago, I did resolute that I won't be buying ANY gear at least for the first 6 months of 2023. I had a tough year last year and broke my ankle 2 months ago wich prevented me from working. I'm almost broke. But then you came with your video and now I want to buy me a tripod, which, by the way, I don't need. But now I want. =( LOL! Those K&F and the Fotopro look really awesome. Tantrum asaide, thank you again for your down to earth reviews. It's funny how many influencers are now copying you. Saludos!
Right? I bought 2 last year that I like, so I said "OK, no more tripods." But a little notification pops up on my phone and now I'm wanting that Fotopro pretty bad!
@@MarkusPix yes, you should. Many out there are doing the same thing. For example. The one you did about hiding the mics. Before that everybody was “teaching” how to, but it was just the simple way to hide a lapel in a groom. After your video, everyone is doing the hair thing among other of your teachings. So, you’re doing great! They are copying you
Missed one, Benro LS05, exact same design as the Fotopro Aircross but its aluminum hence cheaper, less than 100$. Folds to 10 inches. Weighs 0.92Kg. Max height is 59.5 inches . So most of what you need but folds the smallest. We have the same obsession with compact gear for pro use.haha
Hi Gerald I love Benro, but no I didn't miss this lol. The tripod section of the LS-05 is not very high it's almost half as much as the air cross which goes almost all the way to the top for much better stability. Half the height of the LS-05 is the center column, so it's more like the little tiny Aoka I showed in the video. But keep the suggestions coming.
I really look forward to the light stand video. I got a couple of cheap ones but the fact is I don't know how they're any different from the pricier ones and what features or specs I should be looking at to suit my needs. Some things we learn from experience but learning from the experience of others is more efficient :)
Damn, A+ video man. I need a tripod for my camera to document my road trips, travels, and adventures and I need one for my HAM radio antenna. Enjoyed the video, very informative and helpful, A+. Thanks.
I have the K&FS210. One of my favorite parts is that it also converts to a decent Monopod. I left the Foam on mine because that's the leg that becomes the monopod, and I like the foam grip. I've used mine in every situation imaginable Here in Alaska... from Heavy wind & ice out shooting the Auroras to hiking down in Denali, to shooting waterfalls by Valdez to being on the sideline of the football field or hockey rink in monopod mode. The only thing I'd suggest is replacing the ball head. The one that comes with it isn't the greatest. I got the INNOREL N36, and it holds my Nikon 200-500 f/5.6 well, and you can set the tension to hold the ball just loose enough to act like a gimbal (Its not a gimbal, but work good enough for me). I use it for everything from outdoor, to sports, to studio work. It just works.
I was always curious what the fastest opening one was, and while the one shown here is fast ish, I still wish someone would develop a tripod that doesn't require you to extend each leg separately, as it really slows you down. Imagine some sort of design that could do it all in one quick motion, that's the dream for me.
Please try Takara tripod. It's really famous in asia, especially for Takara Rover 66. Oh, and Ulanzi lighting & audio equipment. Cheap and get good reviews. Just want to hear your opinion..
From what I can see, the 66 weighs 1.5kg which is heavier than all the ones featured in my video. Yes Ulanzi is good and will be in my light stand video, but not the tripod because it is more expensive than most of my featured tripods.
Great video. I appreciate you taking the time to explain each one. I am pretty hard on my equipment. I am always breaking my tripods. I buy the real cheap ones off Amazon, so they are pretty flimsy. What you you recommend for a sturdy well built tripod that is say under 100 bucks? Thank you for sharing. Be well 👍
GD Markus...Where do you get all the hours in a day to figure all this out? That Aoka looks ideal for my needs with the rx100 and various action cameras/phone.......... I bought the PD carbon because it fit inside my packraft tubes and Kayak hull the best. Even with the carbon it is more weight than I like and there are times it doesn't even get used so its dead weight. Really excellent stuff here. Thanks kindly.
The tall K&F can be detached an become a monopod right? Also, have you tried the ulanzi coman zero Y? It's a better and cheaper 'copy' of the peak design.
My only tripod is pretty much the same as your mai. I paid $29.99 at a wallgreens back in 1989 it's got over a thousand miles of backpacking miles on it still going.
Thank you Markus thank you. Iv been looking for the right tripod for some time now and I think you gave me the answer. Did you see there is a photopro xaircross 3 now? Any take on the smallrig tripods? Also to make mine smaller I add a arca swiss clamp and plate under the ball/fluid head. This not only gives me more flexibility to switch between a bullhead and a fluid head but also makes the overall a little shorter by packing the head separately.
Great and useful video. I've got one similar to the Nat Geo tripod that cost me around $30 on Amazon. It's plenty sturdy and just works for what I do. Would I mount Arri Alexa on it? NO WAY! But for DSLRs and phones it's PERFECT as a travel tripod for me.
Markus, check out the Velbon Pole pod JR.33 A three legged monopod, that is very tall if needed. I use it alot more than I first thought, perfect for indoor use with my Rx100
Was almost going to click your link to order one fotopro x-aircross 2, then did a last sec search apparently there is a x-aircross 3 available. Tossing between the two now.
I discovered the $18 tripod 10+ years ago at ALDIs here in Australia except it was US$14 with tax. Because I also hoot 8x10 I have the best on the market and some lesser ones but I have to use these for say digital because I use an L bracket with the Swiss-Accur clip system. My medium format Pentax 645Z digital and the film version both have two tripod sockets so a set of the clips for the $18 one go on and I can use it.
those plastic tripods are seriously underrated, the only reason i dont like them cause they are a bit bulky when compacted and likely wouldnt fit inside my bag. i like the sirui st 125, but it is a bit expensive at 250 bucks, however its just about as slim as the overkill peak design one, while holding much more steady.
I love your reviews so much! No one is even close with getting the variety, practicality and independent thoughtfulness of each one. I always think it’s funny when photographers will pay a million dollars for a tripod that can hold a couple hundred lbs. Side note, the photo pro would be perfect if I could get an expandable stem to get it up to above eye level light stand height for double duty. Do you know a compatible extended stem?
The tripod that was super tall you didn't like because of that is super handy to put a flashlight and softbox on it 😀👍🏻📸📸📸 Looking forward to se your next video.
I have a MeFoto Backpacker Air. Weighs about 900 g (ALU) and is like 170 cm tall. It's very small when folded. I can carry it INSIDE my backpack when biking which is a huge plus for me! Very similar to the FotoPro X AirCross 2.
The Mefoto B Air is more similar to the tiny Aoka I showed, where the tripod legs only go up less than half and the rest of the height is a wobbly single shaft. It's definitely lightweight and small but pretty unstable. The FotoPro X Aircross 2 legs go up most of the way and the whole unit is incredibly stable and strong.
@@MarkusPix I just checked your video again and I sit and stare at my Mefoto now as we speak. The Mefoto is somewhere in between the Aoka and the Fotopro when it comes to the length of the legs. It's stable enough for me (sony zv-1) in windy conditions, but the Fotopro is most likely a better tripod. I enjoy your videos very much BTW!
I tried to the Mefoto Backpacker.. no dice. Fiddly and couldn't trust the legs not to collapse (ordered two, both resold). I so wanted it to work (great colors) but they just didnt get the quality right.
@@mengshun I agree with what you said about not trusting the legs. It was a problem for me too at first. After 2 years I have it in my wrists to tighten them enough to trust that it will not fall. Again, the FotoPro X Aircross2 seems like a better buy. But at the time I didn't know about it. Love how tiny it is, though!
Thanks, I just ordered the AOKA CMP163CL to replace my SIRUI T-005X for travel. More time to setup as the middle column needs to be screwed on, but 500g weight saved! The PhotoPro also looks awesome, but I am afraid it would not fit inside my sling bag Beware, don't make the same mistake as me and order a CMP163C, that thing is tiny
Hi folks, Cara and Marcus travel a lot (and, I hope, in style) and then hike to locations. Hence their criteria. Excess baggage can mount up. Others will have different requirements. Me? I have different ones for still and video and I can no longer hike. For video I need stability and speed. For stills it is lightness. I don't carry spares so both need to be rugged. That $18 one is a steal though...... it would be interesting to see video heads in particular assessed - for stills ball heads are usually used and they are fairly lightweight.
Awesome review! I'm always looking for a small light cheap tripod. I had one like your favorite that opens with one twist and when I broke it, found out they didn't make it anymore. So I researched a bunch and my nephew now has about 5 really cool tripods at my expense. I settled on the Sirui AM-005K-CN. The cheap one that broke was a Fotopro FY-683+. The one thing I wanted or liked was the Fotopro would fit in my jeans back pocket. I walk my dogs a lot around our 3 lakes and love to take sunset pics. I found the cheap super small ones to last about a year for about $20. But they always seem to stop making the ones I like. Check out Fotopro under the professional tripods and you will have some fun looking through the really small light ones. I just checked and I maybe ordering another Fotopro. :) Whoops I just realized your favorite is the Fotopro! I may be buying the "Free-1" FY-820 version, they emailed me and suggested that as a replacement to the one I broke.
For any kind of longer exposure (seconds to minutes) none of these gimmicky tripod options will do. Don't kid yourself. If you only need a tripod to position a camera for short exposures (not slower than ~1/125s), with flash, then yes, these tripods serve as a replacement for a person with somewhat shaky hands holding the camera. The shake does not matter then. I've used many tripods over the years. I've found the Slik Sprint Pro III to be the best compromise of compactness, sturdiness and weight. Match it with a decent tripod head of your choice. It's less than USD100. I've also got the Peak Design Carbon version, its only benefit over the Slik is that it's critically more compact and disappears within a small backpack. For critical sharpness in really long exposures (minutes+), I would choose something much heavier, especially if you're in a windy environment. I got a classic, large&bulky and heavy Manfrotto for that. Markus, the foam grips on a tripod may not matter to you as you seem to travel only to tropical and desert locations with t-shirt weather. If you've carried a metal tripod with your hand on the metal anywhere cold, you will start to appreciate the foam.
You forget most of the world is doing video vlogs nowadays, not pictures, and five of the tripods featured today are not "gimmicky", they are rock solid and don't flex like the overhyped Peak Design.
@@MarkusPix I might have a different definition of "rock solid", Markus. ;) All of these travel tripods - including the expensive one, the Peak Design included, are gimmicky. Physics can't be cheated. I've had too many images ruined by the slightest of camera shakes when using tripods which only looked rock solid. I think for what you're doing and how you're positioning them in the video, all of them might be OK options, especially the somewhat medium priced ones. Look at Slik, I think you might actually like those very much. Like I said, best compromise from my experience and much better priced than the Manfrotto in your video.
Off topic but I am struggling to remember where I’ve met you before. It was over 10 years ago, I was a stagehand in IATSE in Vegas. I know your voice and energy, hard to forget. Did you do any shows in Vegas ? It was probably a load in or load out, might have been tv. It’s starting to drive me crazy, asked old coworker and described you and he think he knows who I’m talking about. Anyways I’m thoroughly enjoying your content. I’m an up and coming dog photographer, currently I help at a dog rescue and try to do the dogs justice in photography. Try to show their beauty and personality. Keep up the great videos, sometimes I learn something, and I really appreciate that.
@@MarkusPix I watched that video last night, it kinda confirmed my beliefs, I just don’t know where I met you, other than Vegas. I think you might have been having a bad day or something was going wrong.
I’ll add I usually did audio, I remember voices and I remember yours, and your energy, which was hard to keep up with. I think something upset you, but you got over it quickly.
🇩🇰 🇹🇹 I knows nothing about Cameras 📷🎥📸📹 but watching, and listening to Markus about this stuff...why not, at the moment I got nothing else to do😆. 🤔 I wonder if Markus have a pet? Or does Markus like pets?🤷 just curious 🤫
I've got a faster setting up tripod: the Tamrac Zipshot. Not really stable for long exposures, but great for taking group shots and selfies on a timer. And it fits in an open water bottle on my bicycle. Unfortunately it doesn't appear to be a current product. That Aoka looks promising for me. I use Micro 4/3, Canon G7x and Sony RX100 compacts.
What I really like about your videos is that it is apparent that you actually use the stuff you review and you are not afraid to use "unconventional" stuff. Most professional photographers would probably never use anything but a Manfrotto tripod. Coincidentally I was looking for a good light weight travel tripod and I do a lot of quick setup, take the shot, and move on, type video shooting, so the FotoPro is probably a very good choice. Thanks for your videos!
yeah I have nothing to prove. I grew up on a farm so practical was more important than showing off.
@@MarkusPix totally agree, that's when you enjoy what you do and what you have, nothing to prove, nothing to loose 👍
The foams are useful for cold climates! Here in Finland at -30C you won't want to hold on to metal / carbon fiber even with your gloves for too long :).
They area great here in Alaska too. I've been out at -40F/C many times, and I do admit that the foam is a nice touch.
Exactly. Some of the things he says are just bizarre, like a modern Ken Rockwell. The tripod grips are obviously for frigid climates where touching ice cold metal is most unpleasant.
@@marike1100 ...or maybe extreme cold just isn't relevant to him living in Las Vegas? Don't judge without context.
Exactly. Also, aluminum tripods can get hot if left in the sun, so the foam grips take care of both ends of the temperature extremes.
You are single handedly keeping the manufacturers of obscure brand and cheap photography gear in business. I felt like I was watching a shopping channel. I like a tripod with a levelling bowl or head for shooting panos. Love your work Markus. keep the romance novel pics coming in the videos, love those.
Great video! You pack more useful information into your tripod videos than people who take hours to review products. Thank you!
I appreciate that!
You're a natural when it comes to reviews, practical, to the point and the perfect amount of information! Thanks for your knowledge!
Glad you like them!
You really do a selfless service to your fellow photographers. You do all the work, we just sit back and are grateful. Thanks heaps.
This guy is the most authentic, non-poser professional "poser" I have every encountered. Salute,Hombre....thanks for your positivity!
My first time seeing one of your videos. I like that you cut to the chase, very detail orientend knowledgable and pro - plus my criteria are the same as yours - weight and compactness (and of course if it will hold the camera!)
Welcome!
I appreciate that you don't always prefer the most expensive thing for your equipment even though you are more than able to afford it. Often you choose the cheapest option if it is good quality and meets your needs.
Marcus, you're a star.
That's what I call a tripod review.
Thank you.
That backdrop is super cool. 😎
There are some photographers who even avoid a center column on their tripods because they don't think a center column is stable enough. I guess that can be a factor if doing long exposures.
This video is about lightweight travel tripods, not the world's most demandingly rigid, although 5 of the ones in this video are super stable.
Thanks Markus, very insightful, and helpful
It is obvious that you don't photograph in cold climates but that is where the foam grips come in. In sub zero weather your bare hand will freeze to a metal tripod leg. I put foam pipe insulation on one leg of my Gitzo tripod just for that reason. Snap locks, made of plastic will break in sub zero weather. It happened to me once and that was enough. I had a plastic camera bag buckle shatter in -5F temps so I am careful not to touch anything plastic in that kind of environment. Thanks for the honest videos, keep them coming.
I grew up in Canada in the 70s, had to tunnel our way out of the door to see sunlight... walked a mile to school bus. I learned my lesson. There's a reason I live in the desert and travel to tropical islands 😋
Yes, a One Off unusual
Shooting Situation. Your
Foam sheath on one Leg
idea is great and could be
on all three with no decernable extra bulk or weight. Snow and Ice are
Beautiful but most enjoyable
Photography is done in
Warmer Climates without
having to dress as the
Michlelin Man with Gloves 🧤
I take the foam off and lick the tripod so I can lift it with my tongue.
I used to be one of those that dragged around really heavy duty tripods. As I have matured, I think more about the weight more so than the functionality. Yes for videography I still need a 'fluid head', weight has certainly played a heavier role as I've gotten older Mr. Markus, thanks for the tips!
This was amazing Markus. Can’t wait for the lightstands!
Perfect timing!! I need a tripod and my disability prevents me from carrying a lot of extra weight AND the slow and painstaking tripod setup hurts my hands. The FotoPro and Aoka Carbon never even came up when I was searching, but they seem like the perfect combo for me.
Love your reviews, as always, you cover products nobody else even mentions and you don’t give any slack to “prestige” products.
Thank You Markus; always great information provided to the public. Kudos
always love your content, many give loads of info and very technical, you give the info with no bs and also enthusiasm and real life experience of the equipment, and I love that, THANK YOU.
I just checked pricing, today 4/12/23, the National Geographic NGHP000 Medium is only $15!! Thanks for the great video! Been a while since I last visited your channel but you never fail to provide down to earth advice and knowledge. THANK YOU!
Something to remember when it comes to Carbon Fiber vs Aluminum is that it's more about strength to weight ratio than it is about weight. The thing is - most carbon fiber tripods can hold way more weight than most photographers actually need. Mine can hold almost 27lbs! I'm sure you can put together a cine-cam rig that weighs that much but I've never put more than about 3.5lbs on my tripod. So, I guess I didn't need something this strong - live and learn - but I only paid $95USD for it, it folds down to 18.5 inches and up to 79 inches, and weighs 3.3lbs. I'm happy with it, but I could definitely have gone with something lighter and "weaker".
it's not about the weight it needs until failure, stronger means stiffer, harder to wobble.
I was reading a Super 8 filmmaking book from the early 70s suggesting wooden tripods are lightweight. Compared to the old school heavy metal ones I suppose the are. Great video. The smaller and lighter tripods are great for action cams or light camcorders and I use one for my Zoom Q2n
Aoka - TY!! Great minimalist tripod with my mirrorless wide angle setup. Also can recommend the SLIK Sprint Mini II (43", 1.17lb, 4.5 max load) and the SIRUI Carbon Fiber Travel 5C Tripod 54.3 (54", 1.87 lb, 8.8 max load). The 3 Legged Patti - legs are great, but replace the ballhead.
And yes - the cheapo tripods do work if you do your homework.
Choosing a tripod really depends on your needs. If you just need to take a photo of yourself most any tripod will do. However, if you need to shoot long exposures with the legs of the tripod in moving water or high winds this is where the better tripods are crucial. As for Manfrotto I've had many of them break! Casstings around the legs just broke (fixed it with goop), the feet on their expedition tripod fell out and recently I had the plastic side of their tabletop tripod totally blow out (there's a video on my channel) I tend to buy higher end tripods because I only have to buy them once but I totally enjoyed your video, love how you cover products nobody else does and from a user's perspective.
Remember this video is called "the most lightweight TRAVEL tripods", not all around best pro tripods. I have super heavy duty ones also but that's not what this video is about
Definitely excited about the light stands! Honestly I only have 1 light at this time, the ad200, but ill get more soon as I am able.
King of the Tripod hands down!!!
Love it. Thank you Markus 😊 Definitely checking out the aircross
Can second the Fotopro recommendation. Bought one mid 2022 and it is a workhorse and I get envious looks from my photo friends.
Meant more as funny - Understandable if this is an eye roller for you but the foam is for cold weather use. As a former Coloradan it was not uncommon to go on a trail during warmish temps and use the foam exclusively before the return after temperatures dropped. Aluminum gets brutal in the hands and gloves are all kinds of slippery sucky for using with cameras.
I just purchased the FotoPro, and am now awaiting it’s arrival. Thanks for your excellent video!
I own the Fotopro X Aircross and love it! I actually use it to hold my Intrepid 8x10 camera when I go hiking to save a lot of weight. Thanks for making informative and entertaining videos!
Very cool. Thanks for all of your helpful info, Markus. I have learned a lot from you.
Markus, you have been an inspiration for my photography hobby. Thank you for another excellent, entertaining, and helpful video!
Great video! Nice to see someone put something together that isn't all high end options. I picked up the FotoPro based on your recommendation and saved $500 (and over a pound) versus the Peak Design option all the other RUclipsrs recommend.
Really informative video. Loved the flow of it. Found out the Aoka was just what I needed for my travels. Thanks for the advice.
JeezLouise that was SUCH AN AMAZING video.
I’ve been in the market for a tripod and you hit on so many good points!!
Thanks for all the effort that went into making this video
Damn you Markus!!! Just this morning, less than 3 hours ago, I did resolute that I won't be buying ANY gear at least for the first 6 months of 2023. I had a tough year last year and broke my ankle 2 months ago wich prevented me from working. I'm almost broke. But then you came with your video and now I want to buy me a tripod, which, by the way, I don't need. But now I want. =( LOL! Those K&F and the Fotopro look really awesome.
Tantrum asaide, thank you again for your down to earth reviews. It's funny how many influencers are now copying you.
Saludos!
Lol, I should be on QVC. Who's copying me?
Right? I bought 2 last year that I like, so I said "OK, no more tripods." But a little notification pops up on my phone and now I'm wanting that Fotopro pretty bad!
Markus is probably like "Two? Psh! 'Those are rookie numbers--you gotta pump those numbers up.'" I agree......I need to order that Fotopro.
@@wanderlotstravel 😂😂
@@MarkusPix yes, you should.
Many out there are doing the same thing. For example. The one you did about hiding the mics. Before that everybody was “teaching” how to, but it was just the simple way to hide a lapel in a groom. After your video, everyone is doing the hair thing among other of your teachings.
So, you’re doing great! They are copying you
Missed one, Benro LS05, exact same design as the Fotopro Aircross but its aluminum hence cheaper, less than 100$. Folds to 10 inches. Weighs 0.92Kg. Max height is 59.5 inches . So most of what you need but folds the smallest. We have the same obsession with compact gear for pro use.haha
Hi Gerald I love Benro, but no I didn't miss this lol. The tripod section of the LS-05 is not very high it's almost half as much as the air cross which goes almost all the way to the top for much better stability. Half the height of the LS-05 is the center column, so it's more like the little tiny Aoka I showed in the video. But keep the suggestions coming.
I really look forward to the light stand video. I got a couple of cheap ones but the fact is I don't know how they're any different from the pricier ones and what features or specs I should be looking at to suit my needs. Some things we learn from experience but learning from the experience of others is more efficient :)
Damn, A+ video man. I need a tripod for my camera to document my road trips, travels, and adventures and I need one for my HAM radio antenna. Enjoyed the video, very informative and helpful, A+. Thanks.
Another fabulous video. I’m entertained and educated while watching you do your stuff. So what cameras did you use in this shoot?
I have the K&FS210. One of my favorite parts is that it also converts to a decent Monopod. I left the Foam on mine because that's the leg that becomes the monopod, and I like the foam grip. I've used mine in every situation imaginable Here in Alaska... from Heavy wind & ice out shooting the Auroras to hiking down in Denali, to shooting waterfalls by Valdez to being on the sideline of the football field or hockey rink in monopod mode. The only thing I'd suggest is replacing the ball head. The one that comes with it isn't the greatest. I got the INNOREL N36, and it holds my Nikon 200-500 f/5.6 well, and you can set the tension to hold the ball just loose enough to act like a gimbal (Its not a gimbal, but work good enough for me). I use it for everything from outdoor, to sports, to studio work. It just works.
Small and strong is good. :) Great review. Always fun on the Markus show!
I was always curious what the fastest opening one was, and while the one shown here is fast ish, I still wish someone would develop a tripod that doesn't require you to extend each leg separately, as it really slows you down. Imagine some sort of design that could do it all in one quick motion, that's the dream for me.
Its called a light stand. I use them a lot to hold up cameras also
Practical and informative video. Thanks!
Please try Takara tripod. It's really famous in asia, especially for Takara Rover 66. Oh, and Ulanzi lighting & audio equipment. Cheap and get good reviews. Just want to hear your opinion..
From what I can see, the 66 weighs 1.5kg which is heavier than all the ones featured in my video. Yes Ulanzi is good and will be in my light stand video, but not the tripod because it is more expensive than most of my featured tripods.
I've got the tiny carbon fibre K&F concepts tripod and totally agree it's great for the price! Perfect travel tripod for me 😊
The Smallrig Tripods are really good too. Picked up a 78'' from ebay for $69 with metal ball head. Great value.
Great informative Markus , thank you so much for your continued hard work 😊!
Always appreciate your vids Markus. You have the best jungle hiking outfits I've ever seen! Hope you have A/C nearby.
What a wealth of information, thank you!
I think the foam grip also can help with the cold but honestly there is no need for it like you said.
This is awesome!!! hopefully, peak design and ulanzi don't push this video down somehow.
your videos are awesome, youre the man!! btw, you made the outro and intro songs?
Markus, tan grande como siempre 😎👍
Suerte con todo, mi buen amigo Narciso, aunque no nos recuerdes, aquí seguimos apreciandote de corazón 👍
That FotoPro tripod is awesome. I'm going to have to grab one in the near future. Thanks.
Twisty legs was my favorite. Shopping now.
Great video. I appreciate you taking the time to explain each one. I am pretty hard on my equipment. I am always breaking my tripods. I buy the real cheap ones off Amazon, so they are pretty flimsy. What you you recommend for a sturdy well built tripod that is say under 100 bucks? Thank you for sharing. Be well 👍
The Aoka is so cuuute!
GD Markus...Where do you get all the hours in a day to figure all this out? That Aoka looks ideal for my needs with the rx100 and various action cameras/phone.......... I bought the PD carbon because it fit inside my packraft tubes and Kayak hull the best. Even with the carbon it is more weight than I like and there are times it doesn't even get used so its dead weight. Really excellent stuff here. Thanks kindly.
Another great video. Thanks Markus!
The tall K&F can be detached an become a monopod right? Also, have you tried the ulanzi coman zero Y? It's a better and cheaper 'copy' of the peak design.
My only tripod is pretty much the same as your mai.
I paid $29.99 at a wallgreens back in 1989 it's got over a thousand miles of backpacking miles on it still going.
Foam grips for the cold weather:)
That Fotopro looks really nice. Simple to setup.
Great video Markus informative and made me laugh! 👍👍
Thank you Markus thank you. Iv been looking for the right tripod for some time now and I think you gave me the answer. Did you see there is a photopro xaircross 3 now? Any take on the smallrig tripods? Also to make mine smaller I add a arca swiss clamp and plate under the ball/fluid head. This not only gives me more flexibility to switch between a bullhead and a fluid head but also makes the overall a little shorter by packing the head separately.
Thanks for the heads up. Aircross 3 ordered! 😋
Great and useful video. I've got one similar to the Nat Geo tripod that cost me around $30 on Amazon. It's plenty sturdy and just works for what I do. Would I mount Arri Alexa on it? NO WAY! But for DSLRs and phones it's PERFECT as a travel tripod for me.
Markus, check out the Velbon Pole pod JR.33
A three legged monopod, that is very tall if needed.
I use it alot more than I first thought, perfect for indoor use with my Rx100
I still want the self adjusting tripod!!!
Was almost going to click your link to order one fotopro x-aircross 2, then did a last sec search apparently there is a x-aircross 3 available. Tossing between the two now.
Hi, thanks! That's great! But... what the hell, German Amazon that Xit thing is about 70 € that is about 70$.
I discovered the $18 tripod 10+ years ago at ALDIs here in Australia except it was US$14 with tax. Because I also hoot 8x10 I have the best on the market and some lesser ones but I have to use these for say digital because I use an L bracket with the Swiss-Accur clip system. My medium format Pentax 645Z digital and the film version both have two tripod sockets so a set of the clips for the $18 one go on and I can use it.
those plastic tripods are seriously underrated, the only reason i dont like them cause they are a bit bulky when compacted and likely wouldnt fit inside my bag. i like the sirui st 125, but it is a bit expensive at 250 bucks, however its just about as slim as the overkill peak design one, while holding much more steady.
Very helpful video 🙂📸🙂 ! Thanks.
Excellent video markus☺️
I also use sometimes microphone stands as tripods for a lightweight camera
I love your reviews so much! No one is even close with getting the variety, practicality and independent thoughtfulness of each one. I always think it’s funny when photographers will pay a million dollars for a tripod that can hold a couple hundred lbs.
Side note, the photo pro would be perfect if I could get an expandable stem to get it up to above eye level light stand height for double duty.
Do you know a compatible extended stem?
This was a great review! Thanks.
The tripod that was super tall you didn't like because of that is super handy to put a flashlight and softbox on it 😀👍🏻📸📸📸
Looking forward to se your next video.
Thank you that you telling the kg. As a European I am used to use kg. The lbs value speaks noting to me.
MAN your vocals are top notch, video and audio amazing
www.markusrothkranz.com/elvis_thankya.gif
Ooo! The foam is critical in cold weather!
That's why I moved from Canada to where palm trees grow 😋
@@MarkusPix 😂 ❄️ ⛄️
im ready for this light stand vid
Marcus... some of the tripods that have "height" are great. I use it for a portable, lightweight, and super stable light stand (for my strobe).
I have a MeFoto Backpacker Air. Weighs about 900 g (ALU) and is like 170 cm tall. It's very small when folded. I can carry it INSIDE my backpack when biking which is a huge plus for me!
Very similar to the FotoPro X AirCross 2.
The Mefoto B Air is more similar to the tiny Aoka I showed, where the tripod legs only go up less than half and the rest of the height is a wobbly single shaft. It's definitely lightweight and small but pretty unstable. The FotoPro X Aircross 2 legs go up most of the way and the whole unit is incredibly stable and strong.
@@MarkusPix I just checked your video again and I sit and stare at my Mefoto now as we speak. The Mefoto is somewhere in between the Aoka and the Fotopro when it comes to the length of the legs. It's stable enough for me (sony zv-1) in windy conditions, but the Fotopro is most likely a better tripod.
I enjoy your videos very much BTW!
I tried to the Mefoto Backpacker.. no dice. Fiddly and couldn't trust the legs not to collapse (ordered two, both resold). I so wanted it to work (great colors) but they just didnt get the quality right.
@@mengshun I agree with what you said about not trusting the legs. It was a problem for me too at first. After 2 years I have it in my wrists to tighten them enough to trust that it will not fall. Again, the FotoPro X Aircross2 seems like a better buy. But at the time I didn't know about it. Love how tiny it is, though!
The Amazon Basics one, about £25 in UK, probably about $25 US is really good for the money.
Great info. Just what I needed.
Thanks, I just ordered the AOKA CMP163CL to replace my SIRUI T-005X for travel.
More time to setup as the middle column needs to be screwed on, but 500g weight saved!
The PhotoPro also looks awesome, but I am afraid it would not fit inside my sling bag
Beware, don't make the same mistake as me and order a CMP163C, that thing is tiny
Hi folks, Cara and Marcus travel a lot (and, I hope, in style) and then hike to locations. Hence their criteria. Excess baggage can mount up. Others will have different requirements. Me? I have different ones for still and video and I can no longer hike. For video I need stability and speed. For stills it is lightness. I don't carry spares so both need to be rugged. That $18 one is a steal though...... it would be interesting to see video heads in particular assessed - for stills ball heads are usually used and they are fairly lightweight.
Love my Aoka tripod. Surprisingly well made and will easily hold smaller m43 cameras.
Btw, if you do mostly time lapses and landscapes like me there's an even smaller Aoka than the one he showed.
Awesome review! I'm always looking for a small light cheap tripod. I had one like your favorite that opens with one twist and when I broke it, found out they didn't make it anymore. So I researched a bunch and my nephew now has about 5 really cool tripods at my expense. I settled on the Sirui AM-005K-CN. The cheap one that broke was a Fotopro FY-683+. The one thing I wanted or liked was the Fotopro would fit in my jeans back pocket. I walk my dogs a lot around our 3 lakes and love to take sunset pics. I found the cheap super small ones to last about a year for about $20. But they always seem to stop making the ones I like. Check out Fotopro under the professional tripods and you will have some fun looking through the really small light ones. I just checked and I maybe ordering another Fotopro. :) Whoops I just realized your favorite is the Fotopro! I may be buying the "Free-1" FY-820 version, they emailed me and suggested that as a replacement to the one I broke.
For your needs a shorter tripod is fine. For me, I look for tripods that have a bit more height. After all, I'm 6*4" and mainly shoot landscape.
Do you have a recommended lightweight and condensable monopod?
Great video Markus!
For any kind of longer exposure (seconds to minutes) none of these gimmicky tripod options will do. Don't kid yourself. If you only need a tripod to position a camera for short exposures (not slower than ~1/125s), with flash, then yes, these tripods serve as a replacement for a person with somewhat shaky hands holding the camera. The shake does not matter then.
I've used many tripods over the years. I've found the Slik Sprint Pro III to be the best compromise of compactness, sturdiness and weight. Match it with a decent tripod head of your choice. It's less than USD100. I've also got the Peak Design Carbon version, its only benefit over the Slik is that it's critically more compact and disappears within a small backpack.
For critical sharpness in really long exposures (minutes+), I would choose something much heavier, especially if you're in a windy environment. I got a classic, large&bulky and heavy Manfrotto for that.
Markus, the foam grips on a tripod may not matter to you as you seem to travel only to tropical and desert locations with t-shirt weather. If you've carried a metal tripod with your hand on the metal anywhere cold, you will start to appreciate the foam.
You forget most of the world is doing video vlogs nowadays, not pictures, and five of the tripods featured today are not "gimmicky", they are rock solid and don't flex like the overhyped Peak Design.
@@MarkusPix I might have a different definition of "rock solid", Markus. ;) All of these travel tripods - including the expensive one, the Peak Design included, are gimmicky. Physics can't be cheated. I've had too many images ruined by the slightest of camera shakes when using tripods which only looked rock solid.
I think for what you're doing and how you're positioning them in the video, all of them might be OK options, especially the somewhat medium priced ones. Look at Slik, I think you might actually like those very much. Like I said, best compromise from my experience and much better priced than the Manfrotto in your video.
Great update. Thanks.
Off topic but I am struggling to remember where I’ve met you before. It was over 10 years ago, I was a stagehand in IATSE in Vegas. I know your voice and energy, hard to forget. Did you do any shows in Vegas ? It was probably a load in or load out, might have been tv. It’s starting to drive me crazy, asked old coworker and described you and he think he knows who I’m talking about.
Anyways I’m thoroughly enjoying your content. I’m an up and coming dog photographer, currently I help at a dog rescue and try to do the dogs justice in photography. Try to show their beauty and personality. Keep up the great videos, sometimes I learn something, and I really appreciate that.
ruclips.net/video/FsDLn9ySY9w/видео.html
@@MarkusPix I watched that video last night, it kinda confirmed my beliefs, I just don’t know where I met you, other than Vegas. I think you might have been having a bad day or something was going wrong.
I’ll add I usually did audio, I remember voices and I remember yours, and your energy, which was hard to keep up with. I think something upset you, but you got over it quickly.
Probably the Cashman speech ruclips.net/video/JJFdfoZHIck/видео.html
@@MarkusPix what year was that? It does seem familiar but I think what I remember was late 90’s or early 2000’s
🇩🇰 🇹🇹
I knows nothing about Cameras 📷🎥📸📹 but watching, and listening to Markus about this stuff...why not, at the moment I got nothing else to do😆.
🤔 I wonder if Markus have a pet?
Or does Markus like pets?🤷
just curious 🤫
KnF filter are good too. im gonna get KnF tripod.
I've got a faster setting up tripod: the Tamrac Zipshot. Not really stable for long exposures, but great for taking group shots and selfies on a timer. And it fits in an open water bottle on my bicycle. Unfortunately it doesn't appear to be a current product. That Aoka looks promising for me. I use Micro 4/3, Canon G7x and Sony RX100 compacts.