Photography is an expensive hobby.
Lenses, bodies, spare batteries, memory cards, camera bags, tripods/monopods; it all adds up.
I've been looking for a travel tripod that wasn't going to break the bank, could hold more than 30lbs and had versatility, such as the ability to attach to objects for unique perspectives/opportunities while traveling.
Up to this point everything was pointing to a Joby Gorillapod. Though, reading through reviews I was left feeling weary of the Joby's reliability.
But, I stumbled across this tripod on Amazon:
Moman Mini Tripod
The listing is "fulfilled by Amazon" meaning their customer service handles any issues - this is great because their standard return policy applies to this item... I can safely try it out for a few days knowing I can get a full refund should the product not meet expectations.
I only bought the legs. I have a spare 3 legged thing ball head that will be used with this tripod when traveling.
Here are my initial impressions/observations:
Folded Length :165mm / 6.5inch
Weight: 261g / 9.2oz
Max Extended Length :110mm / 3.9inch
Max Load (Tripod) :80kg / 176lb
The legs have one locked position, and turning the single wheel lock can fan the legs all the way out for a flat tripod.
The locked position creates a 10" diameter between all the legs
When the legs go completely flat, the diameter between all the legs is 12"
I find this measurement to be important when shopping for tripods... I want to know how much surface area is required when the tripod legs are fully extended.
I really like the design of the wheel lock:
It's a machined piece of aluminum with grooved slots where the legs can fit into, making the tripod lay completely flat.
It's difficult to see in the photo, but the red metal wheel has three grooves where the legs are tucked up inside.
Did you notice the three straps in the first photo above ^ ?
This is probably one of my favorite features of this tripod...
There are two slots in each of the legs allowing you to strap the tripod to objects. I have already found a few great uses for this:
I tested it already on some table legs and honestly expected it to slide down since the legs are tapered, metal and smooth.
It held solid.
Another view:
Add a ballhead, a K-3ii and a 16-85?
Still holding solid... Though I was glad to test this only a few inches above some plush carpet, just in case.
Another view:
I can already think of multiple scenarios where the straps will come in handy.
And honestly feel way more confident in this method of securing the tripod over the Joby design.
Did you glance over the 176lb max load mentioned above ^ ?
This little tripod is seriously strong... I stepped on the tripod while bracing myself on the table top.
I weigh 195 lbs on a good day and really didn't want to push the little guy to it's limits.
If it can hold the majority of my weight, I'm sure it can handle a DSLR and any lens I would throw at it.
Here's the K-3ii and 16-85 again:
But what about the K-3ii and the DA*300 with 1.4xTC attached?
Ok, but you're doing a long exposure of the moon... From your table...\
Can it handle the same setup tiling back for the shot?
So far I am very impressed with this little tripod:
Here's a shot of the legs flattened out with the K-3ii, DA*300 and 1.4xTC
And another:
Already found another use for those straps!
This will allow me to free up that side pocket for a water bottle on my trip!
Very excited about this:
I can already tell this tripod is going to get a lot of use.
Oh one more thing...
Did you notice the two holes in each of the legs?
They're 1/4" machine threaded... Possibilities endless...
I can already see this being extremely useful for macro this spring.
I also can't wait to use it with my DA*300 and 1.4xTC!
SO many times I shoot in prone and have to worry about setting my camera down in the mud/marsh/sand/etc.
I know we're all weather sealed, but keeping it off the ground is going to be nice in the long run!
Ok,
the listing does say it comes with a bag, even though the picture shows the ballhead and the legs.
I don't know if they forgot to send me the bag, or if that's only for the ballhead and legs purchased as a set... ?
I plan to inquire about this, but it has no impact on how I feel about the tripod legs themselves.
The screw on top is a 1/4"-20 thread.
The legs came with an adapter, but it is designed for the matching ballhead.
I tried the adapter in the 3LT ballhead I have and it doesn't work - the end of the adapter is flared out and the 3LT ballhead wouldn't lie flush because of this.
I did end up having another adapter on hand that worked with my 3LT ballhead, so that was okay.
Again, not a fault of the tripod legs themselves.
They assume you will purchase their ballhead I suppose. But if you didn't have a spare adapter and wanted to use your own ballhead you might need to find one.
This thing has a simple design.
It's sturdy, versatile, reliable and budget friendly.
When it comes to photography equipment, I rarely get this excited about something I spent less than $50 on!
Last edited by UserAccessDenied; 02-18-2018 at 04:18 PM.