MDI Mainer

Does anyone have any experience with the Manfrotto 4-section Aluminum Tripod with Ball Head --#MKCOMPACTLT, especially with a Sony mirrorless APS-C camera body and 18-200 lens?

I have two taller, sturdier Manfrotto tripods (one carbon fiber and and one aluminium), but they weigh far more than this unit, and frankly are a pain to haul around for such a small body and lens.

I like the weight (just under 2 lb.) and compactness of this unit and the ball head. The rated capacity of 3.3 lb. is a little over a pound more than the gear I'd be using.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I wouldn't touch it. I have a 2.1 lb tripod that supports 55 lbs, but more significantly will keep a lens up to 300mm from vibrating excessively. I too hate heavy tripods. But this tripod, the Feisol CT 3442 is the lightest tripod I would consider using. Anything less would involve a trade-off in stability, which completely negates the rationale for buying a tripod in the first place.

Also - it is only 51" tall with the center column extended - and it has lots of plastic that can fail and I wouldn't trust it won't fail spectacularly at some point, sending my camera and lens crashing to the ground. It also doesn't use an industry standard Arca-Swiss style clamp, and my guess is that you'd have a problem using that tiny ball head, with all the creeping when you put the camera on the tripod and extend the lens to 200mm.

My advice is to use the optical stabilization on your lens and forego the extra 2 lbs of this tripod. Save your money and get yourself a better tripod that you can actually make use of.

I often use a Sony bridge camera, and I also have several FX cameras and a large complement of lenses - there isn't a situation where I would ever use this tripod, even with the 2.5 lb Sony.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Its a pretty nice portable lightstand, but a poor excuse for a camera tripod. Very shakey and way over-rated for load.

MDI Mainer

Thanks Gene and Carter. I appreciate the input. And Carter, best wishes for your new adventure. I have appreciated doing a bit of business at your on-line store and hope you will keep us posted and continue your good advice here on UH.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Thank you. Still over a year away from the expedition start and lots of prep still to complete.