photodoc16

Mr. and Ms. Hog,
Has anyone had experience with the MeFOTO Road Trip aluminum travel tripod retailing for $149.00? And while we are at it, when considering it's height, do I have to plan on not raising the center column all the way up for long exposures since it could be less than stable and more susceptible to wind? The maximujm height of this tripod is about 62" which, with camera" is a little too high for me. I would have to lower it about 3 " from the top which means the center column is still well extended.
Thanks to all,
Photodoc16

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

You need to provide more info. What do you shoot with? What subjects are you considering? If you are questioning it's stability why bother getting a tripod with a center column at all?

Yes, this is a tiny tripod with a center column that I would not trust to be stable and safe. I would pass, unless you don't mind adding $150 to the cost of the tripod that you will eventually buy.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

I have the carbon fiber version of the tripod, and usually keep the center column lowered. If your're concerned about stability, hang your camera bag from the handy center column hook.

photodoc16

Hello Gene51,
I have enjoyed your erudition for a while now and am glad to have you all to myself for a moment.
This tripod will be a travel pod. I do have a very nice Vanguard Alta Pro for other work nearby. I shoot with a Canon 7D MarkII and want to use a tripod for the usual suspects: motion smoothing, focus stacking, long exposures and the like. I use a center column to alter the height of my camera so that it is comfortable to look through without bending over for long periods. Some center columns also can be bent to a 90 degree position or lower for other uses like Macro. I am just trying to get a traveler that is reliable and easy to use and durable and not really expensive. Have you used this MeFOTO brand? Junk or the real deal?
Thanks,
Photodoc16

photodoc16

To rgrenaderphoto,
I realize that the carbon fiber pod is superior to the aluminum model but is this tripod functional enough and durable enough to consider? The price is right but is it basically sufficient enough to pursue. I would be taking it to Chicago in a few months for an exterior architectural workshop.
Thanks,
Photodoc16

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Looking at the specs, I would be much more inclined to go with the larger/heavier globetrotter model as a minimum requirement for a "travel" pod - and sleep a little better at night.

..

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

Thanks!

Funny you should ask. I was at B and H on Monday, and I was standing with the sales assistant at a computer terminal filling out my order. Right next to us was a display with the Roadtrip on the shelf. I looked at the SA and then looked at the tripod and smiled. I then asked "who buys this thing?" His response was classic - "Those who actually think it's a reasonable thing to purchase." He then added, "If you are using a point and shoot or small mirrorless camera, it MIGHT (with emphasis) be useful, but mostly people buy it trying to save money."

MeFoto is a marketing gimmick more than a tripod. They are stylish, colorful and not terribly expensive, but definitely not robust and not all that light for their stability and load capacity they provide. Skinny legs are not stable under any circumstances. I'm with Imagemeister - if you needed to buy a MeFoto, the Globetrotter carbon would be the best.

But this begs the question - you already have an Alta Pro (but you didn't state which model) which is more than likely more stable and rigid than the MeFotos. Why would you step down in quality and stability.

As a comparison - depending on which Alta Pro you have - getting a MeFoto would add $150 to your tripod investment - so you'd have two tripods that you'd have spent anywhere from $300 to $450 on. Both would be light duty, with the weights between 3.6 lbs and 4.1 lbs, and pretty much equal other than the fold down size, with the MeFoto being shorter. I use a Feisol CT-3442 - as my travel tripod - it weighs 2.3 lbs, is stable enough to use with a 300mm lens on a full frame camera (field tested by me), and it has a load capacity of 55 lbs and it folds to 19". It currently costs $420 - right in the ballpark of what you will end up spending on your two tripods. The Feisol is one of the better values in tripods out there, nothing I have come across has better stability or load capacity even at double or triple the price - it's the "real deal" and certainly worth your consideration.

I can put mine in a carryon bag, a day pack, or strap it down to my 3 liter Osprey hydration pack - all of which I have done. It's weight is a non-issue. About the only thing that it doesn't have for you is a low price - but taking a step back, had you gotten this in the first place instead of the Vanguard, you might not be looking for a new tripod right about now. Something to consider as you contemplate your next purchase.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Yes. You'll need a compact tripod for an urban workshop, as you won't have the room for a full size 'pod. And, I just did this on mine, one of the legs unscrews at the top and combined with a removed center column, becomes a monopod.

GPappy Loc: Finally decided to plop down, Clover, S.C.

I just purchased a Bogen/Manfrotto 3011 with 3130 head for $46.00 shipping included off eBay. It is in great condition and only needs a quick disconnect. ($19.95) I'm just a cheap old retired guy I guess.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I have no experience with Mefoto tripods but I do know that extending the center pole will make a tripod less stable.
I use a cheap Dolica aluminum tripod which keeps on serving me well. With tripods like mine good tripod technique is essential.

jayw Loc: Contoocook, NH

I have the MeFoto Globetrotter aluminum version and couldn't be happier. The gear I had was a Nikon D5300 and Tamron 17-300mm zoom. I rarely had to extend the center more than half way, so stability was rarely an issue. I started with the model you're interested in, but took it back and upgraded to Globetrotter. The reason was that the legs were very thin and wobbly for my gear and what I would have used it for.

I'm now using the same body (D5300) and a Sigma 17-70mm Contemporary lens and find the Globetrotter to be extremely stable even with the center raised to the max.

The only complaint I have, which is minor, is that you have to completely remove the rubber feet to use the metal spikes. Most other tripods all you do screw the rubber feet up to expose the metal spike. If I were able to find a replacement like this, I'd consider making the purchase.

Depending on your gear, I'd spend the extra and get the Globetrotter model. I think you'll be very happy with it now and into the future. Plus the warranty is 5 or 6 years I think.

bgrn Loc: Pleasant Grove UT

The Roadtrip is the one I use. It goes with me all the time hiking around, I bought it 1 1/2 years ago and so far have not had an issue with it. It is a little shorter than I would like but I only raise the center column no more than half way. The most I have put on it is my 80D with 100-400 and sometimes my 1.4X. Yes the legs are smaller in diameter and the unit is fairly light weight, but as long as you know its limitations it has served me well. Given that quite often I do use mirror lock-up and my release to minimize motion. If your budget is tight and you know what you are working with it might be ok for you. Now with all this being said, and knowing I don't regret buying it in any way, I am now looking at buying a more robust one with a gimbal head but I also know this one will not be going very far with me on any trail due to size and weight and the roadtrip will go with me.

Photocraig

Some thoughts:
ALL center columns when extended are vulnerable to vibration and camera shake.
If your camera has a tilt screen, you can place the lens at a frequently ideal, lower height, and use the screen.
If your camera has a smartphone app, you can place it anywhere and control focus and exposure and depth of field, and trigger remotely. Battery HOG warning--on both devices.

For me this is a blessing since I'm 6'4", and 74, and much less the Sherpa or the Hiker I once was. And I'm no longer weather sealed, either!
C

ppage Loc: Pittsburg, (San Francisco area)

I am 6' 1" and I got one. I bought it to bring when I hike or travel. It is quite sturdy and works well. It's got real arca swiss compatibility. The leg tighteners work nicely. I just shot these hdrs in san francisco Sunday and the wind was pretty fierce. I did not extend it all the way, keeping it pretty low. I have to bend a bit to use it and sometimes I raise the column only as much as I have to . For low shots I use live view on my dslr's flippy screen. It's got good rubber feet. It attaches to my Mindshift sling bag real nice and does what I need it to do. I can confidently recommend it. It is short when folded and easy to use.
The second shot was down on the beach in a lot of wind too.

On top of Battery Cranston

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Down on Marshall's Beach

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