Reddit reviews MeFOTO RoadTrip Classic Lightweight 61.6" Aluminum Travel Tripod/Monopod w/Case, Twist Locks, Triple Action Ballhead w/Arca Swiss Plate for Mirrorless/DSLR Sony Nikon Canon Fuji - Black (A1350Q1K)
We found 17 Reddit comments about MeFOTO RoadTrip Classic Lightweight 61.6" Aluminum Travel Tripod/Monopod w/Case, Twist Locks, Triple Action Ballhead w/Arca Swiss Plate for Mirrorless/DSLR Sony Nikon Canon Fuji - Black (A1350Q1K). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
The MeFOTO RoadTrip is a compact travel camera tripod that folds up inversely and turns into a monopod. When incorporated with the MeFOTO SideKick iPhone tripod mount (not included), the RoadTrip makes the perfect choice. Available in several colors.360-degree Panning: Accurate panoramas can be easily orchestrated using the graduated panning scale for accurate image alignment. Two Leg Angle Positions: For an extra measure of flexibility, tripod legs can be independently locked into place at two different angles to enable shooting in cramped quarters, on irregular surface areas, or at ground level.Recessed Center-Column Hook: A spring loaded recessed hook, located in the bottom of the center-column, allows you to hang additional weight from the tripod's center of gravity for increased stability. Separate Head and Pan Lock: Individual head tension and lock knob as well as pan lock help make the right adjustment.Precision Matched Q Series Ballhead: Dual action heavy duty ballhead with Arca-Swiss style compatible quick release plate. Integral Bubble Level: Allows adjustment to prevent uneven pans and head movements. CompactThe tripod legs can be inverted and folded back 180 degrees making it small enough to carry just about anywhere.Five Leg Sections: Get the height you need and ultimate versatility. Twist Lock Legs with Anti-Rotation System: MeFOTO's innovative rubberized locking grips combined with anti-rotation legs enable fast and fumble-free set up plus weather and dust-resistance.
I have the MeFoto backpacker and I think it's a great value for the money (although I'd recommend going a step up to the roadtrip version). Of course it isn't quite as good as an expensive Manfrotto or Feisol, but it's plenty good enough for my purposes.
I am looking at one of these (haven't used it but reviews are good)
http://www.amazon.com/MeFOTO-A1350Q1K-Aluminium-Roadtrip-Monopod/dp/B00BETIVWK
Comes in carbon fiber too but it's a bit above your $300 budget.
https://youtu.be/tmoAXy3oZo8
This is the one I use for my 70d, http://www.amazon.com/Mefoto-A1350Q1K-Roadtrip-Travel-Tripod/dp/B00BETIVWK, very light, easy enough to disassemble and clean, can detach as a monopod and supports up to 17.6 lbs. The only real negative is the qr plate is kind of derpy sometimes but overall a great tripod for the price
I personally like Panasonic is the way to go.
If you think you could use IBIS, get the G85.
Otherwise save a few dollars and consider getting the G7. You can put the money you save into good tripod like this one as well as some Audio Gear.
I recently was traveling internationally and bought this tripod by MeFoto. It was between this or the Manfrotto listed above. The head is removable if you already own a fluid head or you can buy one. I ultimately decided to go with the more expensive MeFoto, despite being more "comfortable' with the Manfrotto name. The MeFoto is basically the same compact size but can carry a larger load ( I used a compact Edelkroke slider and my GH3 with it) and has a higher max height. Also one of the legs can detach to become a monopod which I thought was neat.
just another option. I'd say the MeFoto's downside would be the twist lock legs, which work, but I prefer the clasp like legs that the Manfrotto has. Also since I already own a lot of other tripods with the same manfrotto plate so I decided to add a manfrotto quickrelease to the MeFoto instead of their plate, which could be a downside/added cost.
Both of these tripods will easily fit into a carry-on suitcase. For me, when I traveled I put a suitcase full of clothes up in the top compartment of the airplane and had my camera bag with the MeFoto (the manfrotto would work too I'm sure) in it's case strapped to my camera bag at my feet. Got away with that set up for multiple international flights.
I use a MeFoto Roadtrip and really enjoy it. It folds up to about 15.5” which makes traveling with it easy. Is it the best? Probably not but I’ve put it through a lot of abuse and it’s still going strong and operates smoothly.
I'd recommend the MeFoto Roadtrip for $200.
3 shots, 77 seconds each.
I usually use a Mefoto Roadtrip tripod that I got on sale for $100 at Adorama
https://www.amazon.com/MeFOTO-Classic-Aluminum-Roadtrip-Monopod/dp/B00BETIVWK
Since OP did not answer yet: I took the MeFoto Roadtrip with me, which is allowed in the park as it fits in a normal sized backpack. It does take some time to set up but is very lightweight and strong. Not the cheapest though
Since you started to look into MeFoto, I can definitely recommend the MeFoto Roadtrip (Aluminum).
I'm using it with a D5200 and, mostly, my Sigma's 10-20mm, which is supposed to weight 7g more than the Nikon 10-24mm. I have not had any issues with stability and it's pretty lightweight. If there was some strong wind that could have ruined exposure, however, I just hung my backpack up on the hook with the rest of my gear as a precaution, so far, that did the trick :)
I travel the world for about 3 months each year. I've been very happy with my MeFoto A1350. It's about half of your budget, and is both portable and sturdy. I like especially that the legs can be angled — and locked — at nearly any position. That makes it ideal for setting up on steps or on rocky terrain.
I asked this question before and I will soon be ordering a Mefoto Roadtrip Travel Tripod which I think fits your need. It's $150 if you get the Red/White/Blue...for some reason all the other colors are $200.
If you don't like the Mefoto the link to my question has other tripod suggestions.
Hi the tripod plate being used is from the Mefoto Roadtrip.
It's a smaller plate, the plate screw is short enough to pull the camera tight to plate. The problem is the plate doesnt have enough grip/hold onto the camera body. So in many cases the camera will make a small rotation with a force or push.
what are your choices for compact + lightweight for backpacking/hikes and a tripod for road trips, where size/weight doesn't matter.
Seems like price jumps quite a lot from aluminum to carbon.
If I'm just getting into incorporating a tripod to my workflow, should I get a cheap amazon basic tripod or manfrotto befree/mefoto roadtrip or gitzo traveler.
Gitzo seems to be an overkill for me, but just wanted to see your perspective. I rather invest than buy a cheap one that'll break on me and be wasteful. Mamiya 7 + 65 isn't too heavy- does that mean it'll do just fine with sub-range tripods rather than heavy duty built ones like gitzo?
A MeFoto Roadtrip would be a reasonable tripod option - that's what I use, though I'm sure others here have got other personal recommendations too.
Small ones are allowed. Mine folds down to a pretty small size (https://www.amazon.com/MeFOTO-Classic-Aluminum-Roadtrip-Monopod/dp/B00BETIVWK)