Carbon Fiber Tripods Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suQMbemErVs

BONFOTO Carbon Fiber B671C Tripod

BONFOTO Carbon Fiber B671C Lightweight Portable Camera Travel Tripod

Maximum Height: 55"Folded Height: 15"Load capacity: 17.6 lbsPrice: $107.99(Updated model with better head)

MeFOTO Roadtrip Carbon Fiber Tripod

MeFOTO RoadTrip Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

Max Height: 61.6"Folded Length: 15.4"Load capacity: 17.6 lbsPrice: $299 (with rebate)

Gitzo GT1545T Series 1 Carbon Fiber Tripod

Gitzo GT1545T Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod

Max Height: 64.4"Folded Length: 16.7"Load Capacity: 22 lbPrice: $959.88

Hands-on GLOBETROTTER AIR

Overall I am impressed with this small travel tripod that is a lightweight tripod at just 3.2 lbs and a packable tripod at a folded of 12.2"! AND it provides a few features that may be a gimmick but I will let you decide.https://youtu.be/C7zcg54CrXwFollow Steve on his Patagonia/Antarctica AdventureHANDS-ON MEFOTO GLOBETROTTER AIR - This new line of MEFOTO Tripods offers a very packable and lightweight tripod but at what cost? Is this the perfect travel tripod at 3.2 lbs and 12" packable AND it provides a monopod/selfie stick along with a bluetooth remote. Would you use or are they just gimmicks?Buy the MEFOTO GLOBETROTTER AIR

Canon 5D Mark IV Articulating LCD Hack

In my 5D Mark IV Review I complained about the lack of articulating LCD screen - several of you commented with the suggestion that you can use your phone with the Canon Camera Connect app as an articulating screen.  Here I demonstrate what that might look like and ask if you think it is viable alternative to actually having an articulating screen on the Canon 5D Mark IV.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPEl_RUQaMUscreenshot-2016-10-28-10-14-31Gear NeededPhone Holder Mefoto: http://amzn.to/2dTCn7kHotshoe Mount: http://amzn.to/2fno2W0 Want to travel with me and McKay Photography Academy? Learn more: http://bit.ly/MPA_toby

MeFOTO Air Collection

MeFOTO AirIf you remember Toby’s review of the MeFOTO Backpacker he was quite the fan of the lightweight travel tripod. This week MeFOTO has announced a new version of their popular line of travel tripods that are lighter, faster, and easier-to-use. The biggest new change, MeFOTO switched from the previous monopod alternative setup to a new capability of turning into a selfie stick.MeFOTO HyperLock Setup and breakdown times have been significantly reduced with a new HyperLock Design. HyperLock reduces weight, size, ease of use, and setup time with a new twist to lock foot setup to extend the legs. In total almost a 30% reduction in weight compared to the previous models MeFOTO Air is a great choice for a travel or hiking photographer. With the switch to HyperLock specs have changed a bit since last year. Out of the line on average their load capacity is 25% less but still plenty to hold anything you would need. A bit less rugged as well as they’ve also removed the spiked feet; in the case of the WalkAbout it has lost its weather and dust resistance. In terms of packed size the WalkAbout is 5 inches smaller while for the most part tripods receive a small size reduction, the best being the BackPacker at 2.2 inches. With the redesign the minimum and maximum heights have been nicely improved giving the tripods a bit more range for height or getting low to the ground. A better Intuitive design, with the change Mefoto has added icons on the legs for ease of use to those not familiar with the HyperLock design. Keeping the setup from the previous generation ball heads are arca-type compatible for the industry standard quick release plate.MeFOTO BluetoothOne feature missing from the tripods for this generation is the ability to be used as a monopod. In it’s place you now have the option to pull the central column out for use as a extending selfie stick. With the central column out you can connect a cell phone adapter plate to attach your phone (see video). MeFoto has even added a Bluetooth remote that stays with the tripod to fire the phone. As with Toby traveling with McKay Photography, having a selfie stick on hand during a trip to use is a nice touch without having to carry any extra gear.You can pre-order through the links below, the MeFOTO air line will start to ship November, 1st of this year. https://vimeo.com/182870823

untitled-1Pre-order your tripod or monopod in a variety of colors from B&H. The MeFOTO Air line will be available and start shipping November 1st, 2016.

MeFOTO WalkAbout Air Aluminum Monopod $65MeFOTO WalkAbout Air

Load Capacity: 22.1 lb Max Height: 59.1" Closed Length: 13.4"
Sections: 6 Weight: 0.9 lb Translucent Silicon Hand Grip
1/4"-20 Mounting Screw Adjustable Wrist Strap Anodized-Aluminum Finish

MeFOTO BackPacker Air MeFOTO BackPacker Air Travel Tripod $125

Load Capacity: 8.8 lb Max Height: 59.5" Min Height: 11.2"
Folded Length: 14.4" Leg Sections: 5 Weight: 1.98 lb
Carrying Case Included Built-In Selfie Stick Smartphone Adapter & Bluetooth Remote

MeFOTO RoadTrip Air MeFOTO RoadTrip Air Travel Tripod $175

Load Capacity: 13.2 lb Max Height: 61" Min Height: 11.4"
Folded Length: 15" Leg Sections: 5 Weight: 2.5 lb
Carrying Case Included Built-In Selfie Stick Smartphone Adapter & Bluetooth Remote

MeFOTO GlobeTrotter AirMeFOTO GlobeTrotter Air Travel Tripod $225

Load Capacity: 17.6 lb Max Height: 68.1" Min Height: 12"
Folded Length: 16.7" Leg Sections: 5 Weight: 3.2 lb
Carrying Case Included Built-In Selfie Stick Smartphone Adapter & Bluetooth Remote

 

MeFoto vs Dolica Ultra Compact Travel Tripods Reviewed

They both weight about 2.5 lbs, fold down to 12.5" and have little ball heads. They also both have hooks under center column for hanging weight to increase stability. Neither tripod is extremely stable at it's very highest setting, something I am willing to sacrifice since the tripods fit in my camera bag so nicely.Tune in to tomorrow's MishMash Podcast for details on how you could win the Dolica Proline

Pros for the Dolica TX570B150SL Ultra Compact Tripod

  • Cheaper
  • Reversible center column - close to ground macro shots
  • Removable/replaceable head
  • Three legs spread settings- MeFoto has two settings
  • Taller - 57" versus 51" on the MeFoto

Pros for the MeFoto Travel Tripod Kit

  • Excellent head - not removable but very well made with smooth panning and locks down tight.
  • Comes in different colors?
  • Built to last- I have used mine for 18 months now and everything is working like the day I bought it. No wear and tear.

Original Full MeFoto ReviewNote - MeFoto also offers the RoadTrip model for $189 that has a removable center column, also converts into a monopod - Buy from AmazonI am happy with my MeFoto and feel the extra money was well spent for as much as I use it.  If just an occasional user you should consider the Dolica and save.  If you don't need a travel or compact tripod consider the excellent budget tripod. Watch my review of the Dolica Proline Tripod.Support this site and my reviews- Buy the MeFoto Travel Tripod from Amazon | Buy the Dolica Ultra Compact Tripod from Amazon