MeFoto Globetrotter

[RobFellows]

I have been looking to get a new tripod and I have been eyeing up the MeFoto Globetrotter either in aluminium or carbon fibre. It will be used for some travel landscape and the occasional night shot.

Does anyone have one, and if so what are your thoughts?

Alternatively, if anyone has any better suggestions (along similar lines) that I can easily source in Australia or in Los Angeles then feel free to chip,in also.

[Manfred M]

When I look at the specs, I suspect this tripod will not be particularly well suited to either of the purposes you are looking at it for. At 3.7 lbs for the carbon fibre model, it is far too heavy for travel and with a 5-segment leg, it is unlikely to be rigid enough for serious night photography.

This tripod weighs almost as much as my Feisol CT-3372 (3.7lb for the Globetrotter and 3.79lb for the CT-3372). I rarely travel with it unless I am going by car and never take it for long distances. I usually use it as a studio tripod.

http://www.feisolcanada.com/?products=ct-3372

You get a fairly short unit when collapsed through the 5 segment legs (mine has large diameter legs but is only 3-segment). Unfortunately, the specs do not give you minimum leg diameter (or any tube diameter, for that matter). So I suspect that stability / rigidity might be an issue. You might find it better for night shooting than travel.





I have 4 tripods and each one serves a specific need. I didn't show my video tripod in the shot as it is less relative to shooting still images. The Feisol is the large unit on the right and the two Benro tripods on the left are my travel tripods.

[Round Tuit]

Rob,

I have a Mefoto Roadtrip which is one model down from the one you are considering and I am pleased with it. At 3.6 lb some people might consider it heavy but I find it quite portable. It comes with a carrying case that I sling over my shoulder.

It is not very sturdy when fully extended and needs to be weighted or held down in moderately windy conditions. I always use a remote shutter release and mirror lockup when using the tripod. I definitely would never use it with the column extended!

Finally, I don't know how it would perform with a full body DSLR an lenses. I only have an APSC body and kit lenses which are all fairly light.

Hope this helps.

Andre

[RobFellows]

Thanks, what is the middle one?

[Manfred M]

It's one of the larger Benro carbon fiber ones. I use it as a travel tripod for any of my cameras. Unfortunately, I couldn't tell you the model number until I get home and that's not for another month.

Just to be clear, when it comes to travel, I have had my large Feisol tripod in Central America and my heavy-duty Libec video tripod in Africa. In both cases, I knew I would be carrying it very limited distances. On the other hand, if I will be carrying it for hours (or days - I had the small Benro along for a trek in Nepal), the length of time, terrain and weight considerations while traveling will determine the gear I will take along.

[rpcrowe]

I have described this before but, I cannot find the post. So here goes again. I have several tripods. This is my travel model...

I purchased a Slick Pro 330DX ( http://www.thkphoto.com/products/sli...ro330dx-a.html ) and modified it with an OEM optional shorter center column and Flashpoint F-1 Arca Compatible Magnesium ball head. These modifications reduce the weight of the tripod/head from the OEM 3-pounds 8-ounces to a lightweight 2-pounds 4-ounces including head. The tripod collapses to 23.5 inches which fits into my normal suitcase. It comes with foam leg covers. Here the modified Slik next to my full size Giottos tripod...


It can support my 1.6x cameras and 70-200mm f/4L IS lens.


The only drawback is that it is fairly short. I don't elevate the center column but, rather stoop or use a right angle finder.

[PhotomanJohn]

It is hard to give advice on tripods because what works for one person is not satisfactory to another. I have an aluminum Mefoto Globetrotter in my collection. Mefoto and Benro are the same company and IMO are good quality tripods. The Globetrotter is heavy for its size and the carbon version is not that much lighter and a lot more money. I have had good results with the tripod which I normally don't use it fully extended. If you can handle the weight, it is a reasonable choice in that size range.

[Manfred M]

It is hard to give advice on tripods because what works for one person is not satisfactory to another. I have an aluminum Mefoto Globetrotter in my collection. Mefoto and Benro are the same company and IMO are good quality tripods. The Globetrotter is heavy for its size and the carbon version is not that much lighter and a lot more money. I have had good results with the tripod which I normally don't use it fully extended. If you can handle the weight, it is a reasonable choice in that size range.

I seem to remember when MeFoto first came out they were handled under the Benro branding, Induro is another brand that this company uses.