Sturdy pocket/mini tripod?

[Escapegoat]

Any recommendations for a mini-tripod that is sturdy?

I've got a Joby one which has those interconnecting and pliable ball-joints as legs. Looks like this: https://joby.com/uk-en/gorillapod-flexible-camera-... That works OK with a lightweight compact camera. But with a Sony A7 and old lenses (Minolta via an adapter), the little Joby is not much use. Too flimsy.

I don't want to cart around a full-height tripod (I use a Velbon at work for product shots), but I want to find something pocketable that I can use on tables/rocks/ground.

Ideas?

[VTECMFR]

You cannot go much wrong with a Manfrotto mini, does exactly what you need.

[Escapegoat]

That looks about perfect. Will see if there are any YT videos showing it in use.

Thanks!

[S1bs]

Can second VTECMFR's recommendation.

The Manfrotto table top tripod is very sturdy and will hold even the heaviest DSLR.

They also sell just the tripod by itself without a ball head, so make sure you are buying the tripod and ball head set - like this one:

https://www.wexphotovideo.com/manfrotto-709b-digi-...

If you need more height, then I can also recommend this one - again super sturdy, but can be used at almost standing height - but obviously more expensive, bigger and heavier. There are also no-brand copies (but a bit less strong) of this for less money on Amazon if you wanted to save some cash.

https://www.wexphotovideo.com/velbon-ultrek-ut-53d...

Hope this helps.

[Barry Homo]

I use the big gorilla pod with my A7iii and 7-200GM and it seems to be okay. Otherwise above looks good!

[Escapegoat]

Thanks. I find the gorilla one with the segmented legs a bit 'springy'. So pressing the shutter button adds potential energy into the legs which is then released back through the legs into the mount.

Looks like we have consensus on the little Manfrotto, so I will try that.

[Beggarall]

I have ordered one of these - not sure how genuine as the ad came through Facebook. These are probably Chinese copies of something from Peak design. Anyway will report back when (if) it arrives....

[Escapegoat]

Just to update and say thanks to all - I got the recommended Manfrotto Pixi, and it's working out perfectly. The only niggle is that there's no quick-release, but I think I can buy one of those, as the screws all seem to be standard 1/4in or so.

[Craikeybaby]

Does it only work on flat surfaces? Or can the legs be adjusted individually?

[Escapegoat]

The legs on this little fella cannot be adjusted, but the ball head + grip (which my particular version has) is super easy enough to use to level things out. I've used it on pent-top utility boxes and sloping benches. So I don't miss the individually adjustable legs that I have on the full-size Velbon.

But - timely thread-bump! Because I am now looking for a compact full-height tripod. For M43 (1.5kg max) and I'm not shooting in gales so don't need a super sturdy one.

My Victory 350 would be more than capable, but it doesn't pack small enough to go in - or hang from - my rucksack.

Any suggestions?

[Craikeybaby]

I’ve been looking at the Manfrotto Befree Advanced.

[Whoozit]

Escapegoat said:

Thanks. I find the gorilla one with the segmented legs a bit 'springy'. So pressing the shutter button adds potential energy into the legs which is then released back through the legs into the mount.

It can be. If that's an issue, and you're tripoding anyway therefore unlikely to be 1/200 sec+, the 2 second timer is your friend.