Sturdy pocket/mini tripod?

Sturdy pocket/mini tripod?

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Escapegoat

Original Poster:

5,135 posts

136 months

Monday 11th November 2019
quotequote all
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?

Escapegoat

Original Poster:

5,135 posts

136 months

Tuesday 12th November 2019
quotequote all
That looks about perfect. Will see if there are any YT videos showing it in use.

Thanks!

Escapegoat

Original Poster:

5,135 posts

136 months

Tuesday 12th November 2019
quotequote all
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.

Escapegoat

Original Poster:

5,135 posts

136 months

Monday 25th November 2019
quotequote all
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.

Escapegoat

Original Poster:

5,135 posts

136 months

Thursday 12th December 2019
quotequote all
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?