Just ordered a MeFoto!

[Rick M]

I just ordered a MeFoto Backpacker, anyone have any experience with this brand? I like the fact that it is arca-swiss compatible, so my CarrySpeed bracket will fit right in without adding another plate. Mostly for my new V2 setup on it's way. Check out the link, love the titanium look!

MeFOTO BackPacker Travel Tripod (Titanium) A0350Q0T B&H Photo

 

[RocketCowboy]

I saw these earlier this week somewhere on the forum, and was able to see them in person at a camera shop down in Austin while killing time. Looks like a solid setup, and after hauling around me 20 year old tripod all weekend on my backpack ... I'm thinking serious about upgrading and replacing mine with one of these too.

 

[skene]

My friend has one of them and it is a nice travel pod as it can shrink down to a good size of 13" it is certainly small and feels very sturdy from handling the tripod.
Good for when you are moving around or flying and not interested in carrying a larger tripod.

 

[Rick M]

Yea, this will be my hiking pod, have a larger Benro for around the house. Glad to hear it appears to be decent.

Weren't too many compact pods that come with an arca-swiss compatible head.

 

[Eduard]

Jake started a great thread about MeFoto a while back and they spotlighted him on their site. I'm hoping jdeg or Jake can arrange for a Nikonites discount - I want to purchase a larger one than my DayTrip.

 

[TedG954]

Rick, it looks and sounds like a very handy travel pod. Good luck with it and prepare a full review.

 

[BackdoorArts]

I like their stuff, and they've spotlighted me (and I won a SideKick on Instagram - you should too, check their site), but I've got zero pull in terms of discounts.

I have the RoadTrip and the DayTrip, so I've got your Backpacker surrounded. I opted for the slightly bigger RoadTrip because I know there will be occasions when I need to but the 150-500mm on it. It's a solid tripod and it's the one that stays in my car. With a heavy body and lens it can get a little wobbly at full extension, but if you hang some weight from the center hook that clears up immediately (you should do that anyway). The 8.8 lb. limit of the Backpacker made me question its usability in some situations. The RoadTrip is only 3 inches longer, 1 pound heavier, but will hold twice the weight and extends a full 10 inches further. And it will convert to a monopod, which is kinda cool when taking it on trips. Which you get really depends on your needs, but what started as my "second tripod" has become my go-to.

Regardless, they make some quality stuff - it's really just a Benro painted flashy for the US market (go figure).

 

[Rick M]

Thanks for the info Jake! I have a larger Benro, probably about the size of the largest Mefoto. This will be part of my V2 "ultra light" kit. It is also my fathers day present so I can't play until Sunday

 

[Steve B]

I picked up my MeFoto RoadTrip last week but haven't really had a chance to use it. I also ordered the short center column so I can get right down almost to ground level with it. The only possible negatives I have seen so far with it are 1) The smallest leg section is pretty thin and somewhat flexible. 2) The leg angle locks are not spring loaded which is a little inconvenient. 3) Due to the light weight construction they are more susceptible to vibration. It won't replace my Manfrotto 055 but it will be with me a lot of times when I don't want to haul the 055 around.

 

[cbg]

I'm getting ready to get a RoadTrip to take with me to Qatar since I don't really want to take my full sized carbon fiber, even though it will fit in the suitcase. Everything I have seen online and in the shops says they are well made and do their job well.