K i t Z o n e
128 DIGITAL CAMERA^ DECEMBER 2019 http://www.digitalcameraworld.comMini Test
Gitzo Mini Traveller
£190/$200
http://www.gitzo.comM
ini-tripods can often be short on build
quality, but Gitzo’s mini-marvel is a
noteable exception. It’s constructed
using the same Carbon eXact tubing tech as
full-size Gitzo legs, and is topped off by an
equally well-made aluminium ball head.
The ball itself clamps super-securely using
the grippy locking ring at the base of the head.
Gitzo rates the load capacity at 3kg, and that’s
very fair: the Mini Traveller feels rock-solid, even
when the legs are spread to their widest setting.
A neat pull action on each leg lets you switch
between the two available angles.
If you need to support even more, the legs
themselves have a colossal 25kg load rating – just
remove the head using the included Torx wrench,
and a provided adaptor allows fitment of a beefier
head to maximise the legs’ carrying capacity.
Equally impressively, the tripod and included
head weigh a combined 265g, which makes this
one of the lightest mini-tripods on the market.
The Mini Traveller is available with two colour
options: black, or Gitzo’s signature ‘Noir Decor’.PROS Uncompromising build and material
quality; immensely rigid; excellent ball headCONS Maximum shooting height only 17cm;
hugely expensive compared to rivalsVerdict
Benro BK10
£24/$31
http://www.benroeu.comB
enro’s ultra-portable BK10 mini tripod
weighs only 300g and is a mere 19cm
long when folded; yet, thanks to a
seven-section telescopic centre column, it
can extend to give a 91cm-high shooting
platform. Fold the tripod legs together but
keep the centre column outstretched, and
you’ve also got a comfortable selfie stick
that’s pretty useful for vlogging.
Use the BK10 as a tripod, though, and the
combination of short legs and that towering
central column makes things very top-heavy with
a camera on board, and the 1kg load rating seems
optimistic. Realistically, you’ll need to stick to an
action camera, a compact camera or a camera
phone for this tabletop tripod to be in its element.
Benro includes a GoPro mount, as well as a
basic clamp to hold a phone, both attaching to the
tripod’s tiny plastic ball head. What’s more, you
also get a Bluetooth remote that clips to one
tripod leg when not in use. We found this gadget
worked flawlessly as a remote shutter release
when paired with our test camera phone.PROS Versatile multi-function design;
handy remote shutter releaseCONS Micro ball head makes the BK10
only suitable for small camerasVerdict
Joby GorillaPod Rig
£189/$180
http://www.joby.comY
ou can get GorillaPods in numerous sizes
to suit different cameras, from a GoPro
up to a full-frame DSLR. All make great
tabletop tripods, but we went for the flagship
GorillaPod Rig to see what the GorillaPod
design is really capable of.
The Rig is not just intended to hold your
camera: with those ‘arms’ on either side, you can
also add accessories like LED lights, microphones,
a small external video monitor, or even a phone
(via an optional clamp). The system works best
for shooting video close-ups, but it can be equally
effective for macro stills if you position a light on
either side of your camera. This can be anything
up to a full-frame DSLR: the load rating is 5kg.
The Rig is bundled with a high-quality ball head
that features separate pan adjustment. Grippy
locking knobs clamp the head very well.
The legs are the largest in the GorillaPod range,
measuring around 27cm long. They allow you to
wrap the Rig around static objects, so this needn’t
just be a tabletop tripod, and Joby also bundles
a strap that lets you tie the Rig to larger objects.PROS Versatile, especially for video; excellent
quality; can attach to a variety of objectsCONS Overkill for basic stills photography;
daunting price; long (37cm) and heavy (840g)Verdict
Tabletop tripods
Need an ultra-compact camera support that’ll fit
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