Digital Camera World - UK (2019-12)

http://www.digitalcameraworld.com DECEMBER 2019 DIGITAL CAMERA^129

Mini Test

Manfrotto Pixi Evo
£35/$35
http://www.manfrotto.com

M

anfrotto’s Pixi mini tripods have been
with us for several years, but this Evo
version steps things up with extendable
two-section legs. These can lock into six different
extension points using a push-button release on
each leg. At full stretch, there’s some flex when
you mount a heavier DSLR, but Manfrotto’s 2.5kg
load rating is reasonable. Keep the legs retracted
to their shortest setting and the Evo feels much
more stout, although this reduces the shooting
height from 19cm to 15.5cm. Alternatively, if you
want to sink lower, the legs have a secondary
angle setting selected using a simple but effective
switch on the side of the ball head. This lets
the head down to around 10cm off the deck.
The ball head itself is of a usefully large size
for a mini-tripod, and it clamps securely. It can
also tilt through 90 degrees into portrait
orientation, and a convenient wheel locks
the ¼in-20 thread to your camera, so
you don’t need to rotate the whole tripod.
Factor in the keen pricing, and this basic
but well-made support is a smart buy.

PROS Light and slim when folded; useful
and precise leg extension; reliable ball head

CONS Doesn’t stretch as tall as some rivals;
not especially rigid with legs at full extension

Verdict

Sirui 3T-35K

£74/$90

http://www.sirui.com

S

irui’s entry stands out thanks to its

almost entirely metal construction. It

certainly feels like a premium product,

especially next to more budget rivals. Load

capacity is a respectable 4kg, and we found the

3K-35T easily supports a full-frame DSLR and

24-70mm lens. This sturdiness has an impact

on weight, though: the 3K-35T tips the scales at

430g – noticeably heavier than the 260g Pixi Evo.

The legs fold out from their resting position

alongside the centre column, and a quick

twist of the central ‘spider’ locks them in their

outstretched position. The two-section centre

column can then adjust your shooting height

from 25.5cm up to 34cm, or you can remove the

column completely and mount the head directly

to the legs for a lower stance, although this is a

bit of a faff that requires the use of an Allen key.

The support is topped off by a good-sized

and precisely machined aluminium ball head.

It features separate pan adjustment, although

this is of limited use, as there isn’t a dedicated

knob to adjust the pan base independently.

PROS Excellent build quality and load capacity;

large ball head; very compact when folded

CONS It’s not cheap for such a small tripod, but

you get what you pay for – a quality product

Verdict

Velbon EX-Macro

£40/$25

http://www.velbon.biz

A

s tabletop tripods go, the EX-Macro is

somewhat bloated, measuring 28cm

long and requiring a 9cm-diameter slot

in your kit bag. It’s also on the heavier side at

560g, but the EX-Macro is closer to a full-size

tripod in design than a typical tabletop tripod.

The legs have three sections and lock using

conventional lever clamps, while the centre

column has 6cm of height adjustment. Maximum

shooting height is a versatile 56cm, and the legs

can support up to 2.5kg of payload, although

Velbon recommends 1.5kg as a safer bet.

It’s a surprisingly conservative load rating given

the tripod’s substantial size – but the problem is

the unashamedly plastic construction. The three-

way pan-and-tilt head feels cheap, and the tiny

plastic quick-release plate is especially nasty,

causing a heavier DSLR to wobble more than

we’d like. It’s a pity given the head’s separate

pan-and-tilt adjustment, which should be

ideal for delicate macro compositions.

The head is definitely the weak link

in the setup – and it can’t be replaced.

PROS Works well with small, light cameras;

bargain price; versatile leg length and spread

CONS Bulky when folded; cheap plastic head

is frustratingly wobbly when used with a DSLR

Verdict

Five things to

look out for

1

The limiting factor of

a mini tripod can often

be a titchy ball head.

A larger ball is easier

to clamp securely.

2

A tripod with multiple

leg angles or extension

options gives you the

choice between extra

height and stability.

3

With load ratings of

up to 5kg, good-quality

mini tripods can

support even a DSLR

and a telephoto lens.

4

Joby’s GorillaPod

proves a mini tripod

can be freed from the

tabletop: you can wrap

it round many objects.

5

Bundled mounts to fit

a GoPro camera or a

smartphone are nice,

as is an extending

centre column.