W
100 http://www.digitalcameraworld.com
MINITEST
Need an ultra-compact camera support
that’ll fit in your kit bag? Try a tabletop
tripod for size in your setup
HETHER you want
WRVQDSDVHOÀH
without having an
outstretched arm in shot, or
capture a delicate macro
composition on a table with
your camera, a mini tripod
could be what you need.
These ultra-compact supports
are also ideal for keeping in
your kit bag should the
opportunity arise to shoot a
long exposure image.
Sometimes dubbed
‘tabletop’ tripods, they’re
designed to be placed on just
such a surface, although any
raised platform like a wall or
park bench can work just as
well for elevating your
camera that bit higher.
Most mini tripods pack
down to around the size of a
typical 70-200mm f/2.8 lens,
and can be as light as 300g,
making them easy to slot into
a small camera bag, or even a
jacket pocket. The diminutive
legs will usually be topped off
by an equally cute ball head,
though the larger the better if
you want decent stability
when mounting a heavier
DSLR camera and lens setup.Tabletop
tripods
To make sure you keep your camera steady and get exactly
what you want, just keep an eye out for these features(^01) Heads up
The limiting factor of a mini tripod can often be a titchy ball head.
A larger ball is more controllable and easier to clamp securely.
(^02) Spread your legs
A tripod with multiple leg angle or extension options gives you the
choice between extra height and more stability.
(^03) Size matters
Good quality mini tripods can hold a surprising amount of gear. With
load ratings up to 5kg some can, rather amazingly, support even a
DSLR and telephoto lens.
(^04) What tabletop?
Joby’s innovative and extensive GorillaPod range proves a mini tripod
can be used anywhere, as you can wrap them round many objects
when you’re out on a shoot, such as fence posts or tree branches.
(^05) Little extras
Bundled mounts to fit a GoPro or smartphone are nice, as is an
extending centre column for gaining more height, or even doubling
as a handy selfie stick.
FIVE THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR
£24/$31 http://www.benroeu.com^
£35/$35 http://www.manfrotto.co.uk^
BENRO’S ultra-portable BK10
mini tripod weighs 300g and is a
mere 19cm long when folded, yet
thanks to a 7-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 selfie stick.
But use it as a tripod and the
combo of short legs and that
towering central column does
make things very top heavy. You’ll
need to use an action camera,
compact or camera phone for the
BK10 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 we paired it with
our test phone.
MANFROTTO’S Pixi mini
tripods have been with us for
several years, but this Evo version
steps things up thanks to its
extendable two-section legs.
These can lock into six different
extension points using an
ergonomic 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, though
this reduces the shooting height
from 19cm to 15.5cm.
If you want to sink lower, the
legs have a secondary angle
setting set using a simple 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 90-degrees into
portrait orientation, and a
convenient wheel locks the ¼-inch
20 thread, so you don’t need to
rotate the whole tripod. It also
only weighs in at 260g.
Benro BK10
Manfrotto Pixi Evo
VERDICT
PROS: Versatile multi-function
design; handy remote shutter
CONS: Ball head could support a
lot more weight
WE SAY: Good value for some
smaller Canon cameras
VERDICT
PROS: Lightweight and slim
when folded; reliable ball head
CONS: Doesn’t stretch as tall as
some rivals; not especially rigid
WE SAY: A well made tabletop
tripod that nails the basics