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June 3, 2014
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June 3, 2014
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KFBX's Reviews

Manfrotto - 60" Compact Action Tripod - Black

Snap steady shots with your compatible DSLR camera using this Manfrotto MKCOMPACTACN-BK tripod that extends up to 60" and folds down to 17.8" for compact storage. A quick-release plate and locking system allow simple attachment, removal and adjustment.

Customer Rating

Best consumer level tripod for the money!

on June 3, 2014

Posted by: KFBX

from Pennsylvania

For over 20 years as a professional photographer I swore that I'd never buy a consumer level tripod. No, it wasn't a snobbish attitude. I just never came across a tripod for under $300 that wasn't garbage.

In addition to some pro-line Manfrotto gear, I own a couple professional tripods. The tripods are like tanks, great for the studio and weddings, but quite heavy and not very mobile. For personal photo outings, like family events, hiking, and such I've never found a small tripod good enough to take along.

That all changed when I saw the Manfrotto Compact Action Series Tripod one day at Best Buy. At first glance, I thought there was an error in their in store price listing. I even asked one of associates to please double check the price. A Manfrotto ball head tripod for under $100? I tested out the display model with a DSLR fixed to the head. It was lightweight, compact, and very sturdy. I rushed it to the cash register to pay, still thinking it was all too good to be true. Actually I didn't just buy the tripod, I bought a Veloce series backpack to go with it. The tripod fits perfectly inside the pack with room for a camera and other gear.

Two months have gone by and my positive opinion of this tripod stands. For casual use, the Manfrotto Compact Series tripod has surpassed its expectations. For the price this is the best consumer level tripod that I've seen.

For years Manfrotto and Bogen have been at the top of the industry for tripods, catering primarily to professional photographers. But recently Manfrotto has developed a whole new line of gear for the consumer and amateur users. It's all been quite impressive; a stylish and yet very functional array of products. For professionals, it's great equipment for your everyday shots, allowing you to enjoy the art of photography from a personal perspective.

I didn't log on to this site today to write a review. I went online to purchase another of the Compact Series tripods and another Veloce bag for my teenage daughter. She is very impressed with this new gear as much as I am. We plan on traveling this summer and as she said, this is cool stuff.

After I checked the local store availability I saw a negative review posted on the Best Buy site, and was shocked. Unfortunately there were no specific complaints detailed on the review, so take it with a grain of salt. In another site review someone said the ball head was noisy. Buy honestly it isn't nearly as noisy as the auto-focus on a DSLR. Quiet fluid heads are a much more complicated design. They are out there, but of course expect to pay a lot more money.

The only thing Manfrotto could do to make this tripod better or easier for the amateur consumer is to send a company representative to take the photos for you. For beginners it is always beneficial to take an introductory class or two in photography to understand the equipment before you head out to take photos. If you have any questions on this tripod that a store associate can’t answer, contact Manfrotto directly. They have a very high level of customer service.

In conclusion, yes this is a great tripod. And yes, I plan to purchase more products from Manfrotto’s exciting new line of photo gear.

What's great about it: Full Rotational Ball Head, Lightweight, Compact, Sturdy

What's not so great: The ball head can be a little noisy, but no more so than a DSLR auto-focus lens.

I would recommend this to a friend!

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