BALL HEAD:
The MeFOTO Q1 double-action ball head has three operating knobs:
1) Head locking knob
2) Drag control knob
3) Pan locking knob
The grip on each knob feels great and has small ridges which mean your fingers don't slip while using them. Drag control can be manually adjusted and locked, along with independent panning. The ballhead can be moved freely, yet can be smoothly locked quickly with the Head locking knob, important creating panoramic photos.
The tripod mounting platform uses an Arca Swiss quick release plate, industry standard and the quick release locking knob work smoothly together. The plate has two screws that sit in grooves either side of the mounting platform, as it adds a little extra security when releasing the quick release-locking knob.
To use it, it's simple:
· Twist the knob to half release and allow the plate and camera to be moved sideways and to the centre of the mounting platform; then
· Tilt and twist to fully release and remove the plate and camera.
The head has a bubble level and 360 panning indicator numbers. Separate head and pan lock are user-friendly additions on this tripod.
CONCLUSION:
The MeFOTO RoadTrip in aluminium performed well under the conditions I used it in. Now in all honesty if I were heading off hiking or travelling and wanted a slightly more compact, less bulky tripod than say the MeFOTO Globetrotter in aluminium, then the RoadTrip in aluminium would be a good option. Overall it’s a smaller tripod in folded length and circumference meaning it will fit into your luggage or pack easier than many other tripods.
Like anything that is more lightweight there are trade offs, and these come down to what you will use the tripod for. RoadTrip carries up to 8kg of camera and lens and being realistic that means it would carry with ease my Canon 5D MK IV with my 150mm-600mm telephoto zoom lens but personally I wouldn’t use it with the telephoto unless on the monopod or tripod in very calm conditions. I would happily use it with any of my other range of lenses, 14, 20, 24-70, 70-200, 24-105, 15-30 or 50mm. Shooting with a Mirrorless camera or smaller to medium sized DSLR camera then take note, this should be a serious contender on your list if weighing it up against other tripods.
Price point around $359 online and in store from reputable Australian retailers, offering a 3 Year Warranty. When you think about it, the RoadTrip is terrific value for money for a tripod that can be quickly transformed into a monopod.
I’m not a fan of where MeFOTO place the bubble level on their tripods but it really doesn’t bother me either, I think moving it off the top plate would just add an extra plus to an already great product. With the leg locks just don’t over-tighten them, about half a turn has them locked into place ready to go and I always remember the saying ‘righty tighty, lefty loosey’.
Favorite things about the RoadTrip in aluminium:
· Price I think is very reasonable at around $359 for a tripod that can carry up to 17.6lb or 8kgs of camera, lens and has the flexibility of a monopod option.
· Weighs 3.6lb / 1.63kg that’s pretty lightweight.
(NOTE: there is a Carbon Fiber version, which sheds even more weight 3.1lb / 1.42kg but I haven’t used it. I imagine for a serious long distance hike or for someone travelling lots where airlines charge like wounded bulls on excess baggage then spending the extra on the Carbon Fiber could be a big plus).
· Ease of operation - half a turn to unlock and lock legs for quick set up or pack up and each operation is a smooth motion.
· Center column has a tongue and groove adding rigidity.
· Quick to set up: 30-40 seconds from unzipping the bag, unfolding the legs, extending and tightening the legs, and attaching to my camera via the quick release plate.
· Colours and lots of them.
I read debates on tripods all the time; everyone has had their own good and bad experiences with different brands. The MeFOTO RoadTrip wouldn’t necessarily be the tripod of choice for full time pro photographers or enthusiasts but it is a solid performer and also doesn’t cost a $1000 - $800 - $600 or even $400! What it does offer is a flexible sturdy performer that can be used with a range of varying sized cameras that doesn’t break the bank. It is totally worth considering when searching for a new tripod and in the RoadTrip tripods case also offers the convertible monopod all in one neat bag.
Where can you buy the MeFOTO RoadTrip in Aluminium or any of our other tripods:
Pop me an email and I can point you in the right direction or get in contact with one of the stores below.
Digidirect in NSW, VIC, QLD and WA www.digidirect.com.au in store and online
Vanbar in Melbourne www.vanbarphoto.com.au in store
MY TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR TRIPOD IN GREAT CONDITION:
Always clean and dry your tripod after it has been exposed to wet, dusty, sandy or salty conditions. I use warm soapy water and then rinse it off with fresh water. Unlike some tripod brands which are fiddly when trying to remove the leg locks, the MeFOTO RoadTrip legs can simply be unscrewed to clean, allowing us end users to keep the 'twist lock' clean from dust, dirt or sand should any mange to sneak in.
MeFOTO Australia Ambassador