This Giottos QU 305B convertible mini tripod can be used either as a tabletop tripod, or as a mini or handheld monopod. The short extension column can be removed from the tripod legs, which allows for a minimum working height of only 4.6". With the extension column connected, a height of 16.2" is achieved, with a respectable load capacity of 11 lbs.
The included MH-1004 Mini Ballhead features an independent pan bed, and offers weight support to accommodate most 35mm or digital cameras.
| Maximum Height | 16.2" (41.1cm) |
| Minimum Height | 2.2" (5.6cm) [separated] |
| Folded Length | 11.7" (29.7cm) |
| Load Capacity | 11 lbs (5kg) |
| Leg Sections | 1 (with extension column) |
| Leg Lock Type | N/A |
| Male Thread Size | 1/4"-20 |
| Weight | 14.4 oz (410g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
nice sturdy simple tripod
I really loved this product. [...] I tested it right away. It easily holds my Canon 50D and 70-300mm lens. The tripod has a very nice easy setup to extend to...Read complete review
I really loved this product. [...] I tested it right away. It easily holds my Canon 50D and 70-300mm lens. The tripod has a very nice easy setup to extend to different length. This is really very nice feature especially when you are trying to shoot any macro like flowers and all. Different height adjustment feature and the sturdiness are simply superb for such a small really ligtweight tripod. I definitely recommend this to any Photo Enthusiast.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Almost Wow but Not
The two part column provides a good range for a tabletop tripod. The base is very stable and all fittings have a very positive feel to them. In fact, everything is well designed and...Read complete review
The two part column provides a good range for a tabletop tripod. The base is very stable and all fittings have a very positive feel to them. In fact, everything is well designed and manufactured, except the included mini ballhead, which provides less than precise support for a camera and lens that weigh less than half of the advertised weight limit. With my D700 and an 85mm lens there is noticeable camera movement after tightening down the head. It's not much better with a lighter 50mm lens. Too bad because I want to really like this tripod.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 15 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-15
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
I bought this tripod because I needed a solution for an AAXA P300 pico projector. The projector can't adjust video from landscape to portrait, so I needed a tripod that could accomplish the task. I'm not a professional photographer. What I needed was sturdy and the highest possible tabletop. This was the right one I found. It's extremely strong, light, durable and easy to adjust.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
Coupled with the remote, great way to steady the NEX 5N. Used to shoot my pets.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
It was what I was expecting for the price for the most part. However with the 11lb. load rating I expected a lot more out of the ball head. The ball head was sticky and difficult to adjust to the desired position quickly. It would be a great product if it had a larger and smoother ball head. I returned the item.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
I am an amateur photography who does a lot of macro photography. This tripod is good but the micro ball head sticks making it a little clumsy. I do like the stability it gives me at short distance shooting.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
I make a lot of photographs at ground level and this little gem works well for me. It is sturdy, stable and the ballhead is just perfect for the camera adjustments.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
Was able to handle heavy load.
----Used On canon 5D II & 70-200mm 2.8 II
Extends to a good length.
However, if there's air --> expect the camera to shake..
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
This is a very sturdy and durable tripod. It even held my D300 with Battery grip without an issue. Great to keep in the bag for those times you just need something to make the camera stable for a longer shot.
Will recommend to others.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
I bought this for an upcoming trekking trip. It is well built and should do the job. I removed the cork washer between the ball head and the column as this added some undesired flex. The tripod and ball head are strong enough to hold a D300 with 18-200. You do need to be sure one of the legs is out front or else the whole thing could tip forward.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
surprisingly quite nice. it took some work to figure out how to extend the tripod to full height.( you just pull); small footprint with no legs in the way, makes it very usable in a small area. i use it with a spotting scope on an indoor range. i'm pleased.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
I wasn't sure this was going to be sturdy enough for my dslr but I am very happy with it. It is also super compact and packs neatly into my camera bag.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
The tripod is light, very well designed and built. The legs have black power coating (not bare aluminum shown in the pictures). The center column has 2 sections that can be adjusted independently for different heights. It can also be removed to set the tripod at its lowest height.
The MH-1004 mini ballhead is light and has a compact profile . The knob is small, but not too small. It only takes less than 1/2 of a turn to lock the ballhead solid.
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
Great product, but if you'd like to use it with D-SLR, a bigger head its recommended
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
The two part column provides a good range for a tabletop tripod. The base is very stable and all fittings have a very positive feel to them. In fact, everything is well designed and manufactured, except the included mini ballhead, which provides less than precise support for a camera and lens that weigh less than half of the advertised weight limit. With my D700 and an 85mm lens there is noticeable camera movement after tightening down the head. It's not much better with a lighter 50mm lens. Too bad because I want to really like this tripod.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
indoors and out, table top shots with remote control camera and portrait shots. the goods, small, light weight and easy to use. the bad, some times to short to look over items in from of it, guard rails, permanent items that you cant move.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
I really loved this product. [...] I tested it right away. It easily holds my Canon 50D and 70-300mm lens. The tripod has a very nice easy setup to extend to different length. This is really very nice feature especially when you are trying to shoot any macro like flowers and all. Different height adjustment feature and the sturdiness are simply superb for such a small really ligtweight tripod. I definitely recommend this to any Photo Enthusiast.
Displaying reviews 1-15
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
nice sturdy simple tripod
I really loved this product. [...] I tested it right away. It easily holds my Canon 50D and 70-300mm lens. The tripod has a very nice easy setup to extend to...Read complete review
I really loved this product. [...] I tested it right away. It easily holds my Canon 50D and 70-300mm lens. The tripod has a very nice easy setup to extend to different length. This is really very nice feature especially when you are trying to shoot any macro like flowers and all. Different height adjustment feature and the sturdiness are simply superb for such a small really ligtweight tripod. I definitely recommend this to any Photo Enthusiast.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Almost Wow but Not
The two part column provides a good range for a tabletop tripod. The base is very stable and all fittings have a very positive feel to them. In fact, everything is well designed and...Read complete review
The two part column provides a good range for a tabletop tripod. The base is very stable and all fittings have a very positive feel to them. In fact, everything is well designed and manufactured, except the included mini ballhead, which provides less than precise support for a camera and lens that weigh less than half of the advertised weight limit. With my D700 and an 85mm lens there is noticeable camera movement after tightening down the head. It's not much better with a lighter 50mm lens. Too bad because I want to really like this tripod.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 15 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-15
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
I bought this tripod because I needed a solution for an AAXA P300 pico projector. The projector can't adjust video from landscape to portrait, so I needed a tripod that could accomplish the task. I'm not a professional photographer. What I needed was sturdy and the highest possible tabletop. This was the right one I found. It's extremely strong, light, durable and easy to adjust.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
Coupled with the remote, great way to steady the NEX 5N. Used to shoot my pets.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
It was what I was expecting for the price for the most part. However with the 11lb. load rating I expected a lot more out of the ball head. The ball head was sticky and difficult to adjust to the desired position quickly. It would be a great product if it had a larger and smoother ball head. I returned the item.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
I am an amateur photography who does a lot of macro photography. This tripod is good but the micro ball head sticks making it a little clumsy. I do like the stability it gives me at short distance shooting.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
I make a lot of photographs at ground level and this little gem works well for me. It is sturdy, stable and the ballhead is just perfect for the camera adjustments.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
Was able to handle heavy load.
----Used On canon 5D II & 70-200mm 2.8 II
Extends to a good length.
However, if there's air --> expect the camera to shake..
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
This is a very sturdy and durable tripod. It even held my D300 with Battery grip without an issue. Great to keep in the bag for those times you just need something to make the camera stable for a longer shot.
Will recommend to others.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
I bought this for an upcoming trekking trip. It is well built and should do the job. I removed the cork washer between the ball head and the column as this added some undesired flex. The tripod and ball head are strong enough to hold a D300 with 18-200. You do need to be sure one of the legs is out front or else the whole thing could tip forward.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
surprisingly quite nice. it took some work to figure out how to extend the tripod to full height.( you just pull); small footprint with no legs in the way, makes it very usable in a small area. i use it with a spotting scope on an indoor range. i'm pleased.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
I wasn't sure this was going to be sturdy enough for my dslr but I am very happy with it. It is also super compact and packs neatly into my camera bag.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
The tripod is light, very well designed and built. The legs have black power coating (not bare aluminum shown in the pictures). The center column has 2 sections that can be adjusted independently for different heights. It can also be removed to set the tripod at its lowest height.
The MH-1004 mini ballhead is light and has a compact profile . The knob is small, but not too small. It only takes less than 1/2 of a turn to lock the ballhead solid.
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
Great product, but if you'd like to use it with D-SLR, a bigger head its recommended
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
The two part column provides a good range for a tabletop tripod. The base is very stable and all fittings have a very positive feel to them. In fact, everything is well designed and manufactured, except the included mini ballhead, which provides less than precise support for a camera and lens that weigh less than half of the advertised weight limit. With my D700 and an 85mm lens there is noticeable camera movement after tightening down the head. It's not much better with a lighter 50mm lens. Too bad because I want to really like this tripod.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
indoors and out, table top shots with remote control camera and portrait shots. the goods, small, light weight and easy to use. the bad, some times to short to look over items in from of it, guard rails, permanent items that you cant move.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos QU 305B U.pod Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with MH-1004 Mini Ballhead:
I really loved this product. [...] I tested it right away. It easily holds my Canon 50D and 70-300mm lens. The tripod has a very nice easy setup to extend to different length. This is really very nice feature especially when you are trying to shoot any macro like flowers and all. Different height adjustment feature and the sturdiness are simply superb for such a small really ligtweight tripod. I definitely recommend this to any Photo Enthusiast.
Displaying reviews 1-15