Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi Tripod with Pistol Grip Ball Head - Supports 2.2 lb (1kg)
The Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi Tripod is a hybrid photo/video application tripod that folds up to a compact 17", yet reaches a full height of 59". With the range of professional features included in this affordable model, this tripod is ideal for use with compact digital SLR cameras, conventional point and shoot cameras, or consumer camcorders.
The hybrid joystick (grip action) style ball head offers a comfortable, natural grip to easily position the camera. The Photo/Video Selector Button switches this head over from multi-axis operation to pan/tilt only operation, which is the ideal mode for video operation.
- Small Dovetail Quick Release Plate
- The quick release plate is ultra compact to match the same small size of compact digital cameras. For video use, the plate comes with equipped with an anti-twist video pin.
- Thumb Lock Button
- One-hand head control. To lock push down on the lever with the thumb, to release pull up with the index finger.
- Photo/Video Selector Button
- When shooting stills, leave the head set to "photo" mode, which allows movement on any axis. For video, set the head to the "video" mode, and use the grip bar as a pan handle for pan and tilt movement.
- 3 Leg Angles
- The 3-leg angle selector dial turns to select normal leg angles (25°), medium leg angles (45°), or low-angle (80°).
- 2-Section Split Column
- Column unscrews and splits into two section to allow for ultra low positioning.
- Rubber Feet
- Non-slip rubber feet offer protection on delicate floors.
Go To
| General | |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 2.2 lb (1 kg) |
| Head Attachment Fitting | Non-removable |
| Maximum Height | 59.2" (150.5 cm) |
| Maximum Height w/o Column Extended | 50" (127 cm) |
| Minimum Height | 6.9" (17.5 cm) |
| Folded Length | 17.1" (43.5 cm) |
| Weight | 2.2 lb (980 g) |
| Legs | |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum |
| Leg Stages/Sections | 4/5 |
| Leg Lock Type | Flip locks |
| Independent Leg Spread | No |
| Spiked/Retractable Feet | No |
| Center Brace | No |
| Center Column | |
|---|---|
| Center Column Type | Sliding |
| Center Column Sections | 2 |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 61 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
82%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (30)
- Easily adjusted (21)
- Large range of motion (18)
- Attaches firmly (17)
- Stable (15)
Cons
- Unstable (8)
- Weak clamp (7)
- Jerky movement (5)
- Slips out of position (4)
- Flimsy (3)
Best Uses
- Travel (40)
- Home (29)
- Landscape/scenery (14)
- Outdoor events / games (12)
- Night shots (10)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (15), Photo enthusiast (12), Semi-pro photographer (9), Casual photographer (5), Casual user (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (9)
Most Liked Positive Review
Abused and still working great
After owning this tripod for over year now I have no complaints about it.
I am currently in the Middle East with a US Army transportation unit and my tripod has spent...Read complete review
After owning this tripod for over year now I have no complaints about it.
I am currently in the Middle East with a US Army transportation unit and my tripod has spent the last eight months being buried under heavy gear and equipment, tossed out of large trucks (larger than semis), been stepped on by unobservant soldiers, had a spare semi tired dropped on it, and wedged between vehicle seats. Other than a few scratches on the paint it still works great...and I haven't bothered to clean the sand out of it yet.
I have had more than the listed 2.2 lbs. mounted on it (a Nikon D40 and a very large/heavy lens) during night time shooting and had no issues with the head moving. I have also had it as low as it will go and didn't have any problems getting a good close-up still photo. The clasps on the legs are still holding strong, and the feet have yet to come off even after a few hours in burning sand and hot temperatures.
I am buy no means a professional, but I do work with professional equipment in my civilian employment. This tripod is a nice, lightweight, durable product that is great for smaller DSLR's, and mini DV camcorders (I use a Panasonic PV-GS300). Its size makes it easy to transport when folded, and allows a wide range of height for shooting at. Over all it fits its intended niche quite fine and I have yet to see it not work as advertised, even after all the abuse mine has been through.
If you are looking for a good entry to mid-level tripod for shooting either photos, videos, or both, then this is definitely a tripod to try out.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
OK for Point 'n Shoot but NOT for SLR's
Have owned two of these for over 2 years now for outdoor photography while hiking. They work well for point 'n shoot cameras (less than 1 lb. weight) but won't lock tight enough...Read complete review
Have owned two of these for over 2 years now for outdoor photography while hiking. They work well for point 'n shoot cameras (less than 1 lb. weight) but won't lock tight enough to hold my Nikon D70 motionless. The quick release plate fits too loosely into the head and cameras will move if you don't take your hands off of it during shutter release. The ball head has only one slot for extreme angles and this can be annoying to adjust until you get accustomed to it. Legs will adjust for various "splay" but will not span far enough to get really close to the ground (about 12" is the lowest). The rubber feet caps come off easily--especially if you use these in streams of cold water (apparently the leg shrinks more than the rubber cap and the cap falls off). It is still the best inexpensive lightweight tripod I've found for use with point 'n shoot cameras.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 61 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Comments about Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi Tripod with Pistol Grip Ball Head - Supports 2.2 lb (1kg):
really love this tripod as a lightweight, compact tripod for my LX3. But as others have mentioned, the contruction is not the best. The grey plastic collar, just below the head, which is used to dial in the angle of the legs, easily gets stuck between settings, and even when I had it locked in to the standard angle, one leg would pop the collar out of place and go off at a random angle. I also don't like the 4 section legs. I would have preferred 3 as the extra 3 sections really can add a lot of time setting up, especially when that perfect shot comes along...but I know it would have been less compact with only 3 sections. I still would reccoment this tripod, for the price, it is still worth it. Just use it carefully, and plan on buying a new one every year or two if you use it daily.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
- Weak Clamp
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi Tripod with Pistol Grip Ball Head - Supports 2.2 lb (1kg):
After using many cheap and unstable tripods, now I'm satisfied.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
Cons
- Unstable
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi Tripod with Pistol Grip Ball Head - Supports 2.2 lb (1kg):
I bought this tripod for lightweight travel use. The pistol grip, and camera foot are adequate. Unfortunately, the leg locks are of the cheapest possible plastic. After just a few uses, three of them are broken, rendering the tripod an expensive piece of useless junk. Manfrotto will do nothing to help. Avoid this item, and spend less money for something that will give you longevity without the expensive brand name. If this tripod were a car, it would have been recalled.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
- Not always stable
Best Uses
- Almost anywhere
Comments about Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi Tripod with Pistol Grip Ball Head - Supports 2.2 lb (1kg):
Without doubt one of the best tripods out there. Specially if you've just started learning about pictures like me.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- OK for a pocket camera
Cons
- Level obscured by camera
- Lock has a lot of play
- Lock wears out quickly
- Unstable
- Weak Clamp
Best Uses
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi Tripod with Pistol Grip Ball Head - Supports 2.2 lb (1kg):
This tripod is made for very, very, very, very lightweight applications; point and clicks, a really light video camera at most.
If you buy this tripod to mount an SLR, you will regret it. I promise you. I know, because I regret it. I originally bought it to mount my HV30 video camera, but ended up in a situation where I mounted my DSLR on it.
Firstly, the grip is just a gimmick and offers no funtionality. You can tell it is a gimmick, because "real" tripods don't have them.
The "trigger" locking for the ball is pretty worthless. On day one, it seems pretty tight. But with use (and not too much of it) you have to lock tighter and tighter, to the point of it simply not holding anything in place anymore (especially if you are trying to shoot vertically). Eventually, even at the tightest setting, there will still be some play in the ball head.
In terms of panning with the pistol grip for video, don't expect anything smooth or special. Additionally, once you think you've got the handle set and you lock it in place, don't be surprised when you look through the view-finder and the image is no longer straight. Apparently, when locking the pistol grip, the head shifts.
With legs fully extended, it is very rickety and wobbly. So, again, this tripod is for VERY light equipment. Think light camera. Now think even lighter camera.
If you mount your SLR on this tripod, you'll be sorry. It WILL fall over. And if you are going to mount an SLR, use a cheap lens to break the fall.
Take this review for what it's worth. I've owned this model for more than 2 years, but wish I hadn't. Frankly, I'm a little surprised that Manfrotto put their name on this "thing".
If you just plan ONLY to mount your pocket camera, then you MIGHT be OK. That's all the weight this thing can handle. But in the end, the ball-locking mechanism will still wear out.
Lastly, forget the bubble-level. Once the camera is mounted, the bubble-level is obscured. From view.
OK, OK.... I'll say it: It's a hunk of junk. Good for horizontal shooting with a lightweight pocket camera. Forget even shooting vertical, the locking mechanism will never hold on the vertical after 1 day of wear and tear on the ball mechanism.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Light and Sturdy
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi Tripod with Pistol Grip Ball Head - Supports 2.2 lb (1kg):
can be used for both my Nikon D3000 & my Sony HD camcorder
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Weak Clamp
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi Tripod with Pistol Grip Ball Head - Supports 2.2 lb (1kg):
By Tavo from Branson, MO on 2/7/2010
I used it one time to hold a Canon 30D. Really liked how it was lightweight, compact and had neat features. As I was putting it away the quick release lever housing that holds the pin (plastic) broke when I closed the lever. I tried to use it once more to no avail. As I write this 4 of the levers have broken all in the same manner. No way to fix or replace. Again, only used once, indoors and no longer useful.
* It also happen to me like that 8 out of 12 broken or near broken. a piece of junk, useless.
but I am surprise only 4 (included me) complain out of 54. is there something funny about this tripod?
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi Tripod with Pistol Grip Ball Head - Supports 2.2 lb (1kg):
Wonderful tripod easy and fast, and also chep for the quality!!! It has light weight and good stability, buy it!!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi Tripod with Pistol Grip Ball Head - Supports 2.2 lb (1kg):
Iuse it to mount my binoculars on to spot big game animals in there habitat. Its alot of bang for the buck,and with the locking pistol grip it easy to move around.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi Tripod with Pistol Grip Ball Head - Supports 2.2 lb (1kg):
field fast work
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
Comments about Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi Tripod with Pistol Grip Ball Head - Supports 2.2 lb (1kg):
light, versatile
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi Tripod with Pistol Grip Ball Head - Supports 2.2 lb (1kg):
Loved the tripod. It is a tripod for very small cameras, but it is of excellent quality, extremely light, and small and compact when collapsed.
The head has a video and a photo position and it works great. It is not a "fluid" head but it is smooth enough for small cameras.
I like it a lot.
Pros
- Easy to carry
- Large Range of Motion
- Lightweight
Cons
- Weak Clamp
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi Tripod with Pistol Grip Ball Head - Supports 2.2 lb (1kg):
Very light weight and easy to carry.
I used it with my Canon 500D + Cannon 70-200 F4.0 (Using a ring) <-- it can barely carry it with out sliding.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi Tripod with Pistol Grip Ball Head - Supports 2.2 lb (1kg):
While it is a reasonable tripod, the camera mount needed does not fit any other product. So you must unscrew the adapter from the camera and probably loose it. THIS PRODUCT IS A BAD DECISION.
TOTALLY NON-STANDARD ATTACHING SYSTEM.
Pros
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi Tripod with Pistol Grip Ball Head - Supports 2.2 lb (1kg):
I've taken it out in the badlands a few times now and it works well. The pushbutton ball head is a wonder, just get the legs out so that the tripod is stable and the head does the rest - fast setup!
I'm using a bridge camera (Canon SX20) and the head seems plenty secure no matter what angle it's at. It's no match for a heavyweight tripod for stability but I won't carry a heavyweight on hikes so this is much more stable than no 'pod at all. And with a short self-timer functioning as a cable release, the results have been very good.
The inclusion of a "screwdriver" to attach the quick-release plate to a camera is a nice touch. It's always there - see the manual to find it.
I am concerned with so many other reviews mentioning cracking of the leg clamps but so far, so good. Time will tell. I will be back to update if anything bad happens.
Pros
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
- Weak Clamp
Best Uses
- Home
Comments about Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi Tripod with Pistol Grip Ball Head - Supports 2.2 lb (1kg):
It's a great tripod but can only support very light cameras - I do not recommend it to anyone with DSLR or bigger compact camera w/ flash. The clamp will not hold it's weight.
On a good side - veeeeeeery small and very high quality finish. Definitely good tripod for home users.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Clever stillvideo switch
- Convenient operation
- Light
Cons
- Unsuitable for any D-SLR
Best Uses
- Point and shoot cameras
Comments about Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi Tripod with Pistol Grip Ball Head - Supports 2.2 lb (1kg):
For the price, this is a very well made, convenient tripod. It truly is meant for compact cameras and small video cameras, however. It says so explicitly on the box. It works OK with my Nikon D60, but it's not exactly rock solid, and larger lenses would certainly create a problem.
If you need a versatile tripod that's a great performer for your point and shoot or camcorder or both (the capability to switch between the two is a great idea) in this low price bracket, this is the one to get.
For my small-ish D-SLR, it works, but I wish I'd spent a little more and gone for a slightly sturdier model with a higher max. load weight.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi Tripod with Pistol Grip Ball Head - Supports 2.2 lb (1kg):
This is a great lightweight tripod that supports a lot of different positions. I like the fact that it can get down to ground level. My only complaint is that the "trigger" lock for the head is close to the camera, but that is not often a problem.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi Tripod with Pistol Grip Ball Head - Supports 2.2 lb (1kg):
easy to use
Pros
Cons
- Unstable
- Weak Clamp
Best Uses
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi Tripod with Pistol Grip Ball Head - Supports 2.2 lb (1kg):
needs handle with care or it may not last long and for small camera only
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