Manfrotto 785SHB Modo Mini Tripod with Pistol Grip Ball Head (Quick Release) - Supports 2.2 lb (1 kg)

Comments about Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging 785B Modo Mini Tripod:

Its perfect for a compact camera, but I use it with my Nikon D70s, and its a little too heavy for the tripod, but fits right in inside my backpack. Its incredible lightweight and small.

Its the first manfrotto head made of plastic a know.

Comments about Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging 785B Modo Mini Tripod:

I have been looking for the perfect travel tripod for years. i have tried several but with each one I had to take out some tool (often a saw or drill) and modify the tripod to make it fully functional for my diverse photographic needs. this modo has it all... no modifications needed here. (it blows out of the water the previous velbon maxi 343 e.)

the specs provided tell much, but not all.
here are some additional (and to me critical) facts about the tripod that are either not included or misrepresented in the specifications section:

a. the legs ARE independent of one another (the description is incorrect)

b. there are three preset maximum angles the the legs can achieve (angle-locks) from which you can choose. if you set an angle, the legs work independently up to that preset angle. if you want maximimum flexibility, you can simply set the angle lock to the widest setting (sitting nearly flat angle...about 85 degrees flat) and then independently move each leg to any angle between straight up an down (about 5 degrees) and nearly flat (about 85 degrees). wow... i don't know another tripod with that flexibility.

c. in camera setting, the head is fully rotatable into every direction and easily locking at any angle. it is a ball-head with a handle.

d. the center pole unscrews so the camera can sit a few inches from the ground! this is an outstanding feature few other tripods have.

e. the bottom 'stop-bracket' of the center column (there so you don't mistakenly pull the center column up and out of the legs) unscrews so that you can reverse the column in the legs to get the camera ON or even below the surface (i.e, ground). this means that the center column (with head (and camera)) is easily reversible! (i had to saw off the unremovable bracket on my velbon.)

everything else, i think, is already described in their specifications.

in summary, as good as the tripod appears for light-weight travel work, it is even better in reality than described by B&H! significantly so.

as mentioned, this is the first tripod i do not need to hack, drill, create screw threads etc. i have been looking for that perfect (super light travel tripod) for years... and now, manfrotto (who else) has finally made one. Hope this helps.

Comments about Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging 785B Modo Mini Tripod:

Would not reccomend for video, but for photos it works great. Perfect to stick in a backpack, but slow to setup.

Comments about Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging 785B Modo Mini Tripod:

Although the tripod it self is awesome, very portable and easy to work with, the head (pistol grip and all) is worthless... If you're panning or doing any kind of moving with the camera it gitters way too much. Like everyone said, you have to get a firm hold on the pistol grip and make sure you have the pistol hold completely released. Not very fluid it at all. If you're doing a slow pan and stop for a split second it will jerk and not give your video a nice fluid motion.

Also the release plate is nice and conveniently removed BUT it will not fit my Nikon D80 since the red part of the plate does not go down. Either way this tripod doesn't hold more than 2.5lbs anyway.

Comments about Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging 785B Modo Mini Tripod:

Purchased and used this tripod on a trip where I was doing some professional work. While the tripod is light and very easy to carry around, don't expect to get any real stability or ability for decent pan or tilts without extreme caution.It's slightly flimsy and the ball and pistol grip have quite a bit of play. The only way to to get rid of the wobble is to tighten the grip to hold the camera in one place. And you have to make sure that your camera is straight when you squeeze the tightening trigger. And then there is no way to pan or tilt the camera, as it is locked-down in position to remain level.There is a level on it, but it's pretty much obscured by the camera when it is mounted.It's light, and overall construction in terms of durability appear to be adequate enough to suit it's purposes. Cameras slide on an off very easily and are well secured once mounted. The tripods legs will break before the camera comes off.So, in my opinion, this tripod is good for setting up a camera or camcorder, making sure everything is straight, and not touching it again until you are ready to move to the next scene.For [$]it's OK for the money. But don't go expecting anything special out of it just because of the name. You get what you pay for.

Comments about Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging 785B Modo Mini Tripod:

I use this tripod underwater for videography, so I'm not a typical user. It's compact and relatively easy to set up and and point. I especially like the one-handed point and lock feature, a great boon when you're trying to adjust with bulky wet gloves.

The reason I give it three stars is that it has a very insecure quick-release plate, which is a major drawback. It's poorly designed and doesn't lock in securely, which means that a bump to the video housing can easily knock the whole thing off the tripod. All my other tripods, including really cheap ones, have rock-solid quick release plates, so I'm surprised this one is so bad.

Comments about Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging 785B Modo Mini Tripod:

I bought this product because I wanted a tripod that was able to fit in a small backpack. There is a bubble-level feature and a quick release that I actually use. This tripod can be used dam near flat against the ground as well. This tripod might be a little short for some, and might not support heavy cameras with huge lens. Works perfect with the S5IS.

Comments about Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging 785B Modo Mini Tripod:

This is a well-made and designed lightweight tripod that is excellent for traveling. It will NOT replace a solid heavy-duty tripod or function well where high precision is needed.

Pros
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* Good quality
* Lightweight and small - easily fits in a backpack
* Flexible setup - height, landscape/portrait, can go low
* Quick but not super-fast setup
* Built-in bubble level

Cons
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* Lightweight - will not support heavy load or be stable in inclement conditions
* Free-floating head needs steady hand to set precisely
* Setting up in low position requires removing center column extension

Comments about Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging 785B Modo Mini Tripod:

The trigger feature on this tripod is great, it holds more than 2 pounds, only 17" long, light weight and back packable. A home run!

Comments about Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging 785B Modo Mini Tripod:

I'm very happy with this tripod. It's extremely light and sturdy. I take it with me on long hikes in the Swiss Alps, and it doesn't really add any significant weight to my pack. The tripod head is very easy to adjust, locks tightly, and it even supports my Nikon D300 plus Objective without any problem.

The only complaint that I have is that I wish it opened up a little taller, but then they wouldn't have been able to make it so compact.

I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who is looking for a high-quality item at an very affordable price.

Comments about Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging 785B Modo Mini Tripod:

Under 3 pounds, this is the best choice, if not the only one with very decent quality and brand name.

Be careful about the relatively brittle plastic parts (joints and flippers), they can break if you don't take care of them. I break one in Greece two months ago, just because one very small pebble (big sand actually) slipped into the flipper joint, when I closed the flipper, the joint creaked.

However, I bought a now one as soon as I came back to the the States. So you know, how I like it.

Comments about Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging 785B Modo Mini Tripod:

This tripod is light and easy to carry around. BUT its height is not enough for me, the thumb lock button is not very reliable – while locking it, the camera moves slightly, and you need to balance it again. However, it’s a bargain – compact and light, I like the ball head flexibility.

Comments about Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging 785B Modo Mini Tripod:

This is the very first tripod I've ever owned and I am rather happy with it's operation. It is very lightweight and easy to set up. Came as recommendation from a close friend!

Comments about Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging 785B Modo Mini Tripod:

This is one great tripod!!!!!!! Really light. Its got a really cool easy to use system to open or close the legs. All you got to do is to flip open the clamps and extend or retract the leg takes under 5 seconds!!! Another cool gimmick is the little water meter that tells you if your camera is straight. a defense buy!!!!!!!!!!

Expertise: Amature

Problems Encountered: The only problems that I had encountered is that the rubber feet fall off after a while not massive problem but a little aggravating. Also your hand begins to hurt after a while from the pistol grip.

Items I Recommend: Any and every camara!