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Manfrotto 293 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod W/QR Ballhead

  • Price: $112.50
  • B&H # MAMK293A3A0R
  • Mfr# MK293A3-A0RC2

Product Highlights

  • 3-Section Aluminum Legs
  • Lightweight--3.85 lb (1.75 kg)
  • Anti-Shock Collar
  • Maximum Height of 5.17' (1.57 m)
  • Minimum Height of 1.48' (45.3 cm)
  • Maximum Load Capacity of 8.81 lb (4 kg)

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This 293 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod W/QR Ballhead from Manfrotto is the intermediate size in the 293 tripod line, and provides a lightweight, solid camera support. A maximum height of 5.17' (1.57 m), load capacity of 8.81 lb (4 kg), anti-shock collar, minimum height of 1.48' (45.3 cm), and weight of just 3.85 lb (1.75 kg) make this an excellent choice for a mobile photographer needing maximum support with minimum weight.

3-section aluminum tripod with a ballhead
Anti-shock collar protects your camera from accidental impact
Maximum height of 5.17' (1.57 m)
Minimum height of 1.48' (45.3 cm)
Maximum load capacity of 8.81 lb (4 kg)
Weighs 3.85 lb (1.75 kg)
General
Load Capacity 8.81 lb (4 kg)
Maximum Height 5.17' (1.57 m)
Maximum Height w/o Column Extended 4.54' (1.38 m)
Minimum Height 1.48' (45.3 cm)
Folded Length 2.1' (64.3 cm)
Weight 3.84 lb (1.75 kg)
Head
Head Type Ballhead
Quick Release Yes
Legs
Material Aluminum
Leg Stages/Sections 3
Leg Lock Type Not specified by manufacturer
Independent Leg Spread Not specified by manufacturer
Spiked/Retractable Feet Not specified by manufacturer
Center Brace No
Center Column
Center Column Type Rapid
Center Column Sections 1
Bubble Level Not specified by manufacturer

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Manfrotto293 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod W/QR Ballhead
 
4.9

(based on 9 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (8)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Stable (5)
  • Lightweight (4)
  • Unfolds quickly (4)
  • Easy to use (3)
  • Folds away (3)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Stabilization (6)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Tech savvy (3)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (9)

    Reviewed by 9 customers

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    Displaying reviews 1-9

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    5.0

    An Excellent Tripod

    By HT

    from Lakebay, WA

    About Me Amature Photographer

    Pros

    • Easy to use
    • Good Stability
    • Sturdy Quick Release
    • Well built quality

    Cons

    • NONE

    Best Uses

    • Landscape Photography
    • Macro Photography
    • Night Photography
    • Stabilization

    Comments about Manfrotto 293 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod W/QR Ballhead:

    I had purchased an inexpensive tripod before I bought my Nikon D5100 and I soon discovered that this inexpensive tripod could not support the weight of the D5100 that well, especially when I used my 55-300mm lens. I decided it was time to upgrade to a tripod that could support my camera. I spent several weeks researching multiple brands of tripods, trying to make a decision of what to buy. Just when I was getting discouraged because I just couldn't find the tripod that I was interested in, I decided to look one last time on B&H for a tripod. And low and behold, I stumbled upon this tripod and realized it was the tripod that I had in mind that I wanted. And it was in my price range. The reviews I read also convinced me that it was the one to get.I've used it for a couple of weeks now and I rather like it a lot. It is a very stable tripod. My camera does not move at all, even when I use my 55-300mm lens; because when I used my previous tripod, the weight of the camera would cause the head to start tilting downwards no matter how tight I had knobs tightened. Also, n my previous tripod it had a pan/tilt head on it and I despised it. This tripod came with a ball head and now that I've used the ball head, I don't think I will ever go back to a pan/tilt head. Since the head is removable on this tripod, I could get a pan/tilt in the future if I wanted to. I also like how I can take the center column out and the put it back in the tripod upside down so I can take a close-up picture of something that's low to the ground, like a flower for example. The tripod is a bit heavier than I expected, but that is something I won't mind at all while on a hiking trip, because it is nice to have a stable tripod for that perfect picture.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    5.0

    Excellent tri-pod!

    By Neno

    from NYC

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Folds Small
    • Good Stability
    • Lightweight
    • Unfolds Quickly

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Stabilization

      Comments about Manfrotto 293 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod W/QR Ballhead:

      I use it daily. Very stable & well made.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      What a great Tripod

      By Charles the Photographer

      from Richland, WA

      About Me Tech Savvy

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Folds Small
      • Good Stability
      • Unfolds Quickly

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Stabilization

        Comments about Manfrotto 293 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod W/QR Ballhead:

        A very versitable tripod, that can go anywhere.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        Another outstanding product

        By The all-american photographer

        from Washington D.C.

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Stabilization

            Comments about Manfrotto 293 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod W/QR Ballhead:

            I purchased this while traveling to be able to take night pictures of the National Monuments that require long exposures and it has not disappointed. This is my second Manfrotto product the first being a monopod, and they are both as solid as can be. This product is compact, reasonably light and easy to carry. For a middle of the road priced tripod, it is well worth the money. Highly recommended.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            So glad I made this purchase

            By Brandon

            from Pickerington, Oh

            About Me Photographer, Tech Savvy

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Good Stability
            • Lightweight
            • Unfolds Quickly
            • Versatile

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Stabilization

              Comments about Manfrotto 293 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod W/QR Ballhead:

              Where to begin. Sturdy, reliable, easy to use. It is lightweight yet heavy enough that it isn't going to move around if there is a little wind. This tripod is made out of all high quality materials, even the ball head. Even the leg locks aren't made out of some cheap plastic. This tripod is so versatile and can be used in so many different applications.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

               
              5.0

              The quality is impressive! Solid!

              By Ed N.

              from Haverhill, MA

              About Me Tech Savvy

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Folds Small
              • Good Stability
              • Lightweight
              • Unfolds Quickly

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Stabilization

                Comments about Manfrotto 293 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod W/QR Ballhead:

                The quality of the product was obvious as soon as I took it out of the box. The sturdy feel told me right away I had made a good choice. Stability is important to me when shooting and the 293 gives it to me. It's light but strong. Collapses smoothly, and folds compactly (<- Is that a word???). The ball head works beautifully - adjustable friction control is a nice feature. Secure camera boot plate release.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

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                (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                4.0

                Nice tripod for the price

                By Michael Lawson

                from Montgomery, IL

                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                See all my reviews

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Easy to Use
                • Lightweight

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Family Photos
                  • Landscape/Scenery

                  Comments about Manfrotto 293 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod W/QR Ballhead:

                  I simply couldn't afford the 800.00 setup on my wishlist. I had a few features I really wanted, ball head, 3 section legs, under 4 lbs, hold over 7 lbs....and under my current 150.00 limit. Add that all up and you get the Manfrotto 293 kit. Other than the legs being slightly thinner than I expected, it a very nice product and seems stable with my Canon XTi and Tamron 70-300 VC mounted on it. The leg locks are firm but I never feel as if I need to force them. The weight is easily light enough to carry for a day trip. It collapses down to the same height as my monopod and attaches to my bag just as easily. The ball head works smoothly and locks in place nicely with a turn of a lever. It would be nice if the friction control didn't lock both the ball movement and the ability to swing left and right to pan across a scene. If there were seperate friction\locking controls on the ball head for ball movement vs. panning I would give it 5 stars.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

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                  (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  Solid, Dependable, Easy To Use

                  By Ken

                  from NYC

                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Durable
                  • Easy to Use

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                      Comments about Manfrotto 293 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod W/QR Ballhead:

                      I've been using this around NYC for architectural studies and time lapse photos. It's the first ball-head model I've used, and I don't think I'll ever go back to a pan/tilt head. This is faster to operate, and MUCH better when the ground isn't level. Very secure quick-release mechanism.[...]

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                      (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      Convenience on Legs

                      By [@]

                      from Brooklyn, NY & Johannesburg, SA

                      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Landscape/Scenery
                          • Night Shots
                          • Portraits
                          • Weddings/Events

                          Comments about Manfrotto 293 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod W/QR Ballhead:

                          I use this tripod for everything, portraits, night shots & more! It's super lightweight to carry around anywhere. The head works good for my current use, but know that a head with a larger range will be needed at some point.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

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