The Manfrotto MK394-PQ Photo Kit is designed to maximize your shooting experience while minimizing weight and bother. The 3.24 lb four section tripod supports up 7.7 lb and rises to a height of 4.7’ with the column extended, while breaking down to only 20”. Leg angles can be individually set for uneven terrain and lengthened or shortened quickly via the flip lever leg locks. The integrated ball head has a lateral tilt range of -90° / +90°and a panning range of 360°.
In keeping with the concept of light and fast, the MK394-PQ comes with a quick release mount.
| General | |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 7.72 lb (3.5 kg) |
| Maximum Height | 55.91" (144 cm) |
| Maximum Height w/o Column Extended | 49.61" (126 cm) |
| Minimum Height | 14.17" (36 cm) |
| Folded Length | 20.08" (51 cm) |
| Leveling Bubble/Illuminated | No |
| Weight | Total (tripod and head) 3.24 lb (1.47 kg) |
| Head | |
|---|---|
| Counter Balance System | No |
| Quick Release/Wedge Plate | Yes, 200PL-14 |
| Tilt Drag | No |
| Tilt Range | Lateral: -90° / +90° |
| Tilt Lock | Yes |
| Spring Loaded Counter Bal | No |
| Pan Range | 360° |
| Pan Lock | No |
| Legs | |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum |
| Head Attachment Fitting | 1/4"-20 |
| Leg Stages/Sections |
4 Leg diameters: 1.02, 0.86, 0.70, 0.55" (26, 22, 18, 14 mm) Center column: 0.98" (25 mm) |
| Leg Lock Type | Flip lever |
| Independent Leg Spread | 25° and 52° |
| Spiked/Retractable Feet | No |
| Center Brace | No |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Most Liked Positive Review
Good solid tripod.
I am planning to use this tripod for picture taking on long hikes in Colorado. I that all the parts are solid and well made. I had a tripod that was half the price ...Read complete review
I am planning to use this tripod for picture taking on long hikes in Colorado. I that all the parts are solid and well made. I had a tripod that was half the price and pieces fell off while I was hiking. Very pleased with this purchase.
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Most Liked Negative Review
heavy
strong but heavy
strong but heavy
Reviewed by 14 customers
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Comments about Manfrotto MK394-PD Photo Kit QR:
Comes with a bag, light weight...easy to use and not to heavy
Only thing does not come with a leveler
But for the price its a great deal
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Comments about Manfrotto MK394-PD Photo Kit QR:
This is an impressive little tripod. I already have a Manfrotto 055CX Pro3, a higher priced product, as my primary tripod. Got this one for travel. Tripod is sturdy even with all leg sections extended. Flip locks are easy to use. Ball head is simple but it works. Quick-release plate attaches and detaches without need for a tool. It even comes with a decent carrying bag. Very good design.
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Comments about Manfrotto MK394-PD Photo Kit QR:
I'm new to photography, using a Nikon D5100. So far, I love this tripod. It's easy to use and travels well. The only thing I wish it had was a level. Other than that, great product.
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Comments about Manfrotto MK394-PD Photo Kit QR:
Best All Around Basic Tripod. Includes Ball Head.
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Comments about Manfrotto MK394-PD Photo Kit QR:
I was looking for a little tripod that will fit in my suitcase for travel, but that can also expand to full size in the field. Price was also a factor. This little guy fits the bill nicely.
It's aluminum, so it's just a little on the heavy side for it's size (4 leg sections, after all), and it gets ice cold in the winter, but those are factors that I can live with. The smallest leg sections are so small that I wondered how sturdy it would be, but after using it in the field I can say that, as long as you're on a solid surface, it holds up very well.
My only real complaint is the lock for the center column... It's a lever, and every time I unlock it I feel like it's going to snap off. But, so far, so good...
I also own a Manfrotto 190XPROB which is the better tripod hands down, but it's also twice the price (and that's without a head). In my opinion, the features on this MK394-PD are quite nice for the price point. If you're looking for an inexpensive travel tripod (or a tripod that you can beat up a little and not loose much sleep over), this is it.
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Comments about Manfrotto MK394-PD Photo Kit QR:
I was using a 25 year old aluminum photo/video tripod from my partner's grandfather so this is quite an improvement. It is light weight, the ball head gives you flexibility and the quick release is a must have. The carrying case is a bonus too. All-in-all, as a beginner, this is what I needed to start honing my skills.
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Comments about Manfrotto MK394-PD Photo Kit QR:
I find this tripod very easy to set up and everything feels snug and stable. I haven't used it outdoors yet. I'm a novice photographer and this tripod appears to be a good choice for me.
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Comments about Manfrotto MK394-PD Photo Kit QR:
I wish it had one of those bubble levels to show if the shot is straight or not, but other than that it has everything I'm looking for
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Comments about Manfrotto MK394-PD Photo Kit QR:
strong but heavy
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Comments about Manfrotto MK394-PD Photo Kit QR:
I avoided tripods for years. But, the time came when I was either going to have to get one or give up part of the fun of photography, both macro and low light. I am just not as steady as I used to be. After a lot of research and an empty post-Xmas pocketbook, I picked the MK394-PD. I have not been disappointed. It is a great value for the price. It is rugged, can be adjusted to multiple configurations, allows me to flip the center for Macro and still is pretty light. Great little tripod.
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Comments about Manfrotto MK394-PD Photo Kit QR:
I use this tripod for my Gigapan camera robot to take 360 degree gigapixel Panorama shots. It is good and steady for my use.
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Comments about Manfrotto MK394-PD Photo Kit QR:
Sturdy design, will work for anything
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Comments about Manfrotto MK394-PD Photo Kit QR:
I never been fan of tripods, and when I can I try not to use them. Unfortunetly in photography, you have to use tripods now and then.
This tripod is good for me, because it provides good stability and feels pretty solid.
I recommend it, but dont expect it to be like the other fancy manfrottos out there.
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Comments about Manfrotto MK394-PD Photo Kit QR:
I am planning to use this tripod for picture taking on long hikes in Colorado. I that all the parts are solid and well made. I had a tripod that was half the price and pieces fell off while I was hiking. Very pleased with this purchase.
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