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Manfrotto Element Small Aluminum Traveler Tripod (Black)

BH #MAMKELES5BK • MFR #MKELES5BK-BH
47 reviews
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Manfrotto Element Small Aluminum Traveler Tripod (Black)
Key Features
  • Load Capacity: 8.8 lb
  • Working Height Range: 14.2 to 56.3"
  • Folded Length: 12.6"
  • 5-Section Aluminum Legs
The black Element Small from Manfrotto is an ultracompact aluminum travel tripod designed for use with DSLRs, mirrorless, and compact cameras.
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Manfrotto Element Small Traveler Tripod Overview

The black Element Small from Manfrotto is an ultracompact aluminum travel tripod designed for use with DSLRs, mirrorless, and compact cameras.

Featuring a fold-up, 5-section traveler design, the Element Small is capable of collapsing down to just 12.6", making it ideal for storage in a suitcase or backpack. But don't let its compact size fool you, this tripod is capable of reaching a 56.3" maximum height, a 14.2" minimum working height, and can support up to 8.8 lb while weighing just 2.5 lb.

With a focus on special features and ease of use, the Element Small series features a few special design features that make it a versatile accessory for any image maker. First, the tripod utilizes rubber-coated twist locks which help maintain an overall slim profile and allow for quick set-up and break down. Second, the Element features a two-section center column for versatility when choosing a working height, especially when vibration is a concern. Third, each leg features three independent leg positions engaged by a spring-loaded lock, allowing you to position each leg separately on uneven terrain.

The Element Small includes a dual-lock, Arca-type compatible ball head. It has a large, primary knob for controlling movement of the ball and a second smaller knob for engaging the 360° independent pan. The head also features a vertical notch for 90° tilts, a 1/4"-20 camera mounting screw, and degree markings on the panning base.

UPC: 719821413073

Manfrotto Element Small Traveler Tripod Specs

Key Specs
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 Screw (Quick Release Plate: Arca-Type)
Head Type
Ball Head
Drag Control
No
Primary Material
Aluminum
Load Capacity
8.8 lb / 4 kg
Maximum Working Height
56.3" / 143.0 cm
Minimum Working Height
14.2" / 36 cm
Closed Length
12.6" / 32 cm
Weight
2.54 lb / 1.15 kg
Head
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 Screw (Quick Release Plate: Arca-Type)
Head Type
Ball Head
Pan & Tilt
Drag Control
No
Independent Pan Lock
Yes
Vertical Tilt
+90° to -32°
Lateral Tilt
-32° to +32°
Legs
Primary Material
Aluminum
Leg Lock
Twist Lock
Leg Sections
5
Independent Leg Spread
Yes
Leg Positions
3 Positions
General
Load Capacity
8.8 lb / 4 kg
Maximum Working Height
56.3" / 143.0 cm
Center Column
Yes (Round): Ballast Hook
Max Height with Center Column Down
50.2" / 127.5 cm
Minimum Working Height
14.2" / 36 cm
Closed Length
12.6" / 32 cm
Bubble Level
Yes
Weight
2.54 lb / 1.15 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
3.235 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
15.5 x 4.2 x 4.2"

Manfrotto Element Small Traveler Tripod Reviews

Great tripod for a lightweight system, but...

By Don
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-03-23

This is intended for lightweight use, it works well, and appears to be strong for its size. Of course not very tall as can be seen in the specs, but if your camera has a foldout screen that is not an issue as you just look down at the screen instead of through the viewfinder. Now for the criticism- this tripod appears to be the exact same as another sold under a different brand, and I am inclined to wonder if both companies are buying it from the same factory and just putting their own label and packaging with it. To be fair II have not had the two in my hands at the same time, but when every spec is identical as well as the pictures, it is a good bet. Manfrotto might be capitalizing on their name a bit with this, as the other one is less expensive, by a small margin.

Checks all of the boxes, except the critical one:  Utility

By Alfred
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2024-09-17

This tripod has a critical design flaw that can be seen in the reviews. The non-replaceable attachment bolt attaching the top plate to the ball protrudes, obstructing easy attachment of even the release plate that comes with the tripod. Forget about attaching any other plates. It is otherwise fantastic. I returned it however, because this issue makes this unit ergonomically impossible Its a shame

See any errors on this page?

Hi, what size are the threads for the ball head? ...

Hi, what size are the threads for the ball head? Is it 3/8"? I checked the manufacturer website and can't seem to find the answer. Can I replace the ball head with a different head?
Asked by: Meghan
Manfrotto Element Small Aluminum Traveler Tripod has a 3/8-16 female thread on the ball head base mount. The tripod legs also have a 3/8-16 screw therefore you can replace the ball head.
Answered by: Llinelva D
Date published: 2022-05-24

Is there a hook on the central column or a hole ...

Is there a hook on the central column or a hole in the spider for hanging a weight?
Asked by: Robin
Yes, the Manfrotto Element Small Aluminum Traveler Tripod (Black) has a weight hook on the bottom of the column.
Answered by: Rob K
Date published: 2022-04-11

Is there a way to replace the screw that mounts ...

Is there a way to replace the screw that mounts the plate to the ball head? This ballhead has a screw that comes out making it impossible mount other arca plates. Are you guys aware of a place that sells low profile bolts even if not authorized to be replaced...if we want to risk it?
Asked by: Robert
Ill start with Im voiding the warranty, but I just received this today, 9/10 and have to have this working for tomorrow. It is a travel tripod and the first time I stand it up in the river or salt water at the beach I know it is up to me to fix. I was able to get the screw out, possibly broke the head, not sure, but it now works. You need a M6-1.0 x 20mm Flat Head Phillips Screw. I used a 30mm long and it took, was all the hardware store had. The screw was very difficult to get out. Again you will most likely void the warranty, 5mm hex key, I put the plate in a vice, and leaned on the screw. It loosened up, but the stem from the ball may have broke from the plate. Im thinking they are separate, why would you need the screw? Then too remove the screw I had to lock the ball as tight as I could, again, I am going to beat up this poor tripod. Once I got the screw out, I was able to match the threads M6-1.0 this is very common, but very specific, you have to get those threads right. The one that came out was stainless steel looks to be about 20mm long, Store did not have that specific one in stainless so I took a chance on 30mm and it fits, ball still swivels all around. I have arca plates from Cotton Carrier on the bottom of my gear, they do not have any recess in them, and I am not going to attach another quick release plate. Finding a screw that allows this to pass through is a must, and like I said, this needs to go and work from me tomorrow. Hopefully this helps anyone else out.
Answered by: Patrick
Date published: 2022-02-17

ca i put the Manfrotto 502AH Pro Video Head with ...

ca i put the Manfrotto 502AH Pro Video Head with Flat Base on this tripod?
Asked by: Graham
Yes, you can replace the Manfrotto Element ballhead with a Manfrotto 502 video head, or any other flat-base 3/8"-16 mountable fluid head. Keep in mind that the legs are quite small for the set-up, and could be unstable depending on your loadout.
Answered by: Jeremy
Date published: 2022-02-23

I removed the ball head from the tripod and ...

I removed the ball head from the tripod and misplaced it afterwards, is there any way to get a new one for this tripod?
Asked by: David
Manfrotto does not sell the head for the Element Small Aluminum Traveler separately but you can use other brand heads such as this Smith Victor: https://bhpho.to/3JkOs6o
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2024-04-12

Is this 58" high or 56.3" high? The manfrotto ...

Is this 58" high or 56.3" high? The manfrotto site lists it as one height and B&H lists it as another.
Asked by: Robert
Pardon the confusion. It is listed at being 56.3" at maximum height. We are working to correct the information on our specifications page.
Answered by: Jeremy
Date published: 2021-09-05

Can it (small, not Large) be used as a monopod? ...

Can it (small, not Large) be used as a monopod? (I know the large version does convert to a mono.)
Asked by: Angela
No, the Manfrotto Element small aluminum traveler tripod does not convert into a monopod.
Answered by: Jeremy
Date published: 2022-04-25

Can you attach a smartphone adapter to this?

Can you attach a smartphone adapter to this?
Asked by: Susan
This tripod has a 1/4 20 thread on the top. You can attach an adapter to it.
Answered by: Reuben K
Date published: 2019-08-28
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