p.1 #1 · Three Legged Thing, MeFoto, and similar tripods for an OM-D user?
I have an Olympus OM-D EM-5 and am tired of the usual plastic tripod problems. So I'm looking into alternatives but don't need an incredibly heavy duty tripod. I only own prime lenses and rarely borrow zooms.
Searching this forum for "Three Legged Thing" brought one reply (see the end of this paragraph), so I thought I'd ask directly: has anyone used a Three Legged Thing tripod, and in particular their Adrian model? The company looks intriguing, but most of the reviews online appear to be from bloggers to whom the company sent units. The Adrian is about $330 with a ball head, which is more expensive than the alternatives I've been considering but not out of the table of league favorites altogether. This person says that they're "nothing special" but doesn't offer a comparably price alternative that is special.
Next up, the MeFoto Road Trip is about $200. This person got mixed reviews on the MeFoto tripod. Anyone else own / used one? If so, what do you think?
Lastly, Custom SLR also makes a tripod that appears to be a re-branded version of the MeFoto one; I assume they all come out of the same factory and get different badging. But I thought I'd throw it in for the sake of completeness.
Cost and weight are considerations for me, but not overwhelming ones. If you know a tripod that is $300 or $350 and MUCH better than these, I'm open to hearing about it. $400 is a somewhat firm cap, and less is obviously better than more. I don't need to buy for full-frame DSLRs and telephoto lenses, however, so I don't think the famous Thom Hogan article applies, and even if it did I wouldn't spend $1K on a tripod.
p.1 #3 · Three Legged Thing, MeFoto, and similar tripods for an OM-D user?
Wobble wrote:
Go ahead and buy a decent tripod from the start and not continuously have to upgrade. I enjoy my FEISOLs.
To quote from myself:
Cost and weight are considerations for me, but not overwhelming ones. If you know a tripod that is $300 or $350 and MUCH better than these, I'm open to hearing about it. $400 is a somewhat firm cap, and less is obviously better than more. I don't need to buy for full-frame DSLRs and telephoto lenses, however, so I don't think the famous Thom Hogan article applies, and even if it did I wouldn't spend $1K on a tripod.
p.1 #4 · Three Legged Thing, MeFoto, and similar tripods for an OM-D user?
Ironically the pixel density of your E-M5 is higher than any full frame DSLR, meaning it is at least as susceptible to camera movement as the cameras that usually end up on high-end tripods and ball heads. I would suggest getting something cheap, like a Manfrotto 055xpro and a Vanguard or Manfrotto ballhead. Or take the oft-repeated advice of getting a decent system up front (I wish I had). I wouldn't waste my money on something in between.
p.1 #5 · Three Legged Thing, MeFoto, and similar tripods for an OM-D user?
You can get a complete Feisol Classic kit for $400 including ball head (with the Rapid legs).
I have handled a Three Legged Thing tripod, and while it folded down to become absolutely tiny it was not very stable. I would consider it wobbly even. The owner claimed it was stable, but I wouldn't trust my NEX with it.
p.1 #6 · Three Legged Thing, MeFoto, and similar tripods for an OM-D user?
I have the [edit: Backpacker version] of the MeFoto tripod, different branding, mine is MeFoto A0350, but the ad copy looks the same as the ad copy I saw when I bought mine.
After using it a while, I don't like how you have to twist each leg segment tight. I think for my next tripod, I'm going to get flip latches. When you have to twist it close, you're not always sure if it's tight or not, and sometimes it's not tight and the leg moves. If you really tighten it, then you're fine, but I usually do it a bit loose. Also, I don't use a tripod frequently so my muscle memory isn't really there, and I often forget which way is twist to tighten (vs twist to loosen). These are just annoyance nits, but they have made me bond poorly with my tripod.
The pan is very smooth, so you can do panorama type stuff or video panning.
There is no tilt, it's just a ball, you put it at the angle you want and then tighten it.
[deleted]The ballhead isn't removable (I don't think), so this is more of a "to go" tripod rather than a main heavy duty tripod for a pro. But for a new enthusiast it's probably plenty.[/deleted]
Specs indicate the head is removeable (Head Mount Thread Size 3/8”-16).
One nice aspect is the QR plate is an arca swiss style plate so if you're already invested in arca plates, then it'll be compatible with them.
If you decide you want one, I'll sell you mine for less than $200 :-)
p.1 #7 · Three Legged Thing, MeFoto, and similar tripods for an OM-D user?
I actually liked the MeFoto tripod when I had it. It has four extensions on each leg. I found that if you only use three (leave the thinnest one alone) that it's much more stable. It folds down into a great compact kit. I found the ball head surprisingly good for one that's included. I'm using a 3 series tripod with a Markins ball head now. I still wish I had the mefoto sometimes.
p.1 #9 · Three Legged Thing, MeFoto, and similar tripods for an OM-D user?
That looks rather weak to me, and the ballhead is not good either. That is not to mention the PITA of setup. I had a fold flat Cullman tripod about 20 years ago that was non too stable.
p.1 #10 · Three Legged Thing, MeFoto, and similar tripods for an OM-D user?
I have the MeFoto Roadtrip, carbon fiber variant. I got it because of the size - with the legs reversing over the head, it folds down so small I can easily fit it in a messenger bag, backpack, or my ThinkTank Streetwalker along with a couple bodies and lenses. The smallest sections do have some flex, but overall it is pretty sturdy. Last summer I brought it on a trip and used the convertible monopod section with my D4 and a 300 2.8 and it held up fine.
Anyway I have medium and large size tripods, but the MeFoto is the one that tends to get the most use as its so small that I always have it with me,
p.1 #11 · Three Legged Thing, MeFoto, and similar tripods for an OM-D user?
Total height without column is about 48 inches. This means you may well end up shooting on your knees. Now, that may be a decent height for a tripod, but for regular use it's way short.
For such a shorty, it's almost 6 pounds. That is very heavy for such a small tripod.
3 legged thing seems to be yet another knockoff company. Any good? Maybe yes, maybe no.
Try this link for a listing of Feisol tripods. Much more established company with many happy users on these boards. http://reallybigcameras.com/Feisol/Tripods
p.1 #14 · Three Legged Thing, MeFoto, and similar tripods for an OM-D user?
I like the Cullmann Nanomax 200T which supports 4.4 lbs. and yet weighs a total of 1.5 lbs. and collapses to a very short 11 inches and sells for $59. I have used a similar Cullman tripod for many years and it is small enough and light enough that I never hesitate to take it anywhere. At $59 if it is stolen it is no great loss and this is another reason I will take it anywhere without a second thought.
p.1 #15 · Three Legged Thing, MeFoto, and similar tripods for an OM-D user?
To follow up on this, I did eventually buy the MeFoto, and it's been very nice. The locks and knobs are still very tight, it's durable but light, and I don't have any complaints. Actually, I have one small complaint: I wish there was a second bubble level, and/or levels where the plate clips into the head, but those are pretty minor and I can use the on-camera level in most circumstances.
