The Best Portable Tripod you can find
340720
I've been an Ultra-pod II user for over 10 years, always carry one in my bag. Recently, I bought this smaller version Ultrapod which would be too weak to support SLR with a lens on. I carry this small Ultrapod in bag to use with my pocket camera (Sigma DP1 and Canon G), and take the old Ultrapod II only with my DSLR(Canon 5D), saved more bag space.

some issues that could be improved:
1) I have to find my own bag/case for each of those portable tripods, it would be much batter if a matching soft nylon case came with it.
2) when shooting vertical, this small one is not as good as the Ultrapod II, because the shorter neck of the small tripod, and not as sturdy/staple as the bigger one, of course

I like both, but this smaller modle is better to carry with compact cameras and bigger one can support DSLR with some light/normal lens weight
4485666
I (as of the time of this writing) own 3 Dolica tripods. Each is of varying price and quality. Of my set this one is hands down the best tripod I have ever seen for light to heavy duty. The quality of construction is really solid. The features and abilities are some of the best I have ever seen on a tripod at this price-point. Lets get to the features:

>> Quick attach for the bottom of your camera means within under a second you can detach your camera and put it back on perfectly lined up.
>> Built in spirit level (this is standard on low end tripods too but the one here is easy to use in all axis.
>> Full 360 swivel, fluid and smooth (great for panning)
>> Easy open legs and extentions
>> Quicky convert to monopod for sporting events and other fast location switching requirements
>> Light yet strong

Some minor complaints include:
- Sometimes several of the levels of attachment turn at the same time while rotating. This can cause it to come apart in the middle if you are not careful.
- When opening legs even fully unscrewed the legs can jam inside a little bit.

These are very minor problems that I have seen and do not thing its worth removing a star, just worth noting is all.

Overall I **LOVE** this tripod and would recommend it to anyone.

Thanks for reading my review.
2797791
I am in love with the functionality of this tripod, it is so useful! The legs glide out easily when the clips are released, the feet work excellent for uneven ground, and quite a convenient carry handle attached, for when the tripod is out of the bag, in use. I also love the added features of the removable plate for the camera, the levels and the plum line holder. This is the best tripod I have ever used, and I highly recommend it!
4109739
Very good tripod purchase as its price/quality relationship is great. Made of plastic with a metal head this is still a sturdy Polaroid tripod for Sunday photographers like me. It is easy to carry as it is light and it comes with a solid shoulder bag. The great thing is that object can be set on various grounds (earth, grass, stones, etc) and even if the ground is not flat thanks to its rubber feet and adjustable legs. You can even make it more stable thanks to the weight hook in the middle and the dual bubble level indicators on the side. I have a Nikon 3100 and even if with big lenses this tripod does not move, I definitely think the length of the pan head is a little bit too short. However, you can set your camera in different positions thanks to an ergonomic and rubber covered handle and block it in one of the positions you will have chosen without any risks that your camera falls. To sum up I think it is a great and functional object for such an attractive price.
216311
I looked around for a basic tripod. I didn't need anything complex of fancy, just something that was sturdy and would allow me to set my camera up for fixed shots or remote shots.

This tripod delivers that and much more! It has adjustable legs, which allows you to place it on an incline and still keep the camera level. Additionally it has an adjustable neck, which lets you make minute adjustments to the height of the camera for getting the perfect angle. You can also flip the camera 90 degrees so you can take landscape and portrait photos. It has an integrated level on the mounting plate and the tripod itself. It also comes with 2 mounting plates so you can use more than on device without switching plates. One other feature I like is that it has retractable spikes in each leg, allowing you to set it outside and secure it on an incline.

For the price I am very impressed with how sturdy and versatile this tripod is.
3659535
This is one of the best, if not the best, monopod one can own. Extending it and lowering it is hazel free, and it extends to over six feet and will hold a 200-500mm lens on a Nikon d800 without holding it. The legs are extremely strong and detach to enable one to use it to shoot macro or table top shots. I've carried it with a Nikon d800 with a 200-500mm lens attached at a zoo for hours. It's a little heavy, but I found it no harder to carry than the light monopod I own. With its added stability it's well worth the little extra effort to carry it. Also comes with a well padded bag with handles and a shoulder strap. A little pricy, but when pro rated over the years this monopod should provide one with superior sharp images, it's well worth it. I would recommend this monopod to all serious photographers.
1588367
Absolutely NO complaints.  Excellent tripod, very portable.
2714800
I have a Minolta Dimage Xg, and I got that camera largely because it is so portable. Since the tripod is so small, but yet with telescoping legs, its pretty portable to carry around with the camera (its a tad heavy, but its totally worth that, imho). I got it since a tripod is great for group shots, and is perfect for those no-flash shots where you need the camera still for a good 5-6 seconds (afaik, this is needed for most compact cameras). In particular, the Minolta camera takes great non-flash shots, esp. in low-light areas.

What I love most about it, is that the tripod adjusts to a variety of needs -- the camera rotates easily, can be titled to lean back & forth, and can take vertical shots too.

My tripod is just knotted into the belt loop of my camera case, so they go very well.

All in all, I see this as awesome value for the 10 bucks or so it costs -- it'll improve your most memorable pictures by at least 200%!
2382166
For years I have used tripods from Manfrotto, Giottos, and lately, a number of Induro tripods for various projects.  I rank the MeFoto right alongside all the others I have used; provided you recognize upfront this particular model, though called a "Roadtrip Travel Tripod" is, in my opinion, too heavy (at about 4 pounds) for serious backpacking but more than suitable for travel or short backpacking excursions otherwise.  In short, it represents a perfect "step up" from cheap tripods, without moving into tripods costing $200 or more.

The MeFoto (made by Benro by the way), comes packaged very well and includes a carry case. The build quality of the tripod is very solid, no different than much more expensive tripods. All tripod controls are precision and feel good. There is no "loose" feeling in any regard.  The tripod leg release and adjustments are easy to adjust and lock into place even though they are twist lock, as opposed to level locks.  The build quality supports a maximum load weight of 17 pounds, which should more than sufficient for most end users at a maximum height of 61 inches, which is a good height (you really don't want to have to crouch down to look through the viewfinder).

The design of the tripod is also a critical aspect that is well thought. The tripod legs fold inverted for storage and travel, making the tripod itself much shorter than otherwise possible, while not absurdly reducing the circumference or stability of the legs. Also of relevance is that the legs fold over the ball-head as well.  For comparison, the folded height is less than my very portable (Carbon Fiber) Manfrotto 190MF4 or 190MF3 when the ball-head is attached.  However, both the weight and diameter of the MeFoto is larger by comparison, which makes the Manfrotto 190 a better option for serious backpacking due to the total diameter (costs about $100 more however) but not weight; the 190 weighs in at 3.1 pounds, without ballhead as shipped (a 1/2 pound difference to the MeFoto with ballhead).  I personally found the tripod very steady and MeFoto provides a spring loaded recessed hook, located in the bottom of the center-column.  This allows you to hang additional weight from the tripod's center of gravity for increased stability and it works very well, especially if you find yourself in windy conditions (you can use a camera bag, sandbag, or waterbag).  The ability to convert the tripod to a monopod is one feature that will likely win over many end-users, especially at the non professional (i.e. Commercial shoots) user level. The monopod assembles  by screwing together the removeable center column and tripod leg, a fairly easy process.  The monopod measures in at 64" extended which is right where you want it to be (or taller).  Do not under estimate the need for height in either a monopod or tripod.

MeFoto includes a Q series ballhead.  The ballhead would be an additional cost in purchasing most other tripods.  The Q series ballhead is a quality ballhead by any measure and includes separate pan and head locks, a feature you will use.  I found the ballhead very smooth and precise in use with the ability to lock into place even with a heavy load, though you will have to deal with minor (very minor) shift as you lock in, as with nearly every other ballhead.

MeFoto includes an arca-swiss style receiver and plate as well as a very good quality carrying bag so you can use it right out of the box.

Overall, the MeFoto Roadtrip is a very strong buy.  I was impressed with the tripod and find that I am using it over my Manfrotto.  I intend on dedicating this tripod for used with my Fuji XT-1 setup.
686431
This is an IMPRESSIVE little tripod.  I've had several including the Gorrila Pod Focus Pro metal version.  I also purchased the cellphone mount which will be handy for holding just about anything including a gopro.

I sort of wish they'd make a four legged version so you don't have to make sure one leg is under the lens as much.  Maybe even half the legs go out farther when you need stability more than height.
427164
I spent a great deal of time researching various tripods and trying to decide which one to get.  I had many dilemmas with getting something small yet sturdy enough to safely hold my camera (Nikon d7200 with smaller zoom lens) and remain steady plus support macro photography.  I also didn't want  something too large so I could carry on hiking and strap to my Kata pack.  This tripod struck a great balance and a bit heavier than I expected but I liked that fact since it is very sturdy and a solid metal construction.  Even though it is only a pound heavier I might have considered the carbon one but the price increase wasn't worth it for me.  The ball head rotates very smoothly and the legs and very configurable and it can adjust to whatever you need plus grow tall for landscape photos.  It can also fold down to a small length and I can carry it on my pack using the tripod holder.  Overall I highly recommend this tripod and it was a big upgrade for me over the cheaper ones I have used in the past.
4607793
I love this tripod. I have been debating between this Benro and the Manfrotto 502 head for quite some time. I recently got the Benro S6 monopod and after seeing the quality of the monopod it was a no brained for me. At almost $100 cheaper than the Manfrotto I got exactly what I was looking for. A completely sturdy tripod that is buttery smooth on pans and tilts. The whole thing feels like quality. There is a plastic button to release the mounting plate that I wish was metal, but that is really the only thing I have negative to say. It does not have an adjustable pan drag, but the natural resistance built into the head is just about right for most situations. The illuminated bubble level is another really cool feature. The fact that you can get a partial ball head on a tripod in this price range is also pretty amazing. No matter the terrain you can have this thing level in seconds. I would definitely purchase again.
2646354
This is a great travel tripod. It fits in my purse or my backpack and is easy to insert my phone and set up even on uneven surfaces. I'm a professional speaker and use it to record short videos in lots of unusual places and I love how I can rely on it for a steady stand anywhere I am. My family does a lot of outdoor hiking, and it's been great to take family pictures with little to hold onto.
1671178
Fantastic tripod for it's price point. Very sturdy and compact. Lightweight and attractive. Also, you can unscrew on of the legs and attach the head and you have a mono-pod. Nice and convenient.
1268845
Quite solid, relatively light travel tripod.  I even used it for a wedding and it paired surprisingly well with a video head.  Monopod conversion is a plus if you forgot to bring one with you.  I wouldn't make the purchase based on the monopod conversion - you would appreciate one with a mini-tripod at the bottom and flip-locks especially if you need to move around and adjust heights frequently.  But the tripod's quality is very good.  I recommend it!
1213425
Wow. Where do I start with this tripod. Upon unboxing this, I was immediately impressed with the classy box and study, padded carrying case it comes in before even seeing the tripod. The tripod or "3pod"  is extremely light for how solid and well-put-together it is. The color scheme of matte black and chrome red look very good. The locking system and knobs are all well-made and don't feel like they'll get loose. Nothing about this is cheap. Aside from the orbiting center column, the three legs fold out and you're able to drop this tripod to the ground, which is amazing.

The package comes with some allen-wrenches for setting the tripod up. I've played around with his a little, and really appreciate the possibilities this tripod offers when it comes to still photography. I mostly do video now, but it seems helpful for that too, but it offers the photographer more creative applications.

Another amazing thing about this, is that it claims to be able to hold 18 lbs of weight -- which is A LOT. Tripods that offer this type of weight support usually cost $700+

Disclaimer: I had the opportunity to receive this product at a discount for my honest review. And it's fantastic tripod.
2900906
For a tripod that's less than $100, the Andoer Q999 is impressive! I love the look, the feel, and the versatility of the Q999. It looks like an expensive tripod with the geometric etching on the legs, foam grips (on two of the legs), and a smooth turning, 360 degree ball head. Ball heads are expensive. So, that alone was a great selling point for me.

When I first took it out of the box, it felt very sturdy. After extending it to its full height, I put my Nikon D3300 with a short zoom lens on it and it felt secure. I wasn't worried at all that it would tip over. The legs are very sturdy. In one of the videos I watched for the Q999, the young man put his entire weight on the tripod. He was swinging from it! I would advise against doing that. :-)

One of the big reasons I bought this tripod was the quick release plate/mount feature. I liked that it has a ring attached to the plate to quickly screw the mount to the bottom of my camera. (I think you need to use a coin on many of the quick release mounts to screw the plate to the camera.)  On the bottom of the plate are two metal heads that will "catch" the plate (and my camera!) from falling if I didn't screw the mount securely onto the ball head. Love that extra measure of security!

It's a versatile tripod that can be lowered or raised for the shortest person in your family to the tallest. It can be used as a tabletop tripod. You can shoot low to the ground by flipping the center column around as pictured above. And, of course, it's great to have the versatility of converting one of the legs to a monopod (once the center column is attached to it).

One of the other features I was looking for in a tripod was its portability and this tripod fits that bill. It's compact and relatively light weight. It comes with a carrying bag and a small bag that goes over the ball head for extra protection while traveling.

It also comes with a kind of small 'carrying pouch' (with a hole) that you can hook onto your belt and put one of the legs through it and carry it that way. I watched one video, where the man used the carrying pouch to stabilize the monopod, so instead of putting the monopod on the ground, he anchored it to the pouch (attached to his belt). Great idea!

I looked at numerous tripods on Amazon and read dozens of reviews! I didn't want to pay over $100 for a tripod, but I didn't want to be a cheapster either. This was a great middle ground. It has all the great features of an expensive tripod without the price. Before buying it, though, I went on YouTube to see if there was anything on the Q999 and I found several videos, but only a couple were in English.  (Check out Scott Law's video on the Q999C, the carbon fiber version.)  The other videos I watched were from Italy, France, Russia, China, and Indonesia. I turned the sound off since I wouldn't know what they were saying anyway. Just wanted to watch it for the tripod's features. They sold me on the Q999.

One last thing, the Q999 is under other brand names, but the Andoer Q999 is the least expensive. You can pay up to $35 more for essentially the same thing if you go with a different brand. Also, this was a Prime merchandise so I received it in 2 days. Some of the other brands do not offer Prime 2-day service, so that was an added bonus.

Overall, I'm happy and pleased with this tripod!