If you are in the market for a tripod, our Lightweight Photo Tripod Buyers Guide will give you all the info and pictures you need for easy comparison.
Product comparison by Orms team member, Andre Bezuidenhout.
Picking the right tripod for your needs can be tricky, especially with so many options to choose from. We decided to compile a list of 7 lightweight Manfrotto photo tripods each with it’s own specifications, images and “ideal for” information. Thus making it easer to compare side-by-side. All of these are available at our Orms stores, as well as for online orders at Orms Direct.
For Compact and Bridge Cameras
Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod
The Manfrotto Compact Action is the lightest tripod in this range. The head features an ergonomic and easy to use joystick with scroll-wheel locking mechanism and an innovative circular quick release plate for effortless camera attachment. A photo-movie selector allows effortless switching to desired mode. The kit comes with black padded carry bag.
Specifications:
Load Capacity: 1.5 kg
Maximum Height: 1.55 m
Minimum Height: 43.9 cm
Folded Length: 45.3 cm
Weight: 1.2 m
Ideal for: sport, action, wildlife and light traveling.
Pros: Value for money, very light, compact.
Cons: No bubble level.
DSLR’s and mirrorless cameras under 4kg with small to medium tele-zoom lenses
Manfrotto MK293A3-D3Q2 3-Section Aluminium Tripod with 3-Way Head
The Manfrotto MK293A3-D3Q2 is a rigid aluminium tripod with a 3-way head. The Tripod legs features angle settings for low angle shooting.
The head features 3 level bubbles and folding handles with panoramic rotation, lateral tilt, and front tilt controls.
Specifications:
Load Capacity: 4kg
Maximum Height: 1.62 m
Minimum Height: 43.99 cm
Folded Length: 59 cm
Weight: 2.74 m
Ideal For: Landscape, portrait, architecture.
Pros: Maximum height, level bubbles, folding handles, anti-shock collar.
Cons: 59cm folded length.
Manfrotto Befree Lightweight Tripod
The Manfrotto Befree is a highly portable tripod for photographers who love to travel. The tripod is light and compact, but does not compromise on rigidity, build quality or features. The Tripod features leg angle settings for low angle shooting and can be folded next to the head for an extremely compact size.
The ball head features a single wing knob for controlling tension and panning.
Specifications:
Load Capacity: 4kg
Maximum Height: 1.44 m
Minimum Height: 34 cm
Folded Length: 40 cm
Weight: 1.4 m
Ideal for: sport, action, wildlife and light traveling.
Pros: Very light, very compact.
Cons: Costs more than the MK293A3-D3Q2.
DSLR’s and mirrorless cameras under 6kg with small to large tele-zoom lenses
Manfrotto MK190XPRO3-3W Tripod with XPRO 3-Way Head
The Manfrotto MK190XPRO3-BH is a versatile tripod with advanced features and excellent build quality. The tripod features includes: a 90° centre column which can be extended vertically or horizontally; Quick Power Lock levers; preset leg angles; rotating bubble level; and an Easy Link connector for supporting additional accessories.
The 3-way head features retractable levers and friction controls on the portrait and tilt axes, to help balance the weight of camera equipment so that fine framing adjustments can be made with the locking knobs open and only locking everything once the shot is ready.
Specifications:
Load Capacity: 6 kg
Maximum Height: 1.73 m
Minimum Height: 9 cm
Folded Length: 72 cm
Weight: 3 m
Ideal For: Landscape, portrait, architecture.
Pros: Feature packed, high maximum height.
Cons: High folded length.
Manfrotto MK190XPRO3-BH Tripod with 496RC2 Ball Head
The Manfrotto MK190XPRO3-3W shares the same tripod legs as the MK190XPRO3-BH but includes a ball head instead of a 3 way head.
The ball head allows the photographer to position the camera freely and quickly, then lock it in place using a single locking knob.
Specifications:
Load Capacity: 6 kg
Maximum Height: 1.73 m
Minimum Height: 9 cm
Folded Length: 69 cm
Weight: 2.4 m
Ideal for: sport, action and wildlife.
Pros: Feature packed, high maximum height.
Cons: High folded length.
DSLR’s and mirrorless cameras under 8kg with small to large tele-zoom lenses
Manfrotto MK055XPRO3-3W Tripod Kit with 3-Way Head
The Manfrotto MK055XPRO3-3W is a versatile tripod with advanced features, excellent build quality and delivers an unprecedented level of stiffness. The tripod features includes: a 90° centre column which can be extended vertically or horizontally; Quick Power Lock levers; preset leg angles; rotating bubble level; and an Easy Link connector for supporting additional accessories.
The 3-way head features retractable levers and friction controls on the portrait and tilt axes, to help balance the weight of camera equipment so that fine framing adjustments can be made with the locking knobs open and only locking everything once the shot is ready.
Specifications:
Load Capacity: 8 kg
Maximum Height: 1.83 m
Minimum Height: 9 cm
Folded Length: 74 cm
Weight: 3.5 m
Ideal For: Landscape, portrait, architecture, slow sports.
Pros: Feature packed, high maximum height.
Cons: High folded length.
Manfrotto MK055XPRO3-BH Tripod with 498RC2 Ball Head
The Manfrotto MK055XPRO3-BH uses the same tripod legs as the Manfrotto MK055XPRO3-3W but includes a ball head instead of a 3-way head.
The ball head allows the photographer to position the camera freely and quickly, then lock it in place using a single locking knob.
Specifications:
Load Capacity: 8 kg
Maximum Height: 1.83 m
Minimum Height: 9 cm
Folded Length: 74 cm
Weight: 3.1 m
Ideal For: sport, action and wildlife.
Pros: Feature packed, high maximum height.
Cons: High folded length.
Product comparison by Orms team member, Andre Bezuidenhout.
