I have always wanted a Manfrotto tripod ever since one of my friend lent me hers for a photoshoot in Pulau Redang (another story someday), which we used it for a evening shot of the beach facing the resort. Anyway, that was many years ago using film.

As some of you would know, I have recently bought a Panasonic LX2 (Official Product PageOfficial Product Page , Steve's Review), and have been aching to get a tripod, due to the less than desirable low light performance of the Venus Engine III.

So, when I heard that there was a warehouse sales by Miami photo, my quickly grabbed my brother and cousin (all photophiles) and there we go!

Low and behold, Manfrotto equipment on sale! Since I wanted an entry level tripod (waiting to get my D200, then I'll get all the heavy-duty equipment!), I was contemplating between a Modo Tripod and 718B, which are both entry level all-in-one tripods (no head change).

But when you put both together side by side, the 718B literally dwarves the Modo. And it weights a hefty 750gm (compared to Modo=1kg) more, then it's about a a palm's width longer or so. Not to mention how fat it was. Some of you might argue that the heavier tripod, the better. Which I agree, if I had my D200 But for this case, I am going to use my LX2, which weighs only 217 gm (0.48 lb) (with Battery and SD Memory Card)!

So, Modo it is.

(56kbps Warning!)

Actually the Modo stands pretty tall when fully extended (150cm). I kind of have to agree that it is a bit shaky when fully extended, including the center column, but then again, you should not need to fully extend the center column for most shooting situations. The legs alone are tall enough for a well composed group photo.


Standing Tall


The most outstanding feature of the Modo is the new level operated, Video/Photo dual mode ball head. What this means is that with a twist of a knob, the ball head will either go full tilt in any angle (Photo), or move vertically and horizontally along the X-Y axis only (Video), which incidentally is great for taking panning photo shots.


Quick twist mode changer

The quick release has a non-standard shaped quick release plate, which I wonder whether I can buy a replacement if I accidently lose mine. It does not have the key ring around the knob/screw (which I liked in my friends's Manfrotto), although there is a plastic screw tool which is attached at the base of the center column. That can be used for screwing in the plate on the camera.


Front View, with logo

Another unique feature that I really like is that the Modo supports going down really low for object/macro shots on the flow. This can be done with a simple twist of a small plate on the tripod, and has a satisfying "click!" when it is in place. But you must remember to keep the legs straight when doing this.


Just twist the grey plate and get (the tripod) down!

For all hardcore photophiles, I have to put a big disclaimer here. The legs are pretty thin when fully extended. Although it is rated to carry a load of approximately 1kg, the whole setup is a little bit flimsy at it is (with my LX2), therefore I cannot recommend it to anyone with a DSLR, (maybe the just the D40 kit, due to it's lightweightness). For compact camara users like me, I think this is a great tripod for the following reasons: 1. It's so easy to carry, you can stuff it in any messenger bag or even a small sling bag, and you will not feel the weight. 2. The unique ball head is so easy to use, and even at the unlocked position, it was able to hang on to my desired angle without locking the head. 3. The legs feels like it can take a bit of punishment, and the metal legs has a very good build quality to them.


Signature Manfrotto Insignia


Look how tiny it is! (the tripod la, not my hands)

Speaking about quality, although the leg quality feels great, I can't say about the plastic parts. It's just not as polished as I like. Some of the molded plastic, like the ball handle, does not quite align 100% between the left and right parts. Even for the grey twist plate, there were already scratches when it came. But I guess those are more cosmetic problems than functional ones. Not to forget, there is a build in spirit level also, but I don't think it's mush use to me, since I am more free-willed when taking pictures Finally, if you position the head correctly, you can carry it like a BFG2000


Don't make my day!

This post has been edited by johnliew: Apr 8 2007, 02:14 AM

Yeah, the reason I got the Modo is because of the weight (or the lack of it ).

I got it from the Photo Miami warehouse sales last week at Jalan Tandang, PJ, and a steal @ RM260.

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Added on April 9, 2007, 1:25 pmActually I always wanted a Manfrotto Monopod as well, but the reason I shy away is:

1. Although there is an adapter to change the Monopod to a ad-hoc tripod, but the "stand" costs RM150.

2. I can't do angled shots with an Monopod (I mean like 90 degree shots...)

3. It does not come with a quick release (another RM150)...

So, RM150 (Monopod) + RM150 (Quick release) + RM150 (Stand) + RM150 (Ball head) = RM600...

This post has been edited by johnliew: Apr 9 2007, 01:25 PM

Is that the 718B?

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Added on April 9, 2007, 1:56 pmThe cheapest Manfrotto ball head does not have a quick release

This post has been edited by johnliew: Apr 9 2007, 01:56 PM

The master has spoken

But I guess Manfrotto is cheaper there... Gitzo too.

Haha.... I am not reviewing it to poison ppl ler. It's for the benefit of those who don't have any tripod yet, or ppl who are suffering from "tripod abandonment syndrome" because of the size and weight

Glad to be of service. Hope you enjoy the Modo as much as I do! (when I get my LX-2 back from my fren, that is. )