DJ!'s Mini-Tripod Review
DJ!
the new digital camera (FujiFilm 4700), I decided a needed a <Dr Evil
with finger in mouth> mini tripod </DEWFIM> to compliment my kit.
There are a number of "coated wire" style devices out there, but be
buggered if I'm going to balance a pricey camera on some bendy prongs.
During a lunch break today, I walked into Fletcher's Photographics at
Burwood, NSW (Oz). It's under new management and the new owner is keen
to lift the store image from being just a processing+film outlet.
HEAPS of new hardware and accessories have adorned the shelves since
the new owner stepped in. And no - I'm NOT a sponsored reviewer or
family/friend of the store - just a customer :-)
To my surprise there was a wide selection on mini tripods to choose
from. The owner spent almost 30mins running through all of the
different brands/models and their respective features. Everything from
<cuss-spit> wire prong thingies to miniature Velbon units, complete
with quick disconnect heads, and extension legs that pulled out to
almost 30cm. The store now also stocks the full range of Manfrotto
gear but, sadly, Manfrotto don't churn out anything in quite the size
I was after.
I ended up settling on a cool little Canon digital camera tripod
(Canon TP3). It is of carbon fibre construction, weighs less than
100gm and folds up to about the size of my Nokia 3310 (even fits
neatly in the digicam bag). It doesn't have a quick release plate, but
integrated in the stock is a large thumbwheel to quickly engage and
release the lock thread.
The square legs unfold in seconds and stay in place with locking cam
lever. A near-perfect parallel-to-surface result is achieved every
time, thanks to raised alignment markings on the legs. Of course,
other angles can be achieved (handy for uneven surfaces) by using
other leg positions. Still alking of the legs, they are finished with
good quality, non-marking, tactile "rubber" boots that offer excellent
grip on smooth and polished surfaces. In fact, using reasonable
lateral force, I couldn't make the unit slip on the glass countertop
in the store.
I tested the overall stability of the unit in-store using a Nikon F60
with a 70-300 zoom lense. I expected the tripod to tip over,
considering the horribly unbalanced load and the short (10cm length)
legs. To my surprise, the setup was very stable and may even find its
way onto my Nikon N70 from time to time if needed.
Overall - an excellent unit and well worth considering if you're in
the market for such a gadget. .... even if you're an ardent Nikon fan!
Aust RRP is $29.95
Ratings (/5):
Style: * * * 1/2
Build Quality: * * * *
Features: * *
Bang fer Buck: * * * *
OVERALL: * * * *
DJ!
Alan Claver
DJ!
>Canon TP3
Do you have a part number? I couldn't find this item anyplace.