Good review, I have owned the aluminum version for 7 years now, I use it occasionally compared to you and many viewers who commented below, I have had ZERO issues and satisfied with the tripod. For occasional users, aluminum version is a great price point and a good buy.
Not every photographer is going to be taking it to the extreme that you are. With knowing the kind of photography you do I’m amazed that you got 8 mounts out of it that is very good to know that it lasted so some with being abused by the elements. Many thanks for making this review. 😊
Love your channel and videos. I just purchased this from B&H Photo, it was on sale for $199 in Carbon. I’m going to use it as a travel,tripod. My main tripod is the Manfrotto 055PRO4 Carbon, great sturdy tripod, but doesn’t fold down for air travel.
My 5-year old Q2 ball head failed today, much like yours did. The small tensioning knob was stuck, and I attempted to loosen it with a pliers. Unfortunately, the threaded shaft snapped off, leaving me with no tensioning knob. To tell the truth, I seldom used that knob and only used the larger knob for tightening the ball. Luckily, I still can use the unit, as is. I've looked online and have not seen any repair information or replacement parts listed, so maybe I'm just "stuck" with the problem. Otherwise, the unit has served me well. By the way, I seldom use it in the rain or in extreme climates, so why it stuck is a mystery - and a big disappointment.
Nice review James. I believe the second dial on the ballhead is friction control aimed to prevent your camera from falling when you unscrew the main dial (so it's not necessary to lock it down to the limit). I am using a carbon Benro tripod which looks pretty much the same like this one, but it has 4 sections (fewer sections gives more stability I believe) and much better rubber feet.
Thanks for watching. I am actually looking at the Benro Mach3 TMA38CL as a new tripod. Looks like a superb tripod. Hopefully be able to get it soon :-)
@@JamesBrewphoto Looks promising! I'm using Benro FIF28CIB2 carbon tripod and very happy with it. Though after your video I am pretty sure that MeFoto and Benro are made on a same factory
Very interesting and hopefully useful for someone looking to upgrade. Got to say I love my old heavy Manfrotto and 410 geared head. I haven't used a ball-head, I feel like they have chance of creeping when taking a long exposure. Hope the weather picks up on the north-east cost of the UK too, currently hot and cloudy.
Yeah hopefully this will be useful for people looking at this tripod as a potential purchase. I think there's a good chance my next purchase won't be a ball head 👍 fingers crossed on the weather 🤞🤞🤞
I have a MeFOTO RoadTrip Classic - have had it about 2 years. I have the same issue with the feet, came home one day and noticed one of the feet was missing. I also have some trouble with the leg locks - more than one time I had one freeze up and I had to disassemble the leg. The bubble level truly is useless! I think Sirui tripods are probably better - they have a series that is specifically designed to be waterproof - keeps water and sand, dirt, etc.... out of the legs. If I can ever afford one, I definitely will be buying one.
Not TWO ball head locks, I suspect. One is for locking while the other is to adjust the friction level. Of course. Sometimes when friction is tight enough it might mislead people to think it is a "lock". Also, no offense, could the broken knob be the fiction control and shouldn't be overly tighten and it is actually the over tightening due to ignorance broke the knob.
Hi James I know this video isn’t recent and you probably have a different tripod now but do you think this tripod would support a large telephoto lens?
Good review James. It does seem, from a specification point of view, that this is a very similar beast to the 3 legged Thing Brian tripod that I recently switched over to. I must admit that, the weight reduction from my old Manfrotto, even though it's only about a kg in total, has made it a lot easier for longer hikes and generally getting about (especially as I'm getting a bit older). That's certainly something to consider if you decide to buy something more sturdy. It's not just the weight, I think it's also the way it changes the balance of what you're carrying. Having said that, if you want something a bit more beefy then the Manfrotto is a very sturdy tripod. If you go for the 3 leg section it's really stable. If I was going for a bigger heavier tripod now I would potentially look at the Three legged Thing Winston based on my, admittedly short, experience with their products. Thanks for sharing
Great video. nice to see a long term test and providing an unbiased review. I probably will avoid this one. I am curious if the tripod was replaced by them when it broke.
Thank you, great video. I'm looking at a used one for $100 US, might pick it up as a travel/backpack tripod. And in that wind I don't think I would use at the full extended height either.
There was MeFoto GlobeTrotter for sale on FB market and I looked for reviews, found yours and it convinced me to pick up this beuty for $100 used, it has one issue the one leg stop is missiing so if your not carfull you can pull the leg off. Not an issue and there is replacement kit for under 10 quid from B&H. So far it looks the business and it's going out today for a test run for a sunset shoot. Thanks again for the review James.
I just bought another Manfrotto MT055XPRO3, heavier than yours but solid, with Manfrotto MHXPRO-3W X-Pro 3-Way Head .Try PTFE grease on the threads of feet.
The leg lock doesn’t work properly the leg falls out when i loosen it. I purchased a used gitzo with same issue i replaced the inner washers in that. I would recommend a gitzo mountaineer tripod or a series 5 if you want it sturdy.
As stability was an issue, shouldn’t you try to use the weight hook versus use buying a heavier tripod. Could be as easy as having a cheap grocery bag handy...
I have had mine for about 2 (edt: actually it has been 3 years now) years now and never had such an issue. I think they are great for what they cost. And I also like the mono pod option.
Good review, I have owned the aluminum version for 7 years now, I use it occasionally compared to you and many viewers who commented below, I have had ZERO issues and satisfied with the tripod. For occasional users, aluminum version is a great price point and a good buy.
Not every photographer is going to be taking it to the extreme that you are.
With knowing the kind of photography you do I’m amazed that you got 8 mounts out of it that is very good to know that it lasted so some with being abused by the elements.
Many thanks for making this review. 😊
Love your channel and videos. I just purchased this from B&H Photo, it was on sale for $199 in Carbon. I’m going to use it as a travel,tripod. My main tripod is the Manfrotto 055PRO4 Carbon, great sturdy tripod, but doesn’t fold down for air travel.
My 5-year old Q2 ball head failed today, much like yours did. The small tensioning knob was stuck, and I attempted to loosen it with a pliers. Unfortunately, the threaded shaft snapped off, leaving me with no tensioning knob. To tell the truth, I seldom used that knob and only used the larger knob for tightening the ball. Luckily, I still can use the unit, as is.
I've looked online and have not seen any repair information or replacement parts listed, so maybe I'm just "stuck" with the problem. Otherwise, the unit has served me well. By the way, I seldom use it in the rain or in extreme climates, so why it stuck is a mystery - and a big disappointment.
Nice review James. I believe the second dial on the ballhead is friction control aimed to prevent your camera from falling when you unscrew the main dial (so it's not necessary to lock it down to the limit).
I am using a carbon Benro tripod which looks pretty much the same like this one, but it has 4 sections (fewer sections gives more stability I believe) and much better rubber feet.
Thanks for watching. I am actually looking at the Benro Mach3 TMA38CL as a new tripod. Looks like a superb tripod. Hopefully be able to get it soon :-)
@@JamesBrewphoto Looks promising! I'm using Benro FIF28CIB2 carbon tripod and very happy with it. Though after your video I am pretty sure that MeFoto and Benro are made on a same factory
Very interesting and hopefully useful for someone looking to upgrade. Got to say I love my old heavy Manfrotto and 410 geared head. I haven't used a ball-head, I feel like they have chance of creeping when taking a long exposure. Hope the weather picks up on the north-east cost of the UK too, currently hot and cloudy.
Yeah hopefully this will be useful for people looking at this tripod as a potential purchase. I think there's a good chance my next purchase won't be a ball head 👍 fingers crossed on the weather 🤞🤞🤞
I have a MeFOTO RoadTrip Classic - have had it about 2 years. I have the same issue with the feet, came home one day and noticed one of the feet was missing. I also have some trouble with the leg locks - more than one time I had one freeze up and I had to disassemble the leg. The bubble level truly is useless! I think Sirui tripods are probably better - they have a series that is specifically designed to be waterproof - keeps water and sand, dirt, etc.... out of the legs. If I can ever afford one, I definitely will be buying one.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Joe 👍
Thanks for the honest review. fter I lost my tripod i am in the market for a new one and dont mind making this my secondary
Not TWO ball head locks, I suspect. One is for locking while the other is to adjust the friction level. Of course. Sometimes when friction is tight enough it might mislead people to think it is a "lock". Also, no offense, could the broken knob be the fiction control and shouldn't be overly tighten and it is actually the over tightening due to ignorance broke the knob.
Nice one James. Enjoyed the video, thanks for sharing.
Cheers Adrian 👍
Whats that glass hanging in front of your lens>? Great video thanks for the upload
Not sure which glass you are referring to? Thanks very much :-)
its a glass pane filter
Hi James I know this video isn’t recent and you probably have a different tripod now but do you think this tripod would support a large telephoto lens?
Good review James. It does seem, from a specification point of view, that this is a very similar beast to the 3 legged Thing Brian tripod that I recently switched over to. I must admit that, the weight reduction from my old Manfrotto, even though it's only about a kg in total, has made it a lot easier for longer hikes and generally getting about (especially as I'm getting a bit older). That's certainly something to consider if you decide to buy something more sturdy. It's not just the weight, I think it's also the way it changes the balance of what you're carrying. Having said that, if you want something a bit more beefy then the Manfrotto is a very sturdy tripod. If you go for the 3 leg section it's really stable. If I was going for a bigger heavier tripod now I would potentially look at the Three legged Thing Winston based on my, admittedly short, experience with their products. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Ralph. I will keep your suggestions in mind when I search for my new tripod. Cheers mate 🍻
Great video. nice to see a long term test and providing an unbiased review. I probably will avoid this one. I am curious if the tripod was replaced by them when it broke.
Thank you, great video. I'm looking at a used one for $100 US, might pick it up as a travel/backpack tripod. And in that wind I don't think I would use at the full extended height either.
There was MeFoto GlobeTrotter for sale on FB market and I looked for reviews, found yours and it convinced me to pick up this beuty for $100 used, it has one issue the one leg stop is missiing so if your not carfull you can pull the leg off. Not an issue and there is replacement kit for under 10 quid from B&H. So far it looks the business and it's going out today for a test run for a sunset shoot. Thanks again for the review James.
I just bought another Manfrotto MT055XPRO3, heavier than yours but solid, with Manfrotto MHXPRO-3W X-Pro 3-Way Head .Try PTFE grease on the threads of feet.
Nice tip Derek! I'll check out that tripod too as a potential candidate for future tripod 👍
The leg lock doesn’t work properly the leg falls out when i loosen it. I purchased a used gitzo with same issue i replaced the inner washers in that. I would recommend a gitzo mountaineer tripod or a series 5 if you want it sturdy.
Mine has been good to me. I've used it with my Mamiya RZ67 without any issues.
What are the boots you wear? I’ve been looking for one idk what is good to get. Thanks in advance 😊
My boots are nothing special honestly - I don't think they are all that amazing. Do your research and you'll find better options
looks great, does it get any water stuck in the legs?
Not all that much from what I've noticed so far 👍
Thanks for being honest
For the bubble level can you put the screw lock at the front of the camera and the level at the back?
I've tried that, not a fan of having the screw lock facing away from me. Just makes it really horrible to use unfortunately
@@JamesBrewphoto good to know thanks for the heads up.
Have you ever used the weight hook to improve stability? Also, have you ever lost the grommet on the weight hook assembly?
No to both those questions Matthew :-)
As stability was an issue, shouldn’t you try to use the weight hook versus use buying a heavier tripod. Could be as easy as having a cheap grocery bag handy...
Have you got it serviced?
Not yet
Check out the iFootage Gazelle if you're looking for reasonably priced tripods.
looks alright : )
It's not bad 👍
Same tripod i have. I would not buy it again. Nor would I recommend it. Legs stick so bad!!!!!
I've not experienced the legs sticking as yet but maybe I've just got lucky so far 😂
I have had mine for about 2 (edt: actually it has been 3 years now) years now and never had such an issue. I think they are great for what they cost. And I also like the mono pod option.
uva fan Mine is really bad!
Do you still use the Globetrotter as your main tripod?
Not as main tripod now but I do still have it as a backup
What did you switch to and why?
Thank you for sticking with metrics measurements only, let the Yanks Google it
No problem mate, we have rulers with dual measurements, phone apps, and Siri. And some of us are smart enough to use metric. Chers