Review on Manfrotto Element Traveller Aluminum 5 Section by Jamal Gerrero

At $150, the Manfrotto Element tripod is the best value travel tripod you will find anywhere. from a well-known tripod manufacturer. In terms of functionality, it is very comparable to the Mefoto Globetrotter. And it's almost identical in performance, except Element is much lighter. Pros: - Very light. It's over 1lb lighter than the aluminum Mefoto Globetrotter and a few ounces lighter than the carbon fiber Globetrotter. (It is almost identical to those in all other specifications). This is achieved through smaller diameter tubing, reduced head and more efficiently designed metal components. - $100 less than an aluminum Globetrotter - $250 less than a carbon fiber Globetrotter - Spring-loaded corner leg locks. (Globetrotter needs to be manually pulled out and put back on the hook) - 3 leg angle options (Globetrotter has 2) - Ball head is 100 grams lighter than Globetrotter. Disadvantages: - Simple ball head. The Globetrotter Q2 is definitely better in terms of functionality and smoothness. The head of the element is mostly either loose or locked with no friction/tension control. However, if you also buy a good ball head like the Benro IB1, the overall price is the same as the Globetrotter, but the overall weight is still a whole pound lighter. And if you compare this rig to the CF Globetrotter, you'll still be about an ounce lighter and $150 richer. Details of dubious quality in the middle sleeve. There are 2 plastic bushings in the tripod (through which the center column goes). They are of dubious durability - for those who often flip or remove the main stand to increase the height of the monopod. If you're one of those people, you need to be careful when putting the center speaker back into the stand. They are easy to remove (I hope they can be replaced too). Since they only came out this month (December 16), it's impossible to tell how much beating this thing will take. However, I've never had a problem with a Manfrotto tripod, so I can't imagine regretting spending only $150 for the lightest travel tripod I could find, with all the features of the Element. PS This is not listed. , but the element comes with screw-in cleated feet.