Chris Gohlke
06-17-2008, 03:00 PM
<img border="0" alt="" src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1213207180.usr10.jpg" /><br /><br />To tripod or not to tripod, that is the question. I've got both a full size tripod and a mini-tripod. Honestly though, I usually leave them both at home because I don't feel like carrying them around. Most of the time I just want a tripod to either give me a steady shot or take a group shot. Usually there's a table, wall, or other surface available, but it is not always at the right angle or level. For this, Monfrotto has come up with the <a href="http://www.bogenimaging.us/Jahia/site/bius/pid/6780?kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productDetail&productCode=797&productDescription=MODOPOCKET&curBrandId=MAN&market=MKT1">Manfrotto Modo Pocket</a> tripod that measures just 2.5 by 1.4 by .2 inches when folded up. Amazingly, this tripod is smaller than the mounting plate that I attach to my camera for my full-sized tripod. So, lets take a look at how this small wonder measures up. <MORE /><br /><br /><img border="1" alt="" src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1213207185.usr10.jpg" /><br /><em>Figure 1: As you can see, this tripod is amazingly small when folded up. In fact it is so small and lightweight (1.8 ounces) that you could just put it on your camera and leave it there. Manfrotto thoughtfully added a tripod mount to this tripod so that you can even hook it up to a larger tripod without having to remove theirs.</em><br /><br /><img border="1" alt="" src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1213207190.usr10.jpg" /><br /><em>Figure 2: When folded in, the Modo is nearly flush.</em><br /><br />For such a small tripod, the build quality is outstanding and has the feel of a precision instrument. It appears to be all aluminum with rubber grips. It is rated for 17.6 ounces, but I'm betting that they were pretty conservative with this estimate as it feels like it could hold much more.<br /><br /><img border="1" alt="" src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1213207197.usr10.jpg" /><br /><em>Figure 3: When you unfold the legs, they are held a fixed distance apart by a short cable.</em><br /><br /><img border="1" alt="" src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1213207204.usr10.jpg" /><br /><em>Figure 4: The beauty of this setup is that it lets you adjust the angle of the tripod and compensate for uneven surfaces or tilt the camera depending on your needs.</em><br /><br />So, in conclusion, this is a great tripod for when you otherwise would not be carrying one. Its' small size and light weight make it justifiable to permanently attach to your camera so that it is there when you need it. You can pick one up for $29.90 at <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/digitalhomethoughts-20/detail/B0017KGMHC/105-7945683-3861258" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>. [Affiliate]<br /><em><br />Chris Gohlke is a Contributing Editor for Digital Media Thoughts. He loves Sci-Fi and loves to get his hands on real-life tech gadgets. He lives in Tallahassee, Florida, USA with his wife and three cats.</em>