Manfrotto Element is a new collection of lightweight and portable camera supports. There are two sizes of tripod in the range that are available in either carbon fibre or aluminium, plus a monopod.
Element Small is designed for small-form cameras such as CSCs. It offers a maximum payload of 4kg and a minimum closed height of just 32cm. The carbon fibre version weighs just 1,050g with ball head.
Element Big is better equipped for large DSLRs, with a max payload of 8kg and a closed height of 42cm. An added feature is that one of the legs detaches to become a monopod.
The minimum height to maximum height ratio of Element tripods is rather good, thanks to the five twist-lock leg sections. Most other tripods feature 3 or 4 leg sections. That’s more fiddling to lengthen and close off each time, but you get a tripod that packs away smaller.
You get three leg angles for a variety of working height and the legs fold upwards when the tripod is not in use.
All Element tripods come supplied with an aluminium ball head which has an Arca-Swiss quick release plate. Overall the tripods seem competitively priced and offer a solid if not outstanding set of features.
The aluminium and carbon fibre models are identical in size, but the carbon fibre versions are approximately 10% lighter and a fair whack more expensive.
Manfrotto Element collection: Pricing and Availability
The Manfrotto Element range of travel tripods and monopods are available now in black, blue, red and grey versions with the following prices:
Monopod in aluminium: £44.95
Small Element tripod in aluminium £109.95
Large Element tripod in aluminium £129.95
Small Element tripod in carbon fibre £174.95
Large Element tripod in carbon fibre £199.95
For more information, please visit www.manfrotto.co.uk
Manfrotto Element small tripod: At a glance
Max height: 125cm
Max height with column extended: 143cm
Min height: 35cm
Closed height: 32cm
Max pay load: 4kg
Weight (including head): 1050g (carbon), 1150g (aluminium)
Leg sections: 5
Carry bag: Included
Manfrotto Element large tripod: At a glance
Max height: 121cm
Max height with column extended: 164cm
Min height: 41cm
Closed height: 42cm
Max pay load: 8kg
Weight (including head): 1400g (carbon), 1600g (aluminium)
Leg sections: 5
Carry bag: Included
Manfrotto Element monopod: At a glance
Max height: 150cm
Min height: 41cm
Closed height: 42cm
Max pay load: 15kg
Weight: 500g (aluminium)
Leg sections: 5
Carry bag: No
