Manfrotto MTT2-P02 Table Tripod Review

Features
Handling and Performance
Verdict
Specification

The MTT2-P02 is a small table top tripod that will fit conveniently into a handbag or camera holdall, or even a coat/jacket pocket, to provide a sturdy support for a compact or SLR camera. The MTT2-P02 is available through the Manfrotto website for £24.95.

Manfrotto MTT2-P02 Table Tripod Features

The tripod is a simple design that folds up for convenient carrying, and opens up quickly by just pulling each leg out to full position. The ball & socket head is compact too, and holds in place with a locking nut, which is on the large side. On the underside of the legs are three feet each, with a small cork pad.

Manfrotto MTT2-P02 Table Tripod Handling & Performance

The cork padded feet provide a small amount of grip to the surface and also stop the metal part scratching any delicate surface. After a couple of times of use one of these came off and was lost. Stronger glue required! Attaching the camera is easy - either unlock the head and rotate the thread into the camera, or spin the whole tripod. When in place the lock provides rigid support for compact system cameras and lighter SLR / lens combinations. It securely held our Pentax K-5 with 80-320mm zoom attached. With this longer lens combination you can see a small amount of flex, but when used with a timer or remote release it's as solid as necessary.

The design allows you to spin the camera round and shoot upright for star trails.

It's also possible to rotate the camera 90 degrees into vertical format - ideal for shooting tall buildings from dramatic angles. A book or heavy weight may be needed to rest over the third leg to balance the weight and prevent it toppling over.

I found I could rest the tripod on a wall when I needed to shoot at eye level, or on a bench or car bonnet for lower lever shooting. You may find it also sits snuggly on larger tree stumps to provide support in a wide variety of situations. And with a camera that has a rotating screen it can fit on your chest - it was comfortable using the Olympus OM-D E-M5 in this position. The tripod is seen here supporting a Pentax K-5 with 16-45mm lens.

This shot was taken of a Sunset at Stanage Edge with the Manfrotto MTT2-P02 perched on a nearby rock the exposure was 20 sec at f/13 and ISO 200. It would not have been possible without a tripod as the rock was too jagged to rest the camera on, and my usual technique of padding the underside with the ePHOTOzine padded strap to align the camera wouldn't have worked either.

Like wise this shot of the trig point at dusk on Stanage Edge was a 30 second exposure and a nearby flat rock provided perfect platform for the Manfrotto MTT2-P02.

Value For Money

The Joby Gorillapod Micro 250 is even smaller and just £12 but is only really suited to compacts. The Manfrotto Pocket Support is available for around £25 but this doesn't have any control of angle. That's where the £40 Joby GorillaPod (SLR version) comes in. It not only provides table top support with an angling head but can also wrap around posts and tree branches and has a quick-release platform. But even with these features it's this Manfrotto MTT2-P02 that stands out as provider of the sturdiest platform. Those who don't need something quite so small could consider the recently reviewed Velbon CX-mini. It's far too big to fit in a pocket, but it's a similar price and far more versatile.

Joby GorillaPod	Manfrotto MP3-D01	Joby Gorillapod Micro 250	Velbon CX mini
£40	£25	£12	£23

Manfrotto MTT2-P02 Table Tripod Verdict

The Manfrotto MTT2-P02 is solidly built and is reasonably priced. You're more likely to carry this tripod everywhere with you and avoid missing shots where solid support is needed. There are many occasions where you go out without intending to use a tripod and a situation pops up where it would have been helpful. This tripod will get you out of a fix and ensure you get just what you want. Well worth buying even if you do own a full sized model.

	A solid built model that's well worth buying, even if you do already own a full sized model.

Manfrotto MTT2-P02 Table Tripod Pros

Well built
Solid
Compact
Good value

Manfrotto MTT2-P02 Table Tripod Cons

Cork foot pads fall off too easily
Ball & socket lock bulky
No quick-release plate

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
VERDICT