Manfrotto recently announced a whole new compact tripod, called the "Pocket Series" for compacts and Digital SLRs, as well as all cameras in between. Here we have a look at the pocket sized small model "For Compact Cameras", and the large version "For DSLR / Advanced Cameras" and true to form, these fit easily into your pocket.


Each tripod is available in black or grey and comes with a keyring tool to help you unscrew / screw in the tripod. There is also a spare screw in case you ever lose it. Despite the tripods giving little lift to the camera, they provide a useful support on uneven ground, and can help tilt the camera up or down without having to worry about the camera falling over. The feet are made of firm rubber giving good grip and there are markings showing where they should be positioned when folded out.


For Compact Cameras - Model: MP1-C01 "Pocket Support Small Black"



The support comes with an easy to understand instruction leaflet with pictures clearly demonstrating how best to use it and how to set it up and attach it to the camera. The keyring sized locking screw tool can be attached to the support so that you don't lose it. There's even a small pouch to keep the support in.


The pocket series instructions recommends that the support has two legs at the front to support the weight of the lens better, however, I found that when leaning the camera back like this, on an unsteady surface I preferred to use the support the other way round. When used with the Sony Cybershot HX7v shown above, the support fits very neatly under the camera meaning you can leave it on. The position of the support can be adjusted from one end to the other so will work with off centre tripod sockets.

I think these supports are a great idea - the small size means you don't have to think about bringing them with you as they can be permanently attached to your camera. They are especially useful if you forget to bring a tripod, or don't want the added weight of a standard tripod. The price may put some people off, however, I think these products are innovative and worth buying, especially for compact users.

Manfrotto Pocket Series Compact Pros:
Small enough to leave on the bottom of the camera
Works with off-centre tripod sockets
Comes with a 5 year warranty
Gives support on uneven surfaces

Manfrotto Pocket Series Compact Cons: 
Doesn't show direction / front arrows on tripod
Quite high price (RRP £19.99)

For DSLR / Advanced Cameras - Model: MP3-D01 "Pocket Support Large Black"



Pictures on the side of the box show the support is designed for mirrorless cameras, bridge / ultra zoom cameras, and digital SLRs, with a universal attachment that will fit any camera (with a tripod socket).



The DSLR / Advanced camera support works well with a medium sized Digital SLR such as the Pentax K-7 shown above, or even cameras such as the Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR with large extending zoom lenses. With the large support there are three different positions for the tripod screw meaning you can put the support in the centre of the camera for when the tripod socket isn't central on the camera. For Digital SLR users, a small tripod or a regular tripod is something you may already have in your camera bag, however, if you are put off by the size and added weight of a tripod, then this could make a good choice. The price seems a little high, considering some entry level compact tripods are available for a similar price, but none will be as small as this.

Manfrotto Pocket Series Large Pros:
Front direction label shown on tripod
Works with off centre tripod sockets
Folds up small enough to leave on the camera
Gives support on uneven surfaces
Comes with a 5 year warranty

Manfrotto Pocket Series Large Cons:
Loose screw can fall out
High price (RRP £29.99)

RATING:

Manfrotto Pocket Series Verdict:

The five year warranty with these products somewhat makes up for the high initial price, and the innovative design is something I haven't seen any other manufacturer do. Nothing really comes close to being this small, and being attached to the camera permanently. If you want one of the smallest tripods available anywhere, then they are well worth looking at. Especially if you are put off by the idea of carrying a separate tripod, and are to be recommended, however, you will need to find a suitable object to put the camera on, alternatively you will be taking a lot of shots from the ground. I think the compact version will appeal more to users of compact cameras, as DSLR users may already have a suitable tripod.