Quick Verdict
The Manfrotto Element MII Aluminium Blue is a lightweight and trendy tripod ideal for urban pursuits. With a payload of 8kg and the ability to flip the centre column around for low-level shooting, it's a versatile option that won't break the bank.
+ Pros
- 8kg payload
- Ergonomical and quick to set up
- Good value
- Light
- Cons
- Ball head doesn't offer friction control
- No option to change to spiked feet
The Manfrotto Element MII Aluminium is part of a new, updated range of Element tripods which update the Element Big range of travel tripods. MII stands for 'Made In Italy, with the 'II' also denoting that this is the second version of the tripod family. This is a smaller, lighter tripod than the Element Big, but still maintaining the 8kg payload. The newer model features one less leg section and doesn't feature a detachable monopod like its predecessor.
There are 3 different colours available in the range, as well as a model designed for use with a mobile which features a Bluetooth remote so you can capture an image from a distance. It's available from £114.95 depending on the model.
Manfrotto Element MII Aluminium Features
The Element MII is a stylish tripod with a funky design on two of the legs with the third one featuring a textured rubber grip. It has twist-grip leg locks, which quickly secure the legs at your chosen length.
There are 4 leg sections giving a maximum height of 160cm. The centre column can be reversed for low-level shooting - the minimum height you can set the tripod up to is 43cm.
The Manfortto Element MII is a compact, stylish tripod that seems to be aimed at a younger, urban generation with a balance of light weight, decent pay load and model options aimed at smartphone shooters.
The tripod weighs 1.55kg and when folded down it's 42.5cm long. A slightly padded drawstring bag is provided for storage. At the top of the legs are Manfrotto's patented leg angle selectors, which can be flicked into the desired position with your thumb. There are 3 leg angles to choose from, one of which is folding the legs upwards for storage. There's a small knob which is used to adjust the height of the centre column nestled in between the leg angle selectors.
The tripod comes with an optional plastic hook, which can be screwed on to the bottom of the central column if you want to add ballast. The tripod head features two knobs - a large one for altering the position of the ball head and a smaller one which allows you to pan.
The Arca-swiss compatible techno polymer 200PL-PRO Light plate is loosened and tightened by a rubberised knob and features two rubber strips where the camera rests for grip.
Key Features
- Aluminium build
- 8kg payload
- Reversible centre column
- Non-friction ball head
- Pan ability
- 4 leg sections with twist grip locks
- Rubber grip on one leg
- Ballast hook, carry bag and Allen key included
- Buy now on Amazon UK
Manfrotto Element MII Aluminum Handling & Performance
The Manfrotto Element MII feels well built, and you only need to rotate the twist grips slightly to lengthen the legs - this makes it really quick to set up.
Manfrotto's leg angle selectors are really easy to operate, and are ergonomically designed so that you can set them to the required angle with your thumb. Setting the height of the tripod and adjusting the central column is easy and the knobs on the tripod head have a hexagonal rubberised strip giving plenty of grip.
It's a shame that the ball head doesn't offer friction control - care should be taken when adjusting the position with a camera mounted as it goes from being fixed to really loose with very little movement.
The rubberised feet are ridged and should provide grip on most surfaces, however there isn't the ability to change them to spiked feet. The legs are fairly stiff in angle adjustment, which is good but at full height there is a bit of give in the legs - the bottom sections are quite thin.
We really like the pattern printed on the tripod - it's a stylish model that should serve any urban photographer on a budget well.
Value For Money
The Manfrotto Element MII Aluminium Blue is available for £114.95, which is in line with other basic aluminium travel tripods.
It offers a funky design, good build quality and quick and easy to adjust twist grips which should make it appeal to younger creators. There are also mobile-friendly models in the range which feature Bluetooth capability for £149.
Tripods of a similar spec include the Vanguard VEO 2GO 235 AB, available for £119, however it only has a modest 4kg payload.
Not the right tripod for you? check out our Best Tripods roundup for more options.
Manfrotto Element MII Aluminium Verdict
The Manfrotto Element MII Aluminium tripod is a fairly light and trendy offering with a basic ball head.
The's a good rubber grip on one leg and the twist grip leg locks only require a slight twist to free the legs, making it quick to set up and put away. It packs away fairly neatly and the drawstring bag which it comes with means you can easily swing it over your shoulder.
It's a trendy offering with a price point that means it's a good option for young creators on a budget.