Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification
The Manfrotto Compact Series photo kit features a ball head for adjustment of angles and 90 degrees portrait shots. The aluminium tripod is made up of 5 sections, and a reversible centre column. The head is a quick release model, and the ball head can be locked with one twisting knob. According to Manfrotto it is: the most compact full size support in the market.
The Manfrotto Compact Series Tripods consist of: MKC3-P02 and MKC3-P01 which is the Photo kit with the 02/Grey model shown here, it's also available in Black as the 01 model. Also available is an MKC3H01 (Black) and MKC3H02 (Grey) with a Photo / Movie head available for the same price.
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Leg detail - the side of the tripod tells you the name and model, but more useful information can be found on the inside of the leg, where you can find the maximum weight, weight of the tripod, and height details. |
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Manfrotto Compact MKC3-P02 Photo Tripod Key Features
- Quick action leg locks
- Quick release plate
- 5 year warranty
- Reversible column
- 1.5kg camera support
- Aluminium
- 5 section
- Compacts to 43cm / 16.9inch
- Extends to 165cm / 65inch
- Rubber seal around centre column
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Manfrotto Compact MKC3-P02 Photo Tripod Handling
The tripod feels reassuringly solid, for such a compact tripod, with high quality plastic that feels very strong, the weakest point perhaps being the last leg as it is the thinnest of all the legs, yet is responsible for connecting the tripod to the ground. The tripod when compact or when not using the bottom leg section seems very solid as the aluminium legs feel strong and have a matt texture ensuring good grip when carrying the tripod. Unfortunately there is now strap provided or carrying case.
The legs spread up to 21 degrees, and the top plastic is made out of solid feeling plastic that Manfrotto call "technopolymer" which as far as I can tell means it's a high quality strong plastic. The reversible column means the head will sit inside the legs when the tripod is closed so that the tripod is very compact.
Panning the camera is not possible - as the screw to loosen the head allowing you to swivel it, also loosens the ball head, which means it will drop when a camera is mounted on top of it. Apart from this, the tripod is very easy to use and the knobs aren't too small, meaning you can get good grip on them in order to firmly tighten the tripod into position.
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Manfrotto Compact MKC3-P02 Photo Tripod Performance
The tripod's size and compactness makes it easy to take with you and the full head height that the tripod gives is very useful, meaning you don't need to bend over to compose your shots - this is particularly useful if you want to use a Digital SLR on the tripod with an optical viewfinder.
Value For Money
The Manfrotto tripod is priced at £49 which seems like good value for money for an aluminium tripod with such a compact design and reversible tripod. Alternatives include the Velbon Ultra Rexi L (£100, 153cm), Vanguard Nivelo 204SL (£49, 100cm), and at the budget end of the scale, the Hama Profil Duo III (£25, 150cm).
Manfrotto Compact MKC3-P02 Photo Tripod Verdict
This is a very good tripod kit - the ball head is good for photography letting you easily adjust the angle. The column is reversible meaning you can get really low shots when needed. The tripod compacts to a very useful size and the light weight of it means it's easy to take with you. As well as this the RRP of £49 makes it very good value for money for a branded tripod, as the quality and design of the tripod feels a cut above the generic / entry level tripods available.
Manfrotto Compact MKC3-P02 Photo Tripod Review: The Manfrotto Compact MKC3 Photo Kit is a well designed compact tripod offering great value for money.