Here is a tool which looks similar to something I reviewed recently. It is a tabletop tripod or handheld support by Cullman. Made in Germany the Magnesit Copter with the Cross CB2.7 ball head is magnificent. It is totally a different Kaempfer (“kaempfer” being German for “fighter” or “champion”). The thing is, this little tripod surprised me. After shooting with it, working with it in the field I was slightly amazed. In my mind, a small tabletop tripod should be ultra-portable, simple, and functional. This one is all of that.
So why is it such a remarkable piece of equipment? Let’s see why.
Tech Specs
* Tabletop Tripod or Handheld Support
* Mini Ball Head with Single Knob
* Shoe Mount & 1/4″-20 Camera Screw
* Anodized Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
* Large Rubber Feet
* Maximum Height Legs spread with head attached: 6.5″ (16.5 cm)
* Minimum Height Legs spread without head: 3.75″ (9.5 cm)
* Folded Length With head: 9″ (22.9 cm)
* Without head: 6.25″ (15.9 cm)
* Load Capacity 2.5 lb (1.1 kg)
* Leg Sections 1
* Leg Lock Type N/A
* Male Thread Size 1/4″-20
* Weight 0.59 lb (0.27 kg)
Testing Gear
Looks and Build Quality
When closed and ready to have a flash seated on it, the Magnesit Copter Mini Tripod looks like a lightsaber. That’s a good thing. The Magnesit Copter fits in the hand nicely. The materials used are tough. Anodized Aircraft-Grade Aluminum feels a lot better that plastic. At .59lb, it is extremely light, but it does give you a sense of security.
Ergonomics
The tripod head does double duty. It holds the camera, as you would suspect.
If you flip it, though, it has a hot shoe style slot for speedlights, making it a flash stand. This allows you to get your flash in unique places while maintaining a low profile. There is nothing to tie this table top tripod to a pole, but with some creativity, and some velcro, it could easily be done.
The knob, which controls the ball head, had a nice texture to it. It is easy to loosen and tighten. The knob allows for you to quickly adjust the angle of your camera for the close up macro images or if you need to get your camera set for portraits.
This is much better than thinking critically and using your environment as a tripod because you can keep wear and tear on your camera to a minimum. The rubber feet keep the camera sturdy and secure in more environments. Plus, it means that you have an actual tripod with you instead.
Capacity
This little tripod is STRONG. The tripod head held my D700 (about 2.1 lbs) with my Tamron AF 28-105mm f2.8 (about 2lbs). It was a little strained though, so I took the tripod head and just put the camera on the legs, which worked very well but lacked flexibility. The Magnesit Copter Mini Tripod was manufactured to hold 2.5lbs, but it can hold a bit more. Apart from that, however, I would not put a long lens on this portable tripod, even with a collar.
Handheld Stabilization
This worked well because the base of the camera could sit on your hand while you held the camera with the grip with the other hand. If you’re shooting video handheld the Magnesit Copter Mini Tripod is not adding a lot of weight to the camera, so it helps not to fatigue your hands.
Portability
The Magnesit Copter Mini Tripod is ultra-compact and breaks down to a small streamed lined structure, similar to a small flashlight. It can go in your pocket easily, and can be hidden in the smallest camera bag. It can become an ultra-small part of your daily kit and never take up too much space.
Compared
The Ultrapod II is another of my favorite desktop tripods. While it does one thing the Magnesit Copter Mini Tripod does not, I like the Magnesit Copter Mini Tripod for the camera much more. I like the Ultrapod II better for flashes because I can tie it to a tree or railing and make an impromptu light stand with some height. With the Colman I feel better using heavier gear and I can take the tripod head off and just use the legs. Overall, it just feels better.
In the End
I’ve tried many desktop tripods. This has to be one of my favorites. It does everything I want it to do while being small, lightweight, well-built, and portable. I always try to keep a desktop tripod with me and this may be the one to stay in my bag at all times now.
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