Manfrotto ModoPocket 797 mini tripod review
March 12, 2008
ModoPocket 797 is a new and very compact camera support from Manfrotto, well known Italian maker of camera and lighting support equipment. When folded, it is very compact, about size of a Zippo lighter, but thinner. Weight is 54 grams.
Here you can see size comparison with a 35mm film roll.
When you fold ModoPocket open, it forms a small 4-legged camera support. Manfrotto tells it supports cameras up to 0,5 kg and it looks quite sturdy. It is not made of aluminium but of some stronger, heavier metal and looks nickel plated. Rubber caps on top of feet are injection moulded to the metal frame, not glued, so probably they will not fall off. The strap between 2 legs can be removed to add more flexibility to leg positions, however then probably it can’t support heavier cameras too well.
Here it is attached to a small point and shoot camera. The red screw is made of aluminium and anodised. My only complaint about ModoPocket is that the screw could have foldable wire handle like Manrfotto quick release plates have. It is difficult to screw it tightly when you don’t happen to have any coins around. On the other hand, space around it is quite limited when folded together, so probably that is why the handle was omitted.
It is possible to attach ModoPocket to a camera and then fold it together. That way you can basically carry the device attached to your camera, especially when you use it very often. It even has additional hole for attaching camera to another tripod head without removing ModoPocket from the camera. Hinged legs of ModoPocket are quite stiff (spring loaded), so they won’t fall open by itself.
Conclusion: Manfrotto ModoPocket is quite interesting gadget. Costing 20+ EUR it is more expensive than typical tabletop tripod but it is well made, robust and very compact, so should be useful to travellers who use small cameras and want to take occassional “tripod” photo. If you use tripod often, then I think dedicated small tabletop tripod with ball head is better choice, as it allows easier and more flexible camera angles. ModoPocket requires some additional support by combining some small objects below (some) legs as it by design only tilts by one axle only. How well it will work in real life remains to be seen and I will update this review in the future, when I have used ModoPocket more.
Instructions:
