Tripods are a necessary tool for traditional photographers and smartphone photographers when they want to take a picture without holding the camera. Whether it’s to get in the shot yourself or to keep the camera ultra steady, a good tripod is a photographer’s best buddy. I was recently given the opportunity to try the MeFOTO BackPacker Air tripod, which offers quite a few features in a handy folding form factor. Let’s take a look.
What is it?
The MeFOTO BackPacker Air tripod is a compact folding aluminum tripod for photo hobbyists that weighs in at less than 2 lbs, has a fixed ball-style head and can unfold and extend to a maximum height of 59.5 inches.
What’s in the box?
MeFOTO BackPacker Air tripod
Drawstring carrying bag
Built-in selfie stick
Smartphone holder
Capture button
Design and features
The BackPacker Air is made of aluminum and comes in seven different colors. I was sent the blue version that you see here.
The tripod has a HyperLock leg system where each leg section is nested into one group that can extend to allow for a maximum height of 59.5 inches or any height below that with a twist of the leg to lock it in place.
The “shoulders” of each leg has a leg angle adjustment lock that can be secured to customize the angle of each individual leg.
If you needed to set the tripod up like in the image above, it’s easily possible with the BackPacker Air.
Note that there’s a spring-loaded hook at the bottom of the main section that you can use to hang a weight to keep the camera in place if there’s a problem with wind.
The top of the tripod has a fixed ball-style head with an Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release plate holder.
The plate can be removed and screwed into the bottom of the threaded tripod socket on a DSLR camera or other cameras like a GoPro. The max load that the tripod can handle is 8.8 lbs.
There’s even a little bubble level under the quick release plate that helps you level the tripod before you attach your camera.
Included with the MeFOTO BackPacker Air is a spring loaded smartphone holder that screws into the quick-release plate.
The smartphone holder securely held my Nexus 6P even with a thin case.
The ball-style head’s angle can be adjusted with the tension knob on the side.
The tripod even comes with a Bluetooth remote that has its own little holder that snaps on the main stalk of the tripod.
The remote has a built-in battery that charges using a micro USB.
But wait, there’s more! You can remove the center section of the BackPacker Air tripod and use it as a selfie stick.
Final thoughts
The purchase price of this tripod could be considered expensive at $!25, but MeFOTO offers a 5-year warranty if you register the tripod online after you purchase it.
The MeFOTO BackPacker Air has all the bases covered if you’re a photography enthusiast that uses a DSLR, GoPro or a smartphone and want to take pictures of others or even yourself while you’re on the go. It’s easy to use and folds down for easy transport.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by MeFoto. Please visit their site for more info and Amazon to order.
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Another good review Julie!
What is the Bluetooth remote for? Controlling the camera app on your phone?
I actually need one of these or the non-air version of the backpacker.
The remote can be used to snap a picture while your phone is on the selfie stick or the tripod.