MeFoto GlobeTrotter and RoadTrip Travel Tripods with The Aviator Travel Jib and OliviaTech Motorroid Slider
MeFoto makes a complete family of travel tripods for those on the go. From their new line, we’re taking a look at the MeFOTO GlobeTrotter Travel Tripodand the MeFOTO RoadTrip Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod. These are two tripods capable of supporting heavy setups and collapsing into small sizes for easy portability. In the video below I give some examples of just that.
In my first setup with the MeFOTO GlobeTrotter Travel Tripod, I’m using a Canon 5D Mark II with 24-70mm lens on the OliviaTech Motorroid. We have the smallHD AC7 External Monitor and Tekkeon myPower ALL Plus External Battery attached to the OliviaTech Motorroid. There is even a 10 lbs. sandbag being used to add stability. I’ve simply attached the sandbag using the Recessed Center Column Hook. Everything is being supported by the GlobeTrotter and as you can see, the setup remains steady under the weight.
*Extends to 64.2″, folds down to just over 16″ and supports up to 26.4 lb. Weighs 4.6 lbs.
MeFOTO GlobeTrotter Travel Tripod
For my second setup, I’ve kept in mind those shooters who want to go ultra lightweight for mobility. In these situations, nothing is more appealing than carbon fiber and small break-down dimensions. The MeFOTO RoadTrip Travel Tripod I’m using is made from carbon fiber and breaks down into its carrying case at only 15″, weighing under 5 lbs. This tripod can support a payload just over 17 lbs. When paired with The Aviator Travel Jib Carbon Fiber, we now have a complete mobile kit. There is no need to pack an extra fluid head as the Aviator come with a fluid pan base. When you’re ready to pack up and go, the RoadTrip can even attach directly onto the Aviator’s travel bag with the dedicated straps.
*Extendable up to 61.6″, folds down to just over 15″ and Supports up to 17.6 lb. Weighs only 3.1 lb
Both of these MeFoto tripods can Converts to a Monopod, have Two Position Leg Angle Stops for uneven terrain or for low camera angles and both are equipped with an Arca Swiss style QR plate.
The Aviator Travel Jib Carbon Fiber or Aluminum
I have the globetrotter and have been backpacking in Asia for the past 7 months. I still love my carbon fiber Benro over this because the globetrotter springs on the legs are not saltwater resistant. For super long exposures in running water like a stream, the globetrotter will shake but the benro will not. I might try the RoadTrip version to see. If anyone has experience with the Roadtrip in running water, I’d like to hear about it. Other than that, the globetrotter is nice, eventhough I wish it were a little lighter. I wish the Roadtrip was available at the time I bought the Globetrotter.
How much do the benro tripods go for?
@Erfan You can check the current prices in the provided links. I don’t ention pricing since it changes at times.
Hello.
It is great… I’m going in a few months in Arctica, and I’m actually going to film with a 5D, timelapses and all…
You gave me the perfect setup, something I was actually looking into these days.!
Thanx so much.!
C.
Is the Road Trip the same tripod as the A1350 that you reviewed in another video?
Also, is it possible to get the same setup with the Road Trip that you used in the first setup with the GlobeTrotter? (Minus the monitor.)
Thanks,
-Joe
Actually, I found the answer. The A1350 is the same tripod as the Road Trip aluminum version that you reviewed in the tripod video you posted in January.
The Road Trip carbon fiber version has a different model number, though.
Anyways, I am trying to find out how much the OliviaTech motorroid weighs so I can decide between the A1350 (aluminum Road Trip) or the aluminum GlobeTrotter tripod. Thank you Olivia.
-Joe
@Joe Yes, you are correct! If you want to eventually pack more weight onto the tripod though, ie: sand bags, counter weights, heavy camera and lens, monitor.. take those factors into consideration prior to making a decision on the tripod.
I’ve been needing a good photo tirpod. The dual action ball head appears to allow portrait type photos with a camera …doesn’t it?
Also, can the tripod head be swapped out for another head designed more so for video? What do you suggest? If you have other suggestions for a photo type head, then I’d like to hear that too.
@Martin Yes, you can do portrait or landscape with the provided head on these tripods. You can also swap out the head entirely. There is a standard 3/8″ male screw to attach another head.
Olivia:
The MeFoto web site ( HERE ) says the head uses a 1/4″ mount. Can you tell me if the stud on the tripod is actually a 3/8″ and not 1/4″ as they state on their web site.
I really want to mount the Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head on this. Do you think the legs will flex too much to use a video head like the 502 and a DSLR?
@Scott They meant the thread on the QR plate. They should specify that the QR plate on the ball head has a 1/4-20″ male thread and the tripod alone, less the ball head, has a standard 3/8″ male thread. The Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base paired with a DSLR will be fine on the Globe Trotter. The rated max payload for this guy is about 27 lbs.
And one more thing I would still like to know is:
Would your first setup with the tripod, 10lb. sandbag, OliviaTech Motorroid, DSLR+lens, and Techeeon battery (but WITHOUT the external monitor) work with that weight on the A1350 (Aluminum Road Trip) tripod?
Or would I have to upgrade to the Aluminum Globetrotter?
Thanks again.
-Joe
@Joe I would probably go with a heavier build. The Road Trip will accept up to around 17 lbs. and that is over the rated weight capacity.
Hey Olivia,
Thanks for posting I watched this on Vimeo. I am novice filmier currently saving up for my T3i. I want to use this tripod for nature shooting because it has the pan base and and as you’re explaining how light it is I wonder how much and where can I get one?
Thanks again for posting this cool video!
@Erfan There are provided links within the blog post!
Hi Olivia,
It’s funny because I’ve been looking for a travel tripod this week and then, poof, magic, you have a review up! I need something compact that I can take on foreign news shoots. So I need to be able to use a good fluid head for pans and tilts.
I have a 501 head that I usually use. Do you know if that can be adapted to fit on either of the legs? If not – any recommendations for some under $300 legs that it will fit? Thanks!
@Michael The 501 head can fit via the 3/8″ male screw on the MeFoto.
FYI, take a look at the Vanguard 225CT carbon fiber tripod that doesn’t require folding the legs 180-degrees up, and still has a minimum height around 16 inches. Much cheaper too, American-made, and slightly better in build quality.
The jib mentioned here is legit; I did not have this budgeted into my purchases though this is recorded for the future.It really changes the game for traveling light. In the meantime I found a metal that allows the operator to change the camera tilt. Thanks for sharing this.
Preston.
I really enjoyed this video! I’ve been looking for a tripod for my dslr for video and think I’m going to check out the roadtrip. Looks perfect for what my travels! Thanks!!!
Hi Olivia,
Your a life saver! Love the reviews & videos, real nice and well produced! none of this “faffing” about muck! But this is exactly what Ive been looking for, especially the slider, used so many but throwing them on your back can really take its toll after a few days.
Perfect for a Worldwide video & production project Im setting off for real soon… Will definitely try getting my hands on one of these, saved me so much $ and time!
The project actually features on creatives all over the world, Photographers, Designers, Illustrators, Filmmakers etc (I will most likely drop you a message if your interested, maybe catch you if your around San Fran)
Thanks though! Keep this gold coming!
I almost ordered the same combination a week ago, and decided not to spend that much money. Why did i see this video at 4.30 am
It’s totally back on my mind again!
Hello olivia where did you get the weight that you put on the jib. It looks nice to me.
@filmish They are simple sandbags from Amazon. ePhoto also sells 4 for under $30. ePhoto FOUR Photo Video Sand Bag Light Stand Sandbags
Olivia,
I still want to mount the Manfrotto 502 fluid head to it, but I am just wondering if the tripod twists when panning left/right. I know the Globetrotter holds a lot of weight, but twisting is a whole lot different.
Thanks in advance.
@Scottrellwi This is a great point. The Globtrotter does NOT have set screws, as it is not a dedicated video tripod. The set screws, as you know, lock the head in place, without them, the head can spin off or turn loose. You do not have the ability to lock the head in place with this tripod. I explain this in my video on the –> Manfrotto 438 Compact Leveling Head. With the addition of the Manfrotto 438, your video head will still NOT lock into place on the meFoto as it does not have the set screws that most video tripods have.
@Scott I updated my comment to be more clear. Please let me know if you have any questions!
Thanks Olivia.
In relation to the video head, how much to the legs twist while panning? Meaning, if I have a video head with some drag on it, will the legs twist more than a heavier set of legs with a spreader? If so, would adding weight to the hook help?
Thanks.
@Scott The legs should not twist at all. If you experience your tripod legs twisting, your load is probably too heavy or you’re not introducing enough drag to the head. Adding weight to the center column hook will help to stabilize the entire setup, yes, as there is more weight to steadily hold the friction of the payload.
Love your videos Olivia. I’m currently looking for a solid jib to use with my BlackMagic Cinema Camera, so here’s my question about the Globetrotter tripod: Does it have the same detachable head that the roadtrip version has and can it be used with jibs like the Aviator? And if not, what jibs are good to use with the Globetrotter (non motorized)? Thanks in advance friend.
@Aaron Thank you! The GlobeTrotter does have a detachable head, yes. Remember though that as a PHOTO tripod, there are no locking screws. This means that if you have a video head on this tripod, it does have the chance to twist off.
Great review as usual, Olivia. I’m getting ready to pull the trigger on an aviator,and love the portability you demonstrated with the mefoto roadtrip…but I’m not sure if the roadtrip is hefty enough to support a 5DMK3 + 50 mm 1.2 or 16-35 2.8. What do you recommend as the lightest but strongest set up for the aviator + full size DLSR’s? Thanks!
@Simon Please note that the meFoto tripods are not video tripods. This means that there are no set screws where the video head attaches, thus creating the possibility of the head spinning off while panning. For the setup you’ve indicated, I’d check out some staple Manfrotto tripods like the 502AM (Manfrotto 701HDV Head With MVT502AM Tripod System) or on the more inexpensive side the Professional Heavy Duty Video Camcorder Tripod Fluid Drag Head Kits WF717. I have personal experience with these two and they both stood up to your payload- and more. Read the reviews and check out the specs!
Thanks Olivia…but now I’m a little confused, because you have shown the Aviator works fine with the globetrotter (+ GH3). Since there are no set screws, does that mean the Aviator’s pan base can twist off the mefoto head, too? It seemed to work fine in the video you posted above! Theoretically, anything that pans (fluid head, or jib) attached to some sticks requires set screws to lock it in, which these mefotos don’t have. There are no video tripods with set screws that I know of that are super light and portable, so it looks like to use the Aviator we’re back to lugging around a big heavy video tripod…which pretty much negates the whole point of your post !
Sorry…am I missing something? 
@Simon Ha, yes, I hear you. As an option for a light weight setup that can carry a crazy payload (26+ lbs.) the Globetrotter is a photo tripod that could be a really decent product to consider. You typically will not be turning your videohead around 360º again and again until the jib flies off, BUT.. I just want people to be aware and keep in mind that there are no set screws on this photo tripod. I agree, video tripods tend to be heavier and bulkier. Some guys need this smaller option and it should work just fine so long as you know what you’re getting with it. I shot video and my jib and head never spun off.
Hey Olivia wondering if this tripod would work with the trapezist mini jib ? This is a bit off subject but what tripod would you recommend to be able to take a trip or even just run and gun. I mainly do video any suggestions ?
@Tyrone The Globtrotter would be able to carry the weight of the Trapizist, yes. I’d suggest weighing the tripod down with a weight at the center column hook to add stability.
I stumbled across your site from TheMusicBed.com sweepstakes on Facebook. Great stuff! I know this is off topic, but what audio setup did you use during the filming outdoors? It looked a bit windy and I didn’t hear a bit of wind noise, nor was there any issues with your hair brushing up against the lapel mic. From what it looked like you were wearing a simple wireless lapel mic, but I wasn’t sure if you had a boomed mic as well out of the frame. Thanks!
@Ray Thanks! I was using the RØDE PinMic Lavalier Microphone and it was hooked up to the Sennheiser G3 Series transmitter and receiver packs. We shot straight into the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera.
Hi Olivia
Would you say 2 of these would provide adequate support without shake for a Kessler Pocket Dolly with SLR?
I was considering 2 Manfrotto 536 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripods but the mefoto’s would save me a ton of money
@James I have the Kessler Pocket Dolly on the way. I’ll test this out after NAB if you can hold out til then. I’m going to try a few different tripods to see what can perform under the weight of the jib fully setup.
Hi Olivia:
Nice review of the aviator jib. Nice Industries has just come out with a very nice slider to go with the jib. If you don’t already know about it, here is the link:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/461078637/red-rocket-travel-slider
Enjoy,
Warren
@Warren I haven’t seen this yet! What are your thoughts on this?
I use the Varavon Slidecam Lite on a Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift Tripod with Pneumatic Centerpost with FM18 Fluid Head along with a Giottos MH-1001-652 Medium Ballhead. The issue I have with this setup is sometimes I can’t get it low enough for certain shots.
The Davis and Sanford Tripod is listed at the following minimum height:
Minimum Height 36″ (91.5 cm)
Folded Length 37″ (94.0 cm)
Will the Mefoto tripods along with the Varavon Slide cam lite and Giottis Ballhead get a lower height then the setup I currently have?
The height for the Mefoto tripods is not specified:
“Minimum Height Not specified by manufacturer”
Thanks.
@svem Yes, you’ll be able to get lower shots than 36″. On the Globtrotter the min height is 18″.
Hello Olivia,
Just letting you know I purchased the A1350 because of your awesome reviews. Thanks for the dedication and time you put into your work! This tripod rocks! I love it.
-Joe
Hi, I just have a quick question : Will You marry me?
hello olivia.
was wondering how low can the tripod go? awesome review on these tripods btw.
@Anh Which tripod are you referring to and do you mean fully expanded height or maximum load capacity? Thanks!
Hi Olivia!
Your vids have been a lot of help for me the past few days as I venture into new territory here..
Will the ball heads on the Roadtrip provide enough friction and stability for mounting the 32 inch slider (5lb), second fluid head (2.5lb) and camera (3lb) on them? I’m trying to avoid buying a leveling device by getting a tripod with a ball head, but I also don’t want to mount the slider directly onto the tripod without any sort of head because I want to be able to angle it and go vertical…
I haven’t ever put much leverage or load onto a ball head before, so I’m not sure if it’s just a bad idea to try mounting a slider and then doing video from it or not…
Thank you for any input!
@Josh The Roadtrip’s ballhead probably will not support that payload. I’d take a look at tripods with bowl mount heads or check out Manfrotto’s 438 (VIDEO review here).
Hi Olivia!
Thanks for the info. I shoot only photo with my Nikon D700 and am trying to decide between the Roadtrip and possibly a different Induro tripod for the weddings I shoot. I need something extremely easy to set up/take down. Something light weight with a nice kit head since I’m low on funds! I need to easily be able to switch from landscape to portrait and have straight down shots, all this needs to be really fluid as I’m always moving very fast!
Thoughts would be much appreciated!
Thank you!
ALP
Hi I bought the Aviator jib and mefoto roadtrip tripod based on video but the screw tip on the tripod is smaller than the hole on the aviator jib. What attachment did I not hear mentioned in the video?
Thanks
@Thomas – Take the ball head off the tripod and then mount the Aviator directly to the legs. Do not mount the jib to the ball head.