With image stabilization becoming standard equipment on even the tiniest point and shoot cameras, you would think that things like tripods would no longer be necessary. Although image stabilization does amazing things, it still can’t give you the razer sharp images that a steady surface can give you. That’s why professional photographers still choose to lug around those big tripods; they simply give you the best possible pictures. Manfrotto has taken their tripod design and manufacturing expertise and have created the ModoPocket, a pocket sized mini tripod that fits easily on the body of your point and shoot while still allowing you to pocket your camera easily.
First Impressions
The ModoPocket is definitely pocket sized enough to take with you anywhere you go. It’s even smaller than many of those other mini-tripods that you see out there so it doesn’t create an unsightly bulge in your pants.
The ModoPocket folds open to give you a small but stable platform on which to attach your camera. With a weight limit of 500 grams, it is clearly targeted towards smaller point and shoot cameras. Rubber feet on the base of the stand provides some stickiness on slippery surfaces while a rubberized surface where the ModoPocket meets the camera keeps it from scratching your camera. A big red anodized aluminum thumb screw allows you to attach the ModoPocket to the tripod mount of your camera and saves a few grams over steel in the process.
Setting it Up
The ModoPocket is extremely easy to attach. The big red aluminum screw on the ModoPocket attaches to the standard tripod mount on your camera. You can simply tighten it down with a coin, or if you have fingers of steel, you can just twist till its tight…but not too tight.
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The Multi-Talented ModoPocket
Once attached, the ModoPocket adds minimal bulk to most point and shoot cameras. Attached to my Canon SD850is, it is just a little wider than the body and ads just a tiny bit more height. However, it still allows me to easily slip my camera into my pocket. The fact that it is so small makes it easy to carry around attached to the camera.
The ModoPocket can be used on flat surfaces, but as I found out, it seems to work in many unconventional places like on the rim of this coffee cup. If you love taking pictures of food in a restaurant, you can just perch it on the side of a glass and let’er rip.
Although the ModoPocket attaches to the existing tripod mount on your camera, it replaces it with its own mount. You can now keep the ModoPocket screwed on at all times and attach it to a tripod when you need it.
Final Thoughts
The Manfrotto ModoPocket is truly a great addition to any point and shoot camera. I found it remarkably well made for such a tiny piece of equipment and just opens up all sorts of new creative possibilities. For example, if you want a picture of yourself at a historic landmark, you can simply setup the timer and get in the shot without having to whip out a huge tripod, or rely on the photography skills of a passerby.
For places where you can’t or don’t want to use a flash, you can perch the ModoPocket on pretty much anything to make that shot happen. The ability to turn off the flash and make use of available light really makes a difference in the quality of your pictures. Finally, nothing beats a tripod for creating tack sharp shots and with the ModoPocket attached and ready to go at all times, you’ve got an instant tripod at your beck and call.
Pros
- You can take it anywhere your camera goes without adding bulk
- Helps you avoid blurry shots, underexposure and get yourself into the shot
- You can still use a tripod in conjunction with the ModoPocket
Cons
- If your camera is SUPER THIN, it might stick out a bit much
- Only holds 500 grams
Overall Rating: 9.5 / 10.0
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