Giottos MT8240B Tripod Review

Finally took the plunge and received my new tripod today with the MH1312-652 ball head.

Why are online retail description often so poor? Some confusion to clear up: this is not the same as the US listed MG-8240B which looks slightly shorter (vertical column lock via side screw) and lighter and includes a shoulder strap - all welcomed bonus. This model comes in a nice Giottos box but sadly no tripod bag or shoulder strap inside. Conflicting sizes are listed on various retail websites regarding the dimension. Here's mine for MT8240B legs (in the order which are important to me):

• Weight 940g (without the tools and tool bag)
• Max height: 145cm up to base plate
• Folded length: 50cm 
• Supports both 1/4 and 3/8 screw thread head  
• Three lockable spread angle     
• Min height: 37cm as this is the length of the center column

Needless to say all the information is clearly displayed on the box label. Shame most online retailers just can't be bothered to list them correctly.

Unboxing the MT8240B - can't understand poor online spec

First impression does not disappoint in terms of build quality as after all, it's my first "proper" tripod. Previous ones tended to be small and in the £10 mark:) Nor did it impress in terms of carbon fibre weightlessness (my last tripod is around 600g including head!). The difference with similar-sized aluminium ones, from past experience, seems minimal. From purely official spec numbers, the saving is just over 200 grams (vs the aluminium MT9240B). Let's hope this one offers less flex and vibration when fully spread (if my understanding of carbon fibre properties is anything to go by).

Extending and retracting the legs gives nice dampened satisfying thuds, which is reassuring. I prefer the twist lock for two main reasons: robustness and ease of storage. Robustness in the sense that I have had one tripod and one Manfrotto monopod that sheered off at the snap lock which is normally made of plastic. The second annoyance with snap lock legs is the tendency to catch on camera bag straps, lip of tripod bags etc, which clearly contribute to the early demise of the locking mechanism.

3 heights (spread angles) to choose from

The leg catch which you need to lift out to open the tripod to wider low position is made of solid metal chunk and is a bit stiff to operate. What I didn't realise at first was that there are three lockable height position (as shown). I also like the foam grip on each leg, which is not uncommon at this level, providing secure handling and will no doubt be handy on those wet days. If there is a complaint, it is that the legs are a bit stiff to spread out and does require some strength to set up. But honestly I would be happier if it never loosens over time!

The center column height is adjusted manually and locked with the center winged screw. I was initially wishing for the side screw lock but on second thoughts, the latter (on MT8240B) is more secure without the risk of scratching the column if it's anything like the past tripods I used. There is a plasticky safety catch ring just above the spring-loaded hook which has to be aligned when removing the center column.

The 50mm base plate matches the MH1312-652 ball head exactly which is nice. It also comes with a tool bag for switching (flipping) between the dual 1/4 and 3/8 head thread but whatever size it came and set at, the MH1312-652 screws on perfectly.

When I first set out on my quest for a lightweight tripod, the 1kg aim was perhaps a bit unrealistic especially given the feature creep (namely pan head and not being too short). This combo weighs in at 1300g exactly and I feel it is not too bad an effort. Giottos' own Vitruvian range VGRN8255(CF)+MH5501-652 and VGRN9255(ALU)+MH5400-652 come in a touch heavier at 1380g (£259) and 1550g (£169) respectively, but folds down to a much shorter 40cm using a combination of 5-section legs and clever reverse leg hinge. Alternative tripods weight-wise are Gitzo GT0531 (700g), Slik Pro 624CF (820g) and Manfrotto 732CY (950g).

570mm total length with MH1312-652 ball head attached

I am currently searching for a matching tripod bag to hold the combo with ball head. Hence it begins another quest to decipher the online clutter. Giottos' own AA1251 tripod bag is listed as Internal size 530 x 80 x 140 mm that clearly makes me anxious if this 570mm combo will be a tight squeeze..... Again US-listed AA11251 says Internal dimension 4.0 x 22" (10.16 x 55.88cm) (Dia x L) with external length 64cm vs 62cm....

It remains to be seen if I'll actually take it anywhere beyond my garden walls:)

Update 2019:

The tripod is now the perfect bow stand! Sturdy and adjustable.