Manufacturer: Giottos
Model: MTL 9351B tripod & MH5001 3-way head
Price: £90/£40
www.giottos-tripods.co.uk

Constructed from durable die-cast aluminium with a cobalt paint finish, the MTL 9351B is a versatile and practical tripod that can be picked up for under £130 if you shop around. With three leg sections that extend to 137cm – or 156cm with the centre column raised – there should be enough height to suit most needs, while a choice of three leg-angle positions means the tripod can also be set as low as 26cm with each leg fully splayed. The MTL 9351B is designed to hold up to 5kg, which should be more than ample for the average mid-range DSLR and standard zoom combination.

Better still, the adjustable centre column can be adjusted through a 180-degree arc, which could prove helpful for macro or still-life photography where the camera needs to be positioned closer to the subject. The centre column also features a useful hook on the bottom to hang a bag (or likewise) off to gain a bit of extra stability, along with a small bubble level.

The MTL 9351B tripod folds down to 64cm. At 2.1kg it’s not too heavy to carry around, although the length can be a bit impractical in tight spaces and crowds of people. Leg sections are held in place via a series of quick-action lever locks that can be individually tensioned with Allen keys. On our test model they felt just right. Centre column rotation is controlled independently of height via a handle underneath the crown, although of course it can also be controlled by a screw-lock on the head.

The MH5001 three-way head on top is made primarily from die-cast aluminium and feels suitably tough. Large, rounded grip-lock handles make it easy and quick to use, although the quick-release plate can sometimes be a bit fiddly to remove. There’s also a small bubble level on top of the base. It’s worth noting that the head mounting thread on the tripod can be switched between ¼ and ¾ inch allowing for a wider range of alternative heads to be fitted. One small criticism of the tripod – with all the adjustability navigating one’s way around all the various screw-locks can sometimes get a bit confusing, especially the two centre column screw-locks controlling height and tilt angle. To help, the words ‘rise’ and ’tilt’ are written on the side of each screw-lock.

Overall, we were suitably impressed with the MTL 9351B and MH5001 combination. Anyone looking for a versatile and sturdy tripod on a budget should take a closer look.

Pros:
Sturdy, light, good value

Cons:
Over-elaborate controls

Our Verdict:
Overall, we were suitably impressed with the MTL 9351B and MH5001 combination. Anyone looking for a versatile and sturdy tripod on a budget should take a closer look.

What Digital Camera Score: 89%