Manufacturer: Manfrotto
Model: Neotec 458B / 486RC2 head
Price: £275 (excluding head)
www.daymen.co.uk

There aren’t any clips on these legs – you simply pull them and they automatically lock into place, with a button at the top releasing each leg when it comes to packing up. One of the easiest tripods to erect and collapse at speed that we’ve tested. The ‘upside down’ leg design, with the fattest tube at the bottom also makes it one of the sturdiest, and there’s the option to use the central column horizontally as well.

The 486RC is a rugged ball head with a single locking lever and quick-release plate. The ball action isn’t the smoothest I’ve come across, but it locks firmly into place, which is exactly what you want.

Max. Height: 156cm
Min. Height: 10cm
Folded Length: 64cm
Leg Sections: 3
Head: Removable
Weight (inc head): 2.8kg
Max. Load: 6.0kg
Bubble Level: Yes
Quick Release: Yes
Hook: No
Case: No

Verdict:
This easy-to-use and speedy to exted/collapse tripod is well complimented by the secure ball head.

Pros:
Tripod is one of the easiest and quickest to extend and collapse, ballhead holds camera securely

Cons:
Ballhead movement is not the smoothest

What Digital Camera Score: 85%