MeFoto GlobeTrotter Aluminum Test Results

The MeFoto tripods are a popular of compact travel tripods spun off from Benro.  The GlobeTrotter model is the largest they make, and is reasonably compact, but the weight pushes it into the range we expect from All-Around style tripods.  The short folded length is the most standout spec, especially since this is a design where the head can fold up between the legs.  The head is also included, but as always, all of the test results do not include the head to provide comparison consistency.

NameMeFoto GlobeTrotter Aluminum
ClassAll Around
Stiffness About Vertical Axis348 +/- 2 Nm/rad
Damping About Vertical Axis0.126 +/- 0.012 Js/rad
Stiffness About Radial Axis860 +/- 26 Nm/rad
Damping About Radial Axis0.444 +/- 0.044 Js/rad
Retail Price$200
Weight3.64 lbs (1.653 kgs)
Manufacturer weight rating26.4 lbs
Maximum Height50.7 in (128.8 cm)
Minimum Height17.2 in (43.7 cm)
Max Height with Center Column59.8 in (151.9 cm)
Center ColumnYes
Base Diameter2.0 in (5.1 cm)
Folded Length16.0 in (40.6 cm)
Folded Circumference13.3 in (33.8 cm)
Folded Volume225.0 cu. in. (3.7 liters)
Leg MaterialAluminum
Leg Sections5
Primary Leg Angle24.5 deg
Leg LocksTwist
Top Tube Diameter28.5 mm
Second Tube Diameter25.2 mm
Third Tube Diameter21.7 mm
Fourth Tube Diameter18.4 mm
Fifth Tube Diameter15.0 mm
Exchangeable FeetYes
Foot TypeRubber
Bottom HookYes

The stiffness and damping data are the averages of 10 trials for each measurement.  The reported error is the standard error, except in the case of the damping data.  I have set the error in the damping at 10% as the standard error metric does not appropriately capture the error in fitting to the data.  All of the reported specifications are measured, with the exception of the weight rating.  The tripod is measured at full height, with the center column down.

 

Example data for oscillations about the vertical axis of the tripod:

Excellent fit, but the stiffness and damping are rather poor for a tripod of this size.  Five leg sections will do that.

Example data for oscillations about the radial axis of the tripod:

Again, not particularly good results.