MeFoto RoadTrip Aluminum Review

  1. Introduction & Specifications
  2. Design & Operation
  3. Test Results
  4. Head Choice
  5. Comparison & Conclusion

The MeFoto Roadtrip is a budget tripod oriented towards travel and portability.  The RoadTrip Classic sits in the middle of MeFoto’s line of tripods, sandwiched between the larger Globetrotter and smaller Backpacker.  All of the tripods share a similar design, and differ only in terms of size.  The RoadTrip is most similar in size to most travel tripods, striking a nice balance of size and overall portability.  The overall package though is uninspiring.  The Roadtrip doesn’t stand out in any particular way.  It has the feel of a tripod designed by committee to a price.  It is definitely a tripod.  It does its job, but its difficult to get excited about.

This tripod was purchased through retail channels.  I was not paid by any party to write this review, and the opinions are entirely my own.

NameMeFoto RoadTrip Aluminum
ClassTravel
Yaw Stiffness178.5 +/- 1 Nm/rad
Yaw Damping0.118 +/- 0.012 Js/rad
Pitch Stiffness823 +/- 3 Nm/rad
Pitch Damping0.29 +/- 0.029 Js/rad
Retail Price$136
Weight2.95 lbs (1.336 kgs)
Manufacturer weight rating17.6 lbs
Maximum Height50.1 in (127.3 cm)
Minimum Height12.3 in (31.2 cm)
Max Height with Center Column58.9 in (149.6 cm)
Center ColumnYes
Base Diameter1.7 in (4.3 cm)
Folded Length15.5 in (39.4 cm)
Folded Circumference11.3 in (28.7 cm)
Folded Volume157.0 cu. in. (2.6 liters)
Leg MaterialAluminum
Leg Sections5
Primary Leg Angle20.0 deg
Leg LocksTwist
Top Tube Diameter25.1 mm
Second Tube Diameter21.9 mm
Third Tube Diameter18.4 mm
Fourth Tube Diameter15.0 mm
Fifth Tube Diameter12.0 mm
Exchangeable FeetNo
Foot TypeRubber
Bottom HookYes

The test results are included here as I consider them to be part of the tripod’s specification.  For full discussion of the stiffness and damping, see the test results page of the review.

There is nothing I find particularly outstanding or interesting in the specifications.  The weight is in line with what we expect from an aluminum travel tripod, but on the heavy side when viewed in context of all travel tripods.  Using aluminum as opposed to carbon fiber on a travel tripod is inherently a compromise to save on cost.  The height is about average for a travel tripod.  Five leg sections result in a somewhat compact folded package, but reduce the inherent stability.

At 20 degrees, the leg angle is too narrow.  This results in a tripod that is a bit too tippy and it detrimentally impacts the yaw stiffness.  I suspect this is a design choice made to pad the specs, as it results in taller tripod for the same weight.  Again though, there is a penalty to be paid in stability.