ZOMEI M8 Travel Tripod Horizontal Arm 75 Inch Magnesium Aluminum Alloy Monopod Professional Tripods for Canon Sony Nikon DSLR Max Load 17.63 lbs

It's a beautiful tripod. I purchased it mainly for the horizontal column feature, which is easy to convert to and works great. One pleasant surprise is how nice the 360 panorama bearing feels. It's tight, but rotates smooth.The following are things I noticed that are what allow this tripod to be as nice as it is at a competitive price. It all comes down to eliminating a few convenience features that you might find on a pro-level tripod while still using high quality materials.It's very lightweight, but doesn't feel delicate. It comes with 2 camera mounting plates -- good in my case, because I lost the plate for my old tripod -- as well as a carrying case.The legs are like tension rods, so rather than quick release levers, you have to loosen a section with a twist, extend the leg and then tighten it back with another twist.The camera attachment plate also doesn't have a quick release, but it still has a sturdy wedge-style clasping mechanism that tightens like a clamp. In the end, the camera is mounted firmly in place and that's what's important.

I don't usually go into very much detail in my reviews, however this one deserves it. I too a chance on this. I've read reviews other reviews from sites and forums and this one came up several times. And I can see why. The build quality on this tripod is top notch. Swivels are buttery smooth. For the price, this is what you'd expect. With one of my larger lenses, such as the omd-em1 with the 40-150mm f2.8 pro, its got some weight. Its an all metal lens. The ball head takes it with ease. Even at a fully horizontal stance, the ball head doesn't budge. This was my biggest worry with any tripod because the last thing I want is for thousands of dollars in camera to fall to the ground. The other side of this, functionality? Theres not an angle or position this can't do. I do a lot of product photography, macro work, and general purpose work. On my work bench, I have one leg shortened, sticking out straight onto the desk, the other two on the floor extended, and the head mount horizontal, extended, so the camera can be in the center of a ring light, straight down. The flexibility in the tripod is unreal. A few weeks in and I'm thrilled. Im looking forward to this summer, on hikes, trails, and events to put this thing through its paces. Follow up review will detail its long term strengths and weaknesses. At this point, I've not found any flaws. I decided on this particular one being it comes with TWO Arca Swiss plates. Yes, its compatible with other Arca Swiss plates. I needed one for my body and I have two lenses with collars. I have a different plate on my body, the two that came with this on my lenses, and a smaller third party plate on a go pro in a metal cage. All work great and fit snug. Would I buy again? No questions asked. Have I recommended this to others in my area? Absolutely.

This item arrive missing several key pieces. It is missing the rubber-O-ring for the center column, the 2 quick release plates and the carrying case.

It's a little on the heavy side but at 75" and a horizontal arm, I wouldn't expect anything different. I shoot macro so stability is very important, this tripod has very little vibration and steadies up quite quickly. It's very easy to setup and take down. Only drawback I have found, and it's very minor, the bag that comes with it can be a very tight fit. Make note how it fits so you know how to put it back in!**6/19/22 Update: change my rating due to the fact the a rubber o-ring on the ball on the shaft broke and I can now no longer use much if the tilt features because you can't tighten the ball down. Contacted Zomei and at first they had no idea what I was talking about, I had to send them a picture with a circle around the area I was referring to. I was informed they did not have a replacement part nor could they tell me how to put a new o-ring in there! I will never buy another Zomei!

The media could not be loaded.  As a YouTube person, I’m always looking for new ways to make my workflow easier or more interesting. A tripod upgrade was right up my alley.PROS[+] Compact - This is great for traveling. It’s not a quick shooting tool, but it folds down small enough to pack in a carry on suitcase.[+] Height - It’s very small. And also very tall. Taller than I need at it’s tallest, and shorter than I need at it’s shortest. That kind of range is important.[+] Weight - Super lightweight, which contributes to its travel-friendliness. But it doesn’t give up craftsmanship and stability for wright. A nice balance.[+] Build - This is sturdy. Stable. The body is built to withstand weird angles, weird shots, and any other weird variables. I’m impressed.[+] Versatility - This does more than I need. Which is great. This gives me the kind of range I need to build weird, interesting shots. Upside down? Sure. Sideways but still in landscape? Got it. Upside down, angled, and off-center? No problem. It’s goofy and great.CONS[-] Time - Like I said, this isn’t a quick-shooting tool. Something smaller and handheld is better for vlogging on the go, better for a backpack. But this isn’t built for that. Not a real con, just a heads up.All in all, this is a straight up great tripod. I’ll use it when I don’t want to lug around my ring light or if my flexible handheld tripod just won’t cut it. Great new add to the studio!

Need a strong, flexible tripod that is flexible. So far, this ZOMEI is just perfect. It's tall enough, stable enough, flexible in positioning, easy-to-use. And, it's even sleek-looking. Well done. Not sure what defines a "travel" tripod, but this one is light enough and compact enough to use on-site.