Manfrotto Element MII 4-Section Aluminum Tripod with Ball Head, Black
Quick take
The Manfrotto Element MII is an aluminum, 4-section travel tripod designed to be easy to carry while still staying steady on the ground. It extends to about 160 cm, weighs about 1.55 kg, and pairs with a ball head that includes a compatible plate, which makes setup fast for everyday photo and video. The main tradeoff to consider is that it is built to be portable, so it will not feel as rigid as heavier, more full-size tripods when conditions get extreme.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Lightweight aluminum build for travel, about 1.55 kg, with a padded carry bag.
- Quick leg angle switching plus ergonomic twist-locks for faster positioning.
- Ball head with smooth movement and dual-knob controls, including 360° pan via the secondary knob.
- Integrated plate is designed to be compatible with Arca-type and Manfrotto RC2 attachments.
Cons
- Buyer-review evidence is limited in volume, so broader performance patterns are harder to confirm.
- Some components include plastic parts, which may not match expectations if you want an all-metal-feel.
- Best suited to portable kits, not maximum-rigidity setups for harsh conditions.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence points to a consistent theme: the tripod is valued for its balance of stability and transportability. Several mentions highlight that it is straightforward to use, with quick setup and legs that lock in securely, which helps when you need steady shots on the go. Buyers also tend to like the carry-friendly size and the height working well for taller users compared with smaller travel options. Where concerns come up, they are more about specific feel or minor component finish (for example, some plastic parts), rather than recurring claims of major instability or failure.
Key features that matter for real shooting
Height, folded size, and travel weight
When extended, the tripod reaches up to 160 cm, while folding down to about 42.5 cm. At roughly 1.55 kg, it is positioned as a carry-with-you option, not a desk-to-studio replacement. The 4-section leg design helps keep the folded footprint manageable for backpacks or travel bags.
Leg locking and fast positioning
To make tripod use feel responsive, the Element MII uses quick leg angle switching (patented leg angle selectors) and ergonomic twist-locks. In practice, this is the difference between fiddling with setup for every shot and being able to get your framing close quickly, then fine-tune with the head.
Ball head control and compatibility
The included aluminum ball head is designed for smooth movement and firm locking, with dual control knobs. A larger primary knob manages ball movement, and a smaller secondary knob engages the 360° independent pan. It also comes with a techno polymer plate (labeled as 200PL-PRO Light plate), intended to be compatible with Arca-type and Manfrotto RC2 head attachments, which is useful if you already own compatible plates.
Payload capacity for typical camera and lens setups
The listed payload is up to 8 kg. That does not mean every heavy setup will feel perfect in all conditions, but it does suggest the tripod is meant to handle more than just lightweight cameras. If you commonly shoot with a DSLR plus heavier zoom lenses, this capacity is part of why it may fit your kit.
Pros and cons breakdown by buyer type
Best for
- Hobbyists and aspiring photographers who want a travel-friendly tripod that still aims for stability.
- Compact camera, CSC, or DSLR users who need quick setup and a ball head that makes framing easy.
- Travel and on-the-go shooting where folded size and weight matter more than maximum rigidity.
- Buyers with Arca-type or Manfrotto RC2 plate ecosystems who want compatibility without replacing everything.
Who should avoid it
- Anyone prioritizing maximum stiffness over portability, especially for very demanding windy environments.
- Buyers who want an entirely metal-feel build, since there are mentions of heavy-duty plastic components.
- Those expecting abundant, deep review patterns for specialized performance claims, because the available review evidence here is fairly limited in volume.
Is it worth it?
If you are shopping for a complete, carry-friendly tripod that extends to a practical height and sets up quickly, the Manfrotto Element MII is a strong match. The combination of twist-locks, quick leg angle adjustments, and a ball head with dual-knob control targets the day-to-day experience most people care about: getting positioned fast and holding steady enough for sharp framing. It is less ideal if you want a rigid, heavy-duty tripod for extreme conditions, or if you are highly sensitive to plastic component feel.
FAQ
What is the maximum height and minimum folded length?
The tripod reaches up to about 160 cm when extended and folds down to about 42.5 cm (with a listed folded size of 16.7 inches).
How much does the tripod weigh?
It weighs about 1.55 kg, which is why it is designed for travel and carry-around use.
Is the ball head compatible with Arca-type plates?
Yes, the included plate is designed to be compatible with Arca-type and Manfrotto RC2 head attachments.
Does it lock securely for framing?
The leg system uses ergonomic twist-locks, and the ball head has a primary knob for ball movement plus a secondary knob for independent 360° pan, both intended to help with secure positioning during shooting.
What kinds of cameras and lenses is it intended for?
It is positioned for compact cameras, CSCs, and DSLRs. The listed payload capacity is up to 8 kg, which supports heavier zoom lens setups compared with smaller travel-only tripods.
Specifications
| Product Title | Manfrotto Element MII 4-Section Aluminum Tripod with Ball Head, Black |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Camera & Photo > Tripods & Monopods > Complete Tripods |
| Brand | Manfrotto |
| Manufacturer | Bogen |
| Model Name | MKELMII4BK-BH |
| Model Number | MKELMII4BK-BH |
| Screen Size | 16.7 Inches |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Aluminum, Rubber |
| Item Weight | 1.55 Kilograms |
| Item Length | 63 Inches |
| UPC | 719821444992 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Manufacturer Part Number | MKELMII4BK-BH |
| Item Type Name | Element mii alu tripod. |
| Warranty Description | 2 year manufacturer |
| Built-In Media | 1 x Manfrotto Element MII MKELMII4BK-BH, Aluminium Travel Camera Tripod, with Carry Bag |
| Maximum Height | 160 Centimeters |
| Minimum Height | 43 Centimeters |
| Leg Diameter | 40.00 millimeters |
| Folded Size | 16.7 inches |
| Compatible Devices | Camera |
| Features | Compact, Lightweight |
| Weight Limit | 17.6 Pounds |
| Head Type | Ball Heads |
| Number of leg sections | 4 |
| Material Type | Aluminum, Rubber |
Available variants
Style
- 4 Sections Carb Mobile
- 4 Sections Alu Mobile
- 4 Sections Alu
- 5 Sections Alu Monop
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