Tripod for under 20 francs: OK or too cheap?
19/1/2024
Translation: Julia Graham
A tripod this cheap surely can’t be good. Or can it? I compare the Rollei Compact Traveler Star S1 with my Manfrotto tripod, which is about ten times more expensive.
At the time of testing in mid-January, the Rollei tripod cost 16 francs. In Germany, it’s a little more at around 25 euros, but still not much. Is it even possible for such a cheap tripod to be any good? I doubt it, but the countless user ratings are predominantly positive. And that piqued my curiosity.
In this review, I’ll be comparing the test tripod with my Manfrotto Befree, a standard travel tripod. The quality is decent, but it’s not a luxury product. While no longer available, the tripod set me back 169 francs a few years ago.
A possible alternative to the Befree, which is also no longer available, is the Befree Advanced.
Lightweight
What’s immediately noticeable is that the Rollei travel tripod is light. My kitchen scales say it’s 550 g, although the specs indicate 570 g – the latter probably being the total with tripod plate and cover. This small weight can be both an advantage and a drawback. While you don’t want to be carting about too much when you’re on the go, a tripod should also be able to withstand a certain amount and not fly away with every gust of wind.
To put the Rollei model into perspective, the Manfrotto Befree weighs about 1,450 g without the cover and mounting plate.
Ready in an instant
The design of the Rollei tripod is simple and practical. As a result, it can be set up very quickly. Pull the telescopic legs apart, extend them, and you’re done. You can pull the legs out in three stages for four different height options. These can then be precisely altered using the adjustable centre column. The height from the floor to the tripod plate ranges from 39 to 120 cm.
With the Manfrotto Befree, I first have to turn the three legs 180 degrees before I can extend them. Then I have to turn three small levers to a different position. When packing up, do the same in reverse order.
Source: David Lee
The advantage of these levers is that I can set up the Manfrotto tripod at two different angles. This gives a greater height range, from just under 36 cm to 140 cm. When folded away, both tripods are approximately 40 cm long.
The tripod plate
The tripod plate is the mount that’s screwed onto the camera and then snaps into the tripod. The original plate for my Manfrotto tripod is resting in peace at the bottom of Lake Greifensee, so I had to get myself a new one. This is also where the Manfrotto differs to its cheap counterpart: you can get hold of spare parts. And in my case, the replacement is even higher quality than the original. It also costs more than the full Rollei tripod at its current price.
This thing has the build quality of a Swiss Army knife. In other words, it won’t break. I’m not so sure about the small, thin plastic on the Rollei tripod, though. In fact, I think it’s quite likely this thing will eventually break or tear out of its holder if it’s used regularly.
Both plates boast a handle for turning the screw. But only on the Manfrotto tripod does the handle stays in place when I fold it upwards. The Rollei handle falls down again and stops me inserting the plate into the tripod. Depending on how I turn it, I can push the handle in at the top, but then I have trouble getting it out again. Annoying, it unnecessarily complicates a simple task.
The handle and entire plate feel so satisfying on the Manfrotto that I even abuse the thing as a fidget spinner.
Tool vs. thing to tinker with
The cheap tripod feels rickety and wobbly, but it fulfils its purpose. I can mount the camera and it holds. It also holds at an angle and in portrait format. But I’m not entirely comfortable with it and keep wondering how long it’ll last. The very first time I use it outside, one of the three legs pops out of the connector. To be fair, I can push it back in and it works as before. But it destroys my confidence in the tripod’s longevity.
The camera I’m using for this test weighs 1.2 kg with its lens. According to the specifications, this tripod can handle up to 2 kg. The Manfrotto Befree, on the other hand, can take 4 kg.
The legs of the Compact Traveler Star S1 are presumably made of aluminium. In any case, the Rollei tripod is advertised as metal. But the side struts are made of fragile-looking plastic. The tripod head and even the hinges are largely made of plastic. Meanwhile, the Manfrotto model is a different kettle of fish. It actually feels like a proper work tool. The Rollei tripod, on the other hand, is like a toy for tinkering with.
Source: David Lee
Source: David Lee
Features only available in the cheap tripod
The Rollei Compact Traveler Star S1 has a spirit level, while my Manfrotto tripod has none. But I don’t actually need one either. For one thing, the spirit level only shows if the three legs are aligned. The tripod head and camera can still be at an angle. What’s more, today’s cameras have a built-in spirit level and can show you in the live image if you’ve got it level.
Source: David Lee
The Rollei tripod also boasts a swivel arm, which is missing on the Manfrotto tripod. In theory, this would let me film a stabilised camera pan shot. But in practice, it was a lot more difficult than that. The swivel mechanism is relatively tight and because the tripod is so light, I have to hold it with one hand to prevent it sliding. This tripod is also simply too wobbly for videos in zoom range.
The Manfrotto Befree live also features a swivel arm and should be much more stable, although I haven’t put this to the test.
Verdict: better than nothing
This Rollei device holds the camera. It’s a tripod. And therefore better than no tripod. Despite its light weight, I wouldn’t take it with me on trips where it’ll be subject to heavy use. I’d be too concerned about it breaking at a crucial moment. Instead, I can picture this model being used more indoors, where it doesn’t have to withstand much.
This cheap tripod could be a starting point if you don’t know exactly what you need – in other words, using it to gain some initial experience. However, if you have a clear idea of your needs, you’re better off buying quality. Tripods rarely become obsolete, so you can use a good tripod for many years. With that in mind, I don’t think it’s wise to penny-pinch on a few francs here and there. I have no regrets at all about paying more for a sturdy, trustworthy tripod.
David Lee
Senior Editor
David.Lee@digitecgalaxus.chMy interest in IT and writing landed me in tech journalism early on (2000). I want to know how we can use technology without being used. Outside of the office, I’m a keen musician who makes up for lacking talent with excessive enthusiasm.
