MeFoto’s new tripod cuts the weight and can operate as a selfie stick

By Gannon Burgett September 20, 2016

mefoto tripod selfie stick air monopod family — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Regardless of whether you favor them yourself, selfie sticks are here to stay. As such, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that more and more companies are looking to take advantage of this trend.

One of the latest companies to do so is MeFoto, with its new line of tripods that include an integrated selfie stick into one of the legs of the tripod. Today, MeFoto officially launched its new lineup of MeFoto Air tripods.

In addition to the wacky color options on offer, the tripods offer “HyperLock” technology, which MeFoto calls “one of the most advanced leg locking systems found on any tripod today.” Rather than multiple adjustment points on each leg of the tripod, MeFoto’s HyperLock technology makes it so you only have to twist each leg once to adjust the height. Beyond simplifying the process of adjusting the height, this also helps to remove excess weight. In a brief hands-on, we found the tripod to be incredibly sturdy yet lightweight.

The defining feature of the MeFoto Air series though is its unique implementation of a selfie stick. With the help of a Bluetooth remote and spring-loaded phone adapter, each MeFoto Air tripod can turn into a selfie stick for easy capture of self-portraits.

It might seem a bit gimmicky, but its universal Bluetooth connectivity and convenient two-in-one package makes this a solid option for consumers who want versatility in their products.

The MeFoto Air tripods will be offered in multiple sizes, including MeFoto’s BackPacker, RoadTrip, and GlobeTrotter tripods, as well as its WalkAbout monopod. The smaller tripod is ideal for smartphones or small cameras, while the GlobeTrotter can handle more professional cameras, like full-frame DSLRs. They are set to ship on November 1, 2016, at prices ranging from $59 for the monopod to $249 for the GlobeTrotter tripod.

Topics

Editor

Photography

Best Camera Deals: Save on Canon, Panasonic, Nikon, and GoPro

fujifilm x t4 review set 2 dm 1

Whether you're looking for the best digital cameras or the best travel cameras, there are a ton of options out there, sometimes too many options, especially for those who aren't familiar with the photography world. Luckily, we've done a lot of legwork for you and collected a range of great camera deals across the spectrum, so even if you want something more sports-oriented, like a GoPro, there are a couple of deals for those too. So, let's jump right into it.
Today's Best Camera Deals
One of our favorite deals is the Canon EOS Rebel T7 going for $400, as it's one of the better DSLR cameras on the market, and it has a reasonably budget-friendly price on it, making it a great starter camera. Of course, if you've been in the game for a while and are looking for a powerful upgrade, the Sony Alpha 7R IV is one of the best full-frame cameras on the market, and while it still costs a hefty $3,200, that's still $300 off the usual $3,500 price tag. That said, if you're looking for something more portable and action-oriented, you can't go wrong with the GoPro HERO11 Black Mini, although if you're a professional content creator, the GoPro HERO9 Black 5K is probably the one to go for instead.

Do I Need a DSLR or a Mirrorless Camera?
Like most things, this really depends on what you're trying to do. Mirrorless cameras have fewer internal moving parts, which generally means they can capture images quicker, so if you're taking pictures of action-packed stuff like sports or animals in the wilderness, a mirrorless camera is a great option. On the other hand, DSLR cameras are great for low-light conditions and are great for anything from portraits to landscapes. DSLRs are also cheaper and have much better battery life, as well as having a decade or two worth of lenses to choose from.

Computing

How to blur a background in photos

A person photographed with iPhone 11's portrait mode.

Introducing a background blur to your photos can draw attention to a specific subject, such as an individual in a portrait or an item in a still life, while also adding a professional flair to your image. This beautiful background blur, also known as bokeh, can be achieved even after shooting your photo, thanks to advances in editing software. This guide will walk you through the process on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.

Mobile

How to download Instagram photos (5 easy ways)

Instagram app running on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5.

Instagram is amazing, and many of us use it as a record of our lives — uploading the best bits of our trips, adventures, and notable moments. But sometimes you can lose the original files of those moments, leaving the Instagram copy as the only available one . While you may be happy to leave it up there, it's a lot more convenient to have another version of it downloaded onto your phone or computer. While downloading directly from Instagram can be tricky, there are ways around it. Here are a few easy ways to download Instagram photos.