Cullmann Nanomax 220
Weight and pack size are for me a decisive factor. Here clearly scores the Cullmann tripod. Extremely light and small enough to fit on Mopped in the aluminum case. Perfect so. But this lightweight has its price. The 3-fold extendable legs are in the end only legs and correspondingly unstable. Without wind might not be a problem. But I type only gently on the lens of my camera, starts the whole to swing merrily. I would argue that this is likely to be even lighter in Bridge or compacts the case - for ease just means less earthiness.
Furthermore - fitted to a lot of plastic, which is also at the expense of stability - precisely because of the weight. Starting with the telescopic tube clamps, via levers, joint head (no ball head! To Schnellkupplungsplatte. The telescopic legs go not by itself and can be Spreitzer only in a predetermined angle. The balancing of the stand is therefore quite a fumbling. A ground-level overhead installation is only on strange way possible because the standpipe is not completely pulled out and can be easily repositioned. Instead, another threaded rod was (how to clutch plate) placed at the standpipe below. This means looking at the camera from bottom must screw off. Well ...
Conclusion:
However, for hard outdoor use only conditionally and like mine (with only 1.4 Kg) not be used from a camera weight class - looks nice, is extremely light and compact. Only my subjective opinion, of course. Maybe that part is an acceptable compromise for colleagues to explore the world on foot. For bulk and weight, there are 2 stars.
Mantona Scout
10 EUR more expensive, heavier and definitely a par centimeters longer in pack size. Exactly the centimeter, which no longer fit in my suitcase.
But: the tripod is instantly inviting - already intuitively. Everything looks and works like Made in Germany. The 2-fold extendable legs are (to close to the ground) spread in three different angles. The telescopic tubes go out on its own once the clamps are opened. Very important when time is of essence. The tripod is already rock solid without the weight of the camera. Nothing vibrates or wobbles. It was largely built of steel / aluminum. Only the telescope brackets are made of plastic, but even those are valuable and even screwed, therefore interchangeable with defect. Ordinary ball-joint. Ordinary Schnellkupplungsplatte with sturdy closure and assurance. The (Scout) board is small enough to remain on the camera can and also does not interfere with the rotation of the camera display. And again is easily typed on lens - and nothing moves. That's how it should be.
Conclusion:
Also looks good. Very well made. Good handling. Quick to set up. Very stable (without cross-ties) The tripod gives you a safe feeling. That something more to save weight and space can I cope. Then even the almost unbelievable price for this quality: 5 stars.
The Mantona is on my next trip there.
The Cullmann goes back to Amazon.
Addendum 10.2011:
The Mantona was now more than 7,000 Km while in Andalusia. In parts (even offroad) without bag simply strapped back on the luggage roll so quickly accessible. It has thus excluding the permanent establishment and Abbauerei even have to swallow plenty of dust. Conclusion after 16 days Spain tour: the tripod is perfect for such trips. Super quick to assemble and disassemble quickly in a stable position and does not indicate so far the fewest defects.