Qubo Mini Tripod Review for Micro Four Thirds Cameras

I have 3 large tripods but seldom use them when I’m out hiking for photography. With the image stabilization in my Olympus cameras, I shoot handheld a lot and I don’t miss dragging a big tripod around the woods especially on long, hilly hikes.

However, there are situations when a tripod is necessary:

Focus stacking in camera. I’m way too shaky to do focus stacking handheld even with Image Stabilization.
Long exposure photographs of waves on the beach.
Long exposures for silky smooth waterfalls. Although I have done this handheld with Olympus’ Live ND feature.

I decided that a mini tripod would be perfect for those occasions when I needed a tripod when out hiking. In shopping for mini tripods, I found the reviews mixed for all the tripods including the more expensive named brands. People either loved them or hated them.

I decided on the Qubo Mini Tripod since the ratings and reviews were similar to more expensive models. I tested the Qubo Mini Tripod with my Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III on a trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula shooting beach sunsets over shipwrecks and focus stacking mushrooms in camera.

**Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, 8-25mm f/4, Qubo Mini Tripod**

Qubo Mini Tripod Features and Specifications

Max Load

The Max Load weight of the Qubo is 4.4 pounds. The maximum weight that I used on the tripod was 2.5 pounds (1,141 grams) for my Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III and 12-100mm f/4 lens. The tripod head didn’t have any issues holding the camera securely or in drifting downward during long exposures.

I did try my Canon 6d and 24-105mm lens @3.17 pounds (1,436 grams) on the Qubo Tripod. In landscape orientation the Qubo held the camera fine but felt a little bit top heavy. However, in portrait orientation the tripod toppled over.

Size and Weight

The Qubo Tripod weighs only 10.9 ounces (309 grams) and folds down to only 9 inches (22.86 cm) tall which allows it to fit in almost any backpack for hiking. At this size and weight, I can just keep it in my backpack just in case I need it.

Positioning

Overall, the legs can be adjusted by expanding the legs giving the tripod head a height range from around 4.7 inches to 8.8 inches from the ground.

There is also a ring adjustment on the tripod to lock the angle of the legs. When the ring is set in the A setting, it allows to you lower the base of the tripod to nearly ground level (1 inch off the ground).

When the legs are extended, they lock into place and are released by pressing buttons on each leg. Since the height of each leg can be independently adjusted, I didn’t have any problem positioning the tripod on uneven ground.

**Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, 60mm Macro lens, Qubo Mini Tripod, Focus Stacking**

My Observations on the Qubo Mini Tripod

The Qubo Mini Tripod does not have a level so you will need to use your camera’s built in level or a level that fits in the camera’s hot shoe.

The tripod also does not have a mounting plate to quickly release the camera from the tripod. I found myself keeping the camera on the tripod during macro hikes so that I did not have to screw it back on each time that I wanted to use it.

The Qubo Tripod also comes with a cell phone mount and a Go Pro mount. However, I did not try either of these mounts.

Qubo Mini Tripod Review Summary

Overall, I have been pleased with the Qubo Mini Tripod for use with my Olympus Micro Four Thirds camera especially for the reasonable price. I paid $21.99 USD on Amazon.com.

The Qubo tripod held my Olympus camera securely, and also held the camera steady without slipping downward during long exposures. With its small size and weight, I will likely bring it along on most of my nature photography hikes.

Written by Martin Belan

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