Manfrotto

I bought this little “rocketship” tripod 11 years ago, back when I wanted something small enough to use on a table, fence, or any flat surface instead of carrying a heavy aluminum tripod. This was before compact carbon fibre tripods became widely available.

The Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod is easy to underestimate until you keep finding uses for it. It is not a replacement for a proper tripod, but as a tabletop support, travel grip, phone stand, or small microphone stand, it remains genuinely useful. Somehow, it was even strong enough to hold my Canon 5D Mark II with a 24-105mm lens.

I use it less today for actual camera work, but it still works well for phone setups, desk audio, and compact accessories. Mine is customized with a SmallRig Arca-Swiss plate (DBC2506B) so I can quickly mount cameras and accessories.

The Good:

• Very compact and easy to keep in a bag.

• Works as both a mini tripod and a handheld grip.

• Push-button ball head is quick and intuitive.

• Good build quality for the price.

• Useful for small cameras, phones, action cameras, lights, microphones, or desk setups.

The Bad:

• Limited height, so it only works as a tabletop or ground-level support.

• 1 kg / 2.2 lb payload is not enough for heavier camera and lens combinations.

• No pan/tilt control or precision adjustments.

• Ball head can feel limiting compared to a proper compact tripod head.

• Not ideal outdoors on uneven ground or in wind with a heavier setup.

• My custom system does had bulk but that’s a me problem.

• Get it if you want a small, affordable tabletop tripod for compact cameras, phones, action cameras, or lightweight accessories. There is also a dedicated version with a built-in phone clamp.

• Get it if you want something that doubles as a simple handheld grip for video or travel.

• Pass if you need real tripod height, precise framing, or stability for heavier camera setups.

• Pass if you mostly shoot outdoors in wind or with larger lenses.

There are newer and smarter options from brands like SmallRig and Ulanzi, but the PIXI still works as a simple, durable mini tripod.