Jerry Hiller: MY Carbon Tripod 732CY and M-Ypack Review

My only question about Manfrotto’s soon to be released “MYbackpack” is whether to call this a great photo backpack made to protect a great tripod or a great tripod included in an equally great photo backpack. Regardless of how that question is answered, this is one of the best kits one can find for the prosumer level photographer.

732CY, MYPack Kit

The first thing you will notice about the backpack is the Italian styling. This was accomplished without compromising any of the pack’s functionality. The pack I review was black with red trim highlights. It offers a very nice balance between looking expensive yet not so expensive were it alerts others that there is camera equipment inside. From a functionality standpoint, I can’t say enough good things. For the traveler; this pack fits comfortably under an airline seat, long ways and side ways. Having accrued over a million airline miles over the last 15 years, I can say with confidence that this is very important. You want to keep your expensive camera equipment as close to you as possible during your travels. In addition to offering an enclosed pocket for the included tripod (I’ll talk more about that later), the pack offers many more storage spaces. As with other high-end photo backpack systems, Manfrotto’s pack offers a padded compartment for a laptop. My 15” MacBook Pro easily fit into this space, even leaving room on the side for my power adapter. The unique pocketing system in the front allows you to organize your pack so the items you need most are quickly at your disposal. Located in the main compartment is a separate case to hold your camera as well an extra lens or two. By offering a detachable camera case within the pack, you can rest assured that your expensive equipment is protected. In addition, you can easily attach a shoulder strap (included with kit) to the case and easily turn it into a stand-alone carry case. The main compartment also offers ample room for most DSLR and high-end compact cameras accessories; battery recharger, memory case, filters, and the like. You can use the left over space for your computer and cell phone accessories. The last functional item I will mention on the pack is it’s strapping system. Out of the box the pack is configured as a backpack for easy transport. However, the shoulder straps can quickly be stored inside a recessed pocket, turning the pack into a large computer/photo bag.

732CY Carbon Tripod

As promised, I left what I think is the best for last. Included in this kit is a Manfrotto carbon-fiber tripod and ball head. Yes, I did say a carbon-fiber tripod and ball head are included in the kit. For those who have been shooting photos for some time, you will know that the Manfrotto name is synonymous with great tripods. You will also know that carbon-fiber is typically reserved for more expensive tripods due to their tremendous rigidity in a very lightweight solution. It offers one of the best strength to weight materials available. The tripod included in the kit is no exception. Travelers and adventurers will appreciate how little the tripod weights. Even though I purposely chose not to get into the mechanical functionality of the tripod, I will tell you that you will be hard pressed to find a feature it doesn’t have. For vacationers, this tripod is tremendously useful for taking pictures that require longer exposures in dark places; cathedrals, museums, castles, and the like. It is also great for taking pictures at night that require very long exposures. The ball head that is included with the system offers amazing ease of use. The quick release system allows for free shooting or tripod functionality in a matter of seconds. One of the things I liked best about the tripod is that it folds well enough to fit inside the bag, without any part sticking out. This is nice because an exposed tripod sends a message to would-be thieves, “Hey, I have expensive camera equipment in here.”

I think that with this kit Manfrotto has put together a winning combination. For the frequent or urban traveler, vacationer or outdoors person, this is the perfect complement to your camera system.

Jerry Hiller
www.jerryhiller.com

Flickr Photogallery:

7 Comments on “Jerry Hiller: MY Carbon Tripod 732CY and M-Ypack Review”

by ravi andrews
9:50 pm - November 25th, 2009

Please let me know where can i pick up the kit in UK and what all kit consist ? Secondly does the head can fit for my Manfrotto Monopod model no 681
?

Thanks
Ravi
by Manfrotto
4:32 pm - December 11th, 2009

Please chek here:
http://www.bogenimaging.co.uk/Jahia/site/biuk/cache/off/pid/21653
by Pawel
9:50 pm - January 12th, 2010

How I can obtain the kit in Sweden ?
by Manfrotto
6:36 am - January 21st, 2010

for availability in scandinavia, please check here:
http://www.turascandinavia.com/StartPage/StartPage.aspx
by Josue Zeta Rojas
3:30 pm - January 27th, 2010

Where can i purchase one in the United States? Any place near Los Angeles California?
by Manfrotto
8:51 pm - January 28th, 2010

Please check http://www.manfrotto.us
by Josue Zeta Rojas
11:08 am - January 31st, 2010

Still can’t find it. Could you please help me find this kit in the U.S.?