Finding the right easel is essential for outdoor painting.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, a sturdy and portable easel can greatly enhance your painting experience.
Mabef field easels are particularly popular due to their durability and ease of use, making them perfect companions for landscape painting in parks or beaches.
When selecting a field easel, I consider factors like weight, ease of setup, and material.
Lightweight options are key for carrying to various locations, while stability matters for producing smooth brush strokes.
It’s also beneficial to look for designs that can accommodate different canvas sizes, ensuring versatility in your art projects.
As I explore some of the top Mabef field easels available, I aim to highlight their standout features to help you find the perfect fit for your artistic needs.
Top Mabef Field Easels for Outdoor Painting
I’m excited to share my favorite Mabef field easels that are perfect for outdoor painting.
These easels combine functionality and portability, making them great companions for any artist looking to capture the beauty of nature.
Check out my top picks below!
Mabef Field Large Basic Folding Easel
This easel is a solid choice for outdoor painting, offering a balance of quality and practicality.
- Easy to adjust for various canvas sizes and painting styles.
- Lightweight and folds up nicely for transport.
- Well-crafted from durable, beautiful beech wood.
- Can feel unstable with larger canvases off-center.
- Requires careful assembly when taken apart.
- A bit bulky for those needing maximum portability.
After using the Mabef Field Large Basic Folding Easel, I found it quite practical for both oil and watercolor painting.
The lightweight design is a plus when I’m out and about.
Setting it up is a breeze, allowing me to jump right into painting without fussing over complicated adjustments.
The craftsmanship really stands out.
The oiled beech wood feels sturdy yet smooth, adding an aesthetic touch to my setup.
It’s clear this easel is built to last, which gives me confidence that it can handle various outdoor environments.
That said, I noticed a slight wobble when working with larger canvases.
It works well for smaller sizes, but I recommend positioning larger pieces carefully to maintain stability.
Overall, it’s a great option for artists looking for functionality and style in their outdoor equipment.
Mabef Folding Easel
This easel is a solid choice for artists looking for a versatile and portable option.
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
- Adjustable height and angle for various techniques.
- Made from durable beechwood that looks great.
- Slightly larger and heavier than expected.
- May not be as stable in windy conditions.
- Requires a bit of assembly before first use.
I recently took the Mabef Folding Multi-Media Field Easel out for a spin, and I was impressed by its portability.
Weighing in at a manageable weight, I found it easy to bring along on my outdoor painting trips.
The adjustable height from 33 inches to 78 inches is a huge plus, allowing me to work comfortably whether I was sitting or standing.
The adjustable head lets me switch between a flat or angled surface, which worked wonders for my watercolor and acrylic techniques.
I appreciated the ability to hold canvases up to 40 inches tall; it gives me flexibility when I want to experiment with larger works outdoors.
Still, I did notice that while the easel is sturdy, it can be a tad wobbly in windy conditions.
It’s not the lightest option out there, so make sure you’re comfortable carrying it if you’re planning to hike to your painting spot.
Overall, I feel like this easel combines functionality and style, making it a worthwhile investment for any artist.
MEEDEN Tripod Field Easel
If you’re in the market for a reliable easel that’s portable and easy to set up, I’d say this one is a solid choice.
- Sturdy build with premium beech wood that feels dependable.
- Easy to adjust for different canvas angles, making it versatile.
- Compact and collapsible design is great for transport.
- Initial setup can be a bit tricky for some.
- May be larger than expected when fully assembled.
- A few adjustments can feel cumbersome during use.
I recently had the chance to use the MEEDEN Tripod Field Easel for some outdoor painting sessions, and it really impressed me with its stability.
The beech wood construction gives it a solid feel, and the brass-plated parts add a touch of quality.
Unlike some easels that wobble, this one held my canvas securely, even with the wind trying to make my painting experience a little chaotic.
Setting it up took a couple of minutes, and while the instructions could be clearer, the video assistance provided helped a lot.
Once I got the hang of it, I appreciated how easily I could pivot my canvas to find the best angle for painting.
Whether you’re working with oils or watercolors, this easel can handle it all.
Transporting the easel is quite convenient since it folds down neatly into a compact form.
It fits perfectly in the carrying case, making it a breeze to take on road trips or hikes.
Just keep in mind, if you’re used to smaller easels, this one might take up a bit more space than expected when set up.
Overall, the MEEDEN easel has become a trusted companion for my outdoor painting adventures.
Mabef Folding Easel with Shelf Brackets
This easel is a solid choice for outdoor painting, especially for those who appreciate its lightweight design and portability.
- Compact and easy to carry.
- Adjustable canvas holder angle.
- Sturdy construction with support brackets.
- Can be a bit tricky to set up.
- Some may find it wobbly.
- Size might feel unwieldy for some artists.
I’ve had the chance to use the Mabef Folding Easel recently, and I appreciate how lightweight it is.
The easel folds down nicely, making it perfect for hikes to my favorite painting spots.
I found it easy to set up, and the pivoting canvas holder allows for flexible painting angles, which is a big plus when working outdoors.
The shelf brackets are a handy feature, holding my palette securely while I work.
I enjoyed the stability it provided for my canvas, reducing any annoying wobbling that can happen with cheaper models.
That said, I did experience some struggles when first assembling it; a smoother setup process could make the experience even better.
While the sturdy build made me feel confident while painting, some users mentioned that the legs might not always stay locked in place.
In my experience, as long as I checked them before starting, I didn’t have major issues.
Overall, the Mabef easel combines functionality and elegance, making it a delightful companion for plein air artists.
Mabef Revolving Canvas Accessory
This accessory has completely transformed my outdoor painting experience, allowing me to view my compositions from every angle.
- Adds 360-degree rotation to your easel.
- Solid construction from beech wood offers durability.
- Easy to install with a special clamp for extra stability.
- Initial setup may be a bit tricky.
- Somewhat heavy for transport.
- The arms can interfere with smaller workspaces.
Attaching this Mabef accessory to my easel was a game changer.
Once I figured out the installation, I realized how much freedom it offered.
Rotating my canvas from a vertical to horizontal position is seamless, allowing for creative experimentation that I’d always wished for in my previous setups.
The beech wood material feels solid and gives me confidence that it won’t wear down easily over time, even with frequent use outdoors.
I’ve painted in windy conditions, and the special clamp kept my canvas stable.
I feel more in control now, and can easily paint the edges without the awkward twisting or stretching I used to endure.
There were a couple of minor hiccups.
Getting it installed on my Mabef easel took a few tries, and I had to apply a bit of muscle to adjust it properly.
The arms can feel cumbersome in tight spaces, which led to some adjustments on my part.
Despite these challenges, the positives far outweigh the negatives.
If you’re looking to enhance your painting setup and want the freedom to explore angles, I highly recommend this accessory.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right field easel can make a big difference in your outdoor painting experience.
Here are some key features I consider when making my decision:
Weight and Portability
- Lightweight Materials: Look for easels made from aluminum or other lightweight materials.
- Compact Size: An easel that folds down easily makes it simple to transport.
Stability
- Sturdy Design: A solid base is crucial. I always check if the easel has adjustable legs for uneven ground.
- Weight Capacity: Ensure it can hold the size of canvases I plan to use without fear of tipping.
Adjustability
- Height Settings: I appreciate easels that adjust easily to my preferred working height.
- Angle Adjustment: Being able to change the angle helps me find the perfect position for painting.
Durability
- Weather Resistance: I look for materials that can withstand outdoor conditions, like rain or sun exposure.
- Build Quality: Check for strong joints and quality finishes.
Price
- Budget-Friendly Options: I often compare prices to find a quality easel that fits my budget.
- Value for Features: Sometimes spending a little more for better features is worth it in the long run.
Armed with this checklist, I’m confident in finding an easel that suits my outdoor painting needs.