Having your digicam low to the bottom can prevent some grief if the wind picks up throughout a protracted publicity session akin to for star trails. The Platypod eXtreme is a superb assist for fast deployment in addition to being as regular because the rocks that help it.
As a Platypod ambassador, I’ve had entry to the most recent model for a pair weeks.
Execs
- Digicam low to the bottom
- Weighs lower than earlier fashions
- Legs could be moved rapidly into place for fast positioning
Cons
- Spiked parts of the legs are tremendous sharp (I soften my spikes with a steel file to spherical them only a bit)
- Observe: I shared this with Platypod and there will probably be extra caps to cowl the pointed ends of the spikes when they aren’t wanted! Nonetheless, watch out because the ends are sharp.
Gear used — Technical specs
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
- 4 pre-mounted steel hingers for the spiked ft
- 1/4″ – 20 interchangeable spikes
- Belt slots to strap round timber or different objects
- Countersunk unthreaded holes to accommodate #8 or #10 wooden screws
- Dimensions: 7.75″ x 5.25″
- Thickness: 5mm
Gear used — Ergonomics and construct high quality
This factor is constructed like a brick! The plane grade aluminum is stiff, stable and sturdy. The legs really feel good and tight with the spring that maintain them in place. When you might have used them somewhat bit, it’s straightforward to drag them out and set in place in any of six stage positions. Machining for including equipment is sweet and clear.
Platypod eXtreme — Within the discipline
The most important change in comparison with the Platypod Max was the addition of positionable legs. Every leg could be rapidly locked in to position in 4 completely different configurations, but you continue to have the power to micro alter every leg by screwing the bolts a bit as effectively.
This takes away the previous downside of getting to screw in all 4 legs every time it was put in place.
Keep in mind that house I discussed? It makes it simpler to make use of the strap to mount the eXtreme to a tree or submit or railing or … you get the thought.
Much less is extra
Weirdly sufficient this expression got here to thoughts once I obtained the Platypod eXtreme. There’s extra space created to make it much more versatile, and it’s additionally a bit lighter than the earlier Max model. The eXtreme weighs a 3.3 ounces lower than the Max. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless robust and stiff. These heading to the again nation and panorama photographers will respect every ounce saved.
Platypod eXtreme — Shortly changing into one in all my favourite instruments
As talked about earlier, the Platypod eXtreme is nice for the panorama and wildlife photographer who’s heading out and needs digicam help with little weight. It may also be used within the studio when there’s not room for a tripod. I’ve efficiently used Platypods to get near my topic in meals and nonetheless life conditions.
It’s bizarre — once I purchased my first Platypod, I used it a pair occasions and sort of forgot about it. Platypods are a kind of MacGuyver instruments which have much more makes use of than you notice. As soon as I began utilizing it extra usually, I used it extra usually. The extra you employ Platypods, the extra you want them.
Kickstarter
Platypod eXtreme is in Kickstarter mode to assist get the ultimate product off the bottom. As of this writing there are over 1000 backers kicking in over $140,000 thus far. And it’s solely been obtainable for per week.
Yours in Inventive Pictures, Bob
