Two years ago I met a photographer named Larry Tiefenbrunn and his most of his family members. A nicer, friendlier bunch of people you’ll never meet. They run a little business that makes some of the most unusual, dynamic, and downright useful camera supports I have ever seen or used. When it comes to camera supports, we all know the problems associated with using a tripod; They are typically big, bulky, heavy and in some places they are just downright banned.
Larry’s Platypods have offered a unique (and brilliant) solution in the form of plates you can carry in your pocket or even the smallest camera bag and which can be used to secure your camera when you need a rock-solid shot. The original Platypod was great but wasn’t quite stable enough when using long lenses on a DSLR. Then came the Platypod Max which can be used by virtually any photographer with heavy gear Then Larry had one more idea. A new plate that was nearly as small as the original Platypod but as sturdy and solid as the Max. Enter the Ultra. It’s claim to fame is that it is smaller than the Pro, and lighter than both of the other Platypods. The new unit will make it even easier to get very low-angle shots and shots from unusual angles. The kit comes with a wallet for the four heavy-duty spike feet that add stability, a 20-inch strap to hold the Ultra in place and a carabiner to help you carry it all into the field. This new model has more grip options. There are five threaded holes that you can use in any combination to secure the unit. They will work with any standard monopod, tripod or quick release plate. And the belt slots are my favorite thing about the new Ultra. While I had no trouble securing the original Platypod’s with zip ties, this is just a more elegant solution and pretty much any belt will work. How could you use the Ultra? Well just about any place you’d use a tripod. But it also is a great solution for photographers who need a convenient, small, lightweight way to secure flash heads and other accessories on set. It’s incredibly portable. Heck it might fit in your wallet. The accessory kit is truly valuable. The quality of all the components is off the charts. Anything Platypod makes is top-shelf. Everyone from still photographers, to cinematographers will find this new Ultra to be a must-have acceessory. CONCLUSION I can’t believe that a tool which is roughly the size of a large iPhone can provide so many versatile methods of supporting my camera. And I forgot to mention, the thing weighs just 3.2 ounces! If you’re like me and been down-sizing your camera kit, something this small, light and versatile is a Godsend. Like Larry’s other efforts, this product came to life on Kickstarter and also like Larry’s other products it blew past its goal in about a day. If you want to get in on the fun visit http://bit.ly/PodUltra. How much do I like the new Ultra? If I could only have one camera support this would be the one. Highly recommended.
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