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Reviews > Cameras > Photography Accessories > Pedco UltraPod I > Owner Review by jerry adams

PEDCO ULTRAPOD MINI TRIPOD
BY JERRY ADAMS
OWNER REVIEW

May 02, 2011

TESTER INFORMATION

NAME: Jerry Adams
EMAIL: jerryaadamsatyahoodotcom
AGE: 57
LOCATION: Portland, Oregon, USA
GENDER: m
HEIGHT: 6' 1" (1.85 m)
WEIGHT: 190 lb (86.20 kg)

I started hiking about 45 years ago. My first backpack was 40 years ago. I currently try to do one backpack trip of 1 to 5 nights every month (which can be tricky in the winter). Mostly I stay around Mount Hood, Columbia Gorge, Mount Adams, Goat Rocks, and the Olympic Peninsula. In recent years I have shifted to lightweight - my pack weight without food and water is about 15 lb (7 kg). I make a lot of my own gear - silnylon tarp-tent, bivy, synthetic bag, simple bag style pack.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Manufacturer: Industrial Revolution
Year of Manufacture: 2009?
Manufacturer's Website: http://www.industrialrev.com/
MSRP: US$14.99
Listed Weight: 2 oz (57 g)
Measured Weight: 1.75 oz (50 g)

The Pedco UltraPod I Tripod is a small tripod for using with a camera or other device with a tripod type threaded hole. I think maybe it's better for a small point and shoot camera than a larger DLSR, but I've only used it with a point and shoot. Industrial Revolution also makes a slightly bigger tripod for bigger cameras. The website says the UltraPod I is good for cameras up to 3 pounds (1.4 kg).

It's definitely a compromise leaning more towards lighter weight than full functional tripod. I've tried taking pictures just setting the camera on a flat surface without a tripod but it is very difficult to get it steady and level. This tripod is much better.

Here it is in normal tripod mode. It holds the camera 4 inches (100 mm) above the surface it's resting on:

IMAGE 1

There is also a hook and loop strap to attach it to a branch:

IMAGE 2

It folds up to a small size, about 6 x 2 inch (152 x 52 mm):

IMAGE 3

The two legs that fold up are attached with rivets.

The tripod is made of black nylon reinforced with fiberglass. There is a screw to connect to common cameras.

There's a knob to tighten the swivel that allows the camera to be rotated to a level (or non-level) orientation. The camera can be tilted +- 90 degrees, angular adjusted +- 20 degrees, and panned 360 degrees.

There are holes in the legs to reduce weight.

There are little plastic caps on the leg ends. If I was more of an ultralight fanatic I'd throw away these plastic caps. The website says the caps are non-slip vinyl.

It's made in the U.S.A.

FIELD USE

I have used the UltraPod for about two years. I take it with me on all backpacking trips. I've taken dozens of pictures with it. I really like the improved picture quality that can be obtained with a tripod and the light weight of the UltraPod fits into my lightweight style.

The tripod is good for taking pictures of myself with the camera's self-timer. It's also good for taking steadier pictures than just holding the camera with my hands.

A "real" tripod is maybe 5 feet (1.5 m) above the ground and weighs maybe 5 pounds (2 kg). The UltraPod is not comparable to this, but it meets minimal tripod needs. It's definitely a compromise leaning way towards light weight. I have successfully used it in many different situations. I've used it on level surfaces, and also on irregular surfaces like a rock. I never use the hook and loop strap.

Before having the UltraPod, I had to find a level surface to place the camera on. It is difficult to find a suitable spot. I frequently had to place a stick or rock under the camera to make it level, but it's difficult to find the right stick or rock and it tended to fall over. The UltraPod makes it much easier.

The knob is easily adjusted to make the pan/tilt easier or stiffer. It can make the camera fixed in position, or sloppy, or anywhere in between. It's a fairly small knob so it might be difficult with gloves on.

SUMMARY

The Pedco UltraPod I tripod is a minimal, lightweight tripod for lightweight cameras.

Good:

Light weight (1.75 ounces , 50 g).

Marginally adequate tripod functionality - only holds the camera 4 inches (100 mm) above the surface.

Good tilt adjustment range.

The knob can be tightened to make the tilt adjustment possible without the camera slipping.

Bad:

I have to find a surface that's high enough to use with the tiny tripod.

If the surface is like a table, then since the camera is only 4 inches (100 mm) above it, the table tends to be in the field of view of the camera.

This report was created with the BackpackGearTest.org Report Writer Version 1.5 Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.

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