Review: Ultra-Pod II

I have tried many kinds of tabletop tripods and all have failed miserably for the average DSLR.  That is, until my brother got me the Ultra-Pod II.  For entry level and even prosumer DSLR’s, this three-legged wonder does exactly what you want it to do.

Its simple design allows a large base that is stable enough for all point and shoots and the majority of DSLR’s.  While extra tightening and some sagging may occur when using larger lenses,for less than $20 you can’t go wrong.  It’s ridiculously lightweight (.25 lbs or about 125 grams) and it folds down to next to nothing and can be put into your camera bag, pocket, or purse.  An extra feature that you will be sure to enjoy is a velcro strap that allows you to attach this trifecta ofawesomeness onto a pole or an irregular object.

This item is a staple in my camera bag but it does have some negatives: the plastic though light, is not the strongest out there and the head is a double ball clamp.  Which means, don’t throw this thing around or step on it and that getting it into the stable position you want will take a little bit of work and adjustment.  This type of attachment also makes it a little restrictive when it comes to taking portrait shots.

So if you are looking for a great tripod at a very reasonable price, I would definitely recommend it for any point and shoot and basic DSLR.  If you buy two of them, you can strap one to each forearm and pretend you are some sort of pixelated superhero.   Fight crime and get some spectacular point-of-view shots as you smash their evil plans and their noses!

To purchase, simply check out your local camera store, MEC, or online.