Cableaddict
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I have one. Got it on special from Adorama for "only" $100.
Hard to say how useful these things will be for most people (more on that below) but as far as build quality, this unit seem VERY solid. With my 5D and a 300mm lens attached, standing on a table as if a little tripod, I can tap the camera, and feel basically no residual vibration. It's about as stiff as a good aluminum tripod. My friend has the SLR version, and that one definitely does not damp vibration as well.
The strength of the legs (holding power when wrapped around something) is excellent, at least when the pod is new. No idea how it will age.
Another plus for this model is that it's taller than the SLR model. In "tripod" mode, it's about 11" to the screw. Sitting on a typical table, that gives you the equivalent of about a 40-41" tripod. Not great, but slightly more useable than the shorter model. I'm putting a Bogen vertical squeeze-grip head on mine, which will give me another few inches (over a standard ballhead.)
-BTW, I don't think these pods are very useful without ANY head. You probably want to also add a quick-release clamp. Start to get expensive, so you REALLY need to ask:
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Is it useful?
Well, for group portrait shots with a remote, sitting on a table, it's still a little short. (useful in an emergency, though)
For low-to the ground shots, and some macro & product shots, it is fantastic. -but again, you're going to want a quick-release clamp, or it may not be worth the effort to use it. (you might also want a 90-degree angled viewfinder. I'm hoping Canon's next offerings have articulating LCD's.)
For keeping in the truck as an emergency, well that's the main reason to have one, yes? -But I dunno how often when you need a tripod, you're going to find a convenient lamp, or ledge, or tree branch, right where you need it. What else can you attach this to? That's the problem.
One last use, and the reason I bought mine: I'm a musician, and like to take pics (movies also if I get the 5DII) of my band performing. It's usually rather difficult/dangerous to set up a tripod at the back wall of a club. However, there are typically lots of solid things hanging on the back wall & from the ceiling. I will use the pod to thus suspend my 5D high up on the back wall, and take pics with my radio remote. For, me, that one use is worth much more than I paid for this gizmo, even with the extra head & clamp.
Edited on Jan 01, 2009 at 01:39 AM · View previous versions
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