Platypod Review - Gimmick or Useful Tripod Alternative for $99
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- Опубліковано 31 лип 2017
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Platypod Review - Gimmick or Useful Tripod Alternative. I have spent a few months with the Platypod- a $99 unique camera support that gives you a stable platform for even seriously heavy gear.
Buy the Platypod from B&H Photo: bhpho.to/2uSxuVW
Platypod Accessory Pack: bhpho.to/2uSC5Yq
More about the Platypod: www.platypodpro.com/
I have brought the Platypod Pro along on a weekend trip to Mt Rainier and a two week photo workshop in Iceland and it has really grown on me. No it doesn't replace the tripod completely but when I do want to travel lighter or in situations where tripods aren't allowed - it works and works very well! And honestly I think many landscape photographers should consider the more ground level shots - it's a perspective that can make your work stand out. Obviously the Platypod pro is well made and is going to be just as sturdy two years from now - Though I have lost one of the feet, I wish the magnet was a little stronger that holds the spike feet. I will have to order some replacements. I am looking forward to continuing to take this along on trips and travels, why not - it fits into my suitcases and gives me a really solid additional option especially once I add the accessory kit with anti slip silicone pad, an extension to use the Platypod with lighting gear and a strap.
Toby, thanks for a well executed critical review.
I do need to correct one error, Max is just 13 ounces rather than the pound and a half you stated. For people with lighter cameras who want a more lightweight yet sturdy solution, check out the Platypod Ultra which weighs in at under 6 ounces with spikes and a neat little wallet case for the spikes.
Sincerely,
Larry T., Platypod CEO & Inventor
Thanks Larry - I will pin this for the correction.
?? He didn't even see fit to use it in the video.
What could be the right one for a Canon EOS R with EF or RF lenses? Ultra or Max? Many thanks
I accidentally bought ultra i think and it is too small to hold my dslr... how do i get it replaced to bigger plate if i bought it on Amazon?...i sent email to platypod about it but they havent responded...
But will it blend? Or stop a bullet? ;)
Great idea. Considering I have to supply my own ball head, I believe I could make the same thing for about $10 and a trip to the hardware store
I use a mini manfrotto tripod, not heavy, very stable, slips into the strap loop on my bag, supports dslr and lens without issue and didn't cost 100 bucks.
exactly.. i always have the manfrotto pixi tripod in my bag.. weights about 300g only.. and can tilt up or down like these thing too... n.. yea it dosent cost $99..
Best Platypod review on UA-cam!!! Thanks for posting this. Solved a lot of my questions on the Max. For a sturdy mount that is not a "banned tripod" and has that professional look for clients.... I'm sold!
Cool. Glad I could help you!
Just came across your channel while researching this product and you spoke about the very things I was thinking with the Gorillapod, etc. Excellent and I will be subscribing. Thumbs-up and thank you!
I have been using the platypod max since it came out. never had a problem with the tripod police where my friend's have. Used it in churches etc no problems. I now also have the small ultra, can still use it ok with my Nikon d800 and a medium prime or like a 16-35mm zoom.
Thanks Phill - good info!
I'm in love with your videos. Your production level has improved vastly, it's eyegasm for me. Keep up the good work man.
Thanks Man!
Welcome :)
Great review Toby! Whilst I think that it is a bit pricey, I also love the idea!
I just bought the Max and a ball head to mount on it (I don't have it yet). I do a lot of water shots (waterfalls, streams) and splaying the legs out on a tripod for low shots, which I do a lot, gets old pretty fast. I tried removing the center column from the tripod which helped out tremendously (does anyone even use them?) but still a tripod is very ungainly sometimes. I also shoot architecture and having a stable option to use for shooting up is a nice option to have. Then there is other "No tripods allowed" which I get a lot of when trying to shoot in a museum or anywhere else where they do not allow the use of tripods. I get why they do that, some folks are not respectful but that ruins it for those of us that are. I have used mini tripods in the past but honestly, I am not impressed by them. I am hoping that the Platypod solves all of this and I already have ideas on how I want to use it. I hope it works out, I guess we'll see.
How have you got on with the platypod this last year?
Good review... Trying to find a solution to record me while driving... This with a bean bag I'm thinking
How did you find it working with the PP and the 150-600 lens ?
You had to be a little more careful about balance but it still stayed VERY still and stable. (it was mounted under the lens if that wasn't clear)
Made a groundpod out of a 10” frying pan with 3/8” bolt, 2 washers and 3 bolts for l less than $9. Left the handle on it to push😂 it around and also attach it to my belt by carabiner. Provides a stable platform for camera ball head or gimbal and supper telephoto lens. It’s down and dirty cheap but works well.
I had a Platypod but returned it, and bought a Decade tripod base. Much less and works better, IMO. I like that the Decade has a bolt that you can remove, the Platypod doesn't.
That's huge if you're looking for something that slips into a sleeve in your bag and you don't want to tear up your bag.
your timbre and rhythm of speaking in your video's reminds me of Andy Rooney..... you always have great videos. I am glad that I sub'd
Thanks.. I think :)
Mini Tripod wise wise I have used the Pedco Uultrapod II. It holds a good amount of weight (Sony A7 with 24-240 - although you have to set it up with the lens in line with the longest leg). I also use a Oben TT mini tripod. Even when someone says no tripods you get away with these.
I own that - it's actually one of the few products I have owned for the last 15 years and is still with me - just can't put nearly as heavy gear on it as the PP in this review.
What camera and lens did you use to shoot this?
All reviews are shot with Panasonic GH5 and 12-35 f/2.8 lens additional shots from the DJI Mavic
sir I have a quick question should I pick canon 760d for 600$ nd is it good for.potraits
+mahir mustalkim yes but add the 50mm f/1.8
PhotoRec TV thanks sir for your suggestion. appreciated and may allah bless you👏👍 I watch your every single video and those are very much helpful keep making videos sir
It s certainly an interesting product. But it is expensive for basically a plate with a screw and a couple of holes in it... maybe better of to go to home-depo and build one. Plus their is actually another concern for me, maybe you can say something about:
I do love shooting low to the ground, but the platypod seems almost to low. I find that a couple of inches higher (not alot) can greatly help when shooting with a wide-angle. This low to the ground I bet it will greatly exaggerate the first couple of inches/feet of dirt directly in front of the camera.
May make it even harder to go for the classic near/far composition.....
Their accessory kit now offers an extender to get the camera a little higher. As I said in the video it can feel limiting but I often found a rock or log that let me get it a little higher.
Thanks for the review! Would also double as a bulletproof vest insert methinks 😂
L really like this comment. Thank you.
I usually use the manfrotto pixi, it's very little, light weight and surprisingly stable. I use it with a sony a6000.
I use the Pixi too. Great little piece of gear. It's worth mentioning the weight limit isn't suitable for DSLRs with longer lenses. eg a 60D with 70-200 will slip at 90 degrees. Otherwise, awesome.
I have a Manfrotto 055xprob & the manfrotto carbon fiber tripod & they are a pain to carry around. I would gladly carry this with me. Like the old saying " better to have & not need , than need & not have"
have a look at the ultrapod 2, best option I've found
I own that - it's actually one of the few products I have owned for the last 15 years and is still with me - just can't put nearly as heavy gear on it as the PP in this review.
I had to laugh when you said 'soft soil' while you're in a pumice field. So, $99 ~ guess that needs to be revisited.
Shouldn't those legs or "spikes" be used the other way around so that the feet are on bottom?
Depends what surface you on. If it is soft you can dig the spikes into the ground, if you don't want to mess it up, like a car, you can use the rubber ends, or if it is flat you don't need any at all.
Yeah, I wasn't able to see that the spikes were actual spikes. They looked like just regular bolts. I took the liberty to look up some other videos and saw them more clear. Seems like a good idea for a product.
Good for low shots, but $99? Seriously?
Great review, Toby.
Thanks Tim!
Nice review. Haven't seen many for the PP. Thinking about grabbing one for landscapes.
Toby, Larry just fired you 😂😂😂
That is around $20.00 DIY project.
All you need is drill, 4 1/4-20 bolts, 1/4-20 tap and 6 X 8 X 1/4 inch plate
or an old frying pan instead of a plate...that way you also have a handle to help position it..
Some people love DIY and can save serious $$$ if they are willing to spend a little time. Some people see time as money and like to buy a finished product.
Sounds like a good idea - the only issue I see - a frying pan that provides enough of a platform is going to be a good bit heavier. Maybe you don't mean cast iron.
I brought the miniPlasterHand (www.miniorenji.com/mini-plaster-hand) last year when it was an indiegogo project. I haven't used it extensively but a few times that I did use it, it worked very well even with a DSLR. Without using the strap to anchor the mount onto a surface, the device cannot support cameras with bigger lenses such as the Nikon 70-200mm F/2.8. Once the strap is in use, it held the camera very well but I would be nervous if I am to hang my camera with a big lens on a tree trunk or lamp post.
I love the idea but sadly for £77 i don't think so. The DIYer & Far East manufacturers will have a field day with this.
there were similar camera platforms on eBay before this came out.
I have to laugh at all the DIY commenters saying how the could make it for less. Sure you can find a piece of aluminum and drill a few holes for $20 but let's take a real look at the expenses. You need at a minimum a drill, tap & die set and hack saw if you want to make even a crude version. A NC machine would be helpful if you want to copy the full functionality of the Platypod. And let's not forget the cost of anodizing your DIY project. Now let's throw in say three hours of your time at $25/hr and whoops your way over the price of a Platypod and you'll have an inferior product. I've been using the original Kickstarter Platypod for over a year and while it doesn't replace my tripod it does open up a new world of possibilities. After talking with a photographer that I have a lot of respect for I've recently ordered the an Ultra with the accessory kit. A Platypod is one of those thing that you don't realize how useful they are until you have one.
Well let's see, since I already have all those tools, and the know how, I can make the exact thing. And in less than an hour. But to your point, mass production of it, since they have all the tools as well, should be less than 100 bucks, they're asking for a piece of tin and some screws. Hell, there are more parts in a justin clamp for a lot cheaper.
I agree with you.
Although there are some that are able to manufacture it themselves, there are many of us that don't have any of these tools on hand.
I spend most of my life traveling and on the road, so the amount that this costs, versus the time and materials I would need to track down and purchase to manufacture it, works out rather economical for me.
Also, although I always have a travel tripod with me, even the heaviest duty Gorillapod gets annoying and mine has already started breaking down on me after a few years of use.
This looks like a great alternative that is virtually indestructible.
I can see this being quite useful for my use case and the cost is virtually nothing compared to all the gear that I will be mounting on it.
i use a micro dolly.
#notfication squad
Hi I am from Melbourne love your reviews on cameras. I planning to buy one good budget dslr to start making short videos for film festivals and upload them on UA-cam. These stories have social awareness integrated and will be performed by natural actors. I want your opinion on this and would really appreciate if you can suggest me a great beginner dslr with alrounder lens for videos which will be great under $1000 or so. Thanks so much for reading my comment
+Mobeen Ahamed Canon 80D. With 18-55mm to start. Or Panasonic G85 with kit lens.
Does it have to be DSLR? I think mirrorless is better option, like G85 that Toby suggested.
Okay, so is it pronounced like "platt-ee-pod" or "plate-ee-pod?" It just occurred to me after I bought one it might be the latter given that it is in fact made of a metal plate. Embarrassing how long it took me to come to that realization...
lol you can get a board from home depot.
I'd like to have seen it in use.
+Ed Waggoner Sr. Didn't I show set and use in the opening?
I guess I would like to have seen more uses. It was a good video, as are all your videos. Maybe you will do a follow up video. Cheers.
Have and Have used " The Green Pod .. www.THEPOD.ca.. soft flexible and readily adapted to any surface..
I also have a Splat pod sold by miggo.com lays flat in bag and is very easily molded to fit your desired placement for pod use ..
Pam Case
so what happend to the omd em1 mk2.. guess you went back to sony again
Watch this - ua-cam.com/video/SdKpor-nvDs/v-deo.html
PhotoRec TV thank you
PhotoRec TV now i dont what to buy, miss my 70D autofocus, my G85 is not getting me excited, but it has 4k. if only nikon had canon autofocus in videos
I was the first one to watch and like
Platypod : Useful | Platyball: Gimmick for that $$
They could cut a lot of metal off of that and make it much lighter from what I can see. Looks bit heavy for its purpose.
Actually, I quite like the heft that it has.
I would rather it be heavier than not if I'm putting thousands of dollars of gear on it.
At my age I can't lie on my stomach to look through the viewfinder.
That's why I love articulating screens and really dislike cameras without them.
kneeling kills my knees - bought some carpenter's kneepads (gel filled) and life's good again. If you don't favor laying on the ground, consider a plastic covered swimmer's kickboard - works great...
use Manfrottos small DSLR mini tripod. It's much more versatile than this.
Would you feel comfortable putting a DSLR and 150-600 on that tripod?
No. Actually it starts to get fairly heavy. I tried my GH5 with a battery grip + EF 85mm F1.2 and a speed booster (granted, a heavy set up) and I felt that was the limit. But if you mount your 150-600 on the lens instead of the camera body maybe you'll get a better balance.
Thank you now I know what that is. I think I'll stop moaning about taking my tripod.
Gorillapods, although they seem like a good idea, are not durable. Do not waste your money on them. Platypods look interesting, but they seem limited to low-angle shots.
I have to agree with you.
I have the heaviest duty version and it is as much frustration as it is useful.
As it is rather heavy duty it has lasted well but I can see the degradation. My main problem is that all the black rubber is disintegrating and leaving residue or black marks on surfaces.
I am very tempted to grab the Max version. I can see it doing most of the same work with more stability.
I'll pass, don't feel right putting my camera too close to the floor, near sand or to the ground in general...I'll just bring an adjustable tripod.
Fair enough - just know that these cameras are tough and you might be missing out on a cool shot :)
Bute there are instances where you are not allowed to use a tripod but you get away with the platypod. In addition to that you can use walls, fences, poles, etc. and position the platypod in a way you can't with your tripod. And the best of all - it is much lighter and pocketable. The perfect addition to a tripod, not a replacement. I love both.
Concerning shots near the ground - that is exactly where you get many good photos and where the platypod is much easier to handle. I use mine for a year now and don't want to miss it.
@@DieterHenkel just learned about this tool from Scott Kelby but not sure how to go about composing the picture. Can you elaborate on this? Seems it would be difficult to use view finder. Thx.
I am using these two items and it works pretty good! cheaper and less stuff to bring along if you already carry a monopod with you. I use the benro trilegs with a Desmond DTR-1 3/8"-16 to 1/4"-20 Tripod Thread Reducer. www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1083926-REG/benro_vt2_3_leg_locking_base.html, www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/964632-REG/sunwayfoto_dtr_1_converts_3_8_stud_to.html
If this niche product was made in America, then the price is reasonable. Nowhere on their site does it say "Made in the USA". I'm pretty sure the chinese knock off's are not to far off.
The Chinese knock off is very good & a lot cheaper. It includes 4 retractable feet on the base so you don't need to use the screws if you want to take a quick shot.
Do you have any links to these? I'm curious to see what they've done to improve on the design
Very interesting piece of equipment. I do a lot of sneaker on-foot shots and I feel this could be particularly useful for that.
Probably i could make one myself under $10...
novoflex minipod nf3320 is at least 100x better than this platy.
Its a gimmick. Why would i pay for $99 piece of metal plate??? A gorrila pod can do this and more. All i get for a portrait with this are nose holes.😂
I disagree and after owning several gorillapods over the years, they all start to fail or out right break with normal use. Not very useful. In the short term they are great and very versatile!
@@photorectoby its just a sample brand, basically what im saying any table top tripod. In fact, I agree to lot of comments here that this is something one can make(without difficulty), well yeah, its just a flat thing and for the price, its just doesnt justify it IMO.
Junk-gimmick:)
Consumerism.... This is such a stupid product.
agreed. $99!?
Fills a niche that some people need.
It's obviously not targeted for you then.
I see many uses for this in the way I work and travel.
Pretty crappy product I must say - a ripoff for $99! And it offers very limited perspective.
It is not a crappy product and not a ripoff for $99. I do agree it might not offer a good value for everyone. Can you offer a good alternative that will hold big cameras stable and low to the ground?
waste of money