PlatypodExtreme

The platypod will cut down on my tipod use and the weight I carry around with me. I have only used it in the Bird hide at the moment but it is very strong and stable. I can see it will be useful for putting my camera on walls, for tabletop photograph and supporting flash units in awkward places.Great product.

This arrived today (2 days early - thanks Amazon and UPS) and I have been messing around with the set-up.Post ordering I was rather concerned about stability and looking at all the You Tube videos didn’t really re-assure me regarding my camera and lens combos.I need not have worried!The pictures show firstly a Nikon Z9 with a 24-70mm f2.8S both in the horizontal and drooped down to about 1/2 inch from surface (no photo benefit, just to illustrate stability). The Platypod gave absolutely no indication of being front-end heavy which was my worry - it was fantastically stable. I then mounted my 50mm f1.2S which is probably the heaviest lens without a mounting tripod foot and like the 24-70 there was no indication of tipping. The 105mm f2.8S Macro is a lightweight in comparison. For reference the ball head is a Markins Q3 with a mounting plate approx 3.3 inches above the Platypod base.I wasn’t even aware of this piece of equipment until reading Dave Williams’ “The Eiffel Tower Effect” where he uses the Platypod to capture the Lonely Tree at Llanberis (as an aside this is a fantastic book) and was pleased to see that it could be sourced via Amazon.There are a large amount of accessories made by Platypod which use this base (especially in the macro arena) but they are not orderable through Amazon. They can be ordered direct from the US and shipping is quick albeit expensive.Impressive and simple piece of photography equipment which you can really take anywhere.EDIT - these are great replacement spike protectors https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07TBRX1Z6?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

This is a great alternative to a tripod for low and ground level photographs. There are several different ways to mount your camera and different ways to mount the plate so it makes for a very creative tool. It is well supported with some good videos on the Tube. You can attach luma cube style lights using optional gooseneck arms which makes it a good tool for macro work. You do need an additional ball head mount to make the best of it but there are plenty of cheap options available Overall a good versatile tool

The Platypus Extreme really lives up to its name. Very tough yet light. Simple adjustments for all four legend transferable locations on the plate for camera or tripod. I also bought their Elbow which is a good companion to increase versatility. Includes a pouch to hold the Extreme and a carabiner to clip it to a belt. Ideal for a low trajectory if photographing mushrooms.