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.

Very good platform, allows put your camera very low and very stable on any surface.But, please, for your awareness, if you want purchase Extreme version. This version had one omission, from my opinion - top surface of PlatyPod isn't flat. The bushings for attaching the legs protrude above the surface! This isn't allows screw in to surface tripod head with very big ball or with very low and big knobs. Distance between central bolt and edge of the bushing - 55 mm approximately. Just for your attention!!!!

Combined with gosenecks and a reasonable ball head this is a great platform for macro

This device is wonderful - I've used it on a few occasions - night shooting in the city and landscape in a rocky creek. I love low-profile shooting and this is the best device to achieve that. Just be careful what head you use on it as some heads with lever controls are difficult to use. I had to buy a new low profile head with round knobs to make it easier to use.

I bought this with the accessory pack to use rails and beams for camera support in bird-watching towers and suchlike. The first picture shows it on my balcony at home with a 1000mm Pentax F/8 lens and 2X rear converter. Even slight winds tend to move such a long lens. I then attached a tripod with ball head to the camera while the lens was set on a gimbal mount on the Platypod Extreme. Rock steady! The photographs were taken with this arrangement, with the birds on a TV aerial about 100 m away. Spotted dove and female rose-ringed parakeet. I never go out now without the Platypod in my bag. It adds little weight.

The Extreme gives me a stable way to take new images. With the Canon R and lenses that can cause a balance issue I have finally found a versatile, stable platform to shoot from. It has opened up the creative world of low angle images. No matter the surface there is a way the only limitation is you being able to set up the Platypod, if you can get a strap around a tree or pole you can get the image you want. Easier to carry and work with than a tripod. This is a must have accessory for any photographer!