Reddit mentions of Pedco UltraPod II Lightweight Camera Tripod

I own this and it's amazing. It folds up really nicely, supports my t2i even with the tokina 11-16 f2.8. It has a forever home in my bag, and is invaluable while traveling. I will not travel without it.

Really like the Ultrapod ii

I would either keep what you have and not buy a lens, or buy the 25mm f/1.7 with the intent of selling at least one of your lenses to offset the cost.

Here are a few things I have and use:

• short plug - traveling with the long gray cable the charger comes with is a pain. This plug will work in the US, Thailand and China.
  
• peak design capture - I wear a backpack when traveling, this makes my camera always accessible.
  
• travel tripod - If you want a travel tripod and aren't sure that you'll use it, this is a decent choice. If you get this and the pd capture, you'll also want an arca-swiss compatible clamp.
  
  Other notes:
  
  You'll get about 3 hours of camera on-time. To get better battery life, turn off your camera when not taking pictures.
  
  To start, try to align 2 things in a picture: the subject of the photo, and having a pleasing/interesting background. A wide aperture can help with that, but isn't required.
  
  Try to get some practice taking pictures before you go, practice really helps.
  
  Starting out, try shooting in RAW+JPEG.
  
  Beyond that, have fun and take lots of pictures!

Cool shot and smart idea with the hatpod :-) I've started carrying around the Pedco Ultrapod II and just strap it on the side of my camera bag. It has a small profile, very light weight, yet sturdy enough to do long exposures.

I don't know what you have but I recommend the ultrapod, it has served me well multiple times. It has a strap that you can attach to trees/poles if you need to and I've found it to be reasonably stable for a small travel/table tripod.

I've been using the Pedco UltraPod for years. It has the advantage of attaching to your trekking poles to get ground shots.

I got this alternative and I like it. You can't wrap it around anything, but you can strap it around most things! I've tried it with a three pound setup and it was secure.
pedco ultrapod II

As for the rest of my setup, I got this tripod head to put on that ultrapod
so that it works with my peak design capture (clip with the dual plate)[https://www.peakdesign.com/product/clips/capture/].

It trades a bit of bulk for more convenience so i think it's worth it.

Thanks! I get this question occasionally, so I’m just gonna copy-and-paste:

• Camera: Pentax K-70 Digital SLR
  
• Lens: Pentax smc DA 50mm f/1.8
  
• Strap: Peak Design Slide Light
  
• Tripod: Pedco UltraPod II Lightweight Camera Tripod

Man, I was just researching this today. It really comes down to your shooting preference and what you actually need (or want) a camera to do.

I haven't come up with a perfect solution because what I want is as follows:

• 16 oz weight limit "wet" (the whole shebang including lens, battery, card, whatever)
  
  
• Viewfinder is highly desirable if not mandatory
  
  
• WIDE WIDE WIDE - 20mm equivalent or wider (rectilinear, not fisheye)
  
  
• Reasonably fast lens (f/2.8 or faster)
  
  
• Largest sensor possible in the package (APS-C would be nice)
  
  
• Reasonable battery life
  
  
• Preferably sub $1500
  
  As far as actual models, I've been eyeing the Fuji X100F (which fails wide), the Nikon DL18-50 (which fails viewfinder... and being an actual camera for sale), or maybe the Sony a6500 (which will probably end up failing weight and budget once a suitable lens is attached).
  
  Other than that, I dig the Ultra-Pod II instead of precariously trying to balance on rocks.

https://www.amazon.com/Pedco-UltraPod-Lightweight-Camera-Tripod/dp/B000ANCPNM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1509546568&sr=8-1&keywords=ULTRAPOD

That raspberry pi looking thing is a Safecast radiation detector. To the left is a Zoom portable digital audio recorder. Camera is a Leica M9 with the badge missing on the front. Top right black thing is the UltraPod II tripod. On the bottom, second from left, velodyne pouch for in-ear buds. And below the Kindle is an NRGDeck external battery pack for recharging.

Advice:

I have a smartphone that has HD video recording.
There are many variants but I purchased a tripod and use it to record my tennis by mounting the phone to the fence.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ANCPNM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I find watching yourself play is vastly important in understanding how you move as well as what your strokes actually look like. I coach myself because I'm beyond my junior tennis years so this is an invaluable tool that has helped me hit better forehands due to noticing the distance between me and the ball was too close.

I use an ultra pod

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000ANCPNM?pc_redir=1408113610&robot_redir=1

Really sturdy, light, and can be fastened to pretty much anything. Also, it takes up nearly no space at all.

I did a 4 day backpacking trip last year and brought a canon 5d iv, 100mm macro f2.8L, and 16-35mm f4L is, and an Ultrapod I got on amazon.

Not the lightest setup but not bad. I could have left one lens at home but decided to bring the macro cause its such a versatile lens.

The tripod worked out great. I left the tripod attached to the camera, and rigged it up so I could hang it off my chest strap so it wasn't in the way while hiking.

I have an UltraPod II that I really like. Pedco UltraPod II Lightweight Camera Tripod https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ANCPNM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_yr.2Db46K6ADG

Positioned well, it’s sturdy enough for my Nikon D3100 with the zoom lens on it. I’ve never used the strap but it’s a nice option.

If money isn’t an issue, the Peak Design tripod that just launched looks really spiffy, especially in carbon fiber.

https://www.amazon.com/Pedco-UltraPod-Lightweight-Camera-Tripod/dp/B000ANCPNM/ref=sr_1_1?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1487616740&sr=1-1&keywords=ultrapod+2
I use this tripod for a variety of things, including astrophotography. It's ability to strap to poles/logs is really handy!

I have one of those and I have a Pedco Ultrapod II and I prefer the Ultrapod. It just feels more stable, and it weighs less (4.2 oz vs 6 or so). Costs $18.50.

There may be better options out there, but I have this one and I like it. The ball joint is reassuringly firm and the legs are pretty solid when extended. When folded up, the legs form a V-shaped channel that lets the tripod rest stably against a rounded pole/rail/whatever, whether using the velcro strap or (as I sometimes do) simply holding the tripod against a rail during a long exposure.

I got the Pelican 1500 with the lid organizer.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000DYV9H/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00091R0S0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The factory camera tripod doesn't fit with all the other accessories so I got this portable tripod as well.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ANCPNM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm not going to insult anyone here but we really need to start being more honest and less "rosey" about some aspects of VR, particularly Oculus users. The carrying case it comes in is better than a cardboard box for sure, it's much nicer. It's not really a carrying case in the sense that you could travel with it, which is what I'm assuming someone would need a case for. It has a string handle and a faux leather exterior. If you're not careful with it around the kitchen I could see it being almost completely destroyed. A Pelican can literally be run over by a truck, kicked around by airport security, and will even serve as a floation device if said airplane crashes. Overkill? Maybe, but you paid $600 for a VR HMD what's another $100. The 1500 fits the HMD perfectly, all cables/accessories, and (once I get dimensions) am 98% confident will fit the touch controllers as well.

If you're curious, the 1510 fits the Vive with all accessories perfectly and the 1400 fits the Gear VR with a Moga Pro perfectly. I have all 3 with cases and did a LOT of research.

Might I also suggest something like this little tripod so that she can get good shots even in low light: http://www.amazon.com/Pedco-UltraPod-Lightweight-Camera-Tripod/dp/B000ANCPNM

I like the ultrapod better than something like a gorilla pod because it more easily adapts to heavier cameras, and still gives amazing flexibility in positioning. Also, it's under $20.

Perhaps not what you're looking for as this UltraPod II is small, but it is sturdy and strong enough to easily support a DSLR camera with a speedlite mounted, and it fits in my bag very well. Here's a video review, and here you can find the included instructions. I don't dare to share with you the large tripod I have, because I rarely use it and honestly is light but not sturdy, and it has slided from time to time on slippery floors. Protip: I have noticed that using UltraPod it is easier for me to handle the camera when shooting videos, by simply mounting the camera on it but without opening its legs, as if it were a steadycam-thing.

I use the Ultrapod . It’s very versatile.

If you can, try and grab one of these "mini" tripods. I use this and I always carry it with my kit. It's by no means a replacement for a quality tripod, but for the small size and low weight it's awesome. For $20 you can't really go wrong with it.

edit: The plain UltraPod (non II version) is smaller if you are REALLY concerned about size, but I won't go smaller than the vII with a DSLR.

smaller tripods aren't really worth the time; You'll get too much vibration and such.

Tiny ones though, table top ones, are probably at a good end. They're light weight enough that you don't quite care about the vibration you're going to get.

Now, if you want to take photos in the wilderness, I'm afraid you'll have to suck it up and lug your heavier tripod. You could invest in a lighter head, but I don't think that's really worth it.

I don't know how heavy your manfrotto is, but you could get a normal one that's lighter weight?

I suggest you can look into some of these tripods:

small tabletop tripod

small cheaper tripod that I own

same as above but carbon fiber

some weird foldout tripod

or maybe this guy from manfrotto?

I use this Pedco Ultrapod II for my a6500 with 18-105 zoom.
https://www.amazon.com/Pedco-UltraPod-Lightweight-Camera-Tripod/dp/B000ANCPNM/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=oh_aui_i_d_old_o0_img

It's very solid, light and compact. The customer images in the Amazon reviews are worth looking at.

I've been using a Gorillapod for my GoPro and an Ultra-Pod for my a6000 when I'm out travelling. Definitely both on the short side but they both save on space and are ridiculously light. For me, I'd have the size and weight advantage since I can usually easily find something to elevate the tripods on.

If you are really into photography then I wouldn't listen to a lot of these people about not bringing your camera along. I would reconsider your tripod if it isn't lightweight. There are a variety of options if you absolutely want a tripod for time-lapse photos or long-distance stuff to keep steady. For example, I own this 1.2 pound tripod and pack it on day hikes. I also have a small one that weighs in at 4 oz and can take picks sitting on a rock, etc.

Edit:

I read your comment about your lenses. Unless your kit lens as a big zoom on it then leave it at home. The 14mm on the 35mm platform is going to give you really nice wide angle shots for those expansive views, and the 50mm will be good for up close stuff.

This thing has been indispensable for me.

[pedco II](Pedco UltraPod II Lightweight Camera Tripod https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ANCPNM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1MHQybNPHG0B6)

I use a trailpix universal. It uses my trekking poles and a single tent style collapsible pole for the third leg. It's definitely the lightest tripod solution around, but isn't perfect. It takes a minute or two to get it set up, and when in using my poles for my shelter I have to borrow a friend's so i can do my night photography.

I think i will also pick up one of [http://www.amazon.com/Pedco-UltraPod-Lightweight-Camera-Tripod/dp/B000ANCPNM] (these) which will be better for run and gun static shots while hiking.

Yeah, lenses are always expensive. I usually go with at least a 18-200 and a wide angle, but each of those are 20+ oz. Thanks for the tip on the used a6000, I’ll have to look for one in the future.

This is the tripod I go with if you’re looking for a small one. 4.2oz

Manfrotto Mini Tripod and Pedco UltraPod are the 2 that are about the same size.

There are several more conventional tripods that are made for travel and fairly small, but that would depend on your budget.

I've been toting the same abused Canon Rebel XT up routes for about 4 years now and it's taken every kind of abuse you can imagine. It's been completely submerged in water 3 times, dropped from 10-15 feet twice, scraped up plenty of squeeze chimneys, survived sand dunes, etc. and it still takes great photos. I also almost dropped it off the top of Ancient Art when the strap came unlooped on one side while I was belaying - I barely caught it between my head and my neck before it took a 500 ft. fall. That was one of those, "are you in a safe spot!?" moments haha. Usually I just throw my old (almost equally abused) 50mm on there, but sometimes I use the old 18-55 kit lens that came with it. I've accepted it's eventual mortality, but I'll still be sad to see the little guy go when it's day comes. I have a normal manfrotto tripod, but if I plan on doing any tripod shooting on technical outings I usually just bring this guy along and it works like a charm.

I bought and traveled for a few weeks with an Ultrapod II and couldn't recommend it enough:

https://www.amazon.com/Pedco-UltraPod-Lightweight-Camera-Tripod/dp/B000ANCPNM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484291467&sr=8-1&keywords=ultrapod+2

It carries very easy and so it was always with me, whether I intended to use it or not. The best tripod is the one that is always with you!

I know this is late to the post but I use a Pedco Ultrapod II when I hike. Two of the legs fold into the third and are secured shut with a velcro strap that does double duty as an attachment device for mounting the tripod on branch, pole, etc... The tripod is pretty sturdy with my Fuji mirrorless and 18-55 on it. I've done some astro-photography with it and some long exposure on a rock in the middle of a creek. Those photos are both in my review of the tripod on Amazon and probably somewhere in my post history here. Pretty amazing for about $20.

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absolutely right! I didnt want to carry even a mini tripod so I made do with a Pedco Ultrapod. I think its much better option than the admittedly better-looking Manfrotto Pixi

"more static" ?

This will by plenty sturdy, and light, and cheap, and small. I prefer it over a gorillapod style support. Unless you have a 70-200 on a D4, you're set- and not adding a ton of weight.

http://www.amazon.com/Pedco-UltraPod-Lightweight-Camera-Tripod/dp/B000ANCPNM/

Get one of these, works great for taking shots like this while on a trail.

I did a lot of solo traveling when I traveled to Europe, so I recommend getting a mini tripod like a gorilla pod or I use [this] (http://www.amazon.com/Pedco-UltraPod-Lightweight-Camera-Tripod/dp/B000ANCPNM/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1369817861&sr=1-1&keywords=ultrapod) for night photography. also its cheap, strong, and light. Also I find that the Eiffel tower is cooler at night.

Make sure you have extra battery's and memory cards. I took three memory cards with me and one failed. There were so many photos from different country's on that memory card, that I still get angry thinking about it . If you bring your computer please dump your footage whenever you can, if not try to spread your photos through different cards.

Also maybe consider an ND filter and lenspen.

Be safe, have fun and happy travels !

It's this one

I use a Domke F-5XB which I put in my main bag, in the event that I get made to check my backpack I just take it out. It's also small enough to carry around all day and it doesn't look so much like a camera bag that it sticks out. I've always wanted a bag that zips or pops into the backpack but I've not managed to find anything quite like what I want. I usually get a Panasonic GX85 two primes and a zoom in it. I think you could put the Sony Body and two primes in it fairly comfortably. I use a Pedco Ultrapod as my travel tripod but I don't use it that much, it just sits in the bottom of my backpack. I like it because it's compact and it can also be attached to things using the strap likes trees etc.

My favorite low cost photography gift idea is the Ultra Pod. I've only gotten mine somewhat recently but I was looking for a small/low table top tripod that would hold a relatively heavy lens, and this one can also be strapped to railings and such. It's got a really smart design so it can safely handle much more weight than any other small tripod like this I've seen. It also packs down to very small. AND it's super affordable.

https://www.amazon.com/Pedco-UltraPod-Lightweight-Camera-Tripod/dp/B000ANCPNM

What's the best small / mini portable tripod that is less than $50?
Looking for something like this: https://www.amazon.ca/Pedco-UltraPod-II-Lightweight-Camera/dp/B000ANCPNM

Or perhaps a bean bag is more suitable?

Tbh I think there is a reasonable middle ground. My APS-C setup is around 1kg. Perhaps you should compromise on the tripod with something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Pedco-UltraPod-Lightweight-Camera-Tripod/dp/B000ANCPNM

I bought this little Ultrapod last year and I LOVED it for my Nikon D5100. Super light. Has a velcro strap to attach to trees/fences/poles. Full swivel.

Then I got a Nikon d500 and the big fat 14-24mm f2.8 lens, and my awesome little tripod can't hold it up.

tl;dr: Get an Ultrapod if you have a light camera.

THere are also versions which can be essentially velcro strapped to something. Might be a good way to attach it to a lamp of some other pre-existing pole.

Mine is a smaller version of this:
http://www.amazon.com/Pedco-UltraPod-Lightweight-Camera-Tripod/dp/B000ANCPNM
or
http://www.amazon.com/Pedco-UltraPod-Lightweight-Camera-Tripod/dp/B000ANGNN0

Something to consider as another option.

This is what the P and full Auto shooting mode are for. That, or just look for someone with a mirrorless or dSLR slung about their bodies before plucking a volunteer from passersby. It's why I always get hailed to photograph folks with their iPhones. [eyeroll]

Otherwise, timers/remotes and tripods are the old school way to do selfies. :D When I roamed about in my youth with an Olympus OM-10 and I needed to do a selfie, I used an ultrapod strapped to anything vertical that was handy nearby and the camera's timer. Since moving to digital I do it the same way, only these days I tend to use my phone and the camera's wi-fi as the shutter remote or a shutter remote instead of the timer.

Maybe time to get a gorillapod?

I looked around quite a bit before I ended up with the Manfrotto 190cxpro3 and the 498rc2 ballhead. I'm a little over 5'7" and the size of the tripod works fine for me. I have a T1i and I've used my tripod/ballhead with the 55-250mm with no issues.

I'm also mainly a nature/landscape/architecture photographer. I've carried around this combination for several hours a day (along with a packpack with my gear) and the weight doesn't bother me all that much. I'm also quite happy with the operation of the ballhead and the quick release mechanism. I was really tempted to pick up one of those really fancy $400+ ballheads but decided that I'm not pro enough for something that nice.

I've read mixed reviews about the gorillapod. I have one for my point and shoot and love it, but from what I've read, the SLR version doesn't work quite as well. If you go that route I believe you'll have to get the version with the ballhead or you'll be very frustrated trying to adjust it to the right position.

The mini tripod I would recommend as an alternative to the gorillapod is the UltraPod II

I agree. I also believe there is about $8 in costs when it appears to be 3d printed. $25-30 max. They priced it very high especially when I find it to be flawed. It sits on the pad of the goal pole so its going to flop and move around when the net moves. Its not solid so its just dangling. It needs some type of clamping system. What I do and am successful at is using this tripod and just collapsing the legs down. You tie the velcro strap around the pad and back around. Holds tight. Not perfect but you also have a tripod out of it. https://www.amazon.com/Pedco-UltraPod-Lightweight-Camera-Tripod/dp/B000ANCPNM

I've heard good things too, this is the one I have and I love it https://www.amazon.com/Pedco-UltraPod-Lightweight-Camera-Tripod/dp/B000ANCPNM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1474649668&sr=8-2&keywords=small+dslr+tripod

I use a tripod mount for my iPhone and attach it to a mini-tripod. You can find many different choices for each accessory.

I ended up with this as my portable rig:

Shoulderpod S1

Pedco UltraPod II Lightweight Camera Tripod

Lots of phone tripod mounts out there. I went with the Shoulderpod due to its build quality. The Glif by StudioNeat looked like a great alternative.

With the mount, you should be able to use any tripod. However, tripods can be a nuisance to carry around (personal preference). These two items were easy to put in the bag.

The Ultrapod2 is very portable as opposed to a regular tripod, and you can also use the Velcro to wrap around a tee sign, tree, or whatever. You can also set up on a picnic table, stool, car, etc. to film.

You could also go with a Gorillapod, but the lower end ones that I felt didn't seem sturdy enough to my liking.

I'm a bit in your same situation. I'm going to Iceland for 12 days and going to try and shoot a ton of landscapes with my Canon 60D and Tokina 11-16mm Ultra Wide angle (uses 77mm filters). Here's what I got on a budget from a little digging on Amazon.com:

Tiffen 77mm Circular Polarizer: $144; on sale for $20!

B+W 10 Stop Neutral Density filter: $252; on sale for $100

Tiffen 77mm Neutral Density 0.9 Filter: $99; on sale for $25

Step-up and Step-down rings let you use your pricey filters on your other lenses; saving you lots of $$$!
Fotodiox 7 Metal Step Up Ring Set, Anodized Black Metal 49-52mm, 52-55mm, 55-58mm, 58-62mm, 62-67mm, 67-72mm, 72-77mm: $13.49

Fotodiox 7 Metal Step-Down Ring Set, Anodized Black Metal. 77-72mm, 72-67mm, 67-62mm, 62-58mm, 58-55mm, 55-52mm, 52-49mm: $14.60

Pedco UltraPod II Lightweight Camera Tripod: $16.67 instead of a $100+ Gorillapod

You can go super cheap/artsy and use welding glass as a ND filter: $6 There's lots of easy tutorials on how to fix the color tint of the glass online.

Travel and photography are both amazing yet expensive hobbies. I hope my little list helps you out by saving you a little $ on the photo side; letting you have more $ on the travel side to do and see more... thus getting more amazing shots!