Customer Reviews

QuikPod DSLR Handheld Convertible Tripod

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I just received the Quick Pod DSLR Kit. After 15 minutes of testing, I'm returning it! It is not for a Digital Single Reflex (DSLR) Camera unless you support the camera with helium baloons. BTW, my camera weight is under the 2 lb. limit noted in the tiny print for the Quick Pod.

My first problem was the camera would not stay in the position that I selected. It flopped down like a dead fish. A second camera head is now included in the DSLR kit that "locks" the camera into position. You must remove a screw to replace it. This was better, but the it is necessary to loosen the wingnut a lot to adjust it to the desired position.

The real problem is trying to extend the Quick Pod. I extend the first section of the pod and it felt O.K. I extended the second section of the pod and it became a little more difficult to hold. There was a slight deflection in the pod (like a fish was pulling on my line)and it became harder to hold the camera still. The weight of the camera is very noticeable at this point. It is also very hard to hold the camera with that amount of weight. I extended the the third section and there was a lot of deflection. I had the feeling that the pod was going to break and my camera would make a crashing touchdown on to the ground.

So, I cannot recommend this for a real Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) Camera. I was very disappointed that it has cheap molded (ABS) plastic parts and thin metal slotted tubes for the extention sections.

If you have a light-weight camera, then it may work for you. If you have DSLR camera, find someone to take your photo and forget about the Quick Pod. BTW, I had to give it a 1-star rating. I think this is too high.

I hate asking people to take my picture when I am off playing tourist. For most people, "composition" means framing someone smack dab in the middle of the screen. Not exactly the essence of creativity. And all too often they don't hold the camera straight and steady. Oh, the horror!

The Quikpod Pro is an excellent accessory for lightweight point 'n shoot cameras, especially the newer generation with wide-angle lenses. It extends 18.5" Hold it at arm's length and you can get you and a lot of scenery in the picture. And it is a lot easier to carry the Quickpod Pro around than a tripod. I wanted something heftier, though, and decided to give the Quickpod DSLR a try.

Its very big brother, the Quikpod DSLR claims to be able to handle DSLRs and other cameras weighing up to 8 pounds. It collapses to just about the extended length of the Quickpod Pro, about 18", and extends to a mind-blowing 53".

I tried it with a 3+ pound DSLR and the Quickpod DSLR held it at full extension without bending or bowing. However, that weight at the end of a 4.5 foot handheld boom is difficult to manage. Quikpod includes a gel pad that you can use to hold the unit against your abdomen or chest for more control. It comes in handy.

With a lighter weight camera, however, the Quikpod DSLR shines. Take off the zoom lens from your Nikon or Canon and use it with a fixed length lens. Or use it with point 'n shoot that has a rotatable display for some really wow shots, like several feet about your head in a crowd. (The bummer, of course, is that you'll have to use the self-timer unless you have one of the few point 'n shoots that has a remote control.)

You can get high and low viewpoint shots.

The Quikpod DSLR is well engineered and well=made. The sections are held firmly by fiction clips and the camera mount is detachable. The part that attaches to the camera has a non-skid surface which keeps the camera in place, provided that the camera bottom is actually even. I tried it on one Canon Powershot where the designers had engineered a tiny ridge into the bottom for some unknown reason. Not a wise idea when using this unit, though fabricating a shim wouldn't be difficult.

Adding greatly to the versatility of the unit is a replaceable bottom cap. You can screw in one cap that allows attaching a lanyard or use one specifically intended to convert the Quickpod DLR into a monopod. That is a very slick concept and the unit works quite well as a monopod.

There's also a tiny mirror thingie on the head, ostensibly to allow you to more or less frame your image. That part doesn't work all that well, but it is much better than nothing. Be careful, though: the mirrored surface scratches and abrades easily.

In addition the gel reset mentioned above, the kit includes a carrying case, a metal end cap, lanyard and a belt clip that I haven't figured out how to use yet.

The unit is expensive, perhaps more expensive than it might be. But the options for holding a fairly heavily camera far from your body without using a tripod are limited. So it's the Quikpod DSLR or what? Both the Quikpod DSLR and the Quikpod Pro deserve space in your kit. You can always choose which one to take with you on a specific outing based on what you think you'll need, but rest assured: you'll be glad to have one of these units with you any time.

Jerry

It's marketed as a DSLR pod. In fact it's not strong enough to hold a even reasonably sized flash (e.g. Nikon SB-600), let alone a DSLR (I've got a Nikon D40)! The head creeps, so the only position it's safe to use is all the way down. I tried putting some abrasive paper between the swivel head and its holder. Doesn't help. All in all - a huge disappointment, doesn't even work as a monopod - it's way too slimsy.

Just avoid.

I've very impressed with the QuikPod DSLR. I have a fairly heavy Nikon D80 with a zoom lens and there's no problem with the weight. While I will certainly try self portraits, I think this will come in very handy at many of the museums and historical sites I visit frequently. I'm already thinking of some very creative ways to use this device!

I may still find an opportunity to use this device, but it hasn't happened yet. I suggest before you lay out $[...] or so for this, think about how often you'll really use it. I did attach my Nikon DSLR to it, and it does support the weight (using the gear-clamp head, not the friction one). So if you know you'll use it, it works. If not, just another unnecessary expense.

I bought this to replace my Xshot (search amazon), this one has a LOT more sturdy design and build, and works just as advertised, I am using it with an relatively heavy Canon A640 and has no problem at all, never tried with an actual DSLR but I think it is more than capable of holding one. The only downside would be the price, maybe if they could make it cheaper I would give it 5 star.

This has the same CHEAP WORTHLESS plastic clamp connectors as the JUNK monopod
i bought here 6 mos ago. That one busted ( the clamp connectors } in under 24 hours.

The design of this was ok, but they tried to save too much money on junk manufacturing.

ALSO - I DONT SEE ANY GUARANTEE CARD IN THE BOX!!!!!!!! WTH?

The inventor guy should have made one less USED CAR SALES TYPE VIDEO and put money into the product
itself.

BEWARE!!!!

I bought this device for carrying my GoPro HD Helmet HERO Camera on. It is just what you need for creating interesting camera angles while flying paragliders or other ultralight vehicles. It allows you to film yourself from a distance while alone. Enables you to film behind you while concentrating on what's in front of you. It allows you to put your camera on a swivel and film in 360 degrees even when you can't turn your head! A wonderful device to have with you for all sorts of adventure sports!

I bought this, brand new, everything was as it was advertised.
Works perfectly except for the reflective mirror.
It is brand new, but the mirror was really badly scratched.
I just took it out of the box.

This is great for filming powered paragliding adventures, or whatever. The telescoping, and pivot features make it easy to adjust to your needs.