Ultrapod 3 Lightweight Travel Tripod for Camera and Phone, Black

Great Size, sturdy material, Lightweight, passed the TSA check with no issues, you can have it inside your backpack or even in a fanny pack. Went to Spain and this proved to be a savior, I was even able to use it for some video time-lapse recording. The photo shown was taken by using the included strap (there was light pole). You will need an adapter if you want to mount your GoPro, I had one lying around. To snap your phone is really easy, just remember to remove any PopSocket or MagSafe accessorize in the back to fit. You can Mount your Phone Horizontally or Vertically too.

I am very impressed with the sturdiness of this simple tripod. It's larger than I expected, but even sturdier than I expected, as well. A good value!

The Ultrapod is very lightweight and exactly what I need for the trails.

I've been using an Ultrapod 2 for a decade as my backpacking tripod. Its lightweight, compact, stable, and highly versatile thanks to the velcro strap. I finally broke mine after long use, and ordered an Ultrapod 3 as a replacement. While the 3rd iteration of the ultrapod is very nice in some respects, consumers should be aware it has basically doubled in weight from 2 to 4 ounces. That seems minor but in backpacking its a pretty significant weight difference, for limited additional functionality. The main thing the increased weight seems to contribute is a better ability to handle heavy cameras - manufacturer specs now state 10 lbs, vs 6 lbs for the ultrapod 2. This might be desirable if you are using the tripod with a mirrorless or DSLR, but if you are using a phone or a compact camera (as you might be if you're a backpacker looking to trim weight), the added functionality serves no purpose and comes at a significant weight penalty. To make things worse, the ultrapod 3 no longer fits handily in the hipbelt pocket of the three packs I use for backpacking. I had to go to ebay and buy an ultrapod 2 to get the weight/functionality/size I was after.I don't regret buying an ultrapod 3, I will use it with my mirrorless camera. But Pedco should consider continuing to produce the ultrapod 2 and marketing it as a the ultralight version. I think there is significant overlap between backpackers and people looking for a small, lightweight, mini tripod. The ultrapod is the best small tripod I've used, significantly better than the gorillapod or other options, and it would be a shame if the only way to get the backpacking-friendly version was on the used market.

The ultra pod is designed to serve three functions in a particular manner. While remaining as lightweight as possible, it is intended as a tripod when self-supported or strapped to a stable object, a selfie grip when hand held, and as a monopod when strapped to a trekking pole.For those who might be confused, a monopod is not a walking stick. It’s a support for filming or taking photographs to steady your shot. There are several reviews I’m seeing where someone strapped a weighted tripod to a trekking pole and went hiking. Tripods and monopods are meant to keep your camera still. Strapping it to a trekking pole works great if you’re trying to steady a long exposure picture of a sunset, not so much if you want a time lapse of your 14 mile hike. If you want to walk with something or strap it to a bike, get an action camera. Those mounts are specifically made with small lever arms to take repetitive vibration and impact. That’s not what this is for.For it’s intended use, it functions great and locks down well. I’m knocking one star off because the double ball mount can be a little fiddly. It tends to either lock down hard or completely release, which can make adjustments a little difficult, as you can’t really loosen it a smidge just to tweak it a little.

I am very happy with this minitripod. It is sturdy enough to hold my Nikon Z8 with a 24-120mm lens. I am able to point my lens straight up to the stars, out to the side, whatever. It holds and does not collapse. I haven’t yet tried to attach it to a railing or something.

I have several other Pedco Ultrapods - an Ultrapod 1, two Ultrapod 2's and one Ultrapod 1 Mini. They're great because of the sturdy little legs, compact size, light weight and versatile mounting. The downside is they're limited in use due to the extremely weak plastic ball head. When I saw new versions available claiming to have a stronger ball head, I ordered both the Ultrapod 3 Mini and Ultrapod 3 (not mini).The first problem is the blister plastic packaging which makes it impossible to actually try the item with any possibility of returning it in original packaging.The second problem is the origin printed on the back of the package: "Designed in Seattle, made in China" (as if being designed in the USA makes any difference when it's made elsewhere). The Ultrapod 3 does list this in the product description but the mini does not. All of my older Ultrapods have cast right into the ball head "MADE IN U.S.A.". Pedco obviously sold out (or bought out) and think it's okay to sell these at the same price as prior models even though they're now manufactured for peanuts.So, I'm returning them without even trying them. Are the ball mounts now actually 30% stronger...? I'll never know. But since the Ultrapods are now packaged with phone mounts, I feel pretty confident that a phone is about the maximum payload the Ultrapods can really handle.

Excellent design with tetrahedral angles. I use this for nature pictures. Its best use is probably as a mount for everyday viewing. Great if your outdoors or in your car.The phone grip it comes with is pretty small and didn't fit my phone with a case the best bet is a kobra mount or similar knock off so be sure to get one if your phone has a thick case.