POD The Blue Pod - Camera Platform with Offset 1/4"-20 Screw

Comments about The Blue Pod - Camera Platform with Offset 1/4"-20 Screw:

This product is not heavy enough to hold anything. It needs some kind of outrigger so that weight could be added to keep camera from tipping over. My wife is trying to modify it to put 2 velco straps that could be used to wrap around something or layed out flat to act as outriggers. The idea is great and the uses on cobblestones - bannisters - railings etc could be great if it worked better.

Comments about The Blue Pod - Camera Platform with Offset 1/4"-20 Screw:

I spent quite a bit of time on this manufacturer's website in addition to B&H's product reviews, etc. I would only recommend this size for smaller cameras like point and clicks. After feeling the light weight of it, I'm not inclined to set the camera anyplace other than a table or the ground or relatively flat spaces. I envisioned it as a hacky sack type of item that started shape as a hockey puck shape, but that could be wedged and formed around rough spots like large railings or between slats of decorative fences and such. The outer covering is very thick and makes wedging difficult. It was hard to get attached and unattached to the camera and it seems unlikely that I'd use it for sight seeing. I liked the idea of this, but I think if I carried it, it would be a hassle to take out of my bag. If I were indoors and needed to set up my flash across the room, I suppose I could put it on this pod and place it on a piece of furniture.

Comments about The Blue Pod - Camera Platform with Offset 1/4"-20 Screw:

See my comments on the Red Pod ... that is why I bought the Blue Pod.

Build quality is strong and sturdy. The offset mount allows me to keep the lens level rather than tilted back. Works as designed and is very handy to carry and to use. Coupled with a remote release and using just about any handy spot, it is great for night photography or for times when you have to slow the shutter speed down.

In my opinion it has 3 faults for my use ...

(1) Because of the need to deform it to properly hold the camera and the lens, the velco can separate in spots and the blue beads can leak. I have sealed the joint up with gaffer tape and it works well now, though it doesn't look as nice.

(2) The beads are the devil to put back in ... seems the more I try, the more come out. So, I gave up and keep the leaked beads in an old film canister. Anyone have any hints?

(3) It is very small for DSLR/SLR use - it is intended for point-and-shoots. I was going to contact the company to see if they could make a larger one, and at their web site, I found they now have the Green Pod (which I will order) and an even larger Silver Pod, both sporting an offset mount. That should correct both points 1 and 3.