Okay – let’s start with the disclaimer: I’m a fan of Platypus (both the company itself and the individual products). The most compelling photographs show us the world in a way we’re not used to seeing, which is where the Platypus excels.
Putting my camera out of sight and on the ground has fundamentally changed the way I take landscape and travel photos. This being the case, I was delighted when I was first contacted about writing a review for their new device, Platypod eXtreme. That said, I quickly struggled with wondering how they could improve on previous models and whether the upgrade was worth the cost. I was quite satisfied with Platypod Max. Does a new version add any add-ons?
For the background, the Platypod was born with the goal of creating a lighter, smaller footprint for camera stabilization. It’s basically a flat piece of metal with the ability to screw into a warhead – simple but effective. Yes, you can certainly recreate this at home in different ways. I suppose you could get a block of wood or a piece of metal from the hardware store and put a tripod screw in it. Or you can use a bean bag. Or you can place your camera on the ground. These new workarounds were compiled from the comments to my original review of the Max version, but none of them are as elegant as their precision machined aluminum. While a piece of plywood is certainly cheaper (though maybe not by much right now at current lumber prices), I’m more concerned with durability, weight, and protection for a device that can be costly. cost 6-8k dollars depending on my camera and lens configuration. In short, I want the best.
Building on previous versions, eXtreme is like a fine-tuned all-in-one. While previous versions of those gadgets sacrificed individual things at the expense of being one tool for everything, the new models just do everything well. Likewise, the latest Platypod allows for a plethora of unique uses without any sacrifices. It’s one of those things where you can judge its perfect quality just by holding it in your hand.
New mechanism for spiked feet
I think the most noticeable improvement is the attention to the spiked feet, which are pointed at one end and rubber on the other. The feet are always included so you can use it on non-groove terrain, but I’ve always considered them a go-to because I never had the patience to tighten them up (especially in the heat of the moment). cold weather). In fact, the only time I notice the spikes is so I don’t lose them somewhere (which is ironic since I don’t take them seriously anyway). Unless the ground is fairly flat, I would compromise by using my tripod on the lowest setting instead. The EXtreme completely eliminates this problem with a unique locking and twisting mechanism for the spikes. The advantage is that they stay in place and can be used without getting in the way or easily falling out. What was once an annoyance has become a strength. They give you complete and easy customization to set up a stable base wherever you travel. I tested this on the porous rock shores of Lake Michigan. In one case, I placed the device on the side of a small cliff and trusted it completely. 
Even with gloves on, I was able to easily adjust the spikes to keep my gear secure. Then I put the rig ashore to do some long drying. It’s pretty flat, but I still put the spikes down for a thorough inspection. I felt very lucky a few minutes later when an unusually strong wave hit the shore and overran the Platypod’s base. Thankfully, it’s not high enough to damage my camera, but it will certainly wash it somewhere else without the spikes. The biggest surprise was seeing my 2-minute long exposure still look perfectly sharp even after that batch. Honestly, I’m surprised how stable it holds everything, and can’t say for sure how much this new mechanism increases utility.
In addition to the new spike mechanism, other improvements are more evolutionary in nature. I really like how much material they can remove without sacrificing stability. It feels lighter in the hand (75% of the Max’s weight) and offers more attachment points. While I carried the Platypod Max in a flat area of my camera bag, the openings made it easy to attach the eXtreme to my backpack with the carabiner and ballhead already attached to the disc. On a frosty day near Lake Michigan, it’s much nicer to unbox the carabiner and start spinning right away than digging through my whole pack and putting everything together in the dark.
Flexibility
In addition, they can increase the number of attachment points for new uses. While one could use it to mount a camera in an unusual location, I don’t find it very necessary. However, I find it quite useful as a light stand for my flash. It is much more portable and easier than a dedicated lamp holder in some environments, such as wrapping around a pole or placing the light in a hidden location. In this case, I attached a spotlight to a pole to snap some fun lifestyle shots.
Here, I want to check if it can accommodate larger gears. I attach a Magmod MagBox Pro 36″ Strip and balance it out on our kitchen counter for an impromptu studio for some portraits of our kids. While this is something that I enjoy shooting in the studio, I wanted to see if this could be a novel option for someone in the venue, like a wedding photographer.
While I was really impressed with the new device, I noticed a very small aspect that could be improved despite a good explanation for its design. While 3/8″ ball head screws are embedded, there are 1/4″ -20 screws that are not. I’m experimenting with using it as a base for Insta360 ONE X2 and the monopod and the 1/4”-20 screw that came with the monopod when I removed it from the eXtreme. While not a deal breaker, I will need pliers to remove the screw from the monopod. I reached out to Platypod and not embedding it was a deliberate decision out of concern that it might get in the way of larger spinning ball heads, which is understandable. I think this can be remedied with a small amount of Loctite if having that size screw is important to you.
What I like
- Big improvement overall from Max but same quality and stability with lighter weight.
- The pointed feet had gone from a thought to a strength. The mechanism is perfectly designed, easy to use and sturdy. They completely change the experience. They even designed it so the spikes can be tucked into a groove in the metal to prevent them from sticking to anything when not in use.
- Attachment points expand the possibilities. It’s easy to place it anywhere you want, whether on your pocket via a carabiner or on/around/inside/under almost any structure.
What I don’t like
- It’s a really small thing, but I’d like to see a better solution for holding the 1/4″-20 screw tight, though I think it can be remedied with minimal effort if that matters to you. friend.
Inference
Overall, I’m very impressed with the eXtreme. Because the Max is a great fit for my needs, my own question is whether I find it a worthwhile upgrade. In short, I totally think it is. The locking and twisting mechanism of the balance spikes greatly improves the experience of stability in almost any environment. While some scoffed at the idea of paying for such a simple device, I found it unquestionably valuable and ordered it on Kickstarter day one with no reservation.
Disclaimer: Platypod has an excellent Kickstarter product release track record, but you should always do your own research on any crowdfunding project, as there is always the possibility that you will lose money backing this type of business. this.
