Week 99er

I'm always looking for the latest and greatest thing to take with me when I'm taking pictures. But I don't always want to be weighed down by heavy equipment. I have my standard tripod, that thankfully has a bag, but it is heavy, bulky and not the easiest to travel with. Recently Tamrac sent me one of their Zipshot tripods to review, and it has become part of my everyday photography equipment!
 

The Zipshot isn't like standard tripods, it's small it's lightweight and it does a lot of work! The whole tripod weights 11 ounces! That's less than 3/4ths of a pound. The legs are made up of four sections of poles that when released snap into place in just a few seconds. And the best part? The Zipshot can hold up to 3 lbs! Not only will it hold your standard point and shoot camera (the one you carry with you in your bag all the time), but camcorders and even some DSLR cameras! 

When I first took the Zipshot out I was surprised at how small it actually is. But don't confuse size for strength - this little guy can pull it's own weight! While it feels light, it actually is quite strong for its size. 

The first time I took it out of it's box (which was small itself) I undid the two bungees wrapped around the legs and let go. In just a couple seconds I heard "snap, snap snap snap" as the four sections of the legs popped into place. The legs are similar to the poles you would find in a tent - metal with a bungee system inside. Each portion of the leg fits into the one above and they fit together as one unit. When you are done, you simply pull the legs slightly fold them up to portion of the leg. It's a quick and easy set up and take down. 

The Zipshot has proven to be great for my point and shoot camera, but because of the small size I was a bit hesitant to put my DSLR on it. I undid the wingnut screw and slid my Nikon on. It is a large camera, even with the kit lens, and I'm not exactly sure how heavy it is. I took a deep breath and walked away after securing the camera on there (I swear she weights more than 3 lbs!). Not only did the Zipshot hold the large DSLR I have, but did without any problem until I removed it. While I think the Zipshot will be good for quick pictures on the go with the DSLR, I do not thing I would use it with my telephoto lens that weighs a few pounds on its own. 

One of my favorite features about the Zipshot is the compact size. It can fit in my camera bag without taking up a lot of space, or I can use the bungee cords to attach it to the handle or my luggage. Weighing in at just 11 oz, I could toss it in my purse or my carry on bag and not worry about a ton of extra space or weight being taken up. 

The Zipshot is only 15" when it is completely folded up, and snaps to a full 44 inches when set up. For me, the height is just a little low for some pictures I like to take, but it is close to a standard eye level so will provide great views on whatever you're taking images of. 

When you first get a Zipshot it comes with an all metal ball head screw set up to attach your camera. You can also get an accessory kit for a quick connect and disconnect system. I think this is definitely something I will be adding to my collection of photography tools, and it would make a great gift to any photo-buff in your family! 

Tamrac is giving one lucky reader a Zipshot tripod! Make sure you read how to enter below!

How can you win?
Enter to win with the form below. The mandatory entry is leaving a comment on this blog post telling me what feature you like most about the Zipshot! If you do not do this entry - you will not win! So make sure you leave a comment and then enter using the form linked below!

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