Cullmann Shoulder Pod questions (1 Viewer)

[Richard D]

I recently purchased the Cullman Shoulder Pod/Table top tripod to go with my new Nikon ED50. I must confess to mixed feelings - it works well enough but build quality doesn't look stunning - hopefully it will be better than it looks.

Strap attachment:

I've attached a strap to the little U shaped bit of metal wire ( can't work out what else it's for - any ideas?) but am slightly concerned that this isn't that strong. How do other users attach a strap? I wondered about the apparantly purposeless silver screws on the head but couldn't think of a way of using them that would be secure.

Because the pod has to be used with the quick release it's a pain to remove the block from the scope if I want to attach it to my slik tripod. How bad are the Cullmann tripods - or are there others that use the same QR block (I don't need more than a lightweight tripod)?

Thanks

 

[postcardcv]

Because the pod has to be used with the quick release it's a pain to remove the block from the scope if I want to attach it to my slik tripod. How bad are the Cullmann tripods - or are there others that use the same QR block (I don't need more than a lightweight tripod)?

You can buy a quick release adapter that will take the Cullmann QR plate, they cost about £12 (I think) so will probably be the cheapest and easiest solution.

 

[trealawboy]

The Cullmann Quicksetter is worth buying for your Slik tripod. Makes life easy, so you'll never need to remove the QR block from your scope. I use the same setup - Nikon ED50, Cullman shoulder pod and Slik D2.

I've had the same dilemma regarding a strap and have not been able to come up with a good solution yet.

One thing I've also noticed is that I find my shoulder pod doesn't lock its legs into position too well, using that little ball bearing. I often find that when I have the scope raised and the pod at my shoulder the three legs easily unlock as I add small pressure when holding the system together.

 

[Jane Turner]

I stitched a strap on! Radical or what. My pod is oooh 20 years old, one of the leg bits broke years ago - but since I never use it in a hide - it was no loss!

 

[Edward woodwood]

they're brilliant

I sue mine all the time when outn on the coast looking for migrants etc - mobility and speed of use.

After ten years one leg came off but it is still usable - just slung on a strap over the shoulder - with a 613 you don't even know it's there

Tim

 

[Richard D]

Thanks all - For carrying it closed I found that one of the large neoprene water bottle covers is the right size, and it fits neatly under the flap of the Lowepro Nova 1 (and it has a clip to secure it to the bags strap attachments in case it slips) I bought to carry the scope, camera and attachments. The whole lot makes a nice neat small package - fine for carrying on the train if I want to do some birding in my lunch hour.

Sewing a strap on, sounds like a good idea - maybe a loop of fabric round the shaft holding a D ring to which I can clip a shoulder strap might be the neatest solution - I'd better practice my running stitch

 

[Richard D]

I've used it for a while now, and it works great as a shoulder pod with the ED50 - well actually I use it as a chest pod as the scope is angled - the curve of the stock fits comfortably against my taught pectorals (okay flabby man breasts ). As a mini tripod it supports the scope adequately - but not with a compact camera attached, so if I'm planning on digiscoping I'll sadly still be lugging my hide-clamp around.