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ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

Shoulder-table-pod #080

CULLMANN, shoulder, table-pod, #080
Manufacturer
CULLMANN

Item details

After 2 months in Africa bouncing around in the back of an open 4X4 I decided an alternative to a monopod was needed. Most of the images taken required grab shots of wildlife in a 360 degree around and above the vehicle. Many of the best shots I got were with less than ten seconds set up time. Or shooting in difficult situations like bush and jungle when there is no time or room for monopods. Camera needed constant manipulation of exposure and in and out of auto focus. After searching the internet for a shoulder mount I found the CULLMANN-shoulder-table-pod #080. The alternatives take your hands of the the camera, some too heavy, or unwieldy. The Cullman is not ideal but its light and works well. Enables slower shutter speeds steady shooting.
Solid construction and well made unit. Relatively light and allows a much steadier hold. Hands on the camera for fast adjustments. Comes quickly to sighting position and although a tripod or monopod might get crisper shots once they're ready, for grab shots they're not in the race. Would definitely take it on my next African Safari. Great for grabbing shots from a safari 4X4.
I've now had time to test it out. I never take it of the 100 - 400.

Latest reviews

Recommended
Yes
Price
0$
Pros
  • more convenient and smaller than a monopod or tripod. Doubles as a mini-tripod.
Cons
  • Quizical looks from the uninitiated.
I'd forgotten I had one until I stumbled upon these reviews. I used to use it with a small spotting scope and then put it in a drawer until a few days ago when I started testing it with a Canon 40D and 100-400mm zoom. The image stabilisation of the lens combined with a pretty stable 'tight into the shoulder' shooting platform seems to work well. Panning and following birds in flights seems to be 'intuitive' too - a nice fluid movement.
Recommended
Yes
Price
0$
Pros
  • Light, strong, becomes very small when closed
Cons
  • The shoulder part moves with use and needs readjustement quite often
I use it in combination with a remote release cord, and provides good stability for handheld shots, especially birds in flight (EOS 40D and EF 400mm f5.6).
Recommended
Yes
Price
0$
Pros
  • Handy,lightweight and durable
Cons
I have used this item for about 15 years and it is currently used with a MM2 mini scope.Used as a shoulder pod it is useful for quick scans of a bird but a lot depends on your ability to "keep it up",on a hide shelf I find it more convenient than a tripod and much easier to carry.

Item information

Category
Tripods & Heads
Added by
Stephen Powell
Views
34,387
Reviews
3
Last update
Rating
4.33 star(s) 3 ratings

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