3 Legged Thing Intros Pro Range Tripod Charles 2.0

3 Legged Thing (3LT) simply introduced the Charles 2.0, a brand new, extra budget-friendly tripod of their Pro Range lineup, and Shutterbug had an opportunity to judge a pattern for a number of weeks previous to introduction.

Primarily based on the design of the very talked-about carbon fiber 3LT Winston 2.0, the brand new Charles 2.0 is a three-section tripod with legs and middle column crafted from aerospace-grade magnesium alloy and is robust sufficient to help as much as 88 kilos (40 kg) of camera gear. A flexible, heavy-service camera help, Charles 2.0 extends to just about 2 meters (76.3 inches) with the non-compulsory 3LT AirHed Pro tripod ball head connected.  

Named “Charles” for naturalist and biologist Charles Darwin, Charles 2.0  joins journey tripods Leo 2.0 (Leonardo da Vinci) and Albert 2.0 (Albert Einstein), panorama and studio tripod Winston 2.0 (Winston Churchill), and travel-friendly monopod Alan 2.0 (Alan Turing) to develop 3LT’s vary of outstanding camera stabilizing gadgets.

In the event you haven’t guessed, you’ve simply entered a brand new dimension of the tripod universe. It’s not the Twilight Zone, however it’s a distinctive cosmos the place three-legged camera helps problem our orthodox understanding of tripod nomenclature. And the stuff is method cool. Terribly prime quality manufacturing, extraordinarily high-precision manufacturing and superb beauty designs, mixed with photographer-friendly options, are the highest elements that predispose us to favor 3LT for camera help. And BTW, there isn’t any Charles 1.0. Charles 2.0 is the primary of its breed.

3 Legged Thing additionally affords a strong lineup of camera brackets.

Shutterbug readers know that we’ve been conscious of the extremely dependable tripods our British-based pals at 3LT repeatedly introduce. Learn our protection of earlier fashions right here and right here. 3LT additionally manufactures an distinctive line of camera L-brackets (examine one right here).

Key Options

• Most load capability 88 kilos (40 kg)

• Three leg sections

• Legs constructed of aerospace-grade magnesium alloy

• Options 3LT’s proprietary Parallel Leg Locking System

• Leg diameter 29 mm (1.14 inches)

• Three independently adjustable leg angles 23°, 55° & 80°

• Interchangeable non-compulsory tripod foot equipment

• Most prolonged peak (w/ball head) 76.3 inches (1.94 m)

• Minimal useable peak 9 inches (23.1 cm) (w/ball head)

• Collapses to 24 inches (61 cm) for transport

• Weight 5.4 kilos (2.4 kg) with AirHed Pro ball head

Within the Discipline
We examined the Darkness  model of Charles 2.0 (matte black with likewise black AirHed Pro ball head) outdoor on varied forms of terrain and indoors in a studio setup with our Fotodiox Pro LED light box. The Darkness end is sort of enticing and has a sure air of high quality and seriousness about it.

The leg locking nuts are outsized and really simple to function. Leg extension was easy and flawless each time as was extension of the middle column.

Though 3LT affords various tripod foot options, we discovered the rubber toes provided with the usual configuration to carry out satisfactorily all through the trials. However when you’ve got specific wants due to excessive floor surfaces, take a look at their in depth assortment that features the likes of Heelz, Clawz and Stilettoz (lengthy chrome steel spikes proven under).

We particularly appreciated the reliability of the AirHed Pro ball head. As soon as set it holds the camera regular and doesn’t endure from the micro-creep that plagues many different ball heads.

Charles 2.0 is about one pound heavier than Winston 2.0 (as a result of the legs and middle column are magnesium alloy as a substitute of carbon fiber) and we discovered the slight further weight a serious plus when utilized in windy circumstances and particularly when deployed as a studio tripod.

Conclusion
Charles 2.0 is clearly one other winner for 3 Legged Thing. We like the way it works, we like the way it seems to be and at a cost-conscious value it’s a certain hit that we will heartily suggest.

Worth and Availability
The brand new tripod is accessible instantly from 3LeggedThing.com and out of your native camera store. Costs are as follows: Charles 2.0 legs solely, $299; Charles 2.0 bundled with the AirHed Pro ball head, $399. Charles 2.0 can be accessible with a lustrous matte black end referred to as Darkness following the identical pricing schedule. Costs embody a protecting clamshell model case with removable, adjustable shoulder strap.

How 3LT Describes Themselves
“Headquartered in a transformed rooster shed (The Rooster Shed) on Kinsbourne Farm, in Stagsden, Bedfordshire, 3 Legged Thing is a small, British firm of passionate individuals, creating and innovating camera help programs for photographers and videographers, and has a sibling model, Toxic, that creates revolutionary baggage for all individuals.”

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