Trek-Tech Optera 230 - Flexible Tripod: It can hold cameras weighing up to 10lbs, but how good is it on offering stability?

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Trek-Tech Optera 230 - Flexible Tripod

It can hold cameras weighing up to 10lbs, but how good is it on offering stability?

There are plenty of solutions out there for the photographer requiring a portable, flexible tripod for outdoor shooting. Some work on the basis that all you need is a miniature version of the trusty, standard tripod, whilst others preach that you only need the bolster of a mini bean bag. When the Gorillapod hit our shelves, thanks to quite a high profile launch, it introduced a completely new way of doing things � you could wrap the legs around almost any object or surface, giving you grip and balance in even the most awkward of locations.

The principle behind the Trek-Tech Optera 230 is very similar to the Gorillapod. Thanks to the tripod�s bendy, adjustable legs you can pretty much position it into any variety of set-up you can imagine. The Optera 230 is an extremely lightweight tripod that�s soft and malleable to the touch. Whilst the innards are probably very similar to the Gorillapod it�s wrapped in padded, wetsuit-like material. As well as being able to position the legs to support any Digital SLR or compact camera up to the weight of 10lbs, it�s also possible to fold the squidgy legs upwards to envelope and protect your camera in transit.

For extra support, when the Optera 230 is in a traditional tripod position you can attach a stabilizing cord to three hooks placed at the bottom of each leg. In theory, this works by securing the leg around an object to reduce wobbles or unfortunate falls. In practice, we found it a little difficult to get the tension tight enough to offer support in standard tripod mode without accidentally pulling the legs closer together. However, the benefits of using this cord when wrapped around a railing or branch would be invaluable. To avoid getting in a tangle we did appreciate the small pouch that�s attached to one of the legs, not to mention a handy little �Property of� patch where you can write your name to cut down on jealous pilfering.

Mounting-wise the Optera 230 uses MagConnect PRO for quick mounting of your equipment. There are two magnetic adapters included with the tripod � A Light Force plastic thread mount for smaller cameras and a metallic STAR MagAdapter for heavier cameras and other devices. As it�s a regular system used by Trek-Tech it has the same mounting pros and cons as other tripods like the Trek-Tech T�Pod. It�s undeniably quick to attach your camera when the thread is secured to your camera but in order to do this you must first of all secure the mount onto the bottom of your camera thread. Most worrying of all is the fact that the kit comes complete with an alum key as it�s tricky to get it mounted tight enough with your hands. This is fine if you�re happy carrying your camera around with the MagAdapter attached all the time, but if you are out on a day�s shoot and also have a non Trek-Tech tripod you want to use this could be fiddly.

As there's so much variety when it comes to leg positioning, adjusting the tripod's legs in such a way that it offers good support and helps avoid camera shake can be a little tricky sometimes, especially if you're not working on a flat surface or have an object to wrap around. This does, however, get a little easier as you get become accustomed to its range of movement. The good news is that with such a low centre of gravity, the added weight of your camera combined with rubberised feet means that it's unlikely you'll suffer from wobble.

Summary

The Trek-Tech Optera 230 is a good, solid performer that�s perfect for photographers who regularly shoot in awkward situations. Other tripods like the Gorillapod offer a similar kind of malleable positioning but this caught our attention because it�s so comfortable and responsive. The rubberized legs also mean that it has a bit more grip when wrapping around objects. As with other tripods in the Trek-Tech series we�re not really sold on the MagAdapter mount as this demands you always keep the thread attached to the bottom of the camera (and you need an alum key to be able to take this off).

Nevertheless, this is a thoughtful product that�s perfect for transport. We simply loved the fact that it doubles up as a camera protector, easy to wrap around your gadget when you�re on the move.

For photographers with heavier SLRs we would suggest avoiding this model and opting for the Trek-Tech Optera 460 instead.