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Hack 2 Travel Tripod: A Happy Compromise
When tabletop supports are just too small, but you can't afford to pack a full-size
tripod, you might want to consider a travel model that folds flat and fits in the
smallest of suitcases .
On my last trip to Europe, I knew that I wanted to photograph landscapes and other subjects
that would require a tripod. But I needed to travel light, because I was taking only a midsize
duffle and my camera bag to store all of my belongings. A key piece of equipment for this
adventure turned out to be a unique travel tripod called the Magic 2, made by Cullmann (see
Figure 1-2 ).
Unlike other tripods that have a large circumference even when collapsed, the Cullmann's legs
fold flat, forming a compact rectangle that is only 1.5 inches thick and 13.75 inches long. It fits
almost anywhere. And even though it's constructed of anodized metal for durability, the Magic 2
weighs only 2.5 pounds.
You can extend this marvel of engineering to 57 inches, but I don't recommend it. Instead,
resist extending the center post to maximum height and keep the tripod to about 50 inches for
better stability. I also recommend you hang your camera bag over one of the legs or around
the center post for a more stable shooting surface.
Figure 1-2. The Cullmann Magic 2, ready for action
One of the reasons this unit is called Magic is that it also converts to a better-than-decent
monopod. That's right, one of the legs detaches from the main unit and screws into the
center post to create a walking stick with a ball-head mount on top. This is really nice for day
hikes when you want to leave the rest of the unit back in the hotel room.
In online reviews, some photographers have remarked that the tripod legs
don't spread wide enough to provide adequate stability on uneven surfaces.
I agree. I had to be careful where I set up the Magic 2 and had to
remember to stabilize it with my camera bag.
The legs extend to full height via four collapsible sections. They twist one way to loosen and
the other to tighten, which works well most of the time. An important tip to remember is not
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