Amateur Photographer Magazine

Trek-Tech Optera 460 Pro test

Wednesday 17th December 2008

Richard Sibley

Trek-Tech Optera 460 Pro: £54.99

There are all manner of camera supports on the market, ranging from the classic tripod to the more humble beanbag. New arms, legs and protrusions are added to devices as manufacturers compete to develop new ways to support your camera and lens.

The latest device on the market is the Trek-Tech Optera 230 and 460 Pro supports. Of these the Optera 460 Pro is the more useful model. Described as 'an articulated endoskeleton' enclosed within neoprene rubber, the 460 Pro is a fully pose-able support. It allows the camera to be supported like a traditional tripod, but the addition of an extra long 'bendy' leg can also double-back to support larger lenses.

Attaching the device is simple as it uses a Mag Connect Pro mount. This small device is a powerful magnet, the size of a pound coin, that screws into a cameras tripod mount. The magnet then connects to an opposing mount on the Optera and a catch locks the camera securely in place.

Of course, the main advantage of the Optera is that the articulated legs allow the device to be wrapped around objects that otherwise wouldn't support a camera – similar to a Joby Gorillapod. The Optera Pro 460 successfully supported a Nikon D3 and Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens (shown here) in its 'tripod' position. However, although I managed to attach the device to various items including chairs and tables, I would err on the side of caution and use it for stability rather than the sole form of support.

Verdict:

A useful support, but err on the side of caution with heavier camera and lenses.

>>website: www.johnsons-photopia.co.uk
>>tel: 01782 753300
>>Our rating: 3/5

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