Gerber Steady

[J-sews]

Pictures of the Steady were out on the internet a month or so ago, but this was the first time we'd seen one first hand. The intent here is for a medium size multitool, lightweight, with the ability to set up a camera (or a cell phone camera) for taking pictures out in the real world.  Its expected to appeal to hikers, hunters, mountain bikers, outdoorsmen, etc.














(note individual backspring fingers for each blade)







The reason de jour of the Steady are these two "legs", which can be rotated down from the sides of the tool to form a tripod.  A camera (or by means of the accessory suction cup, a cell phone camera) can then be attached using the standard 1/4" threaded camera stud, mounted on a ball-and-socket pivot. 






Obviously the Steady is not intended to be used with overly large cameras or camcorders, but instead the slimmer cameras more likely to be carried by a person hiking in the wilderness. (the included user guide will recommend maximum camera weights)




(belt pouch, with compartment for suction cup attachment)

[scrappy]

Interesting

[Gareth]

it's totally insane, but I like it.

[J-sews]

it's totally insane, but I like it.

When I was handling it today, I was thinking of you Mr. Hikermountainman

[David]

I like it also.   

[mvyrmnd]

Cool idea. I wonder how much movement is available with the legs to allow the tripod to stand on an uneven surface.

[50ft-trad]

Not convinced about this one, I must say 

[Zed]

Not convinced about this one, I must say 

nope dont like this one, its crazy 

[dks]

As an avid camera user I have to say that it seems like a good idea, especially if the stand can be adjusted at various angles so that the camera can be made to point upwards or downwards when needed, something that is difficult to achieve without a stand. I hope it can support a mid-size camera; not just phone size.

It is a shame that the movable feet have not had any tools incorporated in them(Bottle opener, socket etc.)

[Chako]

I like this one because it is crazy. 

[Reinier]

I like this one because it is crazy. 

+1

I like it even more now that there are more (and better) pictures

[dks]

  ask if it can be used as a tripod for a rifle too! 

[Reinier]

Will it be able to support this lens?

5200mm Canon Lens World's MOST powerful Super telephoto EF FD (updated upload)

[Mr. Whippy]

Very clever!  And it might have a market.

I will say, I'm liking the blade design of the new Gerber products.  I find this new blade shape seems very sturdy and is quite visually appealing to me (but then I like Tanto style blades)

[Grant Lamontagne]

Will it be able to support this lens?

5200mm Canon Lens World's MOST powerful Super telephoto EF FD (updated upload)

Nope- Gerber was quick to point out that my Kodak Z650 was at or slightly beyond the maximum rating for the Steady, although it did hold it pretty well anyway.  I wouldn't want to try a DSLR or anything bigger than a common point and shoot on it.  And, let's face it, if you are spending $1000 on a good DSLR then you should spend the extra $50 and get a decent tripod.

Def