The 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey 2.0 goes its own way, deviating from the usual options of aluminum and carbon fiber, and instead being built from aerospace-grade magnesium alloy. It’s a good choice, because this type of metal is very lightweight, very strong, and tough. The leg assembly can be purchased on its own, but the complete tripod kit is the more sensible purchase, as it includes the accompanying Airhed Neo 2.0 ball head that fits perfectly and enhances the overall design.
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The Corey 2.0 is the smallest and most travel-friendly of the four “Punks” tripods currently offered by British manufacturer 3 Legged Thing. The Travis 2.0 and Billy 2.0 are slightly larger, built from magnesium alloy and carbon fiber respectively, while the Brian 2.0 (Opens in a new tab) It extends to a maximum operating height greater than these two while folding away smaller, thanks to more sections on each leg and center column.
to set
material: Magnesium alloy
folded height: 36.1cm / 14.2in
operating height: 146cm / 57.4in
Minimum operating height: 18.4cm / 7.24in
Max monopod height: 149 cm / 58.66 in
Weight: 1.78 kg / 3.92 lbs
load rating: 14 kg / 30 lbs
Sections per leg/center column: 5/2
leg section diameter: 23 mm / 0.91 in
Leg corner lock: 3
foot: rubber pads
Pouch / bag included: Padded case
Key Features
Typical of most modern compact travel tripods, the Corey 2.0 has swing legs that swing around the center column when extended, so that the feet encircle the head. This tends to reduce the folded eight by 20 cm or 8 inches. In fact, the tripod features 5-section legs and a 2-section center column, allowing it to fold down to just 36.1cm or 14.2in. The result is that you have the usual hassle of attaching it to the outside of your photo bag or backpack and instead stow it on the inside. This can be a huge bonus when you’re traveling, or when you’re out on a picnic and don’t want to draw attention to the fact that you’re carrying a camera kit.
Although folded quite compactly, the tripod extends to a maximum useful operating height of 146 cm or 57.4 inches with all leg sections and center column fully extended. For really low-profile shooting, you can remove the center column completely and attach the head directly to the spider, which gives a working height of just 18.4cm, or 7.24in.
If you need to move down, you can flip the center column over and reattach it, shooting with the camera upside down.
The spider is a clever part of the design. Labeled “tri-mount,” it features three cut-out sections to enable easy attachment of accessories. There is also a threaded accessory socket built into the side of the spider.
The legs have twist knobs to loosen and secure each of the sections. There are also three separate angles for the legs, as well as the legs that swing vertically. What’s more, all three legs are completely detachable. You can use any one of them with the center column and ball head in a monopod configuration, with a maximum operating height of 149cm or 58.66in.
Another plus point is that with the three legs detached, you can mount optional Vanz Shoes (sold separately) in place of the legs, turning the Corey 2.0 into a sturdy tabletop tripod.
construction and handling
The build quality seems absolutely top notch, from the tip of the ball head down to the cushioned rubber feet. Torsion locks for the extended sections in the legs and center column require minimal rotation to unlock and enable a smooth range of motion, while holding everything rigid with little torque required.
The ball head has an Arca-Swiss industry standard quick release platform. Our only minor gripe is that the usual D-ring is omitted, so you need to use a coin or the tool provided in the kit to tighten or loosen the locking screw. No problem. There is no separate friction adjuster for the ball head but the main locking knob works well whether you are using a lightweight or heavyweight camera/lens combo. There’s also a separate flush handle with similarly simple operation that allows for a nice, fluid feel to the spin, along with a scale that’s calibrated in degrees.
performance
Think ‘travel mounts’ and you might well be thinking of flimsy affairs that tend to sway at the slightest breeze. That’s definitely not the case here, as the Corey 2.0 provides the kind of solid, vibration-free support we’d normally expect from heavyweight, full-size tripods. In fact, it has a maximum load rating of 14kg or 30lbs, far exceeding the weight of a kit most of us would ever use. As usual, though, the maximum load capacity decreases the further the legs are spaced at the three wider locking corners. However, the tripod is very stiff even at the widest leg angle.
In other areas of performance both the legs and head work really well to allow for smooth, precise adjustments along with a really solid hold. And while the feet provide stable support on a hard floor, with their rubber pads, a range of replacement shoes is also available. This includes the long and short metal pins, “Clawz” for use on snow or rock, and a DOCZ2 foot stabilizer for use in a monopod configuration.
to rule
Designed with passion and flair, precision-crafted from aerospace-grade magnesium alloy, and immaculately converted in two color options with brass or blue accents, the Corey 2.0 is a first-class travel tripod. It folds small enough to tuck inside a picture bag or backpack, yet extends to ample operating height and has a host of smart features. You can only buy the legs, but the complete set including the Airhed Neo 2.0 Ball Head is the best choice.
Read more: If you’re looking for a tripod for your kit, find the right one for you with our guides to the best photography tripods (Opens in a new tab)Best travel tripod (Opens in a new tab)or the best video tripod (Opens in a new tab).