The best tripod company for all needs

I am not endorsed by SLIK, however, I wish I was. This company has been the one who has saved my ass more than once on photoshoots, in traveling, even in the long exposure work I do, and on podcasts. Yes, even in my podcast.

Any links I have in this post will be some sort of affiliate link with Amazon because I need to make money and I am giving this information and opinion out to the world so you can see what and how they have done to help me in my work.

I will start out by saying this, I have tried a few different companies for Tripods in my work. From the lowly Amazon Basics tripods, to Manfrotto, Joby and Gitzo. I have truly spent some time and lost some equipment to them all.

Not all tripods are created equal.

It was after losing backup cameras due to weird locking mechanisms, unreliable heads, and horrible legs that I had to figure out a better means to hold and protect my gear. Just like when I had finally purchased a real strap for my cameras while I was on the go, (Shout out to Blackrapid and the OG Breathe Strap that has held 2 of my cameras now for 7 years.).

I had to figure out what worked best for my needs for a tripod. If I was setting up cameras, phones, long exposure shots, landscape work. Anything that was really and truly demanding that my cameras being held in place, snuggly, and most important, without any jittering or movement.

Now, I may have done something quick about tripods before with SLIK and I touched on Manfrotto and Gitzo and dove deep into my MAIN baby the SLIK Pro 700 DX. It is still my workhorse tripod all these years later.

What I want to really talk about now is, what other models I have and truly tested in life now for a year.

The Real World

So, the real world is very different than a "test environment". Tossing gear around, shoving it in the car, knocking it over, dust storms, rain, and endless other elements that truly tested my gear. So, let's start with the two other SLIK tripods I have in my arsenal. The Mini Pro V and Sprint III MINI Black.

This is the Mini Pro V - This little guy is a life saver.

Lightweight, small, and easy to transport.

Let's really get in the weeds about both of these guys. First, let's talk about the travel option, the Sprint III.

SLIK Sprint PRO III MINI Travel Tripod

That's it's official name. I generally just call it the Sprint III and that is what I will refer to it as.

I will start with the pros and cons of this. I'm not going to sugar coat it, they may be my favorite tripods, but nothing is perfect.

Pros

- Folds to just under 13 inches

- Weighs under 2 Pounds

- Price is under $100

- Rated for 4.5 pounds, but I have used a 8 pound rig on this for night photography

- Feels super sturdy and is stable even without weights

- Ball Head is a little wonky sometimes

- Locking system gets stuck on ball head sometimes

- I despise the leg locks

So, I bought the Mini so I could get it in my luggage, sling it to the underside of my camera bag, and most importantly, not have to worry about the incredible heft of my Pro 700 DX. Sure, it's half the price of my Pro 700 DX, however, it's half as durable, 1/5th the weight, and is meant to go anywhere you go without being a burden. I love my Pro 700, but hiking with it is definitely a burden.

So, with the Mini or the standard Pro Travel, what you get is an extremely versatile travel tripod that has applications in every place you can think of due to it's smaller form factor.

When I am not traveling, it's my web cam stand that I use for my podcast (Go check out Navigating Neurodivergence and subscribe!)

Here is a video episode so you can see it holding my camera on me. This is from the latest episode at writing:

https://youtu.be/BESOqepL22w?si=_KHCkIaznP4HfIjF

It's honestly my favorite tripod for multi-use camera purposes.

So, if that is my favorite for multi-use purposes, then why did I get that little Pro V?

SLIK Mini-Pro V Tripod

Well, it's super compact and could be used for travel too (and it is, constantly). It really has some fantastic use. Let's do another pro/con list to show what is going on with the Mini Pro V.

Pros

- Tiny at 8 inches folder

- ULTRA Sturdy

- Highly Durable

- Can be setup anywhere and hold 3 pounds easy but can take more

- Portable

- Pan/Tilt Head is a little strange when you want to tilt and can hit the legs

- Height only goes up a small amount. 6 to 9 inches in height.

- Legs don't lock entirely if not careful

So, this seems counter intuitive to have such a small tripod that doesn't extend all the way and has a limited range of motion on the head.

That may be true, but what I found is the tripod isn't just amazing for cameras, it's amazing for everything that can attach to the mount.

Sure, I can bring it anywhere, put phones and cameras and even my go-pro on it. This will generate great low angle shots that are stable on the ground, on a table, up on top of a book case for interesting angles. You can even mount security cameras to it.

However, what is intense is... you can hook anything you want to it.

I use it to hold my secondary microphone's shock mount.

Yes, it can hold a studio condenser microphone with a shock mount with no problems at all. It's amazing to see it hold it for podcasting and recording, because it's the most efficient and space saving mic stand I have ever seen.

Please sponsor me SLIK

One day SLIK will be the brand who will sponsor everything I do, from podcasting and photography. Because I have recommended them for years and tell people about them all the time.

I trust them with my cameras, recording equipment, lights, and more.

The pricing for them is always great, you can get a top tier tripod for under $200 USD. Which is insane because I know that there are offerings out there for thousands. Sure there carbon fiber and cinema tripods that are hundreds from SLIK, but, that's it. Even their top tier, a pro Carbon Fiber, is under $500 right now. I've seen Gitzo tripods go for over $1,500 before.

So the price and quality are un-matched.

Maybe one day they will sponsor me and let me take some of their high end products for a test drive. Until then, I will keep buying them all.

https://www.stefanglazer.com/reviews/gear-reviews/the-best-tripod-company-for-all-needs/

5 Physical Tools to Help Focus with ADHD

For everyone that uses my tools from the book, "Tools for Navigating Neurodivergence" to form habits, I am asked questions and sent messages that all are of the following ilk:

"Creating habits is great, but I need help focusing..."
"Meditation is great for focusing on meditation... how can I focus on things like... people talking to me?"

While I have yet to put together the definitive list of all the tools I use in the book to navigate your ADHD (that is coming up soon), I want to put these 5 things out there. Links to amazon will be connected to my associates account so that if you DO buy anything from this list, you will be helping me out by giving me a few pennies of your purchase! Woohoo!

Here are five physical tools that can be used to help individuals with ADHD maintain focus:

- Fidget Tools:



- Fidget spinners, stress balls, or other handheld fidget tools can provide a physical outlet for restless energy and help improve focus by allowing individuals to engage in a low-intensity, repetitive activity. This one is a favorite of mine, it has a good tactile feel, the clicks and presses are really clicky, the spins are endless, and overall they just feel good in hand.

- Weighted Blankets:



- Weighted blankets provide deep touch pressure, which can have a calming effect on the nervous system. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with ADHD who may struggle with sensory processing. The added weight can promote a sense of security and relaxation. The one linked here is a heavier option for people and comes in a wide array of colors!

- Noise-Canceling Headphones:



- As mentioned previously in my post about 15 different noise cancelling headphones for any budget, noise-canceling headphones can create a more focused and quiet environment by reducing or eliminating background noise. This can be especially helpful for those with ADHD who are sensitive to auditory stimuli.

- Desk Organizer or Task Box:



- A well-organized workspace can help minimize distractions. Use tools like desk organizers, task boxes, or trays to keep essential items easily accessible and to create a visually structured environment. This can help individuals stay on task and reduce the likelihood of feeling overwhelmed. This one is more of an "everything" station that lets you have your phone, your fidget toys, your keys, your post-it notes, and more on it for a central location on your desk. (SUPER GOOD)

- Time Timer:



- A physical Time Timer is a clock that visually represents the passage of time. It uses a colored disk that gradually disappears as time elapses. This visual representation can make it easier for individuals with ADHD to understand and manage their time, promoting a better sense of urgency and structure. I hate that these are marketed towards "kids" only, but this one looks pretty good on a desk and will keep you on track when you say you're going to spend 30 minutes doing social 5 media posts and it rings off and tells you 30 minutes are up.

These tools, when used in combination with other strategies such as behavioral interventions and personalized accommodations, can contribute to a more supportive environment for individuals with ADHD. It's important to recognize that the effectiveness of these tools can vary among individuals, so it may be beneficial to experiment with different options to find what works best for a particular person.

https://www.stefanglazer.com/adhd/5-physical-tools-to-help-focus-with-adhd/

15 Noise Canceling Headphones to Battle Distractions of ADHD

Being able to mitigate distractions is important. Being able to block them out all together with some good music and binaural beats and getting deep into flow. These are some of the best noise cancelling headphones at every price point. Yes, the $15 dollar ones you got are great, until you realize they aren't. That being said, there are tons of really affordable options.

However, I want to be clear that there is a lot of options out there, these are just the ones I have been diving into and looking at myself. I have only got to try a few of these myself.

As always, all the links are Affiliate based, so if you decide to buy them, you're helping me out!

Let's get to it.

Under $100:

Anker Soundcore Q20

My recommendation for under $100. Really quality sound, quality build, and on sale often for under $50.

Buy Now

- Anker Soundcore Life Q20: These headphones offer decent noise cancellation and a comfortable fit at an affordable price.

- TaoTronics SoundSurge 60: Known for their budget-friendly options, TaoTronics provides effective noise cancellation in the SoundSurge 60 model. Hard to find unfortunately.

- Mpow H5: The Mpow H5 headphones provide good noise isolation and a comfortable design at an affordable price point.

- Sony WH-CH720N: Sony is known for its high-quality audio products, and the WH-CH720N offers noise cancellation at a reasonable price. Price may be over $100 at the time of reading, at the time of writing, they were on sale for $98.99.

- MOVSSOU E7: The Movssou E7 is a popular budget option with active noise cancellation and a comfortable over-ear design. They are definitely the least expensive in the bunch, but not the best rated.

Under $300:

Sennheiser HD 450BT

My overall TOP recommendation. You generally can find these hovering around the $100 mark. I put them up in this mid tier category because they are hands down the best for any budget without spending a mortgage payment on a set of headphones. While the Sony WH-1000xM4s are an "Industry Standard" for best in show across the board... these come in second for a third of the price.

Buy Now

- Sennheiser HD 450BT: Sennheiser is recognized for its audio quality, and the HD 450BT provides excellent sound along with effective noise cancellation.

- JBL Free X: JBL offers a range of headphones, and the Free X provides good noise isolation along with wireless capabilities.

- Bose QuietComfort 45: Although slightly above $300, these are often discounted. The QuietComfort 45 is known for its superb noise cancellation and comfort.

- Beats Studio Pro: Beats by Dre headphones, like the Studio Pro, offer a stylish design along with active noise cancellation.

- AKG N60NC Wireless: AKG, a brand under Samsung, provides the N60NC Wireless, which is known for its compact design and effective noise cancellation.

No Budget Limit:

- Sony WH-1000XM4: Considered one of the best in the market, the WH-1000XM4 offers exceptional noise cancellation, premium sound quality, and various smart features.

- Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700: These headphones from Bose feature a sleek design, excellent noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit.

- Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless: Known for their audio quality, the Momentum 3 Wireless headphones from Sennheiser combine style with effective noise cancellation.

- Shure AONIC 5 In Ear: Shure is recognized for its audio equipment, and the AONIC 5's offers top-notch sound and noise cancellation.

- Bowers & Wilkins PX7: B&W's PX7 headphones provide high-quality audio and effective noise cancellation, along with a premium design.

Remember to check for the latest prices and reviews, as they can vary over time. Additionally, personal preferences such as comfort, fit, and specific features may influence your choice.

https://www.stefanglazer.com/adhd/15-noise-canceling-headphones-to-battle-distractions-of-adhd/

Ben Carroll

From Metal shredding to Sound Healing, Ben Carroll sat down with me and chatted about the healing properties of music, the power of sound, and so much more.

From his time in Ra to Today, Ben is a deeply talented and amazing musician and we touch on his journey into sound healing and where it's going.

Be sure to visit his website:

⁠soundheals.us⁠

For more information including his Inner Circle for live streamed sound healing and a huge archive of great past streams and so much more.

Be sure to follow him on all social media:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/bencarrollmusic/⁠

⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BenCarroll⁠

⁠https://www.facebook.com/BenCarrollOfficial

https://youtu.be/_PzrVM9XaTM

https://youtu.be/IwUZrjxLJp8

https://youtube.com/shorts/elvWgR3fAuQ?feature=share
https://www.stefanglazer.com/podcast/ben-carroll/

Episode 37 with Harmony Williams

https://youtu.be/204-TJfRLf0

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0DJsNV6T115KiCKa5GUjcA

Harmony Williams is a mother of 5, a grandmother of 1, and has a household full of Neurodiverse people, a life coach, and so much more. She also is the Host of "Life Changing Trips Podcast" where she dives deep into Journey and how plant medicine has helped heal deep wounds of PTSD, Anxiety, and more.

We talk about a lot of amazing different topics.

Be sure to check out everything Harmony does:
https://linktr.ee/Harmonywilliams

There is a lot of great links in her Link Tree and you should visit them all.

Be sure to sign up for her launch list! Get info on podcast clips, integration, retreats and more:

http://subscribepage.io/Life-Changing-Trips-Podcast

https://www.stefanglazer.com/adhd/episode-37-with-harmony-williams/

The Professional Amateur is now...

I decided to rebrand my podcast... and now... my blog. You see, the idea behind the Professional Amateur was about always creating professional work and still having the love and passion of that work of an amateur trying to make it.

It was a concept that was pretty close to my heart and let me talk to people in many capacities, teach people, and more. I'm not saying that the idea for photography courses and tutorials won't live on with the Professional Amateur moniker.

I am saying that my main focus in life is giving light to, educating on, and talking about Neurodiversity. If you didn't know already, I wrote a book and it's available on Amazon. This is it here in Hardcover, Paperback and Kindle:

I am setting up a whole swath of ways to support from updating my podcast page:

https://www.facebook.com/NavigatingNeurodivergenceWithStefanGlazer/

to creating an actual support group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/toolsfornavigatingneurodivergence

I want to not just help people, I want to give them a space to be open and talk about their struggles. I think this is a very important topic to talk about, because it's a giant burden to a lot of the population that mostly will struggle silently with.

Navigating Neurodiversity was the start of a huge movement for me, personally and professionally. It's letting me be me and telling others it is ok to be them too.

So, I will take this from my social media post:

Rebranding is important. Especially when you look at what you're doing and who you're serving as a person. While I will still have people on the podcast who truly love their passions in life. I will be doing a positive pivot and refocusing on what truly is important to me and what I do in life.

So, if you're already subscribed, you might have gotten a notice, if not. Here is your update:

The Professional Amateur Podcast is now, "Navigating Neurodivergence with Stefan Glazer".

I am excited in the direction I'm going, because this direction is nothing but positive and will help so many people. It will also give people a new place to tell their stories, their struggles, and their love of their craft who have overcome any number of neurodiverse issues.

So, feel free to stop by and listen. You'll notice it was really this all along.

Those that have stories to tell, contact me!

Those that are confused by this... are you really? Doesn't this just make much more sense coming from me? Because I feel it does. I know it does.

https://www.stefanglazer.com/adhd/the-professional-amateur-is-now/

DSLR Users are dinosaurs

I'm a dinosaur. I am ok with it for right now. My Canon 7d mk ii is old and faithful, but I'm really a dinosaur in the age of mirrorless.

The number of photographers staying with DSLR cameras compared to mirrorless cameras in the professional landscape is declining. In 2020, about 60% of professional photographers used DSLR cameras, while 40% used mirrorless cameras. By 2023, it is estimated that only 30% of professional photographers will be using DSLR cameras, while 70% will be using mirrorless cameras.

Well, I'm still holding on.

There are a few reasons for this shift. Mirrorless cameras are becoming more and more capable, with features that were once only available on DSLRs, such as high frame rates, weather sealing, and fast autofocus. They are also becoming smaller and lighter, making them more portable and easier to use.

In addition, mirrorless cameras are often more affordable than DSLRs. This is because they do not have the same complex optical viewfinder system as DSLRs, which can be expensive to manufacture.

As a result of these factors, mirrorless cameras are becoming the preferred choice for many professional photographers. However, there are still some photographers who prefer DSLR cameras for certain types of photography, such as sports photography. DSLRs tend to have better battery life and image stabilization than mirrorless cameras, which can be important for long days of shooting.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to use a DSLR or mirrorless camera is a personal one. There are pros and cons to both types of cameras, and the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

However, I will stay with my DSLR until it locks up and dies forever.

https://www.stefanglazer.com/photography/dslr-users-are-dinosaurs/