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The NEW Wimberley Plamp 2, Plamp G and Plamp Extension, Chatty video Review.
The Plamp Stake with Extension and Plamp 2 attached to the camera tripod.
Hi everyone I have something for you photographers out there; something that I have been using for over 10 years probably more and thats the Wimberley Plamp.
"What is a Plamp...well sounds like a plumber's tool for unblocking drains and it looks at first glance a black bendy snake with a bird skull-like head and a forked tail ....or is that just me and my over active imagination?"Every photographer needs an extra hand well now you have it...you can have 3 extra hands...photographers dream eh...it sure is!!!
Taken from my original review back in 2013.
I was so lucky to have the amazing opportunity to have a look at all three of Wimberleys NEW Plamps!
The Plamp 2, The Plamp G and a prototype of the new Plamp extension....soo exciting!
The Plamp 2, The Plamp G and a prototype of the new Plamp extension....soo exciting!
I have had the original Plamp attached to my tripod for over 10 years now and its never come off as I use it so much! It has saved so many of my photos I wouldn't otherwise have captured; flowers blowing in gusts of wind, twigs or unwanted objects in my line of view or trying to capture an insect on a flower swaying in the breeze.
So checkout my indepth review below and my full chatty video to see all three Plamps in action, Im super excited to share the NEW Plamp family with you all.
If you just want to see my video scroll 3/4 way down!
Any photographer will tell you that taking images outside you always need an extra hand and these are it.
They are the photographers helper; that wont moan about holding a reflector in the same place for a longer length of time, wont complain of arm ache and wont need feeding or have to stop for tea breaks every 5 minutes.
Here is my original Plamp and those of you following me may have already seen it in one of my very early reviews back in 2013. I simply cannot do without my Plamp so to find Wimberley have improved an already amazing design is exciting for me.
So after receiving these 3 NEW products directly from Wimberley it was absolutely perfect timing that our Bluebell woods were in flower; we are very lucky to live in the country and this was literally on our doorstep.
So I grabbed my Canon 7D, my Canon macro 100mm lens and my Manfrotto tripod and we took the Plamp Family for a test drive for the whole afternoon.
I was spoilt too as my other half offered to be my cameraman for the day while I show you all each piece and how it works. I hope you like the video it was a really fun one to make and Im proud of how it came out.
So Im going to run through each item in turn, but in many occasions they all work together as your flexible friends!
Then Ill show you the images I managed to take ONLY because I was using the Plamps as you will see it was pretty breezy that day...perfect for showing you the Plamps!
First of all let me show you how much the Plamp has changed. Its actually metamorphosed from one creature into another....
The main difference is the change of head.. The new version (Top) has a more intricate clamp with variable adjustment, they know what photographers have wanted. The head is slightly smaller and the gaps inside have been really thought out for securing flowers and plants. Ill go into that in more detail later on.
The high quality pony clamps are basically the same and I can absolutely vouch for the wear and tear on these; however Ive rarely taken it off its been attached for over 10 years lol!
Okay its not until you see them together like this you can see Wimberley have made the super strong joints much thicker and individually more chunky.
(New version head at the top).
The Locline segments are larger than the original, it is also reinforced for less vibration after each movement. I hadn't even noticed the original bounced a bit after every adjustment until I used this; it really has a more defined movement.
Wimberley biggest change is that they have completely redesigned the head clip; but I wouldn't have been without it for a second when photographing flowers and insects.
So on with the Plamp 2.....
The magic of the Wimberley Plamp's is its adjustable articulating arm made of 21 strong and sturdy Locline joints.
First of all let me show you how much the Plamp has changed. Its actually metamorphosed from one creature into another....
The main difference is the change of head.. The new version (Top) has a more intricate clamp with variable adjustment, they know what photographers have wanted. The head is slightly smaller and the gaps inside have been really thought out for securing flowers and plants. Ill go into that in more detail later on.
The high quality pony clamps are basically the same and I can absolutely vouch for the wear and tear on these; however Ive rarely taken it off its been attached for over 10 years lol!
Okay its not until you see them together like this you can see Wimberley have made the super strong joints much thicker and individually more chunky.
(New version head at the top).
The Locline segments are larger than the original, it is also reinforced for less vibration after each movement. I hadn't even noticed the original bounced a bit after every adjustment until I used this; it really has a more defined movement.
Wimberley biggest change is that they have completely redesigned the head clip; but I wouldn't have been without it for a second when photographing flowers and insects.
So on with the Plamp 2.....
The magic of the Wimberley Plamp's is its adjustable articulating arm made of 21 strong and sturdy Locline joints.
Measurements
The Plamp 2 is approximately 62.5cm long including the clampy head which is 9.4cm.
You then have 46.5cm of bendy joints.
The head is made of Zytel ST (Super tough) nylon so its durable and solid. Perfect for extreme conditions.
They have designed "4 main holes" for you to work with depending on thickness of your flower, twig or subject. The maximum this clip opens is an inch, thats plenty Ive never needed anymore.
The Wimberley logo is on the top.
You also now have more control of the pressure with a clever thumb screw activated clip jaw for precise opening and closing for more delicate subjects with stronger clamping when needed.
Its really responsive and gentle...see my video!
They have designed "4 main holes" for you to work with depending on thickness of your flower, twig or subject. The maximum this clip opens is an inch, thats plenty Ive never needed anymore.
The Wimberley logo is on the top.
You also now have more control of the pressure with a clever thumb screw activated clip jaw for precise opening and closing for more delicate subjects with stronger clamping when needed.
Its really responsive and gentle...see my video!
But my favorite change has to be the foam inserts, this replaces my tissues I used to use in the original clamp to protect delicate stems.
Plus the number one hole is more flattened so objects cant spin; so they've thought of everything.
The foam surrounds the stem/s gently without crushing them, but still keeping it secure and stable enough from waving in the wind....genius...bye-bye tissues! Using this foam it doesn't matter what width the stem is as its so soft.
I would be mortified if I damaged the flower or stem JUST to take a photo. But NOW Wimberley have added these super soft foam inserts to protect anything delicate.
The third hole along is circular to hold rods or photographers reflector and also the new Carbon fibre rod Extension......see later!
I didn't think I would use the smallest hole as its really tiny, but it was perfect for this Dandylion.
Well I did say "4" holes and yes there is; on its tip you have an adorable little hole which can hold flowers straight upwards.
This reminds me of Audrey the flower in the film....Little shop of horrors.
Or is that just me lol!
You can see here its holding a twig out of the way for me; but I'm also seeing a beautiful Red Rose being held perfectly in front of the camera for you to photograph...are you seeing it yet..?
I know I should have gone out and bought one especially I hear you say...!
I have to say these clamps are super high quality clamps and they have some serious pressure and it takes me both hands to use it...yes I am a bit of a weed..see my video!
The adjustable grips allow for variable angles and thicknesses of clamping.
These clever Pony clamps have an adjustment screw inside to adjust the strength of its clampiness...is that a word lol; what a great addition; but as its permanently on my tripod Ive kept it at its strongest. They've really thought of everything!
Note; just to say my tripod is a Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod
The clamps fit to most tripods with a diameter of 0.9 to 1.4 inches the Gitzo 1,2,3 tripods and nearly all the commonly used Bogen-Manfrotto tripods.
Here you can see the Plamp 2 in action, look how perfectly it places your flower infront of your lens. It also allows you to choose you background and your light direction if you have the flower already picked. To get that stunning diffused background.
These are my own Lilacs that are perfectly placed, you also get the choice which side of the flower you want to use...try doing that in a bush or flower bed...its so awkward to get that perfect position; but not with the Plamp 2.
I couldn't have got these shots as my lilac bush is over 8 foot high and they have flowered in the middle of the bush. Id need a stepladder and a scythe to get up at them. Then I wouldn't have got this gorgeous diffused background.
Im so happy with these images.
I also took some images of my just flowered Clematis; this flower was hidden up in my porchway.
Above you can see Ive used the Plamp2 to gently pull it away from the doorway, the clamp is carefully hidden behind the flower so I can still capture my macro shot. The stem fits loosely inside the last hole just preventing it from going back into place. I didnt even need to use the foam section as I only wanted to pull it gently into another position.
Here are some the images I was able to capture thanks to the Plamp2.
The Plamp G
The Plamp G
The next in the family is something Im really excited about; as at first I honestly wasn't sure whether it would add to my photography...and ...wow was I wrong!
While reviewing this I found so many ways of using it I simply cant do without it now, its going with me anywhere I go for macro photography.
For the Stake in action please see my full indepth video review....
The Plamp G comes in 2 pieces, it has a hollow tube where a custom made screwdriver...yep I said screwdriver...that fits neatly into the tube for storage.
The screwdriver is 17.5cm long
I have to say its really a great quality screwdriver too so watch out for DIY enthusiasts in the family; my other half already has his eye on it. You know its yours as it has Wimberley printed onto the handle.
When you want to use your stake simply pull out the screwdriver, reverse it and put it back into the tube you then simply force it into the ground...stake it!
The Plamp G is a "stand alone Plamp"...its just genius...High 5 Wimberley!
If you dont carry tripods around or simply use your mobile phones or a compact camera you can still get the Plamp2 technology with this version.
This clever idea is 74cm long, not including the screwdriver handle which pokes out slightly from the base.
The 20cm plastic tube gives it the stability and then you have 44.5cm of the bendy Locline joints, 20 in all which twists and angles in any direction you wish.
The Plamp G has the same head apart from its black which I actually really love with the same foam inserts as the Plamp 2 for those delicate stems.
It has same precise open and close action and you also get the same 4th hole in the tip perfect for upright flowers. Both the Plamp2 and the Stake heads swivel 360 degrees for more versatility too.
Place it anywhere for better light and background its so versatile.
It really looks like its munching on my lilac here, they do have a kind of real cuteness to them.
The Plamp Carbon Fibre extension.
The 3rd item from Wimberley is the baby of the Plamp family and I'm so lucky to have received a prototype of the
NEW Plamp Carbon Fibre extension clamp.
Im sorry Im still seeing cute bird skulls or dinosaur heads...well arnt you?
The idea as you can guess is that when you need that extra length or an awkward angle you have this little extension of 33.5cm which will position your subject/flower exactly infront of the camera lens for you.
The carbon 8cm fibre rod is super light and slim and fits perfectly into the plamps end gap; so you can tighten it securely.
It has 4 smaller versions of the Plamps famous Locline joints which is all you need with this. Plus of course exactly the same light grey head thats on the Plamp2.
Here is the Stake holding the extension higher up and slightly angled; maybe for a background that is only higher up...its one of those things you dont know you need it, till you need it.
An extra alternative is to use all three Plamps without any tripods at all; simply use the Plamp G as a base, then attach the Plamp 2 onto the tube of the G AND...if you need to...add the extension rod to either of the 2 clamp heads...cool huh!
Hey I dont know what Im trying to do Im just showing you guys the versatility, you get the idea.
Please now take a peek at my Chatty video review as you can see all 3 Plamp's in action in this stunning bluebell wood. You will get more effect of the beauty of the woodland if you watch my review.
The Plamp head held the flowers securely in the foam inserts and allowed me to alter the height and floppiness/spread of the flowers themselves, it gave me variety and flexibility.
Next I moved the camera and tripod to the edge of the Rapeseed field and using the same technique, captured the image below.
Im so pleased with this shot all using the Plamp 2; I know you can get this hand-held Ive done it myself many times; however I got a more diffused image as it was further from my 100mm macro lens.
If you haven't read my first review of the original Plamp I also explain how Wimberley suggest how to shorten your Plamps and a few tips; so Ive briefly added them below too.
Buy yours from most popular Photography stores or read more here
Image from Wimberley
If your in the UK Wex Photographic sells the Plamp2.
In the US Amazon sells the Plamp 2 and the Plamp G too.
All my thanks goes to the lovely guys at Wimberley for kindly sending me all 3 of their Plamp Family to share with you all.
My views and opinions are my own and my photos are also my own unless otherwise stated.
Over the last 10 years Ive taken some of my best published Images using the Plamp. Its held the plants stable so the wind doesn't scare off my bugs...perfect!
The 20cm plastic tube gives it the stability and then you have 44.5cm of the bendy Locline joints, 20 in all which twists and angles in any direction you wish.
The Plamp G has the same head apart from its black which I actually really love with the same foam inserts as the Plamp 2 for those delicate stems.
It has same precise open and close action and you also get the same 4th hole in the tip perfect for upright flowers. Both the Plamp2 and the Stake heads swivel 360 degrees for more versatility too.
Place it anywhere for better light and background its so versatile.
It really looks like its munching on my lilac here, they do have a kind of real cuteness to them.
The Plamp Carbon Fibre extension.
The 3rd item from Wimberley is the baby of the Plamp family and I'm so lucky to have received a prototype of the
NEW Plamp Carbon Fibre extension clamp.
Im sorry Im still seeing cute bird skulls or dinosaur heads...well arnt you?
The idea as you can guess is that when you need that extra length or an awkward angle you have this little extension of 33.5cm which will position your subject/flower exactly infront of the camera lens for you.
The carbon 8cm fibre rod is super light and slim and fits perfectly into the plamps end gap; so you can tighten it securely.
It has 4 smaller versions of the Plamps famous Locline joints which is all you need with this. Plus of course exactly the same light grey head thats on the Plamp2.
Here is the Stake holding the extension higher up and slightly angled; maybe for a background that is only higher up...its one of those things you dont know you need it, till you need it.
An extra alternative is to use all three Plamps without any tripods at all; simply use the Plamp G as a base, then attach the Plamp 2 onto the tube of the G AND...if you need to...add the extension rod to either of the 2 clamp heads...cool huh!
Hey I dont know what Im trying to do Im just showing you guys the versatility, you get the idea.
Storage
All 3 Plamps fold away easily as The Plamp 2 simply wraps round my tripod out the way and the Stake simply folds onto itself.
Please now take a peek at my Chatty video review as you can see all 3 Plamp's in action in this stunning bluebell wood. You will get more effect of the beauty of the woodland if you watch my review.
In the Bluebell woods
We decided to take the Plamps into the Bluebell woods which had just flowered right next to us for a test drive for the day. I was also lucky to have a field of Rapeseed next to this too with their beautiful yellow flowers.
So an idea of mine was to use the bright yellow flower against the blue of the Bluebells and the only way to do that is pop one into one of the Plamps as you can see above.
So using the Plamp 2; I angled it as far as it would reach from my camera.
Just look how beautifully diffused the Bluebells are behind it due to the lens distance.
Image 1 - how I took the image.
Image 2- the resulting image, thanks to the Plamp2.
I absolutely adore the diffused look created by my lens but I couldn't have held it this far away from my lens by hand, I would have had cramp in seconds. I absolutely needed a 3rd hand here; plus it was a breezy day with wind coming off the fields.
Image 1 - how I took the image.
Image 2- the resulting image, thanks to the Plamp2.
I absolutely adore the diffused look created by my lens but I couldn't have held it this far away from my lens by hand, I would have had cramp in seconds. I absolutely needed a 3rd hand here; plus it was a breezy day with wind coming off the fields.
The Plamp head held the flowers securely in the foam inserts and allowed me to alter the height and floppiness/spread of the flowers themselves, it gave me variety and flexibility.
Then I wanted a more macro shot, created quickly and easily by simply swinging it infront of the lens in seconds, not even having to move the tripod..amazing!
The screwdriver of the Plamp G sank beautifully into the soft ground, I didn't think it was going to be stable; but I was wrong as you will see in my video. Because of the flat sides of the screwdriver if the wind tries to turn it, it wont spin...genius!
The Plamp Stake allows you to achieve a further away shot that the Plamp 2 can give you if you dont have all your range of lenses. I never realized how much I was going to love this Stake...!The screwdriver of the Plamp G sank beautifully into the soft ground, I didn't think it was going to be stable; but I was wrong as you will see in my video. Because of the flat sides of the screwdriver if the wind tries to turn it, it wont spin...genius!
Next I moved the camera and tripod to the edge of the Rapeseed field and using the same technique, captured the image below.
Im so pleased with this shot all using the Plamp 2; I know you can get this hand-held Ive done it myself many times; however I got a more diffused image as it was further from my 100mm macro lens.
If you haven't read my first review of the original Plamp I also explain how Wimberley suggest how to shorten your Plamps and a few tips; so Ive briefly added them below too.
Shortening your Plamp
Yes you can shorten the Plamp's arms by removing any of the segmented joints. To shorten the arm, bend the arm carefully till it reaches it maximum angle and it snaps in two (do not worry, you cant hurt the Plamp), remove a length and reconnect the pieces like lego.
Its quite tough to do as the pieces are super strong and for me it would have to be the possibility of an outstanding shot to go through the effort to shorten it.
I personally have never had the need to shorten it in 10 years as it has incredible flexibility and twistiness.
Yes you can shorten the Plamp's arms by removing any of the segmented joints. To shorten the arm, bend the arm carefully till it reaches it maximum angle and it snaps in two (do not worry, you cant hurt the Plamp), remove a length and reconnect the pieces like lego.
Its quite tough to do as the pieces are super strong and for me it would have to be the possibility of an outstanding shot to go through the effort to shorten it.
I personally have never had the need to shorten it in 10 years as it has incredible flexibility and twistiness.
Tips from Wimberley
If you need more reach or if you are using a 180mm or 200mm macro lens, you have 3 options.
- Attach the Plamp to an object other than your own tripod,
- Extend one of the legs towards your subject and than attach the Plamp further down the leg, thus closer to the subject,
- Extend the length of your Plamp with the 12" Plamp extension; but in doing so the Plamp becomes a bit less rigid.
Summary
I am so pleased with all 3 of these fantastic Wimberley Plamp products. I hope I have these 3 as long as Ive had my original Plamp. The build quality of all 3 is amazing, they can withstand all weather conditions, plus being thrown around in your camera bag or rucksack.
The improvements to the Plamp2 is amazing the newly designed head is brilliant especially with the foam inserts...no more tissues...yay!
The extra chunky LocLine joints make it even more stable and secure; even though I have NEVER had any problems with the original. The clamps are still super strong and will clamp tightly and securely to anything from your tripods to branches and fences etc.
I am so pleased with all 3 of these fantastic Wimberley Plamp products. I hope I have these 3 as long as Ive had my original Plamp. The build quality of all 3 is amazing, they can withstand all weather conditions, plus being thrown around in your camera bag or rucksack.
The improvements to the Plamp2 is amazing the newly designed head is brilliant especially with the foam inserts...no more tissues...yay!
The extra chunky LocLine joints make it even more stable and secure; even though I have NEVER had any problems with the original. The clamps are still super strong and will clamp tightly and securely to anything from your tripods to branches and fences etc.
The Plamp Stake - its the first time for me using this and I LOVE it so much. The fact its a stand alone piece of kit is just amazing! Look at the height this reaches with the extension.
If I'm honest I didn't think I would use it like I have, now Im never without it, its always in my camera bag and as a macro photographer you just never know what your going to need untill you need it; they are so versatile.
Its not just for holding stems still for a flower/bug images, you may need a branch or stem bent gently away; removing clutter from the shot. Ive done this so many times.
Extra note: Those of you that regularly sell items on Ebay may find this helpful to stabilize smaller products or hold a background behind your subject..
Its not just for holding stems still for a flower/bug images, you may need a branch or stem bent gently away; removing clutter from the shot. Ive done this so many times.
Having both the Plamp2 and Plamp G gives me 2 extra hands to concentrate on the camera and settings. The main thing is you can move from a distance shot to a super macro in seconds, without having to move your heavy tripod; the adjustable arms are genius!
I wasn't sure if I would have a use for the Plamp Extension; but yet again I have been using it, to gain extra angles, extra height for my subjects, honestly guys when you need it you REALLY NEED it. Plus its just too darn cute for words....dont you think?
As a wildlife and macro photographer I generally work by myself so those extra hands are like gold dust when you need them. Ive also used them for reflectors and flashlights when you need that extra light too.
Ive found the Plamp2 and Plamp G work perfectly together; the Plamp2 to hold my flower and the G to hold back clutter (dead flowers, twigs etc) from shot. But here you can see them holding a flower each so I can get contrast in colour. They are the perfect photography helpers...and you dont have to pay them or feed them chocolate and drinks lol!
When not in use, you can use your Plamp as a headphone stand...great piece of modern art! I hope my other half doesn't notice his wheel trim gone missing!
If your a macro photographer this HAS to be in your kit, its a photographers dream. I seriously couldn't manage my macro photography without them; they really are your flexible friends!
Ive been using the original Plamp for over 10 years and the extra improvements make a huge difference and the Stake is just amazing!
Okay people this has been a long review but Ive had so much to say. Let me know what you guys think which one do you like; which would you see yourself using more. If you've any questions dont hesitate to ask?
But please checkout my full video and I hope I can help you choose the right one for you; but if your a macro photographer dont hesitate just Buy Now!
Buy yours from most popular Photography stores or read more here
Image from Wimberley
If your in the UK Wex Photographic sells the Plamp2.
In the US Amazon sells the Plamp 2 and the Plamp G too.
All my thanks goes to the lovely guys at Wimberley for kindly sending me all 3 of their Plamp Family to share with you all.
My views and opinions are my own and my photos are also my own unless otherwise stated.
Over the last 10 years Ive taken some of my best published Images using the Plamp. Its held the plants stable so the wind doesn't scare off my bugs...perfect!
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