Pakpod: a Versatile Tripod

Tiny, light, waterproof legs for your camera, GoPro or smartphone

There is a plentitude of desirable features at play within the new Pakpod tripod. Enough, in fact, that we feel comfortable calling it one of the most clever on the market for lightweight cameras, GoPros and smartphones. It’s durable—made from the same high-impact ABS material used in bike and ski helmets—and water- and freeze-proof, but it also weighs less than a pound. A patented, one-twist …

America’s Vanishing Rest Stops

Photographer Ryann Ford captures the eerie beauty of the primitive picnic table and shade set-up

The rest stop is a man-made oasis. Some are fancier—WiFi is now offered at many, along with various fast food and gas options—but the primitive set-up of a bench and shade (and sometimes a random barbecue pit) can bring tears to the eyes after a hundred-mile stretch on the interstate. It’s the latter that caught the attention of Austin-based photographer Ryann Ford—beginning with an unusual …

Nikon’s D500 Satiates the Need for Speed

How the super fast DSLR fared when capturing skaters and the night sky in the hands of a casual photographer

Nikon released the D5 and D500 last month to great fanfare—and the latter especially appeals to photography lovers whose professions don’t warrant paying $6500 for the new flagship DSLR. The D500 is a true replacement camera for the D300 series (which dates back to 2007), and it’s all about fast-action. Inside the rugged, durable body build—on par with Nikon’s higher-end cameras (and no unneccessary built-in …