3 Legged Thing Patti 2.0 Review

The 3 Legged Thing Patti 2.0 is the new version of the popular Punks Patti tripod. The Patti 2.0 is a flip-lock tripod aimed at students and beginners who need a tripod for a wide variety of photographic genres. It boasts a series of enhancements on the original Patti, most notably adding a convertible monopod leg, making the tripod more versatile.

3 Legged Thing has significantly improved the canopy, column lock, and leg locks of the Patti 2.0 compared to its predecessor.

Like its predecessor, the 3 Legged Thing Patti 2.0 has four-section aluminium legs with three flip locks on each leg. It can reach a maximum height of 163 cm (64 inches), or when the centre column isn’t extended, it goes up to 133 cm (52.25 inches) in height.

There are also three leg angles available on each leg of the Patti 2.0, 23°, 55°, and 80°. These allow photographers to shoot from lower levels to standard heights and to accommodate different terrain. It’s also possible to shoot at ground level by reversing the centre column in the canopy and shooting with the camera upside down.

As mentioned earlier, thanks to a removable leg that can be connected to the centre column, the Patti 2.0 can double up to create a monopod with a maximum height of 166 cm (65.3 inches). That’s especially handy for sports or wildlife photography when you want something to take the weight of a long lens while having plenty of scope to frame and follow a moving subject.

Fully collapsed, the 3 Legged Thing Patti 2.0 measures 45.5 cm (17.9 inches), making it fairly easy to transport without being as compact as a dedicated travel tripod.

While the load capacity of the Patti 2.0 isn’t up there with some of 3 Legged Things other tripods, the Corey 2.0, for example, can manage 14 Kg, while the Billy 2.0 can support up to 18 Kg, it is still able to support up to 10 kg (22lb). That’s more than enough to support a heavy DSLR system.

The Patti 2.0 comes equipped with the AirHed Mini, a user-friendly ball head with a single knurled metal knob for adjusting and securing the ball’s position. This head features an Arca-Swiss style clamp and includes an Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release plate, which is locked using a second metal knob.

Naturally, an Arca-Swiss compatible L-bracket such as the 3 Legged Thing Lexie can be used instead of a quick-release plate.

The newly designed leg locks on the Patti 2.0 have a textured surface for enhanced grip and feature the distinctive Leonard 3-legged logo icon from 3LT.

Like other tripods in the Punks series, the Patti 2.0’s canopy is fitted with a ¼” -20 screw thread, allowing the attachment of various accessories, such as arms for lights or monitors. That could be especially useful for video work, perhaps paired with the new 3 Legged Thing LevelHed levelling base.

The tripod’s column lock has also been upgraded, echoing the design seen in other Punks 2.0 models, with a combination of knurled metal and rubber rings for better grip.

3 Legged Thing offers the Patti 2.0 in two colourways: black with blue accents and an understated yet stylish Darkness (matt black). It also comes with a carry bag and 3 Legged Thing’s Toolz, which includes a carabiner, Hex key, and coin tool.

The Patti 2.0’s build quality is up to the standard we have come to expect from 3 Legged Thing. Consequently, it looks good; the Darkness version I have been using looks very sleek. Everything is well-finished with high-quality machining.

With a maximum height of 163 cm (64 inches) with the centre column extended, the Patti is taller than I am likely to need in most situations. With the column fully retracted, it can reach a height of 133 cm (52.25 inches), which is perfect for me at around 156 cm (61 inches). Taller photographers may have to stoop or raise the centre column a little.

Conversely, tall photographers will be happy with the 166 cm (65.3 inches) maximum height of the monopod, but I need to shorten it.

The AirHed Mini is similarly well made, with the knurling on the metal clamp lock and ball lock knobs providing good grip. The clamp must be tightened around the quick-release plate, and it takes a turn of around 360° of the knob to go from the plate being fixed tight to it being removable. That doesn’t take long, but it’s not as quick as a lever lock.

Meanwhile, thanks to the flip locks, the legs can be very quickly released and locked again. In comparison with twist locks, these flip locks are often easier to operate by anyone with hand-mobility issues or when wearing gloves.

The three locks on each leg are close enough together for them to be opened simultaneously. I find this challenging for my little finger, but it is possible. It’s easier if I flip the tripod upside down and use the thumb and heel of my right hand on the locks to open them together.

Collapsing the tripod is quick and easy; pick it up, flip it upside down and release all of the locks before sliding the legs down to their shortest length and closing the locks.

On a couple of occasions, I found that when I opened the locks on the removable leg, it loosened slightly in the canopy. The solution is to hold the upper part of the leg or ensure it is securely fastened before releasing a lock.

Although 3 Legged Thing makes beefier (and more expensive) tripods, the Patti 2.0 is stable, especially with the centre column retracted. There’s also a D-ring at the bottom of the centre column, which can be used to hang a weight such as your camera bag to give extra stability.

Conveniently, the carabiner of the Toolz snaps easily into the D-ring to help with hanging a weight. However, it’s important that the weight isn’t left swinging free, as this will defeat the object of the exercise. A short length of bungee cord or a carefully adjusted bag strap can ensure the weight rests lightly on the ground while still pulling down on the tripod.

This D-ring must be removed before the centre column can be removed to reverse it for low-level shooting or to attach it to the removable leg. That’s simple enough to do, but it could be lost easily, so I suggest slipping it onto the Toolz carabiner to help keep track of it.

The leg locks on the Patti 2.0 take some beating for speed and ease of use. And, unlike some flip-locks, they aren’t prone to trapping an unwary little finger or nipping your skin when they are prised open.

It may not have the refinements and additional knobs of some more expensive tripod heads, but the AirHed Mini is very well made and a pleasure to use. The ball can be locked, loosened, then fixed nice and tight with ease. The only drawback is that one knob unlocks all the movement, so if you want to adjust the framing horizontally or pan the camera, you need to take care not to make the horizon unlevel or change the vertical framing. That said, it’s sometimes possible to rotate the panning movement without loosening the ball enough for the camera to shift. Alternatively, the centre column can be rotated.

The 3 Legged Thing Patti 2.0 is a versatile, robust tripod, ideal for novice photographers and students who appreciate good build quality. Its monopod conversion feature adds significant flexibility, especially for sport or wildlife photography.

The sleek design and sturdy construction are impressive for the price point, and its height range suits most needs, though taller photographers might need to make some accommodations.

Stability-wise, the Patti 2.0 performs well, especially with the centre column retracted. The added D-ring for weights is a useful feature for enhanced stability.

Overall, the 3 Legged Thing Patti 2.0 stands out for its functionality, quality, and value. It might lack the advanced features of pricier models, but it excels in stability, build quality and user-friendliness. It’s a commendable choice for photographers seeking a reliable, versatile, and cost-effective tripod.