The Chronicle’s ball head has a platform like no other. For cameras, it uses a ProMaster Dovetail (arca-type) quick release. For phones, it converts to a sturdy smartphone clamp in seconds. Going back and forth from camera-mode to phone-mode couldn’t be simpler: just turn the conversion knob so the icon of a phone is on top (just ½ turn) and unfold the phone clamp. To return to camera mode, reverse the process by folding the clamp up and turning the knob so the camera icon is on top. The best part is there are no outside accessories to lose, and no special tools required! Never get bogged down again fiddling with tiny screwdrivers, adapters, or additional parts—it's all integrated. The ball head itself is a joy to use. It has a main knob for controlling ball tension and a separate knob for the panning motion. While most ball heads have one “U” for vertical orientation, the Chronicle uses two “U’s” to give you more control. It has a convenient bubble level to help with composition. Rounding out the features of the head is a control handle which can be attached or removed at your convenience. This handle can be especially useful for video footage; it works in conjunction with the head’s tension control so you can make smooth pans and tilts.

In place of a standard center column, the Chronicle features an entirely new design. With a camera or phone attached to the head, turn the knob on the side of the Chronicle’s yoke and then pull up on the ball head; the assembly easily lifts out of the tripod to form a comfortable, round handheld stabilizer. Open the Flexor’s legs, and the unit becomes a tabletop or ground level tripod! That’s not all. Detach one of the tripod’s legs to form a traditional monopod by installing the upper portion of the Flexor, with the ball head still attached, to the top of the leg. Unscrew the standard rubber foot from the monopod leg and install the Flexor’s bottom section, and gain a monopod with a sturdy 3-leg base! This base has a built-in ball joint for smooth panning and tilting, as well as a locking collar on the ball joint allows panning movements without tilt.Just like the amazing ball head, the Flexor requires no outside accessories or special tools to convert into its various forms. The Chronicle is a terrific tripod on its own and can support up to 22 lbs! It reaches a working height of over 59” and collapses down to a folded length of just under 23”. The Chronicle won’t let you down in the cold and is rated for use at -4° F (-20° C). The tripod’s legs have 3 angle positions and are independently adjustable to tame any terrain; because the Chronicle’s feet use a standard 3/8”-16 connection, they can easily be switched out to all-terrain feet.