Skip to main content

Tenikle is a super-versatile flexible tripod that sucks (in a good way)

Tenikle Launch Video
The Tenikle is a small tripod with flexible arms that let you wrap it around any number of objects when you go to take a photo so you can get everyone (yes, that means you, too) in the shot.

If that sounds a lot like the popular Joby GorillaPod, you’d be right. But the Tenikle also features multiple suckers that provide extra security and stability, and can hold your smartphone in place, too, when you go to take a photo.

Recommended Videos

The Tenikle is impressive for both its versatility and speedy set-up process. Besides acting as a regular tripod for taking snaps, you can also use it as a GoPro mount, selfie stick, car mount, and guitar stand. It also works as a stand for your smartphone if you’re watching videos or simply want to prop it up.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

The all-important suction cups “stick strong, easily, and for long periods of time,” so your pricey smartphone should be just fine when you attach it to a Tenikle wrapped around a bar or post some way off the ground. Greater peace of mind can be had with the solid phone mount that comes with the optional Shutterbug Kit (this mount is also useful if your phone case doesn’t like the suckers). The kit also offers a GoPro adapter, Bluetooth selfie clicker, and a screw adapter to help you attach even more devices.

Another great feature is its portability — the Tenikle rolls up into a little ball so you can pop it in your pocket or bag till you need it.

Described by its creator, Hans Dose, as “a 3-legged accessory that looks like a starfish and an octopus had a one-night stand,” the Kickstarter project has blasted through its $15,000 funding target and is getting close to raising $100,000 for an imminent October launch.

The Tenikle has just a couple of days left to run on Kickstarter, though there are still some early bird deals left if you’re real quick. If you have to wait for its general release, you’ll find it with a $25 price tag.

With a career in graphic design and being “a lover of all things creative,” Dose says on his Kickstarter page that he was keen to design the Tenikle all by himself, throwing his heart and soul into the project.

“I learned 3D CAD software, designed the product, wrote a patent, 3D printed molds, tested different materials, learned mold-making, created almost 100 different prototypes in my tiny garage, built a website, found a U.S. manufacturer, got a business loan to purchase the molds, and filmed/edited the videos with my best friend from high school,” the inventor said.

Trevor Mogg
Contributing Editor
Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…
Capture all the action with the GoPro HERO12 Black — $150 off today at Amazon
The GoPro Hero 12 Black Creator Edition set up on a small tripod on the beach.

In the moment, when you're blasting over that jump on your dirt bike, catching that killer wave, or jumping off of whatever insane cliff you've found, you don't necessarily think about capturing it all. But one of the best ways to make that happen is to strap on an action cam, like a GoPro. You can capture all of the action, and it's relatively low-lift. You wear whatever unique mount is best for the situation and the camera does all the work. There's just one issue, action cameras can be expensive especially if you're on a budget. However, today, Amazon has the GoPro HERO12 Black for $150 off. That brings it down from its normal price of $400 to $250. You can use that extra money to grab an accessory and you're good to go. GoPro HERO12 Black captures it all in 5.3K or 4K so you can rewatch the glory over and over.

 
Why buy the GoPro HERO12 Black? To capture the action, that's why
An action camera like a GoPro makes it possible to capture the action, in full detail, no matter what you're doing. You don't even have to be doing crazy stunts either. A common misconception is that they're only useful for outdoor activities, but no they work for filming just about anything. Even if you're having a barbecue, or a birthday party, or want to see what your roaming cat sees throughout the day -- a GoPro is what you need.

Read more
NASA astronaut Don Pettit talks photography from the space station
NASA astronaut Don Pettit discussing his photography from aboard the ISS.

NASA ASTRONAUT DISCUSSES PHOTOGRAPHY IN SPACE WITH NASASPACEFLIGHT.COM

NASA astronaut Don Pettit arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) in September on his fourth orbital mission in 22 years. Besides working on various science projects on the space-based facility, Pettit is also known for his keen interest in photography, and he regularly shares his impressive efforts -- including rivers, clouds, star trails, and high-speed spacecraft -- on X and Instagram.

Read more
Target has great deals on the Fujifilm Instax cameras today
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 on a white background.

If regular camera deals look a little overwhelming or too expensive, you should check out what Target has to offer. Right now, there are some great deals on Fujifilm Instax cameras, which are perfect for those times you want to take some quick snaps and not worry about fancy settings. The deals include the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 and the Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 Instant Camera. Let’s take a look at both cameras and see which will suit you best. Each camera is a great gift for someone this holiday season, but it’s also a fun way of snapping anything you want during the festive period.
Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 Instant Camera -- $140 $150 7% off

For that instant retro look, check out the Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 Instant Camera. It takes 3 x 5 instant photos, so it’s good for shooting wide shots. Sure, it won't compete with the best DSLR cameras, but it's a fun way of taking some quick snaps. It has a rugged yet beautiful design, so it can handle a few more bumps than most cameras. It offers easy-to-use analog-style controls with a choice of three focus modes; these include normal, landscape, and macro when using the relevant and included close-up lens. It provides automatic exposure, flash control, and a self-timer with an LED countdown, so all the essentials are here. The Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 Instant Camera also has two viewfinder framing guides to assist in composing your image, and you can add a tripod mount if you want.

Read more