GEAR MINI TESTS
3 LEGGED THING XPAND £10-30/$15-50 3leggedthing.com Building up a rig can often feel like a compromise. Most filmmakers end up mixing plates, arms, clamps and brackets from multiple brands, then crossing their fingers everything lines up, threads match and nothing works itself loose mid-shoot. It’s functional but rarely elegant. 3 Legged Thing’s Xpand System aims to fix that problem with a fully integrated approach. Instead of adding yet another accessory into the mix, Xpand is designed as a complete ecosystem in which each component is built to work with every other part. At its core, Xpand is a modular rig- building platform made up of cheese plates, connectors and risers. It does not sound revolutionary on paper as all these are familiar tools. The difference is in how they interact. Every Xpand component uses an axis slot system, so parts can be connected quickly and securely using dedicated connectors that firmly bolt down in place with hex head screws. This means plates can be stacked, offset or even extended in multiple directions without any of the usual guesswork of aligning threads or adding brackets. The modular approach means that, instead of building around fixed shapes, you can effectively construct your own rig, piece by piece. For work across different set-ups – handheld rigs, tripod builds, interview kits and compact travel configurations – that flexibility is a major plus. You can adapt the system to suit the shoot, rather than forcing your workflow around the limitations of your kit. The backbone of Xpand is its range of cheese plates, available in four sizes: two square (50 or 70mm)
and two rectangular (90x50mm and 140x70mm). Each plate is packed with mounting options, including 1/4in-20 and 3/8in-16 threads, Arri-style 3/8in mounts with locator pin holes and QD ports. Each plate comes with screws and an Xpand connector, so you’re not forced into buying additional parts just to get started. Xpand’s risers are available in 25, 50, 75 and 100mm, letting you elevate components, build multi-tier rigs or clear space for accessories. Each riser features multiple threaded mounting points, making them more than just spacers. They are structural elements, creating options for mounting audio gear, monitors, wireless receivers or battery plates exactly where needed. One of 3 Legged Thing’s smartest moves is how Xpand integrates with existing company gear. Several of the brand’s L-brackets – such as models for Sony, Nikon and OM System cameras – already have Xpand slots, so users can expand directly from the baseplate without rebuilding their rig
PRO MOVIEMAKER RATING: 8/10 Great modular rig-building system Pros: Flexible, connectors lock together securely Cons: Only in black or orange, limited range at the moment But with prices starting at £9/$15 for connectors and topping out at £39/$50 for larger plates, it’s also affordable. You can start small and expand gradually, rather than commit to a full rig overhaul on day one. from scratch. The dedicated 70mm Xpand Base provides a clean interface between camera and system, with a supplied stainless steel camera screw and dual mounting slots. And it also has an Arca-Swiss fitment. The system works with industry- standard accessories thanks to its thread options. You can still use magic arms, clamps, rods and third-party gear without locking yourself into a closed ecosystem. All components are made from aerospace-grade magnesium alloy with an anodised finish for durability, and this is paired with stainless steel hardware. More components are set to be released soon, which is when the kit will really become a full system. In practice, the Xpand is light and robust – critical for rigs that may be regularly assembled, disassembled and reconfigured. Bolting the parts together instead of relying on thumb screws means it’s totally solid. This is a serious tool, not simply part of a budget accessory line.
SELF BUILD The new Xpand system lets you mix and match components for a completely customised rig
MATURE CONTENT The cheese plates give some grate
rigging options. Gouda work, 3 Legged Thing!
SPECIFICATIONS Colour: Black or orange Material: Magnesium alloy, stainless steel hardware Cheese plates: 50x50mm, 70x70mm, 90x50mm, 140x70mm Baseplate: 70mm Risers: 25, 50, 75, 100mm
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