3 Legged Thing CDMS Kit 2A Camera Desk Mount System Review: A Valuable Part of Any Content Creators Toolkit

3 Legged Thing, based in Stagsden, Bedfordshire, England, manufactures tripods and related gear. Their product line is full of personality with colorful anodized components and modular design. In this review, we look at the all-new 3 Legged Thing CDMS Kit 2A Camera Desk Mount System.

A quick look at 3 Legged Thing’s website will reveal the personality that I mentioned with product names such as Wrapz, Legends, Punks, Bucky, Jay, Mike, Leo, etc. I am, therefore, a bit surprised by the rather plain naming of the Camera Desk Mount System!

The CDMS definitely looks like a 3 Legged Thing, as it is constructed of black aerospace-grade magnesium alloy with copper and blue accents.

What’s in the Box

The system is available in three versions:

Basic Kit

The basic CDMS Kit includes a vertically extending pole that clamps to a table or desk and features a small omnidirectional ball head with a strong rotational lock and ¼”-20 thread for connecting cameras, lights, microphones, and monitors.

CDMS Kit 1a

Kit 1A includes everything from the CDMS Kit plus a single auxiliary arm that can be attached to the main pole or used on its own with a tripod leg or center column. It features a ball head for attaching accessories or smaller cameras.

CDMS Kit 2a

Kit 2A features everything in kit 1A, plus an extra arm connecting to the auxiliary to create an articulated horizontal arm.

Load Capacity

All three kits are perfect for mounting lightweight cameras, smartphones, and accessories up to 2.2 pounds (1 kg) in weight.

Performance

For this review, we are looking at the full kit, the 3 Legged Thing CDMS Kit 2A, which includes all three arms, the vertical extending pole that clamps to desks or tables, the auxiliary arm that clamps to the vertical pole with a handlebar mount, and a third arm that connects to the second to form an articulated horizontal arm.

Having the three arms together makes this a very versatile package that can prove useful in many scenarios.

The top of each arm features a blue anodized rotational lock with an orange anodized omnidirectional ball head inside. Loosening the black lever on the side frees both of these elements, allowing the blue lock to rotate 360 degrees and the ball head to change from vertical to horizontal orientations and anywhere between.

The 3 Legged Thing CDMS Kit 2A’s combination of movements allows for nearly limitless flexibility. The top of each ball head is a black photo mount with a standard ¼”-20 thread. As the ball head can spin continuously when unlocked, holding your camera steady and turning the photo mount to secure it is very simple.

I found each mount to work very well. I had no issues mounting the vertical arm to tables. The handlebar clamp on the second arm works equally well. I used it with the vertical arm, tripods, and even mounted it to my e-bike.

The 3 Legged Thing CDMS Kit 2A’s components feel good in your hands. The arms are solid yet lightweight. The textured rubber grips that facilitate the extension of the vertical arm feel good and look great, and the anodized components give these arms their personality.

I wish the package included a sectioned, padded carrying bag, as the kit’s arms are so nice you wouldn’t want them banging around together with other equipment. Hopefully, 3 Legged Thing will offer such a bag as an accessory in the future.

The 3 Legged Thing Camera Desk Mount System is an excellent addition to the toolkits of content creators, photographers and videographers, especially those who need to adapt to a variety of shooting scenarios.

Specifications

Should You Buy the 3 Legged Thing CDMS Kit 2A Camera Desk Mount System?

The 3 Legged Thing CDMS Kit 2A offers versatility and excellent design with its aerospace-grade magnesium alloy construction and flexible, modular arms. It is ideal for content creators, photographers, and videographers. It supports a range of lightweight devices and adapts seamlessly to various shooting setups.

Although I wish the package included a sectioned, padded carrying bag to protect the kit’s arms, the CDMS Kit 2A’s performance and build quality make it a valuable tool for those seeking reliable and adaptable mounting solutions. If you are a content creator, you won’t regret investing in one.

The 3 Legged Thing CDMS Kit 2A Camera Desk Mount System retails for $59.99; it is available directly from the manufacturer.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I Like: Flexibility for use in various content-creating scenarios; Excellent design and Construction; The system is lightweight; It supports a range of lightweight devices and adapts seamlessly to various shooting setups

What Needs Improvement: I wish the package included a sectioned, padded carrying bag, as the kit’s arms are so nice you wouldn’t want them banging around together with other equipment