As a diver and underwater photographer myself, I know just how critical it is to have the right gear — especially when conditions aren't ideal. Whether you're trying to lock in a macro shot on the ocean floor or capture smooth footage on a windy ridgeline, stability matters.
At Ultralight Camera Solutions, we're proud to offer these seven tripod kits because we believe they're the best tools out there for content creators who shoot both above and below the surface. Each one is thoughtfully designed to give you the control, comfort, and durability you need — so you can focus on the shot, not the setup.
Use case: On a shallow reef, attach your GoPro to this small tripod, place it carefully in an area without disturbing the surrounding environment, and swim into the frame — capturing dynamic wide shots of yourself finning through crystal-clear water — without needing a buddy to hold the camera.
Visualize this: You're on a coastal hike and pause at a scenic lookout. You pop open your tripod, set your GoPro or action camera down, and film a timelapse of the sun dipping into the horizon. No shaking, no adjusting —just clean, stable footage with minimal setup.
(same as the TPK-LVL-08, just smaller)
Picture yourself here: You’re deep inside a wreck or tucked into a cavern, and your main camera is already in place. You set this compact tripod off to the side with a small light mounted on it — filling the background with soft, ambient light and adding the dimension your video or still images were missing.
Imagine this: You’re neutrally buoyant near a coral outcrop, carefully positioning your DSLR housing onto the tripod. Each leg is angled securely into place on the sandy bottom. Once your framing is set, you float back and watch as your camera holds steady — capturing that macro reef subject with zero shake, even in light current.
Picture this: You're exploring a swim-through on a twilight dive, placing your video light with this tripod just outside the cave opening. It casts a dramatic glow across the passage while your GoPro/action camera, mounted elsewhere, captures the entire illuminated scene in cinematic detail.
Use it like this: You’re on a sandy bottom, watching a colony of garden eels sway gently in and out of their burrows. With your action camera mounted to this tripod, you fine-tune your angle using the pan-and-tilt head, then hover back and let the tripod do the work — capturing a wide, steady shot of these elusive creatures without disturbing their natural rhythm.
Imagine it in action: You’re filming a group of passing eagle rays in open water. With the legs extended and your camera angled upward, you capture a smooth, uninterrupted shot from the seabed as the rays glide overhead — no movement, just cinematic grace.
Post updated August 5, 2025
Whether you're diving deep, hiking high, or filming fast-paced content on the go, ULCS tripod kits offer the stability, comfort, and rugged performance you need to capture it all. Each tripod has a specific strength — now it's just a matter of choosing the one that fits your filming style best. If you don’t find what you need, please contact us. We are always here to help!
We’re excited to announce that Ultralight Camera Solutions (ULCS) is returning as a DEMA exhibitor for 2025! After rejoining the show floor in 2024 for the first time in nearly a decade, we’re looking forward to connecting once again with the diving and underwater imaging community — this time from our corner booth (#960) in the Image Resource Center. Whether you’re a dive shop owner, underwater content creator, or longtime ULCS supporter, we invite you to stop by, handle the gear, ask questions, and explore what’s new.
The DEMA Show is the premier annual trade-only event for diving professionals. It's where the best minds and gear in underwater imaging come together, and for us, it’s one of the most rewarding parts of the year.
We design gear for people who take their photography seriously — above and below the surface. Our company is proudly owned and run by an avid diver and underwater photographer, so we understand how important the right tools are for getting the perfect shot. That’s why events like DEMA matter. They give you the chance to get hands-on with our products, feel the construction, test the ergonomics, and talk directly with the people behind the gear.
At DEMA 2025, we’re showcasing a more streamlined selection of our top-performing gear. These are products we’ve built and refined based on real-world use and customer feedback. You’ll find highlights across all our core categories:
These aren’t just accessories — they’re essentials. We believe that the best way to understand what makes ULCS gear different is to hold it, adjust it, and imagine how it fits into your rig.
We love when customers come by with questions, whether it’s about gear for your next workshop, recommendations for your retail store, or which tripod system pairs best with your current housing. Our team is always happy to offer advice rooted in real dive experience, and we’ll be right there to help you sort out what makes sense for your needs. Don’t forget to take a look at our distributor and dealer network if you’re looking for ways to bring ULCS products to your customers year-round.
At last year’s DEMA Show, we brought just about everything—including cinema and underwater rigs, interactive demos, and even a raffle. This year, we’re dialing in the focus. You’ll still be able to explore our most popular trays, tripods, and clamps, but in a cleaner, more hands-on display that lets you get right to what matters most: how it feels, how it works, and how it’ll elevate your footage.
We’ll also have a fresh set of visuals from DEMA 2024 running at the booth, plus get the scoop on what’s in the works for 2026 — including an all-new underwater photography workshop launching in the Philippines that we’re thrilled to support.
Our location near the front of the hall, close to the presentation space, makes it easy to swing by before or after sessions. If you’ve been meaning to explore ULCS gear in person, this is the time to do it.
We’re proud to be part of this vibrant, passionate industry — and DEMA gives us a chance to reconnect with old friends, meet new partners, and help professionals like you get the gear that helps you do your best work. Whether you're searching for the right Underwater Camera Products, need a hands-free solution for your GoPro, or want to dive deeper into Cinematography Camera Products, we hope you’ll catch us at DEMA 2025.
See you in November!
When it comes to underwater photography, stability, and versatility are crucial for capturing stunning shots. The Ultralight CSK-SLDL Large Underwater Camera Sled Tray Kit is designed to meet the needs of photographers and videographers who require a robust, stable, and customizable platform for their camera setups. Whether you’re working with large dome ports or professional-grade camera housings like Nauticam, Sea & Sea, Aquatica or others, the CSK-SLDL is built to handle it all with ease.
What is the CSK-SLDL?
The CSK-SLDL is a large underwater camera sled tray kit developed by Ultralight Camera Solutions that provides unparalleled stability and versatility. Its broad sled base accommodates cameras with large dome ports or housings, ensuring a solid foundation for complex setups. This kit is perfect for those who need a reliable platform to attach multiple accessories like strobes, lights, or even action cameras.
Key Features and Benefits
1. Stable Platform
The sled-style design provides a broad base, ensuring stability and balance for larger camera rigs. This is particularly useful in challenging topside conditions and performing camera maintenance.
2. Versatile Mounting Options
The sled is built around the Ultralight TRI-TRAY, featuring multiple mounting points, allowing you to attach various accessories, including strobes, lights, and additional arms. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of shooting styles and equipment configurations.
3. Durable and Corrosion-Resistant Construction
Made from 6061 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum with Type III hard anodizing, the CSK-SLDL is built to withstand the rigors of underwater environments. Its corrosion-resistant finish ensures long-lasting performance in saltwater conditions.
4. Compatible with Large Dome Ports and Housings
The sled tray is specifically designed to support larger camera housings and dome ports, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal stability for professional-grade setups.
5. Perfecting Balance and Trim
Perfecting the trim and balance is easy with all the mounting points, especially when using the CSK-WS Ultralight custom sliding weight kit.
Applications of the CSK-SLDL
Why Choose the Ultralight CSK-SLDL?
The CSK-SLDL is a premium solution for underwater photographers and videographers needing a stable, durable, and versatile camera platform. Its thoughtful design and robust construction ensure your gear is secure and ready for any underwater adventure.
Take your sled to the next level.
Ultralight offers two kits specifically designed to be added to the large sled.
Ready to enhance your underwater photography setup? Explore the CSK-SLDL Large Underwater Camera Sled Tray Kit and other innovative solutions at Ultralight Camera Solutions. Have questions or need guidance? Contact Us—our team is here to help you find the perfect gear for your needs!
At Ultralight Camera Solutions, we pride ourselves on creating products that perform flawlessly, regardless of the environment. All our products are US-made with US materials, hand assembled and packaged in our warehouse in Oxnard, CA, and come with a lifetime warranty.
At Ultralight Camera Solutions, our mission is to design gear that is not only durable but also adaptable to meet the unique needs of underwater photographers, cinematographers, and content creators. Our most versatile and innovative products are our cutout clamps, including the popular AC-CSSK, AC-CSSK2, AC-CSLSK2, AC-CSLXLSK2, AC-TCSJK, and AC-TCSJK2 models.
These clamps are designed with precision cutouts, making it possible to have equipment at angles never before possible and making them lighter without sacrificing strength or functionality. Whether you’re rigging lights, cameras, or other accessories, Ultralight cutout clamps are a reliable choice.
Key Benefits of Ultralight Cutout Clamps
Who Can Benefit from Ultralight Cutout Clamps?
Built for Performance and Durability
At Ultralight Camera Solutions, we pride ourselves on designing products that perform flawlessly, even in the most demanding environments. Our cutout clamps are no exception, combining lightweight convenience with unparalleled strength and reliability.
Whether diving deep, shooting topside, or creating in a studio, Ultralight cutout clamps make configuring your gear more effortless and efficient.
At Ultralight Camera Solutions, we pride ourselves on creating products that perform flawlessly, regardless of the environment. All our products are US-made with US materials, hand assembled and packaged in our warehouse in Oxnard, CA, and come with a lifetime warranty.
Discover the Ultralight Advantage
Ready to enhance your gear setup? Explore our full range of cutout clamps and other innovative solutions at Ultralight Camera Solutions. Have questions or need guidance? Contact Us—we’re here to help you get the most out of your equipment!
At Ultralight Camera Solutions, innovation doesn’t stop at the products we create—it extends to how we run our business. As a company that thrives on adventure, creativity, and connecting with customers worldwide, we’ve embraced the freedom of remote work with Starlink, SpaceX’s high-speed satellite internet solution.
We enjoy traveling with our RV, and Starlink has transformed how we stay connected while on the road. Helping our customers, providing excellent customer service, meeting with dealers, or traveling to test products is important and now we can easily do both.
Our RV Starlink System
We purchased a used RV Starlink Gen 2 unit, which operates on 50-100 watts per hour, with a 120-volt power source. Initially, we relied on a 12-volt battery system and solar panels, but adding Starlink’s power requirements posed challenges. To address this, we upgraded our setup by installing a 1500-watt power inverter, adding a third Renogy 100AH battery, and increasing our Renogy solar panels from 200 to 400 watts. These upgrades allowed us to stay off-grid longer while using Starlink.
How Starlink Supports Ultralight Camera Solutions
Why Starlink Works for Us
Tips for Using Starlink on the Road
The Freedom to Innovate Anywhere
Working remotely with Starlink reflects our adventurous spirit at Ultralight Camera Solutions. It’s opened up endless possibilities, allowing us to work from the road. Want to learn more about our setup? Contact Us.
At Ultralight Camera Solutions, we aim to provide photographers and videographers with tools that offer exceptional flexibility and performance. One of our standout products, the Ultralight TRI-TRAY, is a camera mounting plate designed for unparalleled adaptability. Whether you’re shooting underwater or topside, the TRI-TRAY is your go-to solution for securely mounting cameras, lights, and other accessories.
What Makes the TRI-TRAY Unique?
The Ultralight TRI-TRAY isn’t just a mounting plate; it’s a platform that opens up endless possibilities for creative configurations like our Ultralight sled, the CSK-SLDL. Built with precision and durability, it’s ideal for professionals and enthusiasts who demand versatility and reliability from their gear.
Key Features and Benefits
1. Universal Compatibility
The TRI-TRAY is designed to fit almost any camera system, from compact point-and-shoots like Olympus and Sony to full-frame DSLRs like Nauticam, Sea & Sea, and Aquatica, and even video cameras like GoPro, Insta360, and DJI. Its wide range of mounting options ensures it can adapt to your specific needs.
2. Durable and Lightweight Construction
Crafted from 6061 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, the TRI-TRAY is both lightweight and incredibly strong. Its Type III hard anodizing provides a corrosion-resistant surface, making it perfect for harsh underwater environments.
3. Multiple Mounting Points
With various mounting holes and slots, the TRI-TRAY allows you to attach accessories like lights, arms, or monitors. This flexibility makes it an essential tool for both underwater photographers and topside cinematographers.
4. Secure Camera Mounting
The TRI-TRAY ensures your camera stays securely in place with its robust design and precise machining. This stability is essential for achieving sharp, professional-quality images and video.
5. Compact and Portable Design
Its streamlined shape makes the TRI-TRAY easy to pack and transport, whether you’re heading to a dive site, a studio, or a remote location.
Ideal Applications
The TRI-TRAY excels in a wide range of scenarios:
Why Choose the Ultralight TRI-TRAY?
The TRI-TRAY isn’t just a product; it’s a solution for photographers and videographers who value reliability, adaptability, and ease of use. Whether you’re an underwater adventurer or a topside storyteller, the TRI-TRAY empowers you to build a rig tailored to your creative vision.
Upgrade Your Setup with the Ultralight TRI-TRAY
Ready to take your gear to the next level? Discover the TRI-TRAY and our full line of camera mounting solutions at Ultralight Camera Solutions. Have questions? Contact Us—our team is here to help you find the perfect setup for your needs!
At Ultralight Camera Solutions, we pride ourselves on creating products that perform flawlessly, regardless of the environment. All our products are US-made with US materials, hand assembled and packaged in our warehouse in Oxnard, CA, and come with a lifetime warranty.
The 2024 DEMA Show in Las Vegas was a pivotal event for Ultralight Camera Solutions. It marked our return to DEMA after being away for eight years and our debut under our new name and ownership. With rebranding complete in 2023, we were ready to showcase our products, connect with dealers, and reintroduce ourselves to the diving and photography industries.
Here’s a streamlined look at our preparation process and key takeaways to help small businesses plan for their own trade show experiences.
Planning and Logistics
Preparation for DEMA began a year in advance with the help of our business mentor, Jennifer Shaheen, owner of Technology Therapy Group. From reserving a prime corner booth in the Image Resource Center to the booth design and layout, set and tear down, travel arrangements, DEMA show requirements, utilities needed, and more, every detail counts and should be mapped out in advance.
Product Showcases
We featured a variety of our kits and gear, including:
Custom display boards showcased products and their applications, while an eye-catching rotating turntable with a large sled and camera rig managed to capture everyone's interest.
Packing, Travel and Accommodations:
Marketing and Outreach
To maximize visibility and engagement, we focused on:
Lessons Learned
Final Thoughts
Our return to DEMA was a success, reestablishing our presence and introducing the rebranded Ultralight Camera Solutions. While costs and logistics were significant, the connections made and visibility gained were well worth it. DEMA 2025 will be in Orlando, FL in November 11-14 and we look forward to having you visit us.
If you’re planning for a trade show and have questions, feel free to Contact Us—we’re happy to share what we’ve learned!
At Ultralight Camera Solutions, we understand the importance of versatile and reliable mounting solutions for professionals in the cinematography industry. Today, we’re excited to highlight two of our newest products: the Ultralight BA-ARRI-3/8 and BA-ARRI-1/4 ball adapters. Both are designed with removable locating pins for added flexibility and precision, making them essential tools for any creative setup.
BA-ARRI-3/8 Ball Adapter:
The BA-ARRI-3/8 is a combined version of our redesigned BA-ARRI and discontinued BA-3816C. The BA-ARRI had non-removable locating pins, and the BA-3816C was the exact part without the pins. Both utilized the same 3/8"-16 threaded button head bolt. With the redesign, we can now offer both parts as one, saving on costs, redundancy, and ease of use.
Key Features:
BA-ARRI-1/4 Ball Adapter:
The BA-ARRI-1/4 ball adapter offers the same design as the BA-ARRI-3/8 but with the NEW ARRI ¼” pin spacing. It utilizes a ¼”-20 threaded button head bolt with pin spacing similar to what SmallHD uses but not the same. The new BA-ARRI-1/4 is so versatile with the use of the removable pin/screws that if used with no pin/screws, it is the same as our discontinued BA-1420C, and if only one of the removable pin/screws is used, it will also fit the SmallHD pin spacing. This compact ball adapter is the perfect addition to your gear bag.
Key Features:
Why Choose Ultralight BA-ARRI Adapters?
The BA-ARRI-3/8 and BA-ARRI-1/4 ball adapters are designed with versatility and durability in mind. Whether you’re attaching monitors, lights, or other equipment, both adapters deliver exceptional stability to any studio or location shoots, even in challenging conditions. The removable locating pins make them adaptable for many setups, allowing you to customize your mounting options based on your specific needs. Whether working with ARRI-standard gear or other compatible equipment, these ball adapters provide the reliability and flexibility you need for professional results. Both are made from 6061 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum with Type III hard anodizing, and the bolt and pin screws are made from 316 Stainless Steel for superior strength and corrosion resistance.
Built to Perform in Any Environment
At Ultralight Camera Solutions, we pride ourselves on creating products that perform flawlessly, regardless of the environment. All our products are US-made with US materials, hand assembled and packaged in our warehouse in Oxnard, CA, and come with a lifetime warranty.
Have questions or need help selecting the correct adapter for your setup? Don’t hesitate to Contact Us. At Ultralight Camera Solutions, we’re always here to help you achieve your creative goals. Explore our full product range and find the perfect solutions for your gear. Visit us today at Ultralight Camera Solutions.
At Ultralight Camera Solutions, we understand how essential it is to keep your valuable equipment secure and easily accessible. That is why, after several years of trying other lanyards with no real success, we decided to make our own, offering them first in black and recently adding blue and yellow to the line-up. Our Ultralight AC-LYC Lanyards are durable and an excellent solution designed to meet the needs of professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Designed for Durability and Convenience
The AC-LYC lanyard features a strong carbon steel coiled cable coated in a heavy-duty PVC material, a large snap bolt like you will find on side-slung pony bottles, a large 1 ½” stainless split ring, and a quick disconnect buckle for ease of use. Available in three distinct colors, we offer the AC-LYC (black), AC-LYC-YL (yellow), and the AC-LYC-BL (blue)—this lanyard not only adds functionality but also a touch of personal style to your gear.
Key Features:
1. Heavy-Duty Carbon Steel Coiled Cable
The core of the AC-LYC lanyard is a carbon steel coiled cable with the HD PVC coating and secured on both ends with a thick aluminum cable crimp. It offers durability and resistance to corrosion, making it perfect for both underwater and topside applications. Not only is it strong, but it is much smaller and compact than the larger stainless steel cables used in many other lanyards on the market today. The main benefit of the coiled cable we use design ensures that it stays compact when not in use while extending to its full length when needed, providing flexibility without tangling.
2. Large Snap Bolt
The large 316 Stainless Steel snap bolt typically used for side-mounted cylinders is easy to operate, even with cold hands or gloves, wet or dry, making it ideal for underwater use. Its secure locking mechanism ensures your equipment stays attached, giving you peace of mind while focusing on your activities.
3. Quick Disconnect for Versatility
The built-in quick disconnect attached to the one-inch webbing allows you to effortlessly unsnap it when needed. This is very useful for keeping cameras, lights, and other dive equipment attached and close to your body.
4. Available in Three Colors
Choose from AC-LYC (black), AC-LYC-YL (yellow), or AC-LYC-BL (blue). The bright color options are great for personalizing your gear and make it easy to spot your equipment, even in low-light conditions.
Why Choose the Ultralight AC-LYC Lanyard?
Don't hesitate to Contact Us for more information or assistance with your purchase. At Ultralight Camera Solutions, we’re always here to help you achieve your creative goals. Explore our full product range and find the perfect solutions for your gear. Visit us today at Ultralight Camera Solutions.
By: Ken Kollwitz
Crystal Blue Resort is an excellent resort for divers, especially photographers, and more on that later. The resort is located in Anilao, Philippines, in Mabini, Batangas. It sits at the base of a hill like most of the resorts in the area and is easy to get to from almost anywhere in the world. From US West Coast cities like Los Angeles or San Fransico, it is a 14-hour non-stop flight to Manila, and from there, it is a 2.5-hour van ride. That’s easier than getting to some Caribbean Islands unless you live on the East Coast. The ride down to the resort from the main road is one of the steepest I have been on. It’s incredible how easy the drivers make it look. It’s even a challenging road to walk but worth the sightseeing along the way.
The resort has 16 rooms; most have two queens, and a few have one queen plus two larger family rooms. Being built on a hillside, everything has different levels. The main office is at the middle level of the resort. Above it is the two separate family rooms, and above those are eight rooms along with eight more above those. The rooms are all spacious, fully air-conditioned, with queen-size beds, bathrooms, and showers. They have a garden or ocean view, and all have a sitting area outside.
The stairway leading to the rooms is well lit and covered with a vine-type plant, making it a pretty ascent up to your room and back. The main level is also where the vans drop you off and pick you up.
Just across from and below the main office is a circular stairway leading up to a cozy, covered, open-air area with chairs, couches, fans, and awesome views. This area seems always overlooked and is a great place to read a book or relax between dives. Still in the middle of the resort, and just below the office is a walkway leading to the lecture room and the dining area. The lecture room has tables and seats for about 20 people, and this is where you will learn all you can during any photo workshops held throughout the year.
My third favorite area is the open-air dining area, where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served. Not only is the food great with plenty of options, but the ambiance is even better. There’s something nice about enjoying the fresh air, spectacular sunsets, and views of Balayan Bay and beyond and talking with the other guests. The staff is all wonderful as well, and I have to congratulate them because they wear many hats and work long hours. They are incredibly courteous and helpful and sometimes seem to know what you want before you know it. Many have been with the resort for years, and about 18 of them live on the property. Something I find unique about the resort is that they have 3 to 4 extensive gardens high up on the hillside above the property. Here, they grow a number of the items the chefs use for cooking, and one of my favorites was the homegrown Mango.
Below the lecture room is my second favorite area, the camera room, because if I am getting my camera ready, I know the best part is about to happen. For photographers, Crystal Blue has one of the best camera rooms you will ever find. Each person gets their own station with lots of room and plenty of electrical outlets to charge all the stuff we bring. The camera room has an environmentally controlled atmosphere making it the perfect place to do camera repairs and setup for diving. The camera room also has a his and hers bathroom, which can be extremely nice after long dives. Once you have everything ready to go, you only need to carry your camera between the camera room and the dive deck below, which is my favorite area. Why the dive equipment area? Because DIVING is next on the agenda.
Like the rest of the resort, the dive equipment area is well laid out and organized, making life easy for everyone. It is also at the bottom of the stairs. As you get to the bottom of the stairs the tank filling area and compressor room are immediately to your left. All scuba cylinders are filled with Nitrox and stored in designated areas for each boat in front of the compressor room. This is where your tanks are set up and kept to make it easy for the crew to load each boat. To the left of the compressor room is the storage cubbies for each person with boxes for your loose gear, and further to the left is the camera rinse and drying area, equipped with low-pressure air nozzles. Directly in front of the stairs are the hanging gear racks for suits and wet stuff that each person is assigned to depending on the boat they will be on, and to the right of the stairs is the gear rinse area and showers.
The staff at Crystal Blue are excellent. They are all friendly and ready to help take care of everything to ensure you have an excellent trip. If you need something carried or have questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
All dives are from dual outrigger-style Banca boats with a maximum of four divers to one guide per boat. Typically, two dives are offered in the morning and two in the afternoon, which will keep you plenty busy, and in your spare time, you can look at all the beautiful pictures you took during the day. October to May/June is the dry season and is regarded as the best dive season in Anilao. The water temperature averages 80-83F with excellent visibility, and topside temperatures run between 80F-95F.
The diving is excellent and varied throughout the area. With Anilao being a Marine Protected Sanctuary and one of the Philippines' best spots for underwater macro photography, it doesn’t get much better. There are world-class dive sites within minutes of the resort. The Anilao area has much to offer and not only the macro photography and muck diving it is known for. It also has some spectacular reefs that are equally good for wide-angle photography. You can also observe schools of various fishes, some hard and soft coral, sponges, and many colorful crinoids.
As a side note, both times I have been at the resort I had some business in Manila to take care of. It’s a long day but coming back the scenic route is totally worth it. It’s is much longer but beautiful and a great way to see the real Philippines. Here you get more of an idea of how Filipinos live, work, and play. The drive itself takes you through the town of Tagaytay in Luzon which is located at the top of a mountain that has spectacular views of the countryside and the Taal Volcano surrounded by Taal Lake.
From here the road takes you to the Taal Basilica, which sits at the top of a hill in the town of Taal. It was built in 1575 with coral stones and adobe and is Asia’s largest church. It looks big from the outside, but you have no idea how big it is until you step through the massive front doors. Inside, it is amazing, from the architecture and the hand-painted decorations to the religious icons.
Afterwards, it’s about a 60-minute drive to the resort, where a cold drink and dinner will be waiting for you. A trip to the Crystal Blue Resort should be on every underwater photographer's list of places to explore.
