The Lumapod is a tension held tripod that sets up in just 4 seconds

A new tension-based tripod has set Kickstarter alight, hitting its crowdfunding target of $56,000 in just 90 minutes, with the crowdfunding campaign for the tripod currently sitting at more than $260,000.

Lumapod is a new tripod design that can be set up in just four seconds, with a unique design that uses kevlar ropes to support weight. Light and compact, it folds down to the size of a thick baton.

Developed by designer Martin Grabner, Lumapod comes in two sizes: the Go85 and the Go120. The Go85 is an 85cm tripod with a 1kg load capacity and the Go120 is a 120cm tripod with a 2kg load capacity.

To deploy the tripod, users twist the top of the Lumapod to unlock it, extend the telescoping body, and pull out the legs. The company says the whole process should take just four seconds, leading to the claim it is the 'world's fastest tripod'.

“At Lumapod, we have developed the fastest and most compact tripod in the world,” says Grabner. “Our patented tensioning technology means any photographer can set up a professional-quality tripod in four seconds – and still carry that same tripod in their day pack.”

The high-grade aluminum structure is supported by tension from Kevlar ropes.

“There is a simple mechanical principle behind our design: replace compression parts (traditional legs) with tensioning components (Kevlar Ropes),” the company says. “Much like how the mast on a sailboat withstands wind with its tensioned ropes, we use the same theory to achieve stability.

“It’s not rocket science but the key to our design is being able to lock and tension Lumapod in any position.”

Lumapod’s Kickstarter runs until October 25, with the Lumapod Go85 and Go120 costing about $80 and $115 — 50% off their retail prices. The first tripods are expected to ship in May 2019.