Photography industry veteran Benro has launched a kickstarter campaign for their new Benro Theta “Intelligent Modular Travel Tripod”, and it has some very unique features.

Their Arca-swiss compatible tripod has a built-in auto-levelling function — you press a button, and the legs will automatically adjust to level the tripod, using a built-in motor and gyroscope. They were able to accomplish this without sacrificing size and weight: their smaller tripod weighs in at just 2.7 pounds.

In order to access the auto-levelling function you’ll have to purchase and attach an optional detachable battery ($30). It is designed this way as the tripod (without battery) can be fully placed into water. There are other optional camera-control or optical sensor modules that can be added, using the same battery!

Check out the Benro Theta kickstarter campaign — pledges with tripod rewards begin at $349 (a $250 savings from the $599 MSRP of the tripod).

As with all Kickstarter campaigns, there is always a risk that creators will not be able to fulfill the rewards of the pledge. The company behind this campaign is well-known in the photography accessories industry, so the risk is lower (but never zero). Pledge at your own risk!