It doesn't matter which camera I use, my
Joby GorillaPod SLR Zoom is always with me. It is a reliable tool and allows me to photograph Northern Lights, dusk, dawn, the moon, and even myself. A must have for me on any trip.
At 241 g it is not the lightest GorillaPod available; I got this specific model to carry my Canon EOS 50D which is about 1460 g - the SLR Zoom carries the camera reliably in all conditions and can actually hold cameras up to 3 kg - though I won't get that heavy cameras! I have used it with all the cameras I had to date, and as these were all lighter and smaller the SLR Zoom was sometimes a bit to much, but I believe when using expensive camera gear that a bit of extra strength isn't a problem - it adds piece of mind. If you have a smaller / lighter camera,
check the Joby site to see which one would be appropriate for your gear.
The GorillaPod is like a superflexible Chinese Circus Artist who's able to bend in unbelievable ways while keeping your camera safe and on target. If you're not as flexible, and can't keep your breath for 30 seconds and stand completely still, but want to take some awesome photos, then you should consider carrying a GorillaPod on your trips. It wraps around trees, stands even on slippery rocks, keeps you camera aloft in the snow, and flexes down for macro shots.
A critic I have heard is that it is low (in height) in comparison with normal tripods. While this can be a concern, I see it as a benefit as it allows new angles - it gets boring to see photos shot always from head hight. Besides, if there's trees around, wrap the GorillaPod around it and
Voilá, head hight. In my two
latest videos I also made extensive use of the GorillaPod to get some fine new angles. Thinking outside the box? Then the GorillaPod is a worthy instrument in your toolbox.
The GorillaPod has some nifty accessoires, like a ballpoint head with a bubble level and spikes to get more hold in soft terrain like snow and mud. Both are accessoires I'd consider getting if you are serious about photography. The bottom line? An item that I carry on every trip as it allows me to take some fine photos where point and shoot ain't enough.
Get yours:
Something you can't do without a GorillaPod: Taking 30 seconds exposures of Northern Lights at night.
It doesn't matter which camera I use, my
Joby GorillaPod SLR Zoom is always with me. It is a reliable tool and allows me to photograph Northern Lights, dusk, dawn, the moon, and even myself. A must have for me on any trip.
At 241 g it is not the lightest GorillaPod available; I got this specific model to carry my Canon EOS 50D which is about 1460 g - the SLR Zoom carries the camera reliably in all conditions and can actually hold cameras up to 3 kg - though I won't get that heavy cameras! I have used it with all the cameras I had to date, and as these were all lighter and smaller the SLR Zoom was sometimes a bit to much, but I believe when using expensive camera gear that a bit of extra strength isn't a problem - it adds piece of mind. If you have a smaller / lighter camera,
check the Joby site to see which one would be appropriate for your gear.
The GorillaPod is like a superflexible Chinese Circus Artist who's able to bend in unbelievable ways while keeping your camera safe and on target. If you're not as flexible, and can't keep your breath for 30 seconds and stand completely still, but want to take some awesome photos, then you should consider carrying a GorillaPod on your trips. It wraps around trees, stands even on slippery rocks, keeps you camera aloft in the snow, and flexes down for macro shots.
A critic I have heard is that it is low (in height) in comparison with normal tripods. While this can be a concern, I see it as a benefit as it allows new angles - it gets boring to see photos shot always from head hight. Besides, if there's trees around, wrap the GorillaPod around it and
Voilá, head hight. In my two
latest videos I also made extensive use of the GorillaPod to get some fine new angles. Thinking outside the box? Then the GorillaPod is a worthy instrument in your toolbox.
The GorillaPod has some nifty accessoires, like a ballpoint head with a bubble level and spikes to get more hold in soft terrain like snow and mud. Both are accessoires I'd consider getting if you are serious about photography. The bottom line? An item that I carry on every trip as it allows me to take some fine photos where point and shoot ain't enough.
Get yours:
Something you can't do without a GorillaPod: Taking 30 seconds exposures of Northern Lights at night.
Joby Gorillapod SLR
Yes, that's a really good product - I use the smallest one (around 40 g) and it works fine with my 250 g Lumix TZ-5.
ReplyDeleteA few years ago Jörgen made a modification with carbon fiber legs for his Gorilla Pod: http://www.fjaderlatt.se/2008/09/ltt-stativ.html (in Swedish, but there are pics too).
The legs could also be used as a frame for the backpack.
I just got one, after months of wanting one. I ordered one about a year ago, but the supplier let me down. My alternative is a Giottos Carbon Fibre tripod which is heavy at 1900g. Even coupled with my ball head the Gorillapod comes in at 555g - a significant saving.
ReplyDeleteI haven't used it yet when hiking, but hope to get out soon.
I also use the smallest version. And use it mostly with my waterproof panasonic DMC-FT1. Even for underwater photos it's great and easy to use.
ReplyDeleteI picked up an Gorillapod SLR Zoom a few weeks ago - it's a great little tripod. I'm not sure it would hold my 1.5kg Nikon vertically around a tree, but on the ground it's pretty sturdy. The only thing I've noticed is that it's susceptible to vibration with a top-heavy camera, which could be a problem in windy areas. I also looked at the ball head - it's pretty heavy!
ReplyDeleteAll-in-all though, for the price and weight, it's great.
Only problems I've had with mine was the little plastic foot that screws to the camer shattering in very cold (-20F) weather. Other than that, excellent product.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting if it really holds a DSLR with a normal zoom (around 1,5 kg). With a ball head it doesn't seem so light, though. I'm currently using a Slik Sprint Mini Pro weighing 700 g when I bring the DSLR and it seems more versatile.
ReplyDeleteThis could be a really good alternative to Slik Mini-Pro III (314 g) that I'm using with Canon PowerShot SX130 IS. Actually this is just what I need when riding mountain bike on forest trails. Thanks for nice review Hendrik.
ReplyDeleteI use one of these all the time too. The height is the biggest issue for me and it does not replace a conventional tripod. At just a few ounces though its so lightweight that it comes along on most trips anyway. I've wrapped it around trees upside down, around fence posts, set it up on the ground, really you name it its done it.
ReplyDeleteIt even helps with handheld shots to reduce shake. With a tight strap and the Gorrilapod pushing off my chest it makes the camera a little bit more stable.
For a larger SLR like my 5D I'd really like to have the ball head to make slight adjustments without picking up the legs and potentially loosing its balance.
I bought a clone on dealextreme: http://www.dealextreme.com/p/10-inch-flexible-desktop-digital-camera-tripod-13610. Works great and only 11.80 dollars including shipping (vs 92 dollars for the original in shops here in Norway)
ReplyDeleteI looked at one of these last year when I got my DSLR but I wasn't sure but now after your reading your review and seeing how you use it, I'm very impressed. I might just go out and get one. Great review. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI use the wee version. Surprisingly versatile. I've used the legs to attach my camera to my sternum strap (P.O.V. ski video use), the end of my hiking pole (like a Stickpic) and to trees to replace a full height tripod.
ReplyDeleteNice to see that the GorillaPod is already a favourite tool of many lightweight backpackers! I'm preaching to the zealots, it seems!
ReplyDeleteTookie, I'm sure you'll find it a useful tool. Feel free to share your experiences with us later on!
Chris, I haven't used the Ballhead, but your reasons for using it are the best argument for it. I often try to get a real good framed shot, and lifting the GorilaPod to adjust it minimally is fiddly. Even more so with a 5D, I imagine!
Hope you find it useful on the mountainbike, Toni! That is an application which surely is very good for it!
Peter, I think you won't be finding a more versatile tripod than the GorillaPod. I have a Velbon Tripod but the GorillaPod sees a lot more use and is more versatile than the Velbon tripod, simply because it allows for more interesting perspectives. And yes, it holds my 50D without problems. Which is important if you're using a 2000€ camera & lens.
Now we know how you get those fine video shot, Dave ;)
Patrick, wow! Underwater photos - now there we have a usage field which I haven't even thought of! That sounds cool - if you have some example photos, please share them with us!
Fraser, I'm looking forward to hear how you like it.
Martin, thanks for bringing that mod up, really cool! Now I would just need to source carbon fibre rods...
I had a clone of the Gorillapod SLR but it was bad quality and broke soon. The design is great and weight is very acceptable so I just bought the SLR Zoom model so it can hold my EOS 550D with decent optics. Gollipod also work well with waterproof point&shoot when attached to PFD straps so you can get video with chest height perspective, it makes the waves look bigger than helmet cam perspective. ;)
ReplyDeleteI think I'll get a reasonably lightweight ball-head to accompany the Gorillapod or at least quick-detach plate. Any recommendations for a ball-head that:
- would carry 3-4kg with out a problem (I'd use it also with my Manfrotto 055 when not hiking)
- would have a quick-detach plate
- would have a separate controls for the ball and panning
- as light as possible (around 400g is very acceptable)
- as cheap as possible. ;)
Got my Gorillapod a couple of weeks ago so I've only had a little play with it but it was fun and I'm looking forward to using it more in the very near future :)
ReplyDeleteOh thanks, i appriciate that!
ReplyDelete