Gorillapod - Have you heard of it?

[Enviro-mental]

I've recently come accross a tripod called the gorillapod. (If you haven't heard of this, its on Google). I'm really thinking of getting one, but I'd like to know how sturdy and stable this is. I mean theoretically it makes a lot of sense to have something like this, but what if it doesn't function as well, or if it slips? then i've damaged my very expensive camera.

[Elean0r]

I've seen them in use and they work. Make sure you buy the right one for your camera, there's only one that will support the weight of a dslr plus lens.

[cybershot]

Tried the SLR version and found it wanting: just about held a Canon 40D and kit lens but anything bulkier attached up front caused instability. Moreover within the space of 6 months a leg sheared off and it had become a duopod instead of a tripod

[DirkS]

I have use the heavy duty model (slr zoom, which can support up to 3kg / 6lb) for more than a year now without problems.

I use it with a simple tripod head (same make as my main tripod) so that I can simply click the camera on the gorillapod.

Gr.
Dirk.

[Meta menardi]

I have the lighter model than the DSLR one, I haven't hammered it but it seems OK and as it was a pressy, the price was about right.

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by cybershot

Tried the SLR version and found it wanting: just about held a Canon 40D and kit lens but anything bulkier attached up front caused instability.

ditto - i tried it and its rubbish imo - good for holding a compact but no use for an SLr and long lens. - one proviso to this is that if you have a monopod as well you can put the tripod on the camera mount then use the gorila pod on the lens tripod mount to stabilise it on a tree branch/fence rail/ vehicle roll bar etc

[Jim Ford]

I've had the heavier 'SLR Zoom' model in my bag for a couple of years, but never used it!

Jim

[DirkS]

Originally Posted by cybershot

Tried the SLR version and found it wanting: just about held a Canon 40D and kit lens but anything bulkier attached up front caused instability.

Not surprising as the listed max weight for the SLR is 800gr.
My D300 + lens (18-70mm) weighs almost 1.5kg so I went straight for the SLR Zoom.

Gr.
Dirk.

[Tormentil]

Originally Posted by eeyore

...... i tried it and its rubbish imo - good for holding a compact but no use for an SLr and long lens. .......

I'd agree, even without the long lens. Given one as a present & never used it, other than trying it, so thumbs down from me.

[Meta menardi]

I agree with your doubts about this, but if it is the right gizmo for your camera weight, I think it is a great thing. It is very flexible and has some good things like a plate lock implemented very well.