Anyone using a gorillapod?

[Words]

I've been toying with getting the Joby Gorillapod SLR Zoom mini-tripod. Basically I want something very light otherwise I won't use it, but sturdy enough to occasionally stick the 100-400 on it. Mainly though I think it will be used for macro work (Sigma 105 plus ring flash). My dealer was a bit dismissive about it (plus it was out of stock), but I'm still tempted.

If anyone has used one I'd appreciate the usual biased opinions , or suggestions of alternative, lightweight but sturdy mini-pods that will do the trick for me. Space/weight is a premium.

Cheers!

[Blackbrook Eye]

Sorry, but you havn't got a hope in hell of a gorrillapod being servicable on either of the set-ups you mention, it is hardly capable of supporting a poke and squirt camera under anything but ideal conditions, I would listen to your dealer in this instance. So far as an alternative is concerned, almost any traditional tripod, or even a monopod would be preferable, but if you are going to use it with a 100-400 lens, you will need something fairly substantial if you are not to be dissapointed. Someone will probably shoot me down in flames for this reply, but I will stand by it. Oh, a merry Christmas by the way, I hope I haven't spoiled it in any way, but look before you leap on this one, all the best, Keith

[HowlinWolf]

Words:

Although the makers claim it can "support a whopping 6.6 pounds (3 kg)!", I would imagine it would be about as much use as the Beckhams in your pub quiz, in practical use. I think, this time, your dealer is giving you good advice.

HW

[nightshade]

I watched as one was demonstrated in a chain photo shop,the assistant obviously had more faith in the product than I and put a Dslr on it
it tipped and folded no matter what he did
I would say use a bean bag or better yet a top quality Monopod,some are very short and light

[Words]

Cheers guys. Time for a re-think then.

[GerryNick2]

I spent months looking at mini tripods to use with my Canon 30D and tried out a number of possibilities which all failed miserably. The main problems I found were that the legs did not spead sufficiently to counterbalance the load or the locking mechanism on the ball head was not robust enough to keep everything in place.

The problem seems to be the weight of the camera and lense to be supported. A Canon 30D plus 24-70mm lense weighs in at 1.7kg, add the 100-400mm lense and you are looking at just over 2kg. They just don't seem to have come up with a true minipod that can cope with this sort of weight.

The best solution I could find to meet my needs for a lightweight tripod for use in close up and macro work was the Velbon Maxi and Luxi ranges. The maxi range will support up to 1.8kg and the Luxi 2kg, they are 34cm long when closed and will extend to 122cm. The maxi with ball head weighs .75kg and the Luxi .97kg

I opted for the Luxi SF and added a quick release mount and plate, it is ideal for all my needs and will even support my 100-400mm in an emergency.


Gerry

[BillyPilgrim]

I've recently bought a new tripod after looking around for something lightweight and compact to use with a 30d and 300mm f4 L.

I suppose its pretty obvious but the really small/light ones didn't look up to the job so I had to compromise a bit.

I ended up buying the Velbon SHERPA PRO CF-545. Being carbon fibre it is quite light and folds up to 17 inches.

[SteveHL]

If its for macro work you might try a Kirk Low Pod. For the 100-400 I'd use a good quality mono pod and carry a bean bag.
Cheers
SteveHL

[cybershot]

Had limited success with mine in conjunction with my 10D and 17-40L but basically even the SLR version is not up to the job! The top ball and socket joint cannot support the weight. Seriously recommend you look at the alternatives.

[Words]

Thanks for all the suggestions. It's going to be a tough decision, but I've got a bot of time because it's unlikely to get major use until the spring.

[beckiscott]

i got the gorillapod slr zoom off amazon a few weeks ago. it was only £15 - an absolute bargain - its now about £50.

I have used it successfully with my 400d, battery grip, canon24-70mm f2.8 & speedlight 580 flash - thats quite a heavy kit and it managed the task really well.

One drawback is that u really need a separate head if you want more flexibility in positioning, or shooting portrait.

Ive not tried it with my 100-400, but with its tripod collar i cant see why it would balance. If i get chance over the next day or 2 i will have a play and let you know the results!

Its so much more flexible than a proper tripod. i clip mine on the side of my bag. its so light and easy to carry about, plus it offers options you dont get with a normal tripod. I recently wrapped it round my car head rest and did some long exposure night trails... worked really well and a conventional tripod would not have coped! ( i wasnt driving, i was sat in the back btw!)

[Words]

Becki, thanks for the feedback, even if you've made me undecided again. I was planning to get a head for it, and all in all the fact that it can so easily be carried about is a big plus point. I probably need to see one in the flesh and compare ease of use. For £15.00 I wouldn't hesitate because it's bound to be useful for something.

[John D]

I note from what I have read that there are THREE types of Gorillapod ranging from around £15 to £50. The one recommended for DSLRs with zoom lenses is priced around £45/50. However from what I see/read I don't think I would be happy to hang a DSLR and Zoom on it.
John D

[HowlinWolf]

Yes, John D, there are three types available, but my main concern would be applying long-lens technique whilst using even the most expensive variant. All I can see is the thing buckling under the pressure. I agree with your appraisal.

HW

[denisg]

Originally Posted by Words

I've been toying with getting the Joby Gorillapod SLR Zoom mini-tripod. Basically I want something very light otherwise I won't use it, but sturdy enough to occasionally stick the 100-400 on it.

Something light and and a dslr + 100-400 lens is not a good working idea depending on the definition of 'light'. Regardless of posts elsewhere the gorrillapod slr version just does not work if you are serious about its potential use. They are fiddly, messy and like many 'camera supports' of this type there are not always ideal places to use them.

Mainly though I think it will be used for macro work (Sigma 105 plus ring flash). My dealer was a bit dismissive about it (plus it was out of stock), but I'm still tempted. If anyone has used one I'd appreciate the usual biased opinions , or suggestions of alternative, lightweight but sturdy mini-pods that will do the trick for me. Space/weight is a premium.

A dealer depends on the giving of sound advice if they want return custom. This guy was honest at least. Best support for macro is a tripod with a removeable and relocateable centre column, aka Giottos or Manfrotto, or the Benbo style ones imho. There is a compact 'lightweight' Benbo but again it depends on the definition of 'lightweight' by the individual.

I'm lucky in that I get to try lots of gear from a dealer who is also a friend and the 'Grilla' was one of the items we tried quite comprehensively. I just could not reccommend this route. Tripod, only sane way imho. A tripod, chosen wisely, is many tools in one. If you buy one that comes without a permanently attached head you can choose the right head for the job. It's also a monopod (drop just one or all three legs), best of all as a bi-pod to use sniper-style (no side-to-side wobble) or as a full blown self standing support for hands-on or remote operation. Maybe not the most comfortable to carry but there are some really decent lightweight units out there if you take a look.

Just my humble opinion of course, tastes differ

Denis.

[Words]

I'm definitely edging towards a tripod after reading everything here, but think I'll probably need to test out a selection to work out what I really need (and how much weight I'm prepared to carry).

I may take a look in that well-known high street chain. Probably won't buy there unless they have a real sale bargain), but have just pre-ordered their extension tubes in the sales for £29.99 so have got to pop down at some point to pick them up. A bit of hands on testing will no doubt make a difference to how I think.

Thanks again.

[forevergreen]

i found my gorilla pod holds my camera well but its not that big... i think the gorilla pod would work better on uneven surfaces like it was designed for, try that

[Words]

Based on the advice (plus local availability) I've decided to stay away from the gorillapod. I did pick up a Velbon CX mini which is ok-ish for macro work (a bit flimsy, but will get me used to using a tripod and was about half the price of the gorillapod). Longer term I'll probably end up with a manfrotto tripod of some sort, but am still working out which one!

[Gaina]

Sorry for 'bumping' this thread but I'd rather bump this one that start a new one on the same topic. Moderators can give me a forfeit later .

I just got a Gorilla Pod the other day and I love it. I opted for the bigger size so it will take my 350D and my little Ixus. So far I am really impressed - I've had it wrapped round trees, garden chairs, the picnic umbrella, my wheelchair armrest and it's not budged even with my sigma telephoto lens and 350D body. My only mild grumble is that with such a good idea as the 'fast change' clip, it would have seemed logical to me to give you two clips in order to have to cameras ready to go and get the benefit of this facility

I also got myself a benbo ball head for my monopod and now we're cooking with gas...but having the extra range of the ball head also means I can take photos of my own feet, which I am alarmingly good at.

[cybershot]

Originally Posted by cybershot

Had limited success with mine in conjunction with my 10D and 17-40L but basically even the SLR version is not up to the job! The top ball and socket joint cannot support the weight. Seriously recommend you look at the alternatives.

Not so robust - within a couple of months one of the legs sheared off.