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.