Gorillapod SLR Zoom - yay or nay?

Astraeus

Astraeus

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Ciaran
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I've read tens of threads on this site about these Gorillapods and numerous reviews and this really seems to suit my needs. I can't lug around a decent-sized tripod on holidays and the like and I don't have particularly heavy kit (D40 and 18-55 and a 55-200) which I believe the SLR Zoom would hold - wouldn't it?

Have people had really traumatising experiences with these units?

Also, what is the deal with the head - if I don't buy the Joby ballhead, can I affix any other ballhead or quick release plate onto it?
 
It does what it's supposed to do. At awkward angles, a 450D, grip and Sigma 10-20 (just shy of 1KG, I think) would sometimes cause it to buckle, but mostly wasn't a problem.

I've just attached the 1Ds onto it, which weighs about as much as the moon; and it's not fallen over... yet :suspect:.

I use the Joby ballhead and while it's alright, it cost a lot of money and isn't that good with telephoto lenses, as it 'sags' a little once you tighten it.

In order to take the below shot, I actually had to tighten the wheel while the waterline was at the bottom of the camera's viewfinder - the 'sag' was what actually made the shot come out like that.

IMG_8798_sb.jpg


That was taken with a 135mm lens on a crop body, so any slight movement buggers up the shot.

Overall the flexibility of the gorillapod is useful, and it's good for me who can't be bothered carrying around a full blown tripod, but, the gorillapod and ball head cost me over 50 quid I think, which is a total rip off.
 
Astraeus said:
I've read tens of threads on this site about these Gorillapods and numerous reviews and this really seems to suit my needs. I can't lug around a decent-sized tripod on holidays and the like and I don't have particularly heavy kit (D40 and 18-55 and a 55-200) which I believe the SLR Zoom would hold - wouldn't it?

Have people had really traumatising experiences with these units?

Also, what is the deal with the head - if I don't buy the Joby ballhead, can I affix any other ballhead or quick release plate onto it?
Click to expand...

Yeh would hold it no problem... quick iPhone picture of mine holding 50D and 100-400L...

s2t88w.jpg


As a tripod they're not much use, its not strong enough and it will sag under most weight... however, theres not many tripods that will fit in your bag, weigh next to nothing and will fix itself to railings, trees etc etc. It does what it is meant to do very well I think.

Oh and it will take any head, not just the Joby one. :thumbs:
 
^He's got a damn good point; if you are just going to use it as a 'tripod' forget it. But for clamping it onto railings and other silly things it is good.
 
I'll not be using it as a tripod for long exposures, or at least not remarkably long ones. The main reason I have for thinking of it is for my forthcoming holidays as it'll save a) asking locals to take photos (and I don't trust them all the time!) and will give me a little more flexibility in low light settings as I can keep the shutter open a bit longer than I can with my shaky hands!

I just like the idea that it's a small "tripod" which offers a little more flexibility than does a rigid tripod.

What ballhead would people suggest plonking on it? Preferably under £25.
 
Grum, I think I just read your post in the GF1 thread and I'm already on DealExtreme - just popped back here to see if anyone had thoughts on it!

I'm going to get the $12 model as it seems to hold up just as well as the Gorillapod.
 
I find that they are fine, as long as you use a remote to trigger the camera. Otherwise the camera tends to bounce around like Zebedee (from the 'Magic Roundabout' - if in doubt, ask your parents :D).
 
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