Gorillapod--yea or nay

lizzard_nyc

I've had my new DSLR for a week and a half now and I realized quickly that a tripod is in order-I am not proficient in the use of flash, and have been shooting some dark scenes in high ISO.

My question is, is the Gorillapod a gimmick because it almost seems like it is, don't the flexible legs defeat the purpose of "stability" and control. What attracks me to this little gadget is the relative ease of carrying it around--w/ two kids and a diaper bag it's that much harder to take my camera around if I have to be loaded down with ginormous camera bag, tripod etc. The other selling point is the price -ok that's the main selling point.

Should I hold off on buying the tripod for a little while and just get a good one--or will the gorrilapod get me by for a while?

I have the Olympus E620 DSLR--so it's not one of the heavier beasts by any stretch-in case this info is needed.

If the gorillapod is ok--then a suggestion as to which model will help also.

Many thanks.

Andy

The Power of the P&S.

Yea.

They can handle heavy loads, now see here.

divamum

I tried a gorilla-pod-type flexible support and found it wasn't strong enough to hold the camera up on a flat surface, but perhaps I had the wrong model for my camera (or shouldn't have tried a knock-off brand). EDITED TO ADD (since I was typing while Andy posted): Thanks for the Gorillapod recco to the new models - the head they have looks interesting as an inexpensive ball head, too (any thoughts on it?)

The following is definitely NOT the usual recommendation and many will say you should just get the best tripod you can afford initially but....

I've found my el cheapo Walmart tripod perfectly adequate for basic use. Just to be clear: this is NOT a "good" tripod, but it is cheap (I think it was $20 when I bought it), collapses down small, extremely light (great for portability, although obviously makes it less solid, too) and has served me entirely adequately as a basic camera support for 2 years now. I don't care if it gets lost or broken and at some point I WILL get a much better 'pod, but I've definitely had my money's worth out of it and will continue to use it until I absolutely *need* a better one.

Anyway, not the standard advice, but an option if you're willing to go with a short-term-won't-break-the-bank-not-sure-yet-what-I-really-need kind of solution

ziggy53

I don't think that a GorillaPod replaces a conventional tripod/head, but it is a lot more portable and it does have applications.

I would still suggest that a tripod/head is very valuable for basic stabilization and, like Divamum just said, even a cheap xMart tripod has some value. A conventional tripod/head and a GorillaPod together would make a very nice kit for basic stabilization needs.

BTW, there are some alternatives to the GorillaPod available:

A direct competitor:

http://tiny.cc/AxQgK

Other camera support devices:

http://www.adorama.com/BG3289.html
http://www.adorama.com/BG797.html
http://www.adorama.com/TPCPL.html
http://www.adorama.com/TPCAMP.html

The above devices offer similar utility in different ways.

A monopod is also a good alternative to a full tripod and head.

lizzard_nyc

Gracias Divamum, Andy and Ziggy.
As of my last post a couple of hours ago, my sister has decided I can have one of her tripods (she has two) It's old as heck and from what I remember it took from sunrise to sunset before she was happy the legs were level, but it's FREE. So I will get a gorillapod (or one like it) to see what I like better and maybe I will like using both for different things.

ziggy53

lizzard_nyc wrote:

Gracias Divamum, Andy and Ziggy.
As of my last post a couple of hours ago, my sister has decided I can have one of her tripods (she has two) It's old as heck and from what I remember it took from sunrise to sunset before she was happy the legs were level, but it's FREE. So I will get a gorillapod (or one like it) to see what I like better and maybe I will like using both for different things.

If it is a really old 3 way head and sticks I find it really handy to use a "bullseye level" along with the head. You basically set the head to its neutral settings for tilt and horizon, put the bullseye level on top of the camera mounting plate of the head, find your level using the leg adjustments and then attach the camera to the head. (If you are fortunate enough to get a head with a quick release then it speeds up the setup when you move the tripod because you can just remove the camera and quick release upper plate and level using the lower plate and then re-attach the camera.) You can also use a 2 way bubble level made to attach to the hot shoe of the camera.

kensington

I like mine alot, it does NOT replace my regular tripod but unlike my regular tripod I can take it everywhere.



I bought a mini-ballhead to go along with it, Induro SA-01. The gorillapod I have is the SLR-Zoom.

You do have to take care setting it up but once you get it it's good to go and can hold a bit of weight





That's my D200 w/grip and my 70-200 2.8 (no tripod foot as I seem to have misplaced it :cry )

I have also used it to mount my flash off camera, can get pretty creative with that too, very versatile. Not something I use everyday but am certainly glad I have it.

Art Scott

CHECK OUT JOBY about half way (or a liitle more maybe) down the page at CLUBSMUG .............20% discount available...........

divamum

Anybody use/care to comment on the ballhead? I'm really not digging the Magmount that came on my monopod (which frequently doubles as a lightstand for me), especially since the securing clip has vanished and it's impossible to get the part locally (I resent paying $5 in shipping for a tiny little piece of aluminium).

If the Joby ballhead is a reasonably sturdy piece of gear, that might just do the job for me and is a great price with the discount.

Anybody?

lizzard_nyc

kensington wrote:

I like mine alot, it does NOT replace my regular tripod but unlike my regular tripod I can take it everywhere.

Thank you Arnold for the photos to go along with your advise. Looks like that little gorillpod can hold quite a bit of weight and my DSLR is smaller--so perfect! I will do as you say and get the mini-ballhead. The relative easy of taking that little puppy everywhere with me is a huge selling point.

Art,
Discount you say? I'm there!

lizzard_nyc

divamum wrote:

Anybody use/care to comment on the ballhead?

This is the info I got from the Jobi Gorillapod website. Copied and pasted.
http://www.joby.com/images/ballhead/ballhead-detail.jpg
Designed for the Gorillapod SLR-Zoom, but compatible with almost all tripods.
Strong, lightweight, machined aluminum.
Quick-release clip with bubble level stays attached to camera for instant setup and level photos every time.
Fits tripods with 3/8" and 1/4" threads.
Max weight: 3000g (6.6 lb)

Hope it helps!

ART--thanks for the referral to this site--I ordered the Zoom Gorillapod--can hold up to 6.6 lbs--I also ordered the flash connector if I wanted to use as a flash set up, the ballhead, and the feet for extra grip on dirt etc.
After my 20% discount it was a smidge over 80 bucks and the shipping was free via Fed Ex. How sweet is that?

Arnold--your sad story about losing the feet, made me order a set--they are cheap!

Now they also sell their stuff with an option of eco friendly packaging which is less than regular packaging by a nice amount plus it makes me feel good.

gryphonslair99

When the make one that will support a 1D MKIII and a 400mm f2.8, then they will have my attention. Until them I will stick to more traditional stuff. I feel more comfortable.

I will say in defense of the idea that for my father-in-law it is great for his P&S when at family gatherings etc.