Joby Flexible Gorillapod Tripods for Digital Cameras
| August 28, 2012 | Posted by admin under Tripods and Monopods |
Using a Nikon D3000 I find digital noise can be an issue even in decent light and so I combat this by using a tripod and a low ISO. I regularly shoot indoors and in low light situations, however the cumbersome nature of transporting standard tripods often means I go without and my shots suffer as a consequence.
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The difference with Gorillapods and the thing that sets them apart from micro tripods and monopods is they are malleable. Gorillapods have gripping legs that allow them to safely hold your camera in precarious and unusual positions. This SLR-Zoom version is one of the larger models in the range and is designed to hold a camera and lens combo up to 6lb (3kg).
The flexible legs do move smoothly but they need a fair amount of pressure applied to shape them, which required more effort than I was expecting. This is reassuring considering they are designed to grip to a wide variety of surfaces, and the rubberized feet attached soundly to the rocks and poles. The jointed legs allows me to change the height of the tripod swiftly without needing to fiddle with catch and release levers.
The quick release head is a winning feature with its smooth release system. Far and away my favourite feature is the ballhead. This is not unique to the Gorillapod but the smooth, easy-to-use action was a revelation. There was no fiddling with two or three different mechanisms to change the angle of the camera.
I was pleased to find that even fully extended, the Gorillapod fitted into my camera backpack and, given its weight, I was able to still use the camera without removing the Gorillapod, which saved me time.
I will be keeping this in my kitbag, not only because I can, given its size and weight, but the ability to alter the height swiftly coupled with the ballhead make the Gorillapod a worthwhile purchase.
Joby Gorillapod SLR-Zoom & Focus
Joby GP3 GorillaPod SLR-Zoom Flexible Tripod
When space is tight the Joby range comes to the rescue. Suitable for anyone using a DSLR are the SLR-Zoom model, which boasts a 6.6 pounds (3 kg) weight capacity, and the Focus, which ups this to a 5 kg load.
Both feature the flexible wrap-around legs the range is famed for, which adhere to virtually any surface.
A 3/8 in adapter screw enables the mounting of both cameras and professional tripod heads for increased versatility.
- Adaptable Screw: attaches to cameras with 1/4″ or 3/8″ tripod thread
- Flexible Joints: bend and rotate 360 degree to form the perfect shape
- Ring & Foot Grips: provide extra gripping power to grapple wherever you go
- The Gorrilapod SLR Zoom attaches to SLRs (with zoom lenses), video cameras, and your own tripod head, and can support a whopping 6.6 pounds (3kg)
Perfect for travel with moderate-weight gear
Canon XSi with an 55-250mm lens, fully extended, with hood. Very stable
Flexible Accessory for Travel Photographer
Tripods are the ideal method for supporting the camera but they tend to be rather bulky if you want to travel light.
Joby GP8-BHEN Gorillapod Focus with Ballhead X
Joby Gorillapod Focus
Larger and stronger than the other Gorillapod models, the new Focus will support relatively heavy equipment. This innovative accessory features flexible, rubberized ball-socket joints that bend and rotate, allowing the device to be attached to many types of solid objects: a tree branch, a street sign, a car’s external rear view mirror, and so on.
Features
- 24 Leg Joints
- Machined Aluminium Socket
- Rubberized Feet
- 500 G
- Capacity: Up to 5 KG of Weight
- Equipped with 1/4″ Screw
- Includes 3/8″ Screw Adapter
Joby Gorillapod Micro 250
We’re used to seeing good ideas from Joby; anyone who has played with a Gorillapod has ended up getting one sooner or later, and the little Micro 250 will be no exception. There’s no plastic in this one, just a machined aluminum positioning ball, a zinc-alloy coating and rubber feet grips. When folded up (1.5 cm), it is overshadowed by the camera, and at 26 g, its weight is negligible. When the legs are in position, the positioning ball allows for a 36° rotation in any direction. It can easily support and stabilize a camera that weighs up to 250 g (Canon Powershot S100, Nikon J1, Olympus Tough 8010, Panasonic LX-5 and so on).
The latex grips are available in assorted colors: grey, blue or red – just buy the color that suits your mood. Its big brother, the Micro 800, weighs 65 g, measures 2 cm when folded up for transport and can support up to 800 g (Canon Powershot G12, Olympus PEN EP-3, Panasonic GX-1, Sony NEX-7, etc.)
You’ll have to cough up a bill featuring a portrait of Andrew Jackson to purchase the Micro 250 ($20), and add a bill with Alexander Hamilton‘s portrait to the pile, if you wish to have the Micro 800 ($30).
Tiny But Strong tool for Daily use
Your point and shoot or micro 4/3 camera’s new best friend, the GorillaPod Micro 250 and Micro 800 are the first always-on tripods that offers the stability, range of movement and versatility of full-size supports.
Great for a small point and shoot
- Sleek and portable design for point and shoot cameras- slim profile is concealed beneath the camera base and easily fits in any case
- Stainless steel micro positioning ballhead – miniature ballhead allows for 36° of movement in any direction for precise control in photo or video composition for cameras weighing up to 250g (8.8 oz.).
- Coated zinc alloy legs with colorful rubber foot grips – stabilize point and shoot cameras on even or uneven surfaces without resonant vibrations
- Auto-fanning leg deployment and effortless ball positioning – instant setup and framing so you’ll never miss a shot
Joby GP3 Gorillapod SLR-Zoom Flexible Tripod
The strange-looking JL Gorillapod‘s twistable legs enable it to be wrapped around railings, fence posts, tree branches and the like, making it a useful support for photographers on the move. It’s also ideal as a low-level tripod.
The SLR-Zoom’s 3kg load rating is beefier than the basic SLR version’s 800g, and you can also attach a ball-and-socket head to make it even more versatile. And best of all, it’s only $55.
- Flexible tripod designed for digital SLRs or camcorders weighing up to 6.6 pounds (3 kilograms)
- Fits into your purse, backpack, or roomy jacket pocket
- Innovative segmented leg design to ensure secure mounting
- Standard universal 1/4-20 screw for attaching your camera to the tripod mount (or use your own tripod head); 1/4-to-3/8-inch adapter included
- Expands creative options, or lets everyone get into self-timer shots
Versatility is the name of the game with this unusual SLR accessory.
A great addition to your camera kit
Bottom Line
The key feature of the Goriliapod are its flexible gripping legs meaning it can adhere to any surface and not send your camera crashing to the floor. However, the legs find their worth allowing the user to change camera height quickly and easily. Combined with the fantastic ballhead this item is worth getting, although I did find that the quick release plate can work itself loose.