I do like my pod and if $20 is too much for you to spend then that is fine too.
Attached are two photos of my camera with the 70-300 lens fully extended sitting on the back of a chair with just the green pod holding it in place? You owe me a dollar
BTW...I generally use it as a brace and it was awesome when we went to Europe this past summer and took amazing photos in dark churches and other places where tripods are NOT allowed.