Joby Gorillapods! SLR zoom or Focus?!

[jasony8]

Hey guys,

I just watched this youtube clip: YouTube - Joby Gorillapod Hands-on Review

I got really interested into getting one of these Joby Gorillapods as a portable 'mini tripod' to carry around with me in my camera bag on the go, you never know when it would come in handle when you've got no tripod :S

I recently upgraded to a Cannon 5D Mark II and usually use the 24-105mm f/4L IS USM as the 'general use' lens (also have a 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM..which i doubt i would use on this mini tripod)
Joby recommends me to use the Joby Gorillapod FOCUS but the price is right up at the top .. . because it supports up to 5KG... I am currently leaning towards the Joby Gorillapod SLR-ZOOM, supporting up to 3KG... do you guys reckon it is enough to support my gear?

1. Joby Gorillapod SLR-Zoom - Portable, flexible tripod for telephoto lens cameras
2.Joby Gorillapod Focus - Professional Tripod, Lightweight Camera and Video Tripod

Has any of you guys got any experience with this product? Do you guys think it is worthwhile getting?

Thanks so much!

Jason

[Bluenoser]

Well, I have an Xsi and bought the Zoom version last year. I don't use my heavy telephoto on it but have used my Macro (100mm), and Kit Lens (17-85) with it and had no problems.

Boy, has the price ever gone up on those things. I see it listed for $49.95. Last spring I paid $26.95 for mine, direct from joby.

Best thing to do is take the weight of your camera plus the 70-200. If the weight total comes in under the spec, you should be fine. I always allow an extra 1lb above the recommendation when weighing my camera/lens combo. For example, if my camera/lens came in at 7 lbs, I would buy something that supported at least 8 lb. I like the fudge factor to be in my favour.

[jasony8]

Originally Posted by Bluenoser

Well, I have an Xsi and bought the Zoom version last year. I don't use my heavy telephoto on it but have used my Macro (100mm), and Kit Lens (17-85) with it and had no problems.

Boy, has the price ever gone up on those things. I see it listed for $49.95. Last spring I paid $26.95 for mine, direct from joby.

Best thing to do is take the weight of your camera plus the 70-200. If the weight total comes in under the spec, you should be fine. I always allow an extra 1lb above the recommendation when weighing my camera/lens combo. For example, if my camera/lens came in at 7 lbs, I would buy something that supported at least 8 lb. I like the fudge factor to be in my favour.

Thanks for sharing your experience! That sounds really positive, do you think the overall structure of the Gorillapod is long lasting? especially with all the rotating balls....

Thanks!
Jason

[Joe Butch]

I have the SLR-ZOOM and used it with a 100-400mm lens with my Canon T1i and it worked great.

[MOmilkman]

I'm sorry to tell you this but I think the SLR Zoom is too lightweight to support your gear. But then again I guess it really depends on how you plan to use it.

I mounted one to my 7D and a 100mm Macro lens to my SLR Zoom and the legs buckle under that weight. I'm a little disappointed in it. If you point the lens toward the ground (to photograph a insect) the 2 forward legs always start slowly bending. With the lens in a horizontal position it does fairly well.

If I had to do it again, I'd spend the money and go with the next model up.

[Joe Butch]

Originally Posted by MOmilkman

I'm sorry to tell you this but I think the SLR Zoom is too lightweight to support your gear. But then again I guess it really depends on how you plan to use it.

I mounted one to my 7D and a 100mm Macro lens to my SLR Zoom and the legs buckle under that weight. I'm a little disappointed in it. If you point the lens toward the ground (to photograph a insect) the 2 forward legs always start slowly bending. With the lens in a horizontal position it does fairly well.

If I had to do it again, I'd spend the money and go with the next model up.

bend two of the legs in and use the third as support. It will not buckle anymore.

[jasony8]

Originally Posted by MOmilkman

I'm sorry to tell you this but I think the SLR Zoom is too lightweight to support your gear. But then again I guess it really depends on how you plan to use it.

I mounted one to my 7D and a 100mm Macro lens to my SLR Zoom and the legs buckle under that weight. I'm a little disappointed in it. If you point the lens toward the ground (to photograph a insect) the 2 forward legs always start slowly bending. With the lens in a horizontal position it does fairly well.

If I had to do it again, I'd spend the money and go with the next model up.

The problem is that, the next model up is a big jump in the price and I am wondering whether I would want to spend that amount of money on this small bit of kit ;S

Thanks for sharing your experience tho!

[jasony8]

Originally Posted by Joe Butch

bend two of the legs in and use the third as support. It will not buckle anymore.

hmmmm that sounds like a useful tip Using 2 legs for a sturdy back support and 1 leg in front for positioning

[Bluenoser]

Originally Posted by MOmilkman

I'm sorry to tell you this but I think the SLR Zoom is too lightweight to support your gear. But then again I guess it really depends on how you plan to use it.

I mounted one to my 7D and a 100mm Macro lens to my SLR Zoom and the legs buckle under that weight. I'm a little disappointed in it. If you point the lens toward the ground (to photograph a insect) the 2 forward legs always start slowly bending. With the lens in a horizontal position it does fairly well.

If I had to do it again, I'd spend the money and go with the next model up.

Maybe a faulty piece of equipment? Hard to say, but I have used my 100mm Macro, pointed down, horizontal, whatever and the legs have never collapsed.


Forgot to mention, when I bought mine I also purchased the spike feet attachments for the legs. Haven't really used them much but they are handy if you're setting up on a slope or slanted surface. You can poke them into the ground for more stability.

[MOmilkman]

Originally Posted by Joe Butch

bend two of the legs in and use the third as support. It will not buckle anymore.

Sorry for the horendous illustration.
Is this what you are referring to?

If so, I have tried this and it buckles above the bend in the legs.

Originally Posted by Bluenoser

Maybe a faulty piece of equipment? Hard to say, but I have used my 100mm Macro, pointed down, horizontal, whatever and the legs have never collapsed.


Forgot to mention, when I bought mine I also purchased the spike feet attachments for the legs. Haven't really used them much but they are handy if you're setting up on a slope or slanted surface. You can poke them into the ground for more stability.

No I dont think it is faulty. Just seems like there is not enough tension in between the ball joints. They could have made it a bit 'stiffer'.
I'd like to see another one just to compare though.