 After being classed as gimicky crap in another thread. I thought i would check out the product reviewed in other forums. The results seem to sujest that it is in fact a great bit of kid and well worth the money. So before i go and buy one, is there anyone on this forum who has used one long term in all weathers/situations , and are you happy with it ? I have already decided on my next camera based on comment from this forum (and then followed up with other photographic forums) So i do value your input on gear. Oh and the camera i decided on is the panasonic LX3. Ok its not the newest model going, but appears to be a very well liked and capable camera. I dond know how i missed it when it first came out. So back to the gorilla pod. Any good ? Edit... Yes i did do a search on the forum but i need to know. if you bought one, do you still use it ? has it broken ? do you always take it with you , or is it just dust gathering gimicky crap. Thanks
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| Edited: 20/03/10 08:04 |
 Yes, I have one and it does what it is supposed to do very well. I haven't used it much as I don't take many pictures in the outdoors but it has worked fine on the occasions that I've needed it. It has been used briefly in light rain (I don't have a waterproof camera) and seems to hold OK on wet gateposts etc. As it happens, mine is for sale, the reason being that I don't have a remote for my camera so the Gorillapod was of limited use for taking self-portraits. It is as-new and you can have it for £6 plus postage.
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 Yoda, I'd check whether it'd be suitable for that camera first. Most Panasonics seem to have the tripod mount right over to one side of the camera, not the centre. I have a Lumix FS10 with such a configuration and it's just about OK with my mini- tripod. It only weighs about 130g however, and if you check Amazon's reviews of the Gorillapod there are several Panasonic camera-owners complaining that it simply topples over with cameras weighing 200g or so.
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I'll have it if Yoda doesn't ? Rod
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 You can see mine in use here (Third from bottom): http://www.glasgowhf.co.uk/p_Gallery_Page_19.ikml I know people suggest using a beanbag, but if it is windy your camera can blow off of a beanbag. A gorillapod can be used to secure it and is far handier. It's not that heavy, if a bit bulky.
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Rod Macdonald 2. Go for it. I think i will get the Slr size one. and thanks all for the input. 
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 I use a Gorillapod and love it. I don't use it much when walking with others, but when walking on my own I find it fantastic, its tiny too and weighs nothing. I leave mine in a hip pocket of my pack for when I need it. The locking mech is great on it too and it is very versitile. You should get one for less than £20 online too so don't pay the ridiculous prices some places like camera shops and Currys have them for.
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How something is gimmicky when it does the same as a normal tripod but is a hell of a lot more versitile is beyond me! You can also wrap them on the top of trekking poles for height.
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 I had the SLR version as a gift for Xmas and I've been pleased with the use so far. Sometime in January, it broke. One of the couplings picked up a hairline crack somehow and it just kept disengaging at that point. So, I emailed JOBY and they said, take a photo of the damaged product with the joby logo in view and they would send me a replacement. 5 days later the replacement hit the doormat. Thumbs up for customer service, and I hope the break was a one off.
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You should get one for less than £20 online too so don't pay the ridiculous prices some places like camera shops and Currys have them for. £15 in Jessops at the moment.
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.jpg) It is steady enough in bright light conditions for snapshots with compact/small cameras. I still think it is gimmicky and over priced though. For a full sized DSLR it is almost useless. Pros. Light Easy to use Can adjust around rocks/logs/fences It can be left on the camera whilst it is being carried around your neck Cons. Will only take small camera/lens combinations unless a pricier version (SLR Zoom) is purchased. Price compared to small lightweight tripods/beanbags is high Unstable - anything under 1/30th risks camera shake (not suitable to be used as a real tripod) Getting the horizon straight is difficult Admittedly I still use mine every now and then (edited to add - I paid nearly £40 for my gorillapod - slr version).
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| Edited: 21/03/10 00:50 |
All these comments are what i like about this forum. For and against. But to the point. And the result is looking more like still using my manfrotto 055. Heavy. Yes. Keep me fit though. And bound to get smartass remarks about using it with a tiny compact.
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 the mini gorillapod works just fine with my lx3 - it's very flexible and you just have to arrange it so the weight is appropriate on the legs. must be user error if it doesn't for some. the gorillapod lives in the camera bag - a lowe pro thing that i bought for my lx2 that happened to be, erm, a bit big. by happy coincidence the gorrilapod fitted in there a treat too. you don't need a remote for a camera. use the self timer.
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the remote bit baffled me a bit too 
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 Unless you want to attach your support to tree, lamp-posts etc, I find this a far more solid alternative to the Gorillapod. Also, sturdy enough to support a dSLR. ...and at 330gms, it lives in the bottle pocket of my sack.
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| Edited: 21/03/10 10:15 |
you don't need a remote for a camera. use the self timer.
true. I tend to set mine to a 2 sec delay.
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Not much time to get yourself into position for one of those "relaxing in tent" poses. I've got a stickpic now and that seems to work OK.
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Not much time to get yourself into position for one of those "relaxing in tent" poses. I've got a stickpic now and that seems to work OK.
Now that i could use. nice one.
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been playing with bits again. i just wouldn't bother with the slr gorrillapod for an lx3. too pricey for function and too much effing about. i also use, very rarely mind when i know i want a poper tripod, an untrapod. i used to have an ultrapod 1 but i gave that to someone esle when i got the mini gorillapod so i use an ultrapod 2. you can velco it to a lot of things and the head had a great deal of flexibility over where it you want it to point (although it's a bit dodgy with an slr). ultrapod
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