I seriously need a lighter tripod, something to use with my Rebel and my 35-70 & 10-22 lens, mostly for quick shots when I'm not taking "serious" photos, such as on a fun hike. I need something light and easy to transport. Does anyone know if Gorillapods are any good? They seem to get pretty good reviews as long as you're not shooting with huge glass (my biggest lens is a 70-200). I do realize of course the Gorillapod doesn't extend out to standing height which is ok for the most part because I like to get low anyway. If a Gorillapod isn't the way to go, any other suggestions for something lightweight and easy to carry?
Posted by David Bostedo on January 19, 2012 at 10:41 PM
I have a Gorilla Pod for my SLR (Oly E-520 with 12-60 lens - probably about the same weight you'd have). It works pretty well, but can be a little bit of a pain to get to sit exactly how you want. The best thing about it are when I've had the chance to wrap it around something to position the camera someplace it couldn't otherwise have been.
That being said, you do have to be a little careful about it flopping over or slipping, and it's not super stable. I've had very little luck with long exposures with it. Mini table top tripods are probably more stable, but not as versatile. All in all, for the price, I like mine.
Angela, I do certainly recommend the gorilla pod, but make sure you buy the largest one available (type focus, I think), the one where you can put your own tripod head on. These are very stable for an SLR with WA / Medium zoom. Great toy to play with and obtain unique angles.
Posted by Jim Bullard on January 20, 2012 at 10:07 AM
I have a small Gorilla Pod and it's kind of cheesy IMO. I'm unimpressed. If you are hiking I'd sooner recommend a hiking stick with small ballhead or a monopod. It doesn't get the camera up away from obstructions to your view. You are limited to objects that happen to situated right at the viewpoint you want or you are back to hand holding. A monopod/hiking staff can be braced against something or you can stand with your legs spread making a tripod of yourself and it.
Discussion
3 repliesThat being said, you do have to be a little careful about it flopping over or slipping, and it's not super stable. I've had very little luck with long exposures with it. Mini table top tripods are probably more stable, but not as versatile. All in all, for the price, I like mine.