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 Anne K. Rusk on January 19, 2012 at 10:04 PM
I know they do have some gorillapod options for heavier equipment like the 70-200, but I've never tried them. My friend loves hers for her point-n-shoot, but I've never tried it. Sorry for the lack of help, but I'm really interested in the response!
Posted by Tom Stermitz on January 19, 2012 at 10:45 PM
The little gorilla pods are pretty flimsy. I don't know if you can sufficiently clamp down the bigger ones.
The best small tripod I've used is the Leica tabletop. Surprisingly, they don't sell for all that much at auction. I found one with large Leica ballhead for around $100. I've also used a small gitzo ballhead on it, but the the large Leica ballhead is a somewhat taller, and clamps down steady as a rock.
You can hold the tripod like a gun stock in your shoulder, or turn it 90 degrees and press it against a building or tree. It would not balance your 70-200mm, but I've used it on a D90 with the slightly smaller Nikon 70-300mm.
I used to use one with a P&S. I only had one real complaint, but it was a big one, namely that it was really problematic to shoot a vertical with it, and I eventually broke it trying to do so. Maybe they have a better head setup on the SLR versions or something that solves the problem, but I'd try before you buy. Other than that, I think a Gorillapod would certainly be better than nothing, definitely gives you more options than a bag full of rice or your backpack. But for all their versatility, their limitations are frustrating when you're after a careful comp. Personally, I'd say a bit of weight in a real tripod, even a small one, is well worth the tradeoff.
Posted by Stan Rose on January 20, 2012 at 12:10 AM
I ordered a couple lens caps from B&H a few weeks back, and as luck would have it, they delivered me a gorillapod instead (shhhh...dont tell! ) So i took it with me when i went to Seattle since i didnt want to pack my full tripod. I pretty much agree with Jackson. My main complaint is it is hard to level when in a rush, the legs get all twisted up. I think it is useful for some unique situations, like wrapping around a tree, but it definitely will limit you otherwise.
Posted by Todd Caudle on January 20, 2012 at 12:26 AM
I thought that's where gorillas lived...
Posted by Stan Rose on January 20, 2012 at 12:31 AM
That's Gorrilapad, Todd...sheesh, didnt you learn anything in school?
I have a Slik sprint mini http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/614703-REG/Slik_611_806_Sprint_Mini_II_GM.html for occasions when I don't want to bring a full size tripod. I use my Canon 17-40L on it but nothing larger. the ballhead might be suspect for larger lenses and I don't think it is interchangeable. Having that said, it meets all my needs for a mini tripod. I can throw it in my briefcase on a business trip and hardly notice it is there, same on the side mesh pocket of my day pack. Independent legs and detachable center column are super nice to have in a featherweight. Stands up to about 40 inches which is good in most cases for me.
Posted by Don George on January 22, 2012 at 10:56 AM
Discussion
8 repliesThe best small tripod I've used is the Leica tabletop. Surprisingly, they don't sell for all that much at auction. I found one with large Leica ballhead for around $100. I've also used a small gitzo ballhead on it, but the the large Leica ballhead is a somewhat taller, and clamps down steady as a rock.
You can hold the tripod like a gun stock in your shoulder, or turn it 90 degrees and press it against a building or tree. It would not balance your 70-200mm, but I've used it on a D90 with the slightly smaller Nikon 70-300mm.