I pretty much carry my camera everywhere and occasionally come across a situation where I suddenly need a tripod but don't have one as my regular tripod was left at home.
An actual example: It suddenly rained and the streets were nice and reflective. The view from one of my managers office has a good angle on Park Avenue South, but to really get a good shot, I like to take a long exposure. Without a tripod, it's impossible for me to keep the camera that steady.
While attending the 2006 Photo Plus Expo this past Friday, I came upon Joby demonstrating their new Gorillapod Pro (Since renamed the Gorillapod SLR-Zoom) and was impressed enough to buy one.
Short Review: I really like it. Will the Gorillapod replace my regular Tripod? Nope, but I'll keep it in my bag for those many times when I need steady base for my camera.
More details after the break.
Music I'm listening to right Now:
"Mushroom Hunting" by The Seatbelts from "Cowboy Bebop CD Box [BOX SET]".
Using it is very straight forward: Attach a camera to the supplied standard screw, wrap it around something and take a picture. Simple, right? The reality is: Not so much.
When I purchased it, they demoed it with a Ball head. It is an optional part, but it makes life a lot easier to have it. Otherwise, you wrestle the Gorillapod into shape while trying NOT to bang up your Camera. The Joby salesman recommended it and after trying it ONCE without a Ball head, I really advise using one with it.
It's rated to hold 6 pounds and I added my flash to test it. On the left you have it as a mere lightweight tripod. Below, I wrapped it around a couple of door knobs.
Image on the Left, I have to tell you: I was a little nervous setting it up like this but it held up fine.
Another view on the right. It helps that I was able to get the legs to lock up against each other.
When using it as a tripod, the rubber ends get a good grip an it held up fine with one exception: if I point the lens too far down, the weight tends to lean too forward and overwhelm it a bit. This isn't really a problem as you can bend the leg into a sturdier configuration as shown.
