Backpacking through Europe w/a G9 - Gorillapod or Regular Travel Tripod?

[Fearan]

I recently got a Canon G9 and want a tripod to come along with me for a nice little hike through Europe. Do you recommend I get a regular travel tripod or a Gorillapod? If so, which one? (Budget <$80)

Thanks. :D

[BearLeeAlive]

I would think the Gorillapod would serve you well, especially with the G9. I use the SLR-Zoom with the 5D and 24-105 sometimes when hiking when I don't want to take the weight of a tripod.

[Fearan]

I would think the Gorillapod would serve you well, especially with the G9. I use the SLR-Zoom with the 5D and 24-105 sometimes when hiking when I don't want to take the weight of a tripod.
Do you still manage to take shots of everything you want?

I guess being 3-4" off the ground is good enough for most nature pictures?

[Jon]

I'd get the Gorillapod SLR for the G9. But the flexibility of the Gorillapod means that if there's something nearby you can latch onto, you don't need to be 3-4" off the ground - you can be where you need. Use a wall, a tree limb, a lamp post, a fence . . .

[BearLeeAlive]

Do you still manage to take shots of everything you want?

I guess being 3-4" off the ground is good enough for most nature pictures?
It does not get a lot of use, but where needed works just fine. I usually try to wrap it around something, it is much more stable than free standing, and it often elevates it to a better height. Once firmly wrapped onto something, I have no fear of it ever letting go. If I use it free standing, I curl the legs under if I can.

[BottomBracket]

Ultrapod II (http://www.rei.com/product/411006) definitely, Less gimmicky than Gorillapod, cheap, and works well. I have used one for years and it really comes in handy. You can even strap it to a short pole/broomstick and use it as a monopod.

[BearLeeAlive]

Ultrapod II (http://www.rei.com/product/411006) definitely, Less gimmicky than Gorillapod, cheap, and works well. I have used one for years and it really comes in handy. You can even strap it to a short pole/broomstick and use it as a monopod.
Well, I can respond to this too, as I also have one of those. (No really, I don't have one of everything. For many uses the Ultrapod does work great, it is as easy, or easier to set up, holds the weight just as well, is a bit more stable on a solid surface, etc. It can be strapped to a pole or branch, but this is the one place that the Gorillapod works better, and is way more flexible. The GP also works better on uneven surfaces.

All this said, I agree with Pio that the Ultrapod should definitely be a consideration as well.

Though not at all in the OP's price range (so a bit off topic), my latest item bought for travel is the Feisol CT-3441S Tripod with a CB-30 Ballhead. I have not had a chance to give it a real try out yet, I just got it this week. But for a 1 kg tripod/ballhead combo that sets up to 6' to the top of the ballhead, this thing is fantastic.

[Fearan]

Well, I can respond to this too, as I also have one of those. (No really, I don't have one of everything. For many uses the Ultrapod does work great, it is as easy, or easier to set up, holds the weight just as well, is a bit more stable on a solid surface, etc. It can be strapped to a pole or branch, but this is the one place that the Gorillapod works better, and is way more flexible. The GP also works better on uneven surfaces.

All this said, I agree with Pio that the Ultrapod should definitely be a consideration as well.

Though not at all in the OP's price range (so a bit off topic), my latest item bought for travel is the Feisol CT-3441S Tripod with a CB-30 Ballhead. I have not had a chance to give it a real try out yet, I just got it this week. But for a 1 kg tripod/ballhead combo that sets up to 6' to the top of the ballhead, this thing is fantastic.
The disadvantage I see with a super short tripod that can't wrap around is that I just don't see when it would be very useful, except when you already have a high, flat surface. So the debate is more between something like the 3441 and the GP. Except, obviously less fancy than the Feisol. I don't need something that'll hold that much, just enough for a 400g camera, no lenses.