Need a travel tripod (Gorillapod?)

I'm in urgent need of a travel tripod for an upcoming vacation (leaving Friday morning). I'm hoping I can get some advice on what to roll with. I'm looking to avoid carrying my Slik 700DX. Preferably something that can easily attach to my camelbak (camelbaks are the best invention ever by the way and if you do any sort of all day outdoor activities. The Blowfish even holds my gripped 50D, flash, and 3 most used lenses).

Anyway, I'm considering a Gorillapod for the portability, but have heard mixed reviews. I'm not looking to spend a lot, and the furthest I would probably go is this: http://www.amazon.com …F8&qid=13115619​73&sr=8-36 (A 46 inch Slik that folds to 14 inches and weighs a pound).

Suggestions?

I don't know anything about the Slik, but when I don't want to carry my regular tripod around I will carry my GorrillaPod Pro Focus with me (the SLR Zoom is crap). I've done long exposures and HDRs with it so it will get the job done (5d2+battery grip+24-70L handled just fine). The question is where are you going? The gorrillapod does best when you have handrails and things to attach it to, otherwise you'll be doing a lot of shooting from down low.

This is a short road trip to St. Louis, Missouri. 4 days, with plenty planned (Body Worlds, museum, zoo, Little Shop of Horrors play, the arch, Meramec Caverns, Busch Brewery). The main purpose of the tripod is so I can be in the shot too, as the trip is for my third anniversary with my girlfriend.

I may try to do some long exposures, but won't be heart broken if they don't come out.

Also, as we're driving, we generally won't be much more than a couple miles from the car, so my current tripod is still an option.

I'm honestly considering getting a heavy duty clamp from the hardware store and drilling a quarter inch bolt through it. The ONLY downside I can see is when I want to use it on the ground/ledge and not want to clamp it. If only I still had easy access to a tig welder.

Many public places prohibit tripods, so you might want to check before making any purchases. They can be a hazard, and none of my museums permit them.

I have the Gorillapod SLR zoom. It is not perfect, but it does an ok job of supporting my 60D with the 17-85mm lens for long exposures. I used it this evening for some lightning captures with my new 15-85mm. I wouldn't use it in a dangerous position with my 70-200 lens as I think it would sag. I have looked at the Focus model online, but I haven't found one locally to check out.

B&H actually has the best price online for the Focus. Theirs doesn't include a ball head, I was wondering if it would work as well with some elses head.

BroncoAZ wrote in post #12817182
I have the Gorillapod SLR zoom. It is not perfect, but it does an ok job of supporting my 60D with the 17-85mm lens for long exposures. I used it this evening for some lightning captures with my new 15-85mm. I wouldn't use it in a dangerous position with my 70-200 lens as I think it would sag. I have looked at the Focus model online, but I haven't found one locally to check out.

B&H actually has the best price online for the Focus. Theirs doesn't include a ball head, I was wondering if it would work as well with some elses head.

You can add any head to the Gorillapod Focus. It comes with the 1/4" stud with a 3/8" bushing if you need it.

Get a beanbag, the only foolproof stable platform if you don't use sticks. Here's just one site. I've used this particular beanbag, it's superb. Comes prefilled with poly beads, no need to use rice, beans and hve them germinate if it gets wet.

I know tripods are prohibited in some places, but I'll be going plenty of places where they're definitely allowed. And like I said, the main purpose is to get in the shot with my girlfriend, not for shooting things in poorly lit environments.

The more I think about it, the more I think I could rig something with a wood clamp, a couple sticks, and a quarter inch bolt. But if the trip to the hardware store doesn't inspire me, I'll probably go with a bean bag. I appreciate all the suggestions and comments.

Why pay $30 for a beanbag when you can make your own? It also wont matter if security decides to take it from you.

eskimochaos wrote in post #12817745
Why pay $30 for a beanbag when you can make your own? It also wont matter if security decides to take it from you.

Yeah, I'm definitely going to make my own if that's the route I go. I have access to a sewing machine, just gotta get some plastic beads to fill it with.

griptape wrote in post #12818097
Yeah, I'm definitely going to make my own if that's the route I go. I have access to a sewing machine, just gotta get some plastic beads to fill it with.

Consider the time you have left before the vacation, you have to get the right material, find the beads, etc. Time is money too. I think $30 is a bargain.

You can get an Ultrapod. I have one, and I really like it.

http://www.amazon.com …mera-Tripod/dp/B000ANCPNM

tvphotog wrote in post #12818480
Consider the time you have left before the vacation, you have to get the right material, find the beads, etc. Time is money too. I think $30 is a bargain.

I have the fabric and I could use those plastic beads they have for making jewelry. If I didn't have such easy access to everything I would definitely consider buying.

And I've looked at the ultra pods, and will probably buy one at some point, it's just a little more than I really want to spend right now. Great suggestion though.

The Ultrapod is only 16 bucks from Amazon. It is super light weight. It is not as nice as the silk, but it is cheap enough. Good luck on your search!