Gorillapods - are they useful?

Does anyone use the SLR Gorillapod? Are they any good, and do you use them on a regular basis?

I don't have one, but I've looked at them in the stores and I honestly can't see a use for them with a DSLR, even the so-called SLR model. I thnk the camer/lens combinations are too heavy. They might be handy for a lightweight P&S, though.

A P&S, a 350d with a kit lens sure, anything other than that and get a tripod.

I have the middle version and I have used it on an 350d with a light lense (tokina 12-24) and it works alright. I can imagine mounting a flash on it for a multi flash setup.

It takes more than a P&S Camera, but a DSLR with a 70-200/2,8 or something else wont work with the Pod.
A "small" DLSR and a "lightwight" Lens will work with the Pod.
But don´t expect to much.
It`s not as good as a tripod.

I actually just bought the SLR-Zoom version and it works pretty well with my 30D+17-55+580EX. If you get the legs too far out it sags, but you can work around it. I really bought it so I could get some low shots of my daughter without having to hold the camera (so I can make goofy faces).

Take your gear to a store that sells them and try it out. It does take some getting used to, but is a great solution for backpacking, super low angles that a tripod just can't give you or cramped places that won't fit a tripod.

I've got the SLR-Zoom version but it doesn't get used at all.

To me they just look so stupid better of with a tripod way more better..

I use mine to mount my 430 as a slave.

simwells wrote in post #4365743
I've got the SLR-Zoom version but it doesn't get used at all.

ditto

Clark wrote in post #4365839
I use mine to mount my 430 as a slave.

good idea. since I have one I'll do the same. but I wouldn't go buy a new one for that

Ive seen alot of people sucessfuly use them as flash stands in large multi light set ups and im thinking about getting one for the same purpose

I bought one for a trip to Vegas and ended up using it a few times. I still managed to carry my tripod around for most of the trip. If you want something to lash to your bag and usually don't carry your tripod, get it. The SLR Model steadied my 20D with 70-200 L about 30' over the busy streets of Vegas for a traffic blur shot. 'Course I didn't intend to let it fall if it wanted to, but the little bugger held on tight to a railing.

It takes a little playing to get used to the legs but I'm glad I have mine, even though I rarely use it.

Edit: Spend the money and get the Manfrotto 3229 quick release for it (or whatever monopod/small quick release that matches up to the heads you already own). HUGE time saver.

^^^^^^^
What John said. I have the SLR-Zoom and use it for throwing in a pack while hiking or skiing. The quick release is a good idea too, as attaching it to the camera is a real pain.

While no where near being as good as a good tripod, it does work quite well, I have used my 5D and 24-105 on it quite a few times. I find it works better, and is more stable, with the legs wrapped around something, then in a free standing tripod stance.

I had forgotten about an instance where the pod went where no tripod could have gone. I did a night-time time lapse video of driving and the pod wrapped tightly around the soft leather headrest of the passenger seat. Once I figured out the ideal way to wrap it, the unit was quite secure. No noticeable droop through the whole lot of the shots that evening.

Agree with Jim and the others about a free-stance. I usually curl my pod's legs up like an octopus when on a flat surface and that seems to work well. Keep the camera as low as possible to the surface.