Gorillapods - are they useful?

milleker wrote in post #4368539
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.

BearLeeAlive wrote in post #4369312
^^^^^^^
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.

You've confirmed what I thought the uses of the Gorillpod would be - but I though it already had a quick release plate?

Fortunately (or Unfortunately for some) it does not have a quick release. Just a 1/4" tripod screw (and a slotted screw at the underside of the head) for tightening down your camera.

This is good for me as I already use only Manfrotto quick release plates on my bodies and lenses So not only does this keep cost down, If there was no way to take it off the unit I would not have purchased it. I like keeping my quick release plates on and not take them off - ever. I've replaced worn out tripod thread mounts on camera bodies before, not exactly a fun job!

Not that they wear out quickly - but they can and do after heavy use. I put them on and leave them on.

Roy Mathers wrote in post #4370077
You've confirmed what I thought the uses of the Gorillpod would be - but I though it already had a quick release plate?

Yeah - I've added one to my wish list. My tripod's small, but some places will red-flag you if they see you carrying one of any size; I would have used the Gorillapod (as a semi-permanent resident of my bag) several times in Italy the past several weeks for evening and interior shots.

I've just checked on the Joby web site, and the Gorillapod SLR does have a quick release fitting (the Zoom doesn't)

I just found that it was just too bouncy for a lot of uses, the flexibility of it tends to magnify and vibrations, so if I'm doing night time long exposure I find it too much hastle to be any use.

Now that you mention this, that's right and forgot that I did get the Zoom for the heavier duty legs - all it has is the turn-screw on the head.

Roy Mathers wrote in post #4370366
I've just checked on the Joby web site, and the Gorillapod SLR does have a quick release fitting (the Zoom doesn't)

A friend of mine owns eh SLR version and 2 days ago his 30d with 17-85mm was attached to it and it broke causing the camera and lens to hit the floor. He has used it before with this combo ok just it failed this time so i wont be getting one personally now.