Gorillapod - what's your opinion?

So from what I've seen here, the SLR Zoom version would be enough to hold a Rebel with a light lens steady. Is that correct? I'm thinking of getting one to use with Rebel XS, and all lenses I have are pretty light (kit, nifty fifty, and 55-250)

The SLR Zoom should be plenty good enough for that sort of kit, based on my own experience with the plain SLR model.

I always love chiming in for the Gorillapod

I personally have the SLR-ZOOM version from when REI had a sale on them, cost me $35 dollars.

I'll agree that it's definitely not designed as a tripod, it gains it's stability when wrapped around other objects. It's more for those times when you cannot setup a full-tripod or couldn't take one along b/c of weight considerations.

But it really shines when I use it places where you simply cannot use a de-facto tripod, I've put it on Pole-Vault Standard, on the front and rear of my bike, used it with a chair to create a stable shooting platform (like a 'bean bag' as someone mentioned before.)

So I'm probably in the same boat as you...Im just a beginner and dont want to spend too much on a good tripod right now, so I think i might get the sturdier gorillapod... I borrowed my friends gorillapod and got these pics, which came out pretty good i think:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=582616

I'll just post in this thread in case anyone is wondering (even tho the thread is a little old).

I'm traveling and can't have a tripod with me so I got the Gorillapod SLR but it's been pretty disappointing so far. It can't hold a 400D with even the 50mm f/1.8 and I always feel like it's going to fall. Ironically, while it can't hold the camera steady, it's also really hard to tilt into the position I want. I'm going to keep messing with it but I don't really think it's worth the money.

Gorillapod SLR is borderline. I am not surprised your not happy. The recommended Gorillapod for the 40D is the SLR-ZOOM. I use it with the 30D and 5D and it has been pretty good. I use it with a small Bogen ball head.

I got one for my b-day and t's exactly as I thought, a tripod bean bag. I use to to steady shots like a monopod but when a tripod or monopod is not small enough like at Medieval Times.

It's a gimmick. I'd get either a real clamp (bogen clamps) or only use it for a remote flash or something like that.

J.

I got one for xmas today and although yes I might not use it ALL the time, i think it will come in handy every now and then, and perfect to stuff in the bag for those times where you just MIGHT need something more stable then your hands

I have a "Chinese clone" of the SLR Zoom Gorillapod and have never really been able to get on with it, not with a 5D or 30D (with grip in both cases) and various lenses from a 24-105 to a 100-400. I've never really been able to get it gripping securely on whatever I've tried as a support.

However, I was given an Op/Tech Trek-Tech Optera 460 (one of these; http://www.warehouseex​press.com …/default.aspx?s​ku=1029565) for Christmas and it seems somewhat better - at least, in my initial trials I managed to get the 30D/grip and 100-400 securely mounted on a chair back with far less trouble than the Gorillapod.
It has two advantages that I can see over the Gorillapod - 1) it has a drawstring fitting so you can prevent the legs splaying further apart than you want, and 2) One of the legs is more than twice as long as the other two, so you can loop it back up to support the front of the lens.
I can see me actually using this one, whereas I'd pretty well given up on the Gorillapod.

KRs
Chris

but surely comparing a chinese clone gorilla pod to something that is a good bit more expensive is silly?

If you have the SLR Zoom joby and are comparing it then fair enough saying it isn't as good, but a knock-off vs expensive alternative. Of course its not going to win there!

I just brought one and find it very handy when the shot calls for it, being so portable can tuck it away in my bag too.

ben_r_ wrote in post #6628155
Sorry but i just wouldnt feel comfortable trusting $3000+ ($4000+ after I get my 5D Mark II) worth of gear to something hanging from a tree branch. I understand its cheap and versatile, but it just doesnt have me convinced its secure enough...

I am with you all the way.

I was given one for Christmas... while I would never trust my 5D and heavier lenses on it, it is fun and portable for my 40D. I can see myself using it a lot doing ground level macro shots, in the future... but its usefulness is pretty limited on a broad range, for myself.

But hey... it was a gift... no loss of my money.

i am thinking about buying a gorilla pod for my 450d.
would this be good for long exposure shots? i know there will be better suited..like a proper tripod, but at the moment, i am not in my home country, and going to be traveling..alot

which would you reccommend for long exposure? the gorilla pod zoom, or focus