just wanted to give my thumbs up for the gorillapod focus. i have liked these portable tripods eversince i started using them with my panny fz20 (gorillapod slr). i then shift upgraded to the xti so i sold my GPslr and shifted to a GP slrzoom. however with the purchase of a batt grip, a 17-55 and a flash, the slr zoom just didnt seem sturdy enough. i was hesitant to try the focus out because it does cost a lot more, but i really do value the portability of the GP's. so i checked it out in our local camera store. i was really impressed with its build. the metal links are sturdier and it just feels solid. my xti, bge3, 17-55 and 430ex feel very stable (imho) on it! while i do know that many feel the GP is more of a glorified bean bag, the GP focus does not feel like a toy at all. i have coupled it with a manfrotto ball head too. 
i've attached a pic, but pardon the quality. it was taken with photo booth
cheers!
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