Electronics : Joby GP1-OREN Gorillapod - Red

Rating: - Nice idea but it has its flaws
I was bought one of these as a present and it is great at gripping on to various objects and can function as a mini tripod reasonably well. However, the ball joints near the plate is not robust enough to take a heavy SLR body. It probably works fine with a lighter entry level camera with a light digital zoom, but if you have any sort of serious kit then it is incapable of remaining stable. I also have a quibble with the locking pin and camera plate which requires a 10p coin to attach and detach from the camera. It is a simple engineering fix to add some sort of recessed tag and I can't understand why it hasn't been done yet.

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Rating: - Am I missing something?
I do not understand what the fuss is about. Gorillapod may be a fun and innovative concept but it is SMALL ! You will always need a wall or a table (OK or a tree or a lamp post) to put it on. So I don't see the use. The whole point of a tripod is to enable you to take photos like it was you taking them (i.e. from at least a 1.50m height) only completely still. It's ok if you already have a classic tripod and are looking to take pictures off the beatten track e.g. on rocks or in unusual environments. I am going to sell mine as I am not using it and buy a proper tripod instead.

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Rating: - You need one in your camera bag !
I purchased this for my Canon Eos 450, and it's great. Easy to set up and use, and very portable. I went on to the website for the tripod to read some more details about it before purchasing it.

The manufacturer's website shows the different variations that this comes in. I would definitely recommend the SLR Zoom version if you have a SLR. As I am new to photography but have amassed a number of lenses already including a zoom lens, and due the weight limitations of the different tripods, I would recommend the SLR Zoom to future-proof your camera to some extent.

I have used the tripod with the Canon camera attached to a 300mm zoom lens and it works well.

It is sturdy and very portable and flexible.

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Rating: - nsw4153
Great little tripod, Im using with an Sigma 18-200mm IS lens (which agreed is not the biggest) but Ive never had any qualms that it could not support the weight.
Wraps round pretty much anything and as its so small and light its not a problem to slip in a bag etc so your more likely to have it with you when you really need it. Would thoroughly recommend.

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Rating: - My favourite camera-related item!
This gadget is amazing! By far my favourite item in my camera is this funky tripod. It works too - I've had it on styals & fences in fields, on my dining room table top & on the banister of my stairs. Its surprisingly sturdy for something so bendy!! The only thing I couldn't work out was the screw on the top to attach other tripod heads - I wanted to attach it directly to my camera (which I guess is a 3/8") but it was too big - turned out there is a 1/4" screw cover on the top of it - am so blonde.