My Experience
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In general, I try to only carry
things in my pack that have more than one use; the GorillaPod is one
of the few items for which I make an exception. I have found the little
tripod to be so handy for photography purposes, it's worth the minimal
weight penalty. I'd like to think I've utilized every conceivable configuration
but there are so many creative ways to use it in the backcountry, I'm
not sure I've exhausted them all yet. Certainly the standard three-legged
position is the one I use most often but I've also had good success
with sticking it into cracks, wrapping it around three limbs, propping
it on or dangling it from fence posts, attaching it to the end of hiking
sticks or poles, or even simply holding it to get the camera away from
my body just a few inches more for a better group "selfie".
For adaptation to environment, it's super effective.
All of that positional versatility
wouldn't really matter, however, if the tripod wasn't stable or safe
with the camera attached. It is, as long as I've used it properly. Each
ball joint is surrounded by the same rubberized material as each "grip
foot". This minimizes the amount of slippery plastic that actually
comes in contact with surfaces. Additionally, because of all the joints
not only can each leg be bent into various poses, the neck of the tripod
can also be angled to ensure the camera is sitting level even if the
surface or attachment point is anything but level. I've not always been
as careful as I should have been to wrap it around things securely or
widen the three-legged stance for optimum stability but thankfully it's
a pretty forgiving device.
The only part of the GorillaPod
I've ever not fully trusted is the Quick Release Clip. I once had a
situation where I was planning to hang my camera upside-down from a
branch because all other options were obscured with leaves but I was
too distrusting of the clip to try it. I understand Joby has attempted
to make the screw on the clip universal so that it will work with a
variety of brands and therefore it is not going to fit perfectly for
some cameras, maybe none of them. On my little Canon Powershot it slips
ever so slightly over time. I have to regularly check the clip to make
sure it's still secure. I also have to be careful not to twist the camera
when I'm manipulating its position atop the tripod. This will loosen
the clip immediately, making the camera far less stable.
As simplicity goes, the GorillaPod
gets an A+ for sure. It's not complicated to use in the slightest. I
typically attach my camera first. This takes only a few seconds to check
the Quick Release Clip to make sure it's tightly fastened to my camera,
then I slide it into the locking port on the tripod, twist the locking
ring to the lock position and that's it! After that it's a simple matter
of manipulating the legs into a position that allows for the shot I'm
trying to get. My nine year old son had it figured out in seconds. I
especially like that there isn't anything to lose, unless the Quick
Release Clip falls off the camera, which hasn't happened yet.
Given its plastic exterior, the
GorillaPod is obviously waterproof, although I've never used it in inclement
weather simply because my camera is not waterproof. I have, however,
set it on wet rocks for creekside pics without any issues.
Pros
and Cons Thus Far
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Things I like...
Lightweight and easily
packable
Versatile and stable when used correctly
Compatible with my Canon Powershot
Things I think could
be improved...
It'd be great if the Quick
Release Clip could be modified for a more secure fit
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JJD-2017
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