JOBY GorillaPod 5K Stand Premium Flexible Tripod 5K Stand for Pro-Grade DSLR Cameras or devices up to 5K

I was given the SLR zoom as a gift, and it did not work with my camera lens combos. I have a Canon EOS 50D 15.1 MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) and several lenses with the heaviest being my Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras . The SLR zoom just could not hold it well. This pod resolves that problem. The ballhead is sturdy and locks positively. This is not a small Gorillapod, this is relatively heavy but I believe the offset in it's holding strength makes the weight worthwhile. Many times you can substitute weight for strength, but that comes at a price. There is a significant difference in cost from the SLR Zoom to this model but it is well worth it, the SLR is largely plastic, this one is mostly metal. For those who are looking for a first tripod, DO NOT buy this tripod thinking it will replace a full-size model. This is one I bought to keep in my bag for those times I do not want to lug around the weight and size of a full sized model. This one will be with me at all times and will help me for those shots I was not planning. When I go out to get a shot on purpose, or when I can justify the extra hassle associated with a full sized, I will have my Manfrotto full sized rig. Overall, as a second, or even third, tripod, I would highly recommend. Very well built, very sturdy, looks nice, and packs easily. Read more

I'm loving this tripod, its strong enough to hold my Nikon D800 or my Sony A7R with 70-200G. Tripod is small and lighter than other tripods. I love it because it can go places normal tripods have a hard time, like I can wrap onto my bikes handle bars, onto a fence, tree limbs, the rails on stairs. packs easy onto my camera bag. IMO this is a must have. if you use a tripod and want a second as backup or shoot with two cameras this makes an ideal second tripod as it adds only 1.63lbs and best part uses arca swiss mount which works with my L Brackets. I tend to do shots of the milkyway, so i leave one camera on a sturdy tripod doing timelapse than use the gorillapod on my second camera, thus i can keep taking pictures while the other does its thing. The ballhead is high quality. Works great for mirrorless cameras too, I recommend this model for anything over 2lbs. Read more

1. I use the tripod, probably more than the typical photographer due to my interest in panoramic photography. Thus, I've had occasion to use many types of tripods over the years (Bogen, Manfrotto, Gitzo... the traditional aluminum vs carbon fiber etc... etc...). Furthermore, one must understand and accept the premise that no one tripod is going to be appropriate for all situations. 2. With that being said, if you need a table top type tripod or a flexible tripod, then this is a no brainer purchase. Unlike the cheaper / smaller Joby tripods (which I have purchased in the past-> bad choice), this unit was well made, sturdy / solid, and most importantly is set up to utilize a ball head. The ball head issue is critical in my opinion because this will allow one to more securely hold their camera in place as well as more easily set up the camera for a shot. If you buy the cheaper Joby products that don't allow one to utilize an independent ball head, you're camera may sag at that junction point (it's somewhat difficult to explain but trust me on this one). 3. Now there may be folks wondering if they do need this bigger unit; it is definitely bigger than the lower end models (but definitely still compact compared to a regular tripod)--> I would advise that IF you shoot with any camera (s) other than a true small point / shoot, then just get this unit. As many have noted in their reviews, Joby overestimates the weight capacity of their units and thus don't waste your money on the cheaper models. Just get this one unit, which then should last for hopefully a long time and you'll experience a solid little tripod that actually works. In terms of the extra costs of buying a little ball head--> just get one, because you'll always be able to use that ball head with other tripods down the road. Various companies make nice little ballheads (velbon, really right stuff, the joby one looks fairly decent etc...) Read more

the ultimate run and gun device for the remote/active shooter. This thing handles a mirrorless camera with ease and is rock solid with action cams. fold out the legs for an over the shoulder recording format and it is rock steady for interviews and pans. in tripod mode, it will conform to any style of surface and has just enough weight not to be hampered by wind. it will wrap around an object and even span weird gaps and hang from just about anything. If you are shooting a long telephoto just simply span out the legs further for a more steady base. If the legs cant accommodate your needs the ball head with cover the rest, the pan is a little sticky out of the box but smoothes up over time. The quick release plate is easy to use and the head locks up very solid. We no longer carry a full size or travel tripod anymore because these will do it all. Honestly, if there is a situation that this cant work for you well, your not using your imagination enough. Read more