One technique for capturing great photos is by using a tripod. Unfortunately not all environments are conducive for tripod use. Plus lugging around a standard tripod can be a pain in the butt. Thankfully Joby a company known for camera accessories have a remedy for this very problem. They are the makes of the Gorillapod line of flexible tripods and today we will check out their Gorillapod SLR-Zoom tripod.
This funky looking tripod is designed to securely mount cameras weighing up to 6.5 pounds. It is designed to be used in conjunction with the Ballhead SLR-Zoom. It is important to note that the Ballhead SLR-Zoom must be purchased separately as it does not come with the Gorillapod SLR-Zoom.
What separates the Gorillapod SLR-Zoom from other tripods are its two dozen bendable and rotatable leg joints that allows the tripod to be positioned on virtually any surface. So if you need a tripod that can work on almost any terrain and you should check out our review of the Gorillapod SLR-Zoom.
Let’s take a closer look…….
Gorillapod SLR-Zoom and Ballhead SLR-Zoom
Reviewed by: Tomas Ratas
Sponsor: Joby
Tech Specs,Features or the Basic Info:
Designed For:
Heavy SLRs
Professional tripod heads
Size: 68 x 45 x 63mm (2.7 x 1.8 x 2.5″)
Weight: 150g (5.3oz)
Connection: Removable bubble-level clip with universal 1/4″ tripod screw
Bottom Thread: 3/8″ with 1/4″ adapter screw (pre-inserted). Compatible with almost all tripods.
Materials:
Ballhead and clip:
Machined aluminum
Tough ABS plastic
Durable TPE grip rings
Camera screw: Stainless steel
Designed For:
Heavy SLRs
Professional tripod heads
Size: 25 x 6 x 6cm (9.8 x 2.4 x 2.4″)
Weight: 241g (8.5oz)
Materials:
Legs:
High quality Japanese ABS plastic
Durable German TPE grip rings
Camera screw:Stainless steel
Connection: Permanent universal 1/4″ tripod screw and 3/8″ adapter screw
A Better Look at Things:
The Gorillapod SLR-Zoom comes in a clear plastic rectangular box with the tripod easily visualized. Inside the package be find the tripod without any instructions. Luckily the Gorillapod SLR-Zoom’s usage is self-explanatory.
The Joby Ballhead SLR-Zoom comes in a cardboard box with the said ballhead found inside along with an instruction sheet.
The Gorillapod SLR-Zoom is composed of Japanese ABS plastic that according to Joby has been injection molded to provide snug joints that are designed to stay firm even after lots of manipulation. To make the Gorillapod SLR-Zoom especially “grippy” Joby uses German TPE grip rings.
The tripod is black-and-grey with the leg joints composed of this black plastic and grey rubberized rings and grips to provide stability on most any terrain. On the underside of the tripod is a silver screw for locking down the Joby Ballhead SLR-Zoom head and thus the camera. Where the three legs of the tripod come together we see the Joby logo in grey with the mount sitting about it.
The Gorillapod SLR-Zoom weighs 241g (8.5oz) and measures 25 x 6 x 6cm (9.8 x 2.4 x 2.4″). It is designed to hold a camera weighing up to 3kg (6.5 lb).
The Ballhead SLR-Zoom head is composed of black machined aluminum which holds the ballhead composed of ABS plastic and locks into position using TPE grip rings. It comes with a slimline quick release bubble-level clip with universal 1/4″ tripod screw. The bubble level helps keep the camera parallel to your subject no matter what position the Gorillapod sits in. Joby also includes a 3/8 inch adapter screw for mounting cameras and professional tripod heads.
Installation, Testing and Comparison:
To attach your camera to the Gorillapod SLR-Zoom detach the clip from the ball head by pressing the release clip. Next securely attach the clip to your camera using a coin or screwdriver to tighten the clip onto the camera’s tripod mount screw hole.
Next attach the Gorillapod to the ball head with either a coin or screw. Once this is done, position the Gorillapod where you wish to set it up and secure it into place. This is done by manipulating the legs. The slid the clip and camera into the ball head shoe. Voila! You are set to take your perfect photo.
The only drawback to the Gorillapod SLR-Zoomis its height. Standing at under a foot, if you don’t have a high enough mounting surface you may not get the proper framing for your photo. On the other hand a regular tripod can not match up to the various terrains that a Gorillapod can shoot on, so there is a slight trade offs with either type of tripod.
The Gorillapod SLR-Zoom is simple to use and it just works. Naturally the Gorillapod SLR-Zoom also works with point and shoot cameras if you so desire to use on with this mount system. Anchoring the Gorillapod may take some effort as you don’t want your camera taking a tumble, but once it is locked down it seems very secure.
Summary:
If you love to shoot photos with your DSLR, then the Gorillapod SLR-Zoom is a must for your camera bag. It is simple to use and incredibly useful. Although it is not a total replacement for a standard height tripod, it offers numerous shooting advantages over a plain tripod.
DragonSteelMods gives the Gorillapod SLR-Zoom and Ballhead for SLR-Zoom a 5 out of 5 score and our Recommended Award as well.
Pros:
- +Simple to use
- +Sturdy
- +Rubber rings are very “grippy”
- +Multitude of camera positions available
Cons:
- -Ballhead is sold separately
- -Short height
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Disclosure:This product was given to DragonSteelMods for review by the company for review purposes only, and is not considered by us as payment for the review, we do not, never have, and never will, accept payment from companies to review their products.
To learn more about our review policy, testing methods and ratings please see this page.