Gorillapod SLR Zoom - don't know what head to get?

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Hi all,
I want to buy a Gorillapod SLR Zoom as it looks perfect for my needs. However, the SLR Zoom doesn't come with a head or quick release plate (just a screw thread).

Can anyone recommend me a cheap head to go with it? I don't want to spend more than about £15 or so if possible, and don't mind something second hand. Any ideas?

Matt
 
I'd be very wary of putting a head/QR plate on one on these as it would add more weight and height making it unstable. I don't know how strong they are but due to their size you really want to keep as much stability as possible to protect your camera.
 
Hi,
The SLR Zoom is designed to hold up to 3KG of weight, which is quite a bit more than i'll be using I think:
http://www.joby.com/products/gorillapod/slrzoom/

However, i'm just wondering whether I should buy one and just use it screwed into the camera for a bit before buying a head. At least that way, I can judge whether it's going to be of long term use.

Matt
 
Whoops, I just ordered one ;)

£35 delivered - couldn't argue with that.

Matt
 
This seems like a good idea for stuffing in the kit bag. Where did you find it at that price?
 
Please let us know how you get on with it.. I have been contemplating getting one but have heard mixed reports regarding the stability etc and would be a bit wary of hnging my D200, battery grip, flash and 70-200mm VR off of it unless I was 100% sure ti would be up to it!!
 
Very impressive service - arrived this morning.

First impressions - it's smaller than I thought it would be (I think I read the dimensions as 60cm tall instead of it's maximum stretch). It seems very well made, and works fine even without a head on it. It seems perfectly stable with my 350D and 17-85mm, as long as you position the legs far enough apart to stand up!! Will give it a proper test over the weekend.

Matt
 
I've got one of these (SLR Version not the Zoom one) and they are great for hanging the camera from a support but not very good as a free standing tripod especially with a 400D and a Canon 100mm Macro, just too heavy. I also use it with my Canon A620 and is perfect with this as a free standing tripod.

I also have a flash clip so I can hang my 430EX anywhere as a slave to a 550EX!
 
Well, a quick test - had it hanging from the banister above the stairs. Works an absolute treat as long as you can get all the legs firmly tucked in. Impressed :D
 
I have not been around recently, but would have recommended the Manfrotto 323QR adapter. It is about £25 new (so might have been within your price range second hand) and is just a quick release system. It uses the small oblong RC2 plates as many of the popular heads making it interchangeable with those.

It seems ideal for the Gorillapod where it would be a great help to be able to set it up before attaching the camera. And as it is already configurable there is no real need for a proper head, and which could be cumbersome in some of the weird positions which make it a useful item. It also means less weight to carry around.

My only complaint about the 323QR is that it is overpriced for what it is. The 234RC monopod head is about the same price and with that you get the added swivel head.

Michael.
 
Hi,
Thanks for the info. The thing with the adapter you link to is that it appears to be fixed. The head i've bought can pan/tilt etc, which is handy for the Gorillapod, as you can't guarantee which way the camera will be facing when you have attached it to something.

Matt
 
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