Gorillapods

ranksy99

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Basically are these things (or similar brands) actually any good for trackside work?

It will most likely be required to support a Canon 1D plus a Canon 70-200mm 2.8 lens set up and despite the various sizes available I've still read mixed reviews since that have questioned their actual strength. So if you have any prior experience of these things please let me know.

Thanks in advance
 
I'm not sure about the weight of your Canon gear, but I decided to get a Gorillapod recently for a day trip to the city.

It was the SLR zoom version which was supposed to be able to hold a large DSLR with 70-200mm lens. I only actually wanted to use am ungripped D700 with a Nikon 24-70 f2.8

Not only did the Gorillapod not support it, it more or less collapsed under the camera. Needless to say, I didn't bother taking it to London with me, and just spent more money on a little Slik Mini tripod instead (about £25 from my local camera shop)

Hope that helps! :0)
 
I have one and am a bit frustrated with it. Wrapping the legs around a horizontal railing, for instance, it's difficult to get the head exactly how you want it. Much easier when I mount my Manfrotto head on it, but then it's a lot bulkier.
 
It works, not sure if I would put my 1D on there but I have had a gripped 500D with 70-200 2.8 IS on it attached to the side of a ladder But you really need a ball head on it or you risk the grip of the gorillapod to get your camera in the correct position the head allows you to put the pod where it is sturdy and the head you can point it where ever you need.
 
the metal one is prefect for a 1d and 70-200 2.8 (think there about £80?)
 
The one I was looking is the 'Focus' I think?

Judging by the replies still not convinced that they're worth it. Thanks anyway
 
I brought one, used it once I think...

Not even sure where I've put it!
 
I've got a gorilla pod and don't really rate it. It supports the camera well enough, but without a ball head it would be tricky to get a level shot.

I can't see how it would be beneficial for motorsports photography as you'd have to rely on the car driving into your view finder etc.
 
I agree that i cant see a use for it in motorsport at all,a monopod might suit you better.:)
 
Thanks for all the replies so far. My aim was to do long exposure, wider angle night shots at Le Mans instead of lugging a tripod around. Taken note that a ball head would be a must
 
It would probably be perfect for that, they are pretty stable once you get the legs positioned correctly I actually think as a mini tripod that is portable they are better than what they were designed to do. I often use mine as a table top tripod or close the legs and use it like a mono pod, its small enough to live in the camera bag.
 
For night shots it makes more sense.
 
I have a large size gorillapod and it only just supports a 1d and 17-40 so I suspect your 70-200 will overwhelm it. I have a Manfrotto ball head on mine which makes positioning much easier.
 
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