Gorrillapod - SLR Zoom or Focus?

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I’ve just been looking at the Joby Gorrillapod SLR Zoom with ball head. It seems like a great bit of kit to take out walking with me. It would be nice to get a picture of some country side with me in it, at least to prove I was there, plus I’m sure there are many other interesting ways it can be used.

However I was at the Focus exhibition not long back and got to play with the Gorrillapod Focus. I was really impressed with the build quality and sturdiness.

Would the focus be too much? Is the SLR Zoom enough? I currently use a 450D with either a 17-55 or a 70-200 and possibly a macro so would be placing on floor and such. I may be upgrading at some point to either a 60D or 7D, but that’s a fair way off.

Thoughts?
 
At over double the price and with the kit you have id say the slr-zoom is more than enough for you. I use a normal SLR version and find it more than enough althoigh do sometimes think the ball head would be handy so i may upgrade.
 
I used my SLR Zoom with gripped 7D and 17-55 with and without ball head with no problem, I only upped to the Focus as the 70-200 2.8 IS with 1.4 EX on said body was getting a bit much :D
 
There is always going to be concern when hanging a fair few quids worth of equipment off something. I know that a majority of the time it will be used as a base but I would also like to be able to hang it off stuff. Having played with the focus I think its very nice, I was just unsure if it was overkill. I get the impression that a ball head is a must.
 
I have the SLR zoom and generally it's sturdy enough if you spread the legs evenly. I don't have a ball head for it but I do think I'll get one as it's near essential to get your framing right.
 
Would the basic SLR be sturdy enough for a Panasonic G2 with the 45-200mm?

In total they would be about 700-800 grams..

thanks
 
The basic SLR is rated to about 800 grams I believe. On top of that I would assume that it probably loosens over time. I would go for the SLR zoom for peace of mind.
 
I think the ballhead is removing the simplicity of the pod.

I've got a slr zoom and its been fine with a S5 and sigma 70-200 (heavvy lens)
 
I see the legs as giving a base in a situation where it normally not be possible with the ball head giving that extra freedom to compose the shot better. If i were to use a lampost for example I could wrap the legs round that but use the ball head to tweak to get the right shot.

Winkiwin, have you hung that set up off anything, have the legs relaxed at all?
 
I have kept it mainly on the horizontal.

i have a ball head that i can use (and i can see that it could be beneficial)

I think its just one of those things, if you've got a light camera the ballhead will work but add a heavy camera and you need a heavier ball head and all of a sudden your maxing out. i also carry a bungee camping cord that i sometimes wrap around to give more strength.

i have a couple of the smaller ones and i use these for flash guns (CLS) - also good for your hols with your P&S.

p.s. also the bungee cord can attach the flash to things as well:naughty:
 
I had the SLR Zoom with the Joby head it held my 7D with 24-70 f2.8 horizontally but it wasn't really up to holding it in portrait mode hanging off the poles which hold street signs. The Focus which I use with a Benro B00 head is a lot more secure, slightly longer and never sags. With the SLR Zoom you really need the light Joby head, which means you are forever changing the QR plate on the camera. If you haven't bought one yet get the Focus.
 
I have the Zoom and tilt head, ive got a 500D and 70-200mm f4L lens and it seemed fine. Thats a big lens so i think it should be sifficient for your purposes
 
Got the slr zoom and focus also the ballhead, either can hold what you want but you will be confident about the focus, especially when wrapped around objects.
1d mk1v with 100 400 is ok on the focus, wouldn't take my eyes off it or out of arms length if it were the slr zoom.
 
Just got the Focus with the X ball head for £115 on Amazon, ordered it and got it within 24 hours. I ticked the free postage but it was sent special delivery at nearly £7, that seller is going to get some good feedback.

Its very stable, I'm thinking if the legs will slack off over time. The ball head is very good. I'm looking forward to getting out and about with it.
 
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