JOBY Gorillapod Flexible Tripod

JOBY Gorillapod Flexible Tripod
Model number: GP1-01P

Overall Rating: 10/10
Acquired November 2006; acquired second one December 2007

Overview:
The JOBY Gorillapod is a small, lightweight tripod with a unique twist: it completely bendable and grippy, allowing you to set it down or even wrap it around just about anything. This gives you most of the advantages of a full-size tripod, as well as the ability to do things a traditional tripod cannot do.

I bought and use my Gorillapod for one main purpose: to take shake-free photos is low-light conditions without a flash.

The Gorillapod comes in several sizes and colors, and there are even other designs on the horizon. My favorite of these is the Solo—a bendable monopod that is long enough to wrap around larger object, or just curled to make a stable platform to sit on a flat surface.

Upside:
Like any tripod, the Gorillapod excels at enabling hands-free shots. The fact that it’s pocketable and very lightweight make it very easy to take with you wherever you take your camera.

It didn’t take very long for me to discover that my very handy point-and-shoot took lousy low-light photos. Most of the time, the flash makes the shot seem artificial, poorly lit, or posed. And that’s when the flash is bright enough to actually light the scene. Add a tripod, use the countdown timer, and you have instant hands-free photography.

I’ve traveled throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia with my Gorillapod. I was able to take fantastic low-light shots with my 5 megapixel point-and-shoot and no flash.

None of this is unique to the Gorillapod. What is unique is that I was able to place my camera on the ground, attach it to a bench, tree branches, fences, railings, rocks, banisters, car doors, (you get the idea).

In other words, the Gorillapod is a highly-portable tripod that enables me to get great low-light shots from a camera with a maximum ISO of 400 and no image stabilization.

A style note: the Gorillapod has a two-piece mounting system that allows you to very quickly connect / disconnect your camera. So, you can stick the tripod back in your pocket when you don’t need it.

And then there’s the get-yourself-into-the-photo factor. Having a tripod handy allows you to be in your own pictures.

Downside:
Except for the fact that my first Gorillapod broke after a year of heavy use (and is back in action after a little glue to the rescue), I don’t see any downside to the Gorillapod. I could mention that it’s stiff and sometimes a bit difficult to position, but it needs to be stiff to maintain its shape.

Specifications:

• Flexible tripod designed for digital cameras weighing up to 9.7 ounces (275 grams)
• Fits into your purse, backpack, or jacket pocket
• Innovative segmented leg design to ensure secure mounting
• Standard universal 1/4-20 screw for attaching your camera to the tripod mount
• Lets everyone get into self-timer shots
• Compatibility: Compact digital cameras
• Load capacity: 335 grams / 12.5 ounces
• Interface: Universal 1/4-20 screws
• Dimensions: 30 x 150 x 30 millimeters / 1.2 x 5.9 x 1.2 inches (W x H x D)
• Weight: 45 grams / 1.6 ounces

Verdict:
Every time I’ve used my Gorillapod, I’ve had to smile. I still remark that it’s one of the best things I’ve ever gotten myself. It has improved the quality of my low-light shots immensely. It has also allowed me to take more low-light shots that I never could have managed without a tripod. I take it everywhere I take my camera, and it always works great.

I’ve gotten many positive comments about the Gorillapod, several curious stares, and a great many jealous looks (I want one of those!) each time I’ve used it.

If you like to take pictures on the go, but you don’t’ want to lug a traditional tripod around, the Gorillapod is a lightweight, pocket-sized option. I can’t recommend the Gorillapod highly enough. If you own a camera, you should own one of these.