Joby Gorillapod Mini Tripodgrip For Slr Cameras By buckeyefan on Sep 28, 2007 - Updated Sep 18, 2011

While I love photography, it is not always easy to lug around a large tripod to ensure great photos- this product is something that fixes that problem! I bought a Gorillapod for my digital SLR camera (a Nikon D50), and have already gotten lots of use out of it.

A Gorillapod is a small, flexible tripod. There are 3 legs to it, made up of multi-segmented round pieces, so you can form them in any shape. They are coated in rubber to give them some tackiness to improve the grip, which really works well in my opinion. Because the legs are segmented, I have used it to wrap around railings, chairbacks, street signs, and even tree branches, and gotten great shots. I have not had a problem with the weight of my camera, even with my heaviest lens attached; the Gorillapod seems very sturdy, and is designed to support up to 6.6 pounds. (There is a smaller version to hold smaller cameras.) I have never had a problem with the Gorillapod slipping because of the grips, and I have been really glad I have had it so I can get in on some our family pictures while we are out hiking- I have never been able to do that, because before I was always taking the photos.

I also love the fact that the Gorillapod is so lightweight and portable. It fits easily in my camera bag, and I will definitely be taking it on vacation in place of my full size tripod. I should note that the bottom ball on each of the 3 legs is a little larger, so it adds stability to the legs so that you can use it just like a regular tripod.

The only suggestion I might add if you are thinking of purchasing a Gorillapod- I might consider purchasing a ballhead to use with it. The Gorillapod itself has a tripod thread, but I bought a ballhead as well, and found it gives you even more flexibility to move your camera once the tripod is in place.

This is a great product, and a great addition to any camera bag!