GorillapodSLR Zoom product reviews

I have been wanting one of these li'l fellas since the first time I saw one!! So I was absolutely delighted to finally get my hands on one and be able to head off to play. So down to one of my favourite creeks I headed, armed with two different sized Gorillapods, and a couple of new filters, plus my trusty Nikon D70.
First thing I found that made this the perfect outdoor tripod, was the compactness... small and light to carry, even when stretched out to its full size, but even better, with adjustable legs, I was able to wrap it around the strap of either my camera or camera bag, meaning one less thing to fill up my hands when I needed them free to take that quick snap. Definitely a bonus when you like taking those spontaneous shots, or wildlife shots!! Also, with it being so light, it meant I could have one size Gorillapod attached to the camera, (while the spare was wrapped around the strap) without really feeling like it was adding any more weight.
Trying it on different "test subjects", I found it had pretty good, stable grip. Everything I tried, from slippery, slimy, bark-free branches, to rocks sitting in running water while I was trying to get shots of a fish I'd never be able to get without this li'l beastie, to normal branches with plenty of gripping material, to just sitting on a flat surface, all passed the "grip test". One of my biggest concerns when I first got this tripod, was just how safe it would be letting it support my Nikon D70 with a 70-300mm zoom (my preferred lens these days) while hanging upside down, or sideways on a branch. Last thing I wanted was to think it was safe, and then watch it come crashing down!! But, it proved there was no need to worry (although, just to be real sure, I'd still definitely keep the camera strap around my neck, just in case! You just never know!!), and happily held tight to everything I tried it on. When I tried the next size down however, I found the extra flexibility it had proved to be its downfall, as it would all too easily let go of things. Sure, it could wrap around smaller objects, but even before it was fully clamped down, it was already trying to release it's grip. Not so with this larger version though!
This is a sturdy, quick and easy to use, lightweight tripod that is definitely a MUST HAVE for any photographer who enjoys any style of outdoor photography. Ideal for those who like to take photos while tramping or camping, and need something light and small that'll fit into tiny spaces in the backpack (or around the strap as I mentioned), or just want something they can leave on the camera during the trip, instead of having to go through the hassle of unscrewing it from the camera when you're ready to move onto the next location. It's now become an essential part of my every-day camera kit, and I won't be leaving home without it!!