If you have a small camera (pocket camera or light point and shoot) then the Gorillapod is a MUST for your kit. The Gorillapod has no fear of uneven surfaces or even hanging upside down. Add the small size and the easy connect to your camera (screw mount) and the Gorillapod will handle almost any situation where you need a tripod for your smaller camera.
What is a Gorillapod?
A Gorillapod is a small tripod made by JOBY that bends, twists, and transforms into just about any shape you need to conquer rough terrain or even hang upside down from a tree branch.
Unlike traditional tabletop tripods, the Gorillapod adjusts through multiple leg joints (over 2 dozen) to let you bend the legs into any shape you need on a moment's notice.
The original Gorillapod supports cameras up to 11.5oz (stronger models are available for larger cameras and flashes).
Unlike traditional tabletop tripods, the Gorillapod adjusts through multiple leg joints (over 2 dozen) to let you bend the legs into any shape you need on a moment's notice.
The original Gorillapod supports cameras up to 11.5oz (stronger models are available for larger cameras and flashes).
What cameras work with the original Gorillapod?
Original Gorillapod by JOBY
JOBYAny camera up to 11.5oz with a screw mount on the bottom of the camera (standard tripod screw mount) will work with the original Gorillapod. The iPhone also works with the original Gorillapod if you use the specialty case from JOBY.
While any camera with a standard tripod screw mount will fit on the original Gorillapod, cameras past pocket size are going to be too heavy for the joints to hold steady. This includes most off camera flashes (the lightest I know of is about 13oz). If you have this heavier gear, it is best to move up to one of the specialty Gorillapods made to handle the extra weight.
While any camera with a standard tripod screw mount will fit on the original Gorillapod, cameras past pocket size are going to be too heavy for the joints to hold steady. This includes most off camera flashes (the lightest I know of is about 13oz). If you have this heavier gear, it is best to move up to one of the specialty Gorillapods made to handle the extra weight.
What I like about Gorillapod original
The original JOBY Gorillapod is big performance in a small package. Especially for outdoor photography, the Gorillapod lets you get angles and locations you just couldn't get any other way.
Color Choices
It might not change the function but having 10 colors to choose from is a nice touch...plus the new nearly fluorescent color options make it a lot easier to spot your Gorillapod where you stashed it in a bush to get those close up shots of the shy bluebird that you've been trying to record for weeks.
Price
Anytime you can get a photo accessory under $20 it is a good day and the Gorillapod packs a lot of use for the money.
Flexibility
I love it when a product can be used in multiple ways. The original Gorillapod is almost unlimited in the situations where it can securely hold your camera.
Color Choices
It might not change the function but having 10 colors to choose from is a nice touch...plus the new nearly fluorescent color options make it a lot easier to spot your Gorillapod where you stashed it in a bush to get those close up shots of the shy bluebird that you've been trying to record for weeks.
Price
Anytime you can get a photo accessory under $20 it is a good day and the Gorillapod packs a lot of use for the money.
Flexibility
I love it when a product can be used in multiple ways. The original Gorillapod is almost unlimited in the situations where it can securely hold your camera.
What I don't like about Gorillapod original
There are only a couple of things that make the original Gorillapod a bit tedious to use.
First is the lock/unlock ring for the camera attachment. To detach or attach a camera you twist a locking ring and then press a button to release the screw plate. I found the locking ring very easy to bump into the unlocked position while move the Gorillapod. The button still held the camera securely but I found I had to check the locking ring often to ensure it was still locked.
Second is just a by product of the type of construction featured on the original Gorillapod. After you've twisted the Gorillapod into a crazy shape to hold it to a tree limb or deal with uneven ground it can be difficult to get it straightened back out. Mostly because it is made to bend one part without bending another. That means to straighten it out you have to straighten one knuckle at a time.
First is the lock/unlock ring for the camera attachment. To detach or attach a camera you twist a locking ring and then press a button to release the screw plate. I found the locking ring very easy to bump into the unlocked position while move the Gorillapod. The button still held the camera securely but I found I had to check the locking ring often to ensure it was still locked.
Second is just a by product of the type of construction featured on the original Gorillapod. After you've twisted the Gorillapod into a crazy shape to hold it to a tree limb or deal with uneven ground it can be difficult to get it straightened back out. Mostly because it is made to bend one part without bending another. That means to straighten it out you have to straighten one knuckle at a time.
Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.