Looking for suggestions on a GorillaPod or better: I have a Sony RX100 M3 and a very small Prinz tripod. I would also like to have a GorillaPod or something similar for when it would...

AlohaBob Loc: Los Angeles, CA

I have a Sony RX100 M3 and a very small Prinz tripod. I would also like to have a GorillaPod or something similar for when it would be advantageous to attach to a tree or door or railing, etc.

I would be using it both indoors and outdoors and would probably also use it to support off-camera flash.

Does anyone have experience with the original GorillaPod? Or a suggestion for something that might be better?

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

AlohaBob wrote:

I have a Sony RX100 M3 and a very small Prinz tripod. I would also like to have a GorillaPod or something similar for when it would be advantageous to attach to a tree or door or railing, etc.

I would be using it both indoors and outdoors and would probably also use it to support off-camera flash.

Does anyone have experience with the original GorillaPod? Or a suggestion for something that might be better?

Bob, I use a device that looks and works like a C-Clamp. It's a lot more secure than a GorillaPod. I just don't remember if it was purchased or custom made. I've had it for years.

http://www.advdesigns.com/la1ulclmofor.html?gclid=COPlg6PuyMoCFQiKaQodKtgIow
--Bob

AlohaBob Loc: Los Angeles, CA

Thanks! That looks like a very interesting alternative.

rmalarz wrote:

Bob, I use a device that looks and works like a C-Clamp. It's a lot more secure than a GorillaPod. I just don't remember if it was purchased or custom made. I've had it for years.

http://www.advdesigns.com/la1ulclmofor.html?gclid=COPlg6PuyMoCFQiKaQodKtgIow
--Bob

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

AlohaBob wrote:

I have a Sony RX100 M3 and a very small Prinz tripod. I would also like to have a GorillaPod or something similar for when it would be advantageous to attach to a tree or door or railing, etc.

I would be using it both indoors and outdoors and would probably also use it to support off-camera flash.

Does anyone have experience with the original GorillaPod? Or a suggestion for something that might be better?

I have a two Gorillapods, the tiny magnetic one for a P&S and the focus model with a ballhead X for a DSLR. They seem well made and extremely versatile.

The focus is small enough to travel with, strong, not too heavy. Unless I know I need a different tripod (Vanguard or Gitzo), the Gorillapod focus is my grab and go, and go anywhere choice, Vernal Falls, Yosemite or a business trip to Paris or Berlin. Flexible, manageable, and solid enough for the job.

Worth considering, perhaps a bit of an oddball product, but I have not been disappointed with mine.

Or you could consider a beanbag and a ball of decent string!

AlohaBob Loc: Los Angeles, CA

Thanks for the data. I looked it up and the ballhead only adds about 6 ounces of weight to the tripod. That seems good. This version seems much more heavy duty than the original which only supports about 11 ounces (pretty good for something that weighs less than 2 ounces); that doesn't make me feel warm and fuzzy about my pricy little compact being safely held ;)

Peterff wrote:

I have a two Gorillapods, the tiny magnetic one fo... (show quote)

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

You might go to DPReview.com and look for their review of mini tripods labeled "Beyond The Table Top". Several interesting choices there.

AlohaBob Loc: Los Angeles, CA

Thanks, will do!

rjaywallace wrote:

You might go to DPReview.com and look for their review of mini tripods labeled "Beyond The Table Top". Several interesting choices there.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

AlohaBob wrote:

Thanks for the data. I looked it up and the ballhead only adds about 6 ounces of weight to the tripod. That seems good. This version seems much more heavy duty than the original which only supports about 11 ounces (pretty good for something that weighs less than 2 ounces); that doesn't make me feel warm and fuzzy about my pricy little compact being safely held ;)

This is not inexpensive, but with the ballhead-x (ARCA compatible) is solid and robust. http://www.amazon.com/Gorillapod-Focus-Camera-Tripod-Black/dp/B001GCU0MY

Clearly there are alternatives, and cheaper alternatives, but I trust this combination, especially for less than $100. I can't think of anything as versatile. I use it with a DSLR, plus battery grip. Haven't tried really big lenses, but 70-300mm zoom or 500mm reflex seem just fine...

Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky

AlohaBob wrote:

I have a Sony RX100 M3 and a very small Prinz tripod. I would also like to have a GorillaPod or something similar for when it would be advantageous to attach to a tree or door or railing, etc.

I would be using it both indoors and outdoors and would probably also use it to support off-camera flash.

Does anyone have experience with the original GorillaPod? Or a suggestion for something that might be better?

I use the focus all the time. It will suppoert up to 11 lbs and it travels well.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

AlohaBob wrote:

Does anyone have experience with the original GorillaPod? Or a suggestion for something that might be better?

I have the large, original one, and I like it, although I'm not about to attach it vertically with a heavy DSLR on it. I sometimes use a Manfrotto QR plate when I'll be putting the camera on and off a lot.

OviedoPhotos

I have two and use them quite a bit. Very versatile.

NJphotodoc Loc: Now in the First State

I have the Gorillapod in my case and also c-clamps. I'm using these with a D-7000, speedlites and other accessories in both indoor and outdoor settings. Each has its' own purpose but a couple of things to consider.
With a Gorillapod, it is extremely handy especially if you don't have an even surface and/or you need to place your camera in an unusual position. Just remember with each "bend" you put on a leg, you lose the ability to have the unit carry the maximum rated weight and it can bend a little. I recently met with one of their reps at a camera show and he explained this is not a design issue, it is just physics. That's why I bought the Focus and try to keep the total weight to under 5lbs.
C-clamps are cheap to buy and very useful but can be limited as to where you can them. Even with a ball head, you might not be able to get the alignment you want.
So, if you have the money and the space in you bag, you are probably better off having both (and maybe a roll of gaffer tape just to be sure)

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

My primary camera was an RX100, version 1. I've moved up to a Panasonic LX100, largely to shoot 4K video and time lapse.

My "must have for travel" is the Gorillpod Hybrid. It is a mid size, weighs under 7 ounces, has a ballhead, supports over 2 pounds and is only $27.

I often use it just as a handle with the legs folded in. It is very "grippy" and helps with stability, especially shooting handheld video.

http://smile.amazon.com/Gorillapod-Hybrid-Tripod-Mirrorless-Cameras/dp/B005HY4U4Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453915604&sr=8-1&keywords=gorillapod+hybrid

AlohaBob Loc: Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to all who provided data and suggestions. Very much appreciated. I hearing about and researching all the options. For my specific needs, it seems like the Gorillapod Hybrid is the best approach because realistically, I would only use it with my Sony RX100 when I'm travelling. I have a nice sturdy tripod for the A77 and don't travel with it. Down the road, the GorillaPod focus with a ballhead could be a useful addition for a lot of reasons and I'm glad to have found out about it.

BudsOwl Loc: Upstate NY and New England

AlohaBob wrote:

I have a Sony RX100 M3 and a very small Prinz tripod. I would also like to have a GorillaPod or something similar for when it would be advantageous to attach to a tree or door or railing, etc.

I would be using it both indoors and outdoors and would probably also use it to support off-camera flash.

Does anyone have experience with the original GorillaPod? Or a suggestion for something that might be better?

I use a RRS BH-25 on my GorillaPod. It is rated for 8.8 lbs (4.0 kg) which is adequate for my set-up except for my 150-600 mm Tamron and Canon 60D which together weigh in at over 6 pounds.