Not an Ipod

2009-photography-DSC_2718-gorillapodfocus I haven’t had the chance to use my recently acquired Gorilla Pod Focus extensively yet as we haven’t had the chance to bring Hannah out for outdoor photographic shoots yet, apart from that nearly failed attempt on Sunday. But here are my notes based on early impressions of the gadget. I’ll write a follow-up post later this year once I’ve put it through heavier use.

– There’re four such models in the Gorilla Pod line-up. Each is rated to carry different loads. The one I picked up is the largest one and is rated to carry the heaviest load of 5 kg – which translated probably means it should safely support a 2.5 kg load at angle. The Focus model, reportedly, is also made to higher manufacturing specifications with the leg socket joints made of aluminum rather than plastic. It’s also the most expensive model at USD99.95.

– The little tripod stands at about 29 cm top to toe from my quick measurements. According to the manufacturer’s specification, it weighs 500g. Funnily, it doesn’t weigh that to me. More around 300g or so. Either way, it’s light. This is one tripod I have absolutely no problems with bringing everywhere. It’s small enough to stuff inside a backpack.

– The flexible joints are sturdy. The legs themselves can be bent into different configurations depending on the surface or object you intend to put it on or wrap it around. The circular joints are a different matter though. They’re supposed to be twistable 360 degrees – but they’re so stiff I don’t think anyone would want to try doing this in the field. Fortunately, in normal use I can’t see any reason to have to twist the joints to that kind of rotational degree to begin with.

2009-photography-DSC_2710-gorillapodfocus– There’s rubber feet attached to each of the Focus’ legs. However, if you’re mounting a heavy load onto it, there’s a possibility that the rubber feet will slide if the surface it’s standing on is smooth. If the feet slides, the tripod loses its balance, and your entire expensive contraption topples. Oh my. Fortunately, this danger exists only if you’re using the Focus like a traditional tripod though. I don’t see this risk being possible at all if the legs are wrapped around an object.

– The low profile of the tripod also makes low perspective photography a real option. However, my D300 doesn’t have a swivel-able LCD so I’d need an angle-finder.

– While the Focus shouldn’t topple when you mount equipment up to its rated weight onto it and assuming that the Focus is standing steadily already, the Focus won’t be as steady as a traditional tripod. i.e. there’s the possibility of minute vibrations getting introduced when triggering a shot on DSLRs. To counter this, either the shutter speed used will have to be increased, mirror-up mode is used, and / or coupled with remote triggering.

2009-photography-DSC_2712-gorillapodfocus– Unlike the other models, the Focus doesn’t come with a quick release camera plate. While you can mount your DSLR on top of the built-in plate, minute adjustments to compose your picture will be madly difficult… because the only way for you to recompose a shot is to readjust the legs. Translated: you need to use the Focus model with a ball head.

Which model is appropriate for your setup depends on your equipment load and length of the lens. The Focus model will handle light equipment – say up to a 700g DSLR + lens with zoom barrel that doesn’t extend beyond 15cm – well. It can easily handle anything lighter: which includes Ling’ compact camera and also our Panasonic  HD digicam.

Anything heavier though depends then on how you’ve configured the tripod. If you’re mounting light equipment onto it, it’s pretty much plug and play. Anything that’s heavy, well there’s learning involved as to how to most effectively, and safely, use the Focus. And keep in mind the load needs to include the ball head too, which also adds another variable affecting stability to the equation.

Bottom line though is that I wanted a light and super compact tripod to bring around when I’m traveling: and this one fits the bill just fine. As a bonus, Ling is interested in the tripod too. As for the learning – that’s what these things are supposed to make you do… learn new things.