Gorillapod SLR-Zoom
This heavy-duty version of the Gorillapod is good for camera kit up to 3kg. Each of the three legs is constructed from 10 stiff interlocking segments, allowing continuous bending and twisting into the most bizarre of shapes, and enabling the Gorillapod to grip onto practically any object. It’s equally suitable for use as a short tripod, and the reversible locking screw enables attachment to /4-inch or 3/8-inch
mounting threads. For ultimate fl exibility, the Gorillapod works brilliantly with an additional tripod-style ball head.
Good: Incredibly versatile and offers genuinely firm support.
Not so good: It’s tempting to play with it when you should be out taking photos!

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You would have thought that there weren't many more innovations to be eeked out of tripod design. But there is, as the Gorillapod testifies.
This minipod has flexible, multi-jointed legs, which means the Gorillapod can be used in situations that a normal minipod simply couldn't cope with. It can be wrapped around a thin tree trunk, a ski-pole, small rocks or grip onto the edge of a table. I'm sure you will be able to think of many more uses.
This pod is at its best with compacts but it can support bridge and even full-blown SLRs if used within reason.

VERDICT: A brilliantly designed, innovative and handy minipod and comes highly recommended.

PROS: Light, flexible, fun, cheap
CONS: None
Performance * * * *
Value for money * * * * *
Photography Monthly.

Gorilla Pod

Just when you thought ever conceivable method of supporting your camera had been thought of along comes the Gorillapod.

This gadget takes the bendable pocket tripod stage further, making the legs even more bendy and gripping. The idea is that with the flexibility of this you can literally wrap the legs around the supporting structure such as a fence post, tree branch or chair leg.
The flexible ball joints have about 45 degree of adjustment in any direction and there are eight on each leg. Each ball joint has a ring grip that prevents the pod from slipping and the feet have grips too. These rings give the pod a distinct style, making it a more attractive design as they are grey against the black ball.
The camera screws into the smallest quick-release platform I've see, measuring approx 15x20mm, yes millimeters! This has a standard 1/4 thread, making it suitable for all compacts, film or digital.
The platform slots into a locking head which also has 45 degree ball head.
The concept works well and does keep a compact steady. There's a bit of vibration so you still need to use a remote release or self timer to trigger the camera. I tend not to worry too much about support when carrying a compact, but it's a great advantage for party goers who want to be in the photo too. There's now also an SLR version that would appeal to me more.
It's even so pliable it's actually quite good to fiddle with, as a sort of stress reliever.

Verdict: Minipods that have a similar appearance are priced upwards from about £6. So this one is at the higher end of the scale, but it takes the concept a stage further and creates the most flexible option around. I'm probably going to buy an SLR version.

Gorillapod by Joby

Attention seeking, brain-teasing, and oddly alluring are just a few words to describe the unique three-legged beast known, oddly, as the Gorillapod.
It's intended as an all-terrain tripod that will let you secure your compact to just about anything. The unit can wrap itself around posts and trees, deal with uneven surfaces and attach to railings to form a stable platform for your pictures.
The legs are the focal point of the unit and its ability to contort itself into an almost endless number of positions is down to its ball and socket type joints. This allows the legs to bend at every opportunity and rotate 360 degrees. For grip, each leg has a rubber foot with each joint having a smaller rubber ring to assist in the positioning process. The final piece of the jigsaw is the quick-release plate that holds your camera in place. This works using a universal 1/4-20 screw that doesn't need anything more than a coin to tighten. It's a small point, we know, but this removes the need for any additional equipment, such as a screwdriver, to get your camera firmly into position.
And it really can get a grip on almost anything. The unit isn't perfect and certain positions and platforms can prove to be more of a challenge than others. However, with a little patience, hard work and plenty of manoeuvring you can get pretty much any picture you want. As the website states: the possibilities are endless.

Comment: A unique and versatile tripod and an ideal companion for digital compact camera users who are going places.

FINAL VERDICT * * * *
Digital Camera Buyer .

Gorillapod

Sometimes we get stuff in the PP office that really makes us sit up and take note. The new Gorillapod is one of these items. Although it kind of looks like a standard mini stripod, it's actually far more interresting. The curly legs allow you to hook the tripod around things to give you a stable base to take pictures from, and while most mini tripods need an even platform to work, the Gorillapod can be used just about anywhere. We've had the cameras hanging off rails on staircases, parkbenches and even on a car roof rack, and all with success. The only problem is that the model only supports small compacts, so don't try overloading it with your D-SLR - although we are told a D-SLR versiion is comiing towards the end of the year. While we wait for that, we're off to check out the cool Gorillapod animation on Intro 2020's website again . . .

RATING * * * * *

Gorillapod by Joby

................... The Gorillapod is simple and effective, with just the right level of resistance in the joints to give you confidence that it will keep your camera safe. At £19.99 it is a must for your gadget bag and at just 45g it won't weigh you down. It is perfect for those impromptu self-portraits and shots of city lights during an evening out or when you are away on holiday armed with a compact camera.

Amateur Photographer.