pr4photos wrote:
Got an Ebay version. Works a treat. 90% of the time I use it for holding a flash unit though, as I can put a flash in positions where I couldn't before.
Wouldn't be without it!

Do you use the gorillapod flash shoe clip or something else? Thanks.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Large-Flexible-Gorillapod-Gripping-Tripod-SLR-ZOOM-DSLR_W0QQitemZ270321337279QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CamerasPhoto_CameraAccessories_TripodsSupports?hash=item270321337279&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1300|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

very cheap, but it does the jobs i want it to perfectly

I have one of those eBay ones but haven't managed to get much confidence in it. Rarely have I managed to get a secure, stable fixing for my 5D/grip/24-105 combination. I was considering the new Gorillapod Focus but was given a TrekTech Optera 460 (http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/default.aspx?sku=1029565) for Christmas which seems much better for my needs.

The main advantages I can see with this over a GorillaPod are;
1) it has a cord arrangement which you can use if you wish to reduce the likelihood of the legs trying to splay apart.
2) One leg is longer thn the others so can act as a leg AND double back to give support for the front of the lens.

In my iniitial tests I mounted it in the same places that I hadn't had success with the GorillaPod clone and not only could I get secure stability for the 5D/grip/24-105 combination, but also the same camera with the 100-400 L IS at 400mm.

As you can probably gather I'm pretty impressed - it's certainly worth a look.

KRs
Chris

Chris,

At first look I was intrigued by that 460. However, I immediately wondered how good it could be, given the price, so I thought a bit:

The main question would be, how stiff is it? It doesn't matter if it has en extra support for the lens, unless the whole dingus is vibration-less. The Gorrillapod focus is close, the Gorrillapod DSLR is not. How's this thing? I'm thinking, if it needs those cords to keep the legs from splaying, then something isn't right. You could probably put 30 lbs onto the Pod Focus without it budging.


Also, the back two legs are very short, so it would likely not work too well for wrapping around tree branches, etc. I think I'd rather have the long legs, vs the lens support.

OK, you convinced me to order the Gorilla [url=http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph.html][url]

EBH

Cableaddict wrote:
The main question would be, how stiff is it? It doesn't matter if it has en extra support for the lens, unless the whole dingus is vibration-less. The Gorrillapod focus is close, the Gorrillapod DSLR is not. How's this thing? I'm thinking, if it needs those cords to keep the legs from splaying, then something isn't right. You could probably put 30 lbs onto the Pod Focus without it budging.


Without any means of definitive stiffness testing other than me wrapping it round things or standing it up and tapping it, I'd say it's certainly better than my DSLR Zoom Gorillapod "clone". Obviously, the support for the front of a lens helps there because the gear isn't balanced on one point that is not necessarily the centre of gravity. It seems to take about as much force to bend the legs as the DSLR Zoom gorillapod, again not definitively measured..

The cord system certainly isn't essential to stop splaying, call it a belt and braces solution - also handy as a "safety net" when hanging gear from trees and the like.

Cableaddict wrote
Also, the back two legs are very short, so it would likely not work too well for wrapping around tree branches, etc. I think I'd rather have the long legs, vs the lens support.

The back legs are the same length as those on the DSLR Zoom. Haven't seen nor tried a Focus so can't offer any comparison there. I'm sure it'll wrap around a branch up to about 2" thick and the neoprene covering seems to grip better than the rubber rings around the Gorillapod leg segments.

Obviously, my findings are purely subjective based on samples of one, tried by just one person. I only offered the Trektech as an alternative to consider.

I did consider the Focus myself until I saw the price. I have no doubt that it's very good, nor that it's better than the DSLR Zoom version. However, for my requirements (lightweight and able to be used for occasional propping/wrapping on a rock/fence/etc) I feel that the Trektech will serve me well - and with more confidence than the DSLR Zoom gorillapod clone gave me.

EB-1 wrote:
OK, you convinced me to order the Gorilla [url=http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph.html][url]

EBH

If you order directly from the the manufacturer, Joby, http://joby.com/products/gorillapod/focus/ enter the the coupon code "GORILLAPODLOVE" on the last page of the order process for a 15% discount off the $139.95 price.

Thanks, the code pays for the shipping at least. Apparently, I messed up the url above with something unrelated from the clipboard.

I'll do some testing with the 1Ds MK III and small lenses up to the 300/2.8.

EBH

chris.maddock wrote:
Cableaddict wrote:The cord system certainly isn't essential to stop splaying, call it a belt and braces solution - also handy as a "safety net" when hanging gear from trees and the like.

--------------------------------------------------

Thanks for that clarification, Chris.

That's not a bad idea at all, I think I'll rig something similar onto my pod, just for that reason.

Still, I'd be more worried about the phenolic platform cracking then the legs ever letting go. That platform is possibly the one serious weak spot on the focus. Then again, some plastic compounds are incredibly durable. I just wish I knew what this one was made of.

EB-1 wrote:
Thanks, the code pays for the shipping at least.
EBH

Shipping is free.

FedEx Ground is a nightmare. They have lost packages and claimed delivery that did not occur. One time a completely unknown person signed for my package, leaving me with little recourse. That is not to mention that the depot of the ground company (not the same as normal FedEx) is >25 miles away with impractical pickup hours. I've lost too much money from FedEx Ground to even consider ordering anything by that shipping method.

EBH

11 pounds? could put my 8x10 on there now that would make for a funny photo

...or a tiny camera like the digital Rebel with a 500/4 IS.

EBH

EB-1 wrote:
FedEx Ground is a nightmare. They have lost packages and claimed delivery that did not occur. One time a completely unknown person signed for my package, leaving me with little recourse. That is not to mention that the depot of the ground company (not the same as normal FedEx) is >25 miles away with impractical pickup hours. I've lost too much money from FedEx Ground to even consider ordering anything by that shipping method.

EBH

i concour.

I had the SLR zoom and was very impressed with its capabilities. That said, I am disappointed that the new model is only slightly longer (the main disadvantage I found in it) and much heavier.

Happy shooting,
Yakim.

Yakim Peled wrote:
I am disappointed that the new model is only slightly longer (the main disadvantage I found in it) and much heavier.


Yakim, I felt that way myself, at first. -but really, for this dingus to reach a proper height when on a table, it would have to be around 20" longer. That's just impractical.

The main advantage of the few extra inches that the focus-model gives, is the ability to hold onto more objects: Thicker branches, larger wall-lamps, etc. Also more stability if you, for instance, keep the legs straight and put one behind a flat object.

For instance, last Friday I played in a local bar, and the only thing I had to hook my 5D to was a 30" LCD mounted near the ceiling. I was able to disconnect my 5D, slide one pod-leg behind the LCD (from the top) and re-attach the camera. It worked great, very solid and secure. If those legs were a few inches shorter, I would have been very worried about my camera falling.
-------

BTW- I agree with Mario that those Pro Clamps might be superior, in some situations (I just order a few) but not all. They sure won't clamp to a tree branch, and Mr pub owner might object to my actually CLAMPING something to his LCD.

It's best to have as many tools available as possible. I consider the pod-focus a pretty cheap piece of "insurance."

Cableaddict wrote:
The main advantage of the few extra inches that the focus-model gives, is the ability to hold onto more objects: Thicker branches, larger wall-lamps, etc.

I know, but it is not enough for me. I wanted about 50% more.

Happy shooting,
Yakim.

Bringing this back up. Are you guys using any kind of clamp on this pod? I have RRS plates on all my bodies and I am wondering the best (and cheapest) way to make this work.

After using the focus for a while, are you still happy with it?

Thanks!

Plus, now it is $40 cheaper.

That $40 made it more appealing