p.1 #1 · GorillaPod Focus vs. RRS TFA-01 Basic/Ultra
In a possible attempt to lighten the load, I am considering not bringing my Gitzo Traveler tripod to Italy in a month. I was already in the country for five weeks last fall and plan on going to mostly the same places this time around, except with family now.
Any thoughts on the stability of the Focus vs the TFA-01 variants, specifically for long exposure photography?
I am either going to bring my DSLR travel setup (5d4, 16-35 IS, and 70-200 f4 IS) or mirrorless gear (m5, 11-22, 22, 18-150). And a BH-30.
p.1 #2 · GorillaPod Focus vs. RRS TFA-01 Basic/Ultra
I'd take GorillaPod for its versatility. You can put your setup so low that it stays still enough and yet you can shoot higher if needed - or just put it over tree trunk, fence etc.
p.1 #3 · GorillaPod Focus vs. RRS TFA-01 Basic/Ultra
I recently picked up the RRS Ultrapod. Used to have a Joby. The Ultrapod is much lighter, much more rigid, and for me much more useful. I can use it as a camera grip, kind of as a "chest stock" to stabilize the camera handholding. I can brace it against walls, posts, pillars, etc. and if I am careful to hold it still is is stable as a good tripod. I an also hold the tripod legs as a grip and invert the camera to shoot at knee level or lower. Likewise it is a short but useful boom if I need to reach up to take a shot from above.
As a tripod of course it works well. I have a smaller Sony A7rII setup. The largest lens I use is a 16-35/4 and it is rock solid with a BH-25 knockoff ball head. If I were using larger lenses like a 70-200 I would take care to balance the load properly and probably brace the legs with my hand if the setup was in anyway precarious - not necessary but best to be careful. I doubt it would be any less stable than a Gorillapod though. On the ultra pod the legs will splay out for added stability with a larger setup also. I was talking about using the legs in the "tall" setup.
I find it much less bulky and more portable than the gorilla pod, enough so that I can take it anywhere. Fits easily in a pants pocket (though not necessarily comfortably). It fits in a side pocket of my Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 30i shoulder bag. My only complaint about the Ultrapod is that it need a little D-ring so it can be attached to a carabiner for safe keeping. It too easily slips out of my side pocket and I dropped it once.
As for Italy, a tripod is a nuisance in many places because they don't let you use them indoors. But you can be stealthy with the Ultrapod and with some ingenuity get a long exposure with low ISO. I was there for a month last September and barely used my tripod. Wish I had the ultra pod for that trip.
p.1 #4 · GorillaPod Focus vs. RRS TFA-01 Basic/Ultra
@jharter thanks for the lengthy reply! Yeah, when I was in Italy, the only times I used my tripod was to do long exposure sunrise or sunset photography. Didn't feel the need to bring it out during daylight hours.
I might get the UltraPod and test it out this time around. My only concern is height so may bring along the Gitzo in case, and leave in the hotel room if not needed.
p.1 #5 · GorillaPod Focus vs. RRS TFA-01 Basic/Ultra
I had the gorrillapodfocus and sold it because it was never stable enough for me to do any real photos with. Fine for a group photo with me in it, but not for long exposures.
I picked up the ultra pod and compact ballhead and fell in love. I take this thing everywhere. Awesome tripod that is rock solid, even with pro gear on it. I would also recommend picking up the travel clamp with the compact ballhead. I use these two in conjunction when traveling without a tripod. The clamp allows you to utilize railings and posts to mount your camera, and is super solid.
The two of these are a pricey combo, especially getting the ballhead for each (what I did). But I could never part with these two items now after having them.
p.1 #6 · GorillaPod Focus vs. RRS TFA-01 Basic/Ultra
@rslhc thanks for the recommendation. I was looking at the clamps but not sure how many instances I'll be in where there will be railings and posts to clamp onto. I'm more into nature photography so the UltraPod may work better for me. Plus, for pictures where there are railings and posts, I find that the vibration caused by others touching the railings/posts while shooting is a no-no for long exposure.
p.1 #8 · GorillaPod Focus vs. RRS TFA-01 Basic/Ultra
Got this from amazon and have been using it for tabletop photography. I have used it with my 180MM macro, but it does need a remote shutter release. The ball heads included with both are A-S compatible.
