tripod for hiking

[davidkelly]

I need a light tripod or camera support for hikes of up to a week. It must support a SLR camera with zoom lens and go down to ground level to photograph small low objects such as alpine plants and lichens, but weight and size must be minimized.
Does anyone have a recommendation?
I notice there is a new Gorrilapod SLR Zoom which takes a camera up to 3kg.
Does anyone know where to get the Gorillapod or have experience with the 3kg model?
Dave Kelly.

[sirhc55]

see http://www.dslrusers.net/viewtopic.php?p=263750#263750

[davidkelly]

I have discovered that I can order the Gorillapod SLR Zoom model directly from the manufacturer Joby Inc for $50US + $12US shipping by Fedex.
I will report on it's usefulness when it comes.
Dave Kelly.

[davidkelly]

I have just received my Gorillapod SLR-Zoom from http://www.joby.com. It cost $50 US plus $12 shipping, and came in about 2 weeks. It is the biggest model, and the smaller ones would only suit very light cameras.
It seems to be what they claim, although I wouldn't want to put the rated 3kg on it. My Nikon F601 and Tamron 28-200 zoom lens (about 1.25kg) seems to be reasonably steady on it.
I have looked at minitripods and usually the ball joint isn't stiff enough for my camera, but the joints in the Gorillapod legs are fairly stiff and require some force to bend them.
On a long hike it will be very useful, since it can sit on the ground or wrap around a branch, railing, or rock. In a difficult situation, you could move a rock or stick to where you want the camera and wrap it on.
Dave Kelly.

[Yi-P]

Hi Dave,

Can you please post some pictures of the pod with the camera on top and when it is "in action" ??

[Glen]

Dave, thanks for the review very helful for the rest of us

[davidkelly]

The Gorillapod photo gallery shows the SLR Zoom model in action.
The address is
http://www.joby.com/galleryzoom.html
Some of the photos show a ball head between the camera and tripod.
This is not included with the Gorillapod.
I would bend the Gorillapod to adjust camera angle (rather than use my Manfrotto ball head), since available ball heads are either heavy or not stiff enough for an SLR.
For day trips I still prefer a tripod.
Dave Kelly.

[SteveBailey]

I am very happy with a Manfrotto 190MF (mag fiber). The centre column can comwe out & be placed horizontal & the legs will go down as far as you like.

I have put a Manfrotto MG 460 head on it as I really like the small knobs for adjusting the angles without having a dirty great big paning handle to cope with.

The tripod itself is really light and easy to carry.

If it fits with your budget - go for it.

Steve