Joby Gorillapod SLR Flexible Mini-Tripod with Flash Shoe

Comments about Joby Gorillapod SLR Flexible Mini-Tripod with Flash Shoe:

This is too light and flimsy to support even a Canon 430EX. If you try to use it like a tripod, it will overbalance. If you try to wrap it around a tree limb or fence post, you'll find that it don't stay put--the rubber bumpers aren't grippy enough and the ball joints aren't strong enough. To wrap the pod around something have to position the flash just perfectly (usually hanging upside down), with the right angle to the head, and you have to pick the mounting point very carefully--a cross branch or large knot is essential to steady things. Of course, that's a huge pain in the field (if you know what I mean), and at least 50% of the time, nothing I can do will get the flash pointed where I need it.

The leg joints are also stiff but flimsy--I've managed to pop several of the legs out just trying to adjust the thing.

All in all, this is pretty useless for its advertised purpose. In fact, the only reason I gave it any stars is because I've found the gorillapod makes an acceptable handle for the flash when all three legs are lashed together. I use it that way for macro work quite a bit.

Comments about Joby Gorillapod SLR Flexible Mini-Tripod with Flash Shoe:

Use this for attaching flash socket accessories on my tripod or wireless accessories on trees / fences / chairs / sticks for outdoor photo applications.

Pros: Hangs on to about anything. Will wobble a little, so don't use as a tripod for long exposures. Good for small / medium weight cameras.

Cons: The socket holder is a press fit socket that is supposed to accommodate a variety of flash socket accessories. However, I have had my flash and other accessories fall out of this holder many times if not tightened real well.

Recommend as a nice extra holder for things in outdoor or other settings where a standard tripod wont work.