In a single sweeping announcement, Joby has unveiled a major update to its line of GorillaPod flexible mini-tripods. Fifteen new products have been released to satisfy the needs of consumers and professionals alike, including options with magnetic feet, smartphone clamps, and GoPro pin-joint mounts. Joby is offering improved versions of many of its older stands, from the compact 325 to larger models, such as the 3K and 5K. New size options have also been introduced, such as the 500 and the 1K, to best suit mid-range equipment sitting between small point-and-shoot cameras and complete mirrorless systems. Three detachable tripod heads, the BallHead 1K, 3K, and 5K, are available on their own or conveniently paired with stands in 1K, 3K, and 5K kits. Finally, the Magnetic 325 and Magnetic Mini can adhere to most metal surfaces and the GripTight Kit comes with a smartphone mount for those looking for even more ways to secure their gear.
The primary thing that sets the Joby tripods apart from the competition is their rugged and bendable design that has been present since the original GorillaPod. Each leg is made of several flexible ball-and-socket joints that have rubberized sections, lending the product its versatility, because it allows you to stabilize it on a variety of surfaces. You can safely wrap the tripod around poles or adapt the shape of its legs so that it rests properly on uneven ground. Even handheld use is simplified, since you can easily curve the stand to adjust your framing or face the camera the other way without changing your grasp. The support possibilities are nearly endless, and Joby helps ensure a proper fit for your gear by offering a large range of different sizes and mount types.
The smaller supports in the lineup are well-suited for use with point-and-shoot cameras or other compact equipment, and are also the ones with the most diversity between them. With load capacities of 0.7 lb and 1.1 lb respectively, the GorillaPod 325 and 500 both feature a built-in ball head that can tilt 90 degrees for easy portrait-orientation photography. Also on the 0.7 lb support range are the Magnetic 325 and Magnetic Mini that come with neodymium magnets on their feet for even more adaptability to different surfaces. The Magnetic 325 shares the built-in head design of the normal versions, while the Mini drops it in favor of an adjustable neck to provide a super compact and lightweight solution. For action cameras, we have the GorillaPod 500 Action with an integrated pin-joint mount, compatible with equipment such as the GoPro Hero 5 and smaller 360-degree cameras. And if you want a complete shooting setup for your phone, the GripTight Kit offers an adjustable clamp that can fit a wide variety of smartphones securely, and a Bluetooth remote that can remotely trigger the shutter on Android or iOS devices at a distance of up to 90 feet.
On the larger end of the spectrum, Joby is releasing three different stands: the GorillaPod 1K, 3K, and 5K. They are all similar to one another apart from their size and the weight they can handle, with the 5K also distinguished by the inclusion of aluminum in its construction, to help it support larger cameras properly. The 1K version can handle such gear as mirrorless cameras and portable LED lights up to 2.2 lb, while the 3K enters DSLR territory and supports body-lens combinations weighing up to 6.6 lb. The 5K is aimed at professional photo and video shooters, with a substantially taller and stronger build that can hold equipment as heavy as 11 lb. Joby offers these stands solo with their built-in 1/4"-20 screw mounts, or in a comprehensive kit with their respective ball heads to make it easier for you to adjust your composition for the perfect shot.
Speaking of the ball heads, we see the introduction of three models that share the names of the larger tripods to reflect their matching load capacities and the way they were intended to be paired. Boasting a separate panning lock and a numbered scale on its base, the BallHead 5K is the most feature-filled one and can hold anything up to 11 lb. Both the 3K and the 5K models offer quick-release plates to simplify their operation, with the 5K featuring Arca-type compatibility and the 3K distinguished by the inclusion of a bubble level on the side of its plate. The BallHead 1K is a more compact model with a simple attachment screw, which suits it to the smaller gear weighing up to 2.2 lb that it is designed to support. You do not need a Joby stand to enjoy using these—they are available separately and can be mounted on any compatible support option with a 1/4"-20 mount.
Joby provides a wide range of stands and accessories that are stable and versatile, with options available for point-and-shoot cameras, mirrorless systems, DSLRs, smartphones, and action cameras.
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