Best still only tripod for under $500

[Gerry908]

I was thinking about getting a Gorillapod for a SLR-Zoom + Ball Head for travelling and was wondering just how good they are? According to the reviews I've read, they seem very stable but I would appreciate independant views from our Photocamel members

[Gerry908]

I was surprised that I only got one person to reply about night photography but I was more surprised that no one replied about the Gorillapod.

I will answer my own query about the Gorillapod, as I just bought one today and although I've only tried it for one day, I'm amazed at its versatility, I just hope I don't have to eat my words in a week or two after continuous use. I know it wont be as good as a conventional tripod, but for anyone going on long trips, it's much more convenient than lugging a tripod

[sbay]

I also just ordered a gorilla pod for use in situations where tripods are not allowed. The recommendations I got from reviews was to order one size higher than Joby's specs indicated as they tend to creep. So although I was initially planning to get the slr-zoom version I ended up going for the focus + ballhead X combination. I guess I will see when it arrives.

Stephen

[Gerry908]

Hi Stephen,

It's a pity I never got that information prior to me buying the SLR-Zoom, as your one might be even better than the one I bought but the one I've got seems OK.

Thanks for replying

Gerry

[dgdphoto]

Originally Posted by Gerry908

I was surprised that I only got one person to reply about night photography but I was more surprised that no one replied about the Gorillapod.

I will answer my own query about the Gorillapod, as I just bought one today and although I've only tried it for one day, I'm amazed at its versatility, I just hope I don't have to eat my words in a week or two after continuous use. I know it wont be as good as a conventional tripod, but for anyone going on long trips, it's much more convenient than lugging a tripod

Gerry, if you are still looking for help on the night photography I would suggest starting a new thread in the Architecture and Cityscapes forum. You have asked your questions on page 7 of a thread in the accessories forum, you won't find a lot of people to answer your questions here.

[Gerry908]

Thanks for your advice dgdphoto and I will do that

Gerry

[sbay]

Gerry -- well I might end up ordering the slr-zoom too if I find the focus is overkill. Since this is going not going to be my main tripod I really want the smallest one that will do the job.

[Gerry908]

Although I like the SLR-Zoom, I would have liked the legs just that little bit longer, as when I what to wrap it around something like a 4" x 4", those few extra centimetres would have come in handy but other than that, it's excellent

[Duce]

look at the Sirui M3204 it is carbon fiber with a weight limit of 40 pounds, quality metal parts and it is under $440, I have one and like it very much and it has a leg that can be a monopod.
Duce

[richpilot35]

I have 3 Bogen 3035 leg sets made out of heavy aluminum. For 2 of them, I use Bogen 3047 heads. They easily support a heavy RB 67 with a 250mm lens, CDS prism finder, and 220 Back. No fear of this outfit falling over. I use a Gitzo head on my third leg set to support a 4 x 5 monorail view camera. The head is model RN 0 4. It is very old but massive. It would take a blast of dynamite to tip it over. If it is windy out, the bellows can act like a sail. So I take a 10lb weight and attach it to one of the tripod legs for additional stability.