Review
In this Hands on Review I’ll be going over the Joby Gorilapod SLR-Zoom with Ballhead tri-pod in detail!! What is interesting and different about Gorillapod solution is the very small size, light weight, and incredible versatility when it comes to setting it up for shots. The Sony Nex style Cameras in particular being so light weight and small in size, are perfect candidates for the Gorillapod style solution.
Basically, because this tri-pod is so flexible, the legs can wrap around stuff and grab hold firmly. I’m talking railings, spindles, tree branches, chairs, you name it!!I used it in all sorts of situations so far and it blows away a regular tr-pod in both speed and position options. Normally a tripod needs to be in a pretty decent spot so it doesn’t fall over etc.. The Joby Gorillapod actually wraps around stuff, making it virtually impossible to fall or get knocked over.
Let me show you what I’m taking about and I’ll explain further!
Gorillapod Product Photos from the Lab:
Here’s the Gorillapod in the Lab with the Sony Nex-C3 mounted atop.
Joby Gorrillapod SLR-Zoom w/ Ballhead
Joby Gorrillapod SLR-Zoom w/ Ballhead
Joby Gorrillapod SLR-Zoom w/ Ballhead
Here’s a few close-ups of the actual ballhead and quick release plate. Notice the bubble level.
Joby Gorillapod SLR-Zoom w/ Ballhead
Joby Gorrillapod Quick Release Plate
Joby Gorrillapod Quick release plate mounted to the Nex-C3
Joby Gorrillapod SLR-Zoom w/ Ballhead
Hands on Review HD Video:
In this quick video you will see the Gorillapod up close in HD with me at the wheel. I go over it pretty good, but be sure to check out the Gorillapod “In Action Photos” below!!
Also, be sure to Select the 720P option in the player settings for best viewing quality!!
Gorillapod SLR Zoom w/Ballhead in Action:
The Gorrillapod SLR-Zoom claims it supports up to 6.6llbs, and it’s true. Check out my Canon 5D Mark II and Canon EF 24-105 f/4 L Lens mounted on it below. Mind you it’s not rock solid with this kind of load, but it does support it with confidence. I had to use the self timer in order for the camera to stop slightly shaking after pressing the shutter. This is very common on smaller tri-pods and larger heavy-duty tri-pods are more rock solid, but they weigh a lot more, cost a lot more, and are usually a lot larger as well.
Joby Gorrillapod SLR-Zoom w/ Ballhead and my Canon 5d Mark II w/ Lens
Check out this shot with the legs wrapped around the chair arch with one leg as an angle support. Again, not rock solid with this heavy load, but it’s not going anywhere for sure and with the self timer or cable re-lease is good to go.
Joby Gorrillapod SLR-Zoom w/ Ballhead and my Canon 5d Mark II w/ Lens
Joby Gorrillapod SLR-Zoom w/ Ballhead and Nex Camera and Lens
Joby Gorrillapod SLR-Zoom w/ Ballhead and Nex Camera and Lens
Joby Gorrillapod SLR-Zoom w/ Ballhead and Nex Camera and Lens
Joby Gorrillapod SLR-Zoom w/ Ballhead and Nex Camera and Lens – Legs Close-up
Joby Gorrillapod SLR-Zoom w/ Ballhead and Nex Camera and Lens
Joby Gorrillapod SLR-Zoom w/ Ballhead and Nex Camera and Lens
Joby Gorrillapod SLR-Zoom w/ Ballhead and Nex Camera and Lens
Joby Gorrillapod SLR-Zoom w/ Ballhead and Nex Camera and Lens
Joby Gorrillapod SLR-Zoom w/ Ballhead and Nex Camera and Lens
Just using one leg on this really skinny vertical plant hanger bar is enough to support the Nex-C3 and 16mm lens with fisheye conversion lens. The rubber is the grippy and durable kind. You know it when you feel it.
Joby Gorrillapod SLR-Zoom w/ Ballhead and Nex Camera and Lens
Conclusion:
The Gorillapod SLR Zoom is a solid product for a reasonable price in my opinion, and the proof is in the photos and video above. Feel free to ask me any questions about it as I’m keeping this for my personal use 
It’s much easier to carry around everyday then a regular tri-pod. I’ll use the regular tri-pod for heavier duty jobs from now on most likely. Time will tell!
I hope this review was helpful, and if you have an equipment or accessories you would like to see reviewed, please just throw a comment down below, shoot me an email, or catch up with me on Google + >>
Jay
Check out the Gorrilapd SLR Zoom’s on Ebay >>
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Thanks,
Jay
About the Author
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Thank you for the informative review. Is there a reason you chose the SLR version over the Hybrid? It looks like the hybrid is designed for mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras, and is priced considerably less (under $40).
It also comes with a quick release, ball-head with level, 1kg capacity.
http://joby.com/gorillapod/hybrid
Hey Scott,
Great question and thanks for the comments!!
The Hybrid Gorillapod is also very nice, but it’s only rated for 1kg (2.2lb). The version I reviewed can support 6.6lbs.
I went with the beefed up version, because I use large heavy lenses on the Nex cameras with adapters and 2.2lbs is just not enough. In addition I prefer the extra rigidity of the tighter joints. I also wanted to be able to use my SLR on it in a pinch. Check out some of the In Action photos above and you will see what I mean. The Canon 5d Mark II weighs a lot with a lens on it!!
Best,
Jay
So is it fair to say that if I only plan on using the gorillapod with my nex-6 with the kit lens, the Hybrid model would suffice?
Hi Ash,
Yes, the Hybrid Gorrilapod would absolutely due to job fine for that about of weight!!
Best,
Jay
Thanks for the review Jay. I wish to swap both my canon XA10 camcorder and canon 5D Mark III between the Gorillapod SLR Zoom GP3 and my Manfrotto 561BHDV-1 monopod which has a built-in MN 501PL quick release plate. Do you know if I could put a manfrotto 577 adaptor plate (with 501PL) on top of the Joby Ball Head BH1 so I could switch between my two supports? The 577 has a 3/8″ bottom thread. Can the supplied 3/8″ thread adaptor be used on the top to make it compatible with the 577?
Alternatively would I be better buying a manfrotto ball head for my gorillapod? I could get a manfrotto ball-head with a 501 plate but it weighs 1kg so I’m sure that would be much too heavy. Or I can get a manfrotto ball head with a smaller quick release plate but not sure they’re compatible with the 501 plate either because of their lever protruding at the base.
Apologies for such a complex question! Any information at all would be much appreciated.
Hi Lynne,
Nope, that will not work. The quick re-lease plate on both the Manfrotto and the Gorrilapod are proprietary so they will only work with themselves. You would need to get another ball-head, but as you said the weight may be an issue, but it will still work for sure.
It’s a hard decision Lynne, because no option is really cheap, or ideal. Having the same quick re-lease plate would be really nice of course, but is the cost of another ball-head or lighter weight quick re-lease system really worth it in the end?
I personally would just switch the plate when I needed to use the gorrilapod, or vs versa. How often are you really switching between tri-pod solutions?? hat may justify the cost a bit more
I hope that helps, but I really don’t feel like I offered you much that you did not know already.
Have a great rest of the weekend and thanks again for the kind words and questions,
Jay