Toronto Photography Meetup Group

I am going to Paris and London this fall and do not want to bring my full size tripod (2 series Gitzo) and am grappling between a travel tripod (size, weight, cost) and a Gorillapod SLR.

I found the following thread and it seems helpful but does not touch on Gorillapods.
http://www.tpmg.ca/forum/viewtopic.php? ... ight=benro

I went and checked out some of the Benro CF travel angels (C0681 and 0691) and they seem pretty decent.

Any thoughts or comments on one versus another. I shoot with a 40D/17-55, 85/1.8, 135/2, 70/200, although the bigger glass would likely not be used on the tripod/gorillapod. I am only looking to do a few evening shots of the city lights and the like.

Does anyone have any insight on this?

Last time I went to Paris I took a full size tripod because I had my tlr and a travel tripod is next to useless for a heavier camera. I didn't regret the weight and got some good night shots. The time before I took a gorillapod and found it useful for dimly lighted building where the discourage tripods for safety reasons. The gorillapod is useful because it doesn't need a flat surface like a minitripod and you can use such things as a seat back. If you take one consider attaching a small ball head to ease setup.

Thanks Ryan. If I didn't want to bring my full size tripod, would you say go with the Gorillapod (SLR-Zoom) and small ballhead rather than purchasing a travel tripod?

Can you post some linkks to images you captured in Paris with the Gorillapod/tripod? You can send me a PM if you prefer. Thanks!

Here's one taken in a crypt attached to the back of a bench.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/metrix_fee ... 0631648448

Rather then look at photos it would be best to get one and practice with it indoors or at night before your trip.

I have the gorilla pod (slr zoom). The issues I find with it. Sometimes where you want to take a picture, there's no good angles for the gorilla pod because it sits really low to the ground. There's not always a pole, fence or similar object that you can attach it to. The gorilla pod is not as steady as most regular tripods as well. This shouldn't be a problem for long exposures if you have a remote or use the timer. I find sometimes when you press the shutter button with your finger, you'll get a little bit of camera shake.

I do find the gorilla pod useful in some situations as well. There are other possible angles you can do with the gorilla pod, that you wouldn't be able to take with a regular tripod. The ball head that comes with the slr zoom is pretty useful imo. It usually will take a little longer to setup the gorilla pod, because its hard getting the right composition when making adjustments. The other great thing about it, its compact, and can be attached to your bag, or can be put in your bag (depends on the size of your bag).

To sum it all up, I would say for regular angles/shots the tripod would be best. With the gorilla pod, you'll most likely have to take shots at weird angles from time to time.

How much weight do you plan to put on the slr zoom? My heaviest setup is a d7000 with the 105 vr, which isn't super heavy by any means, and it holds it pretty steady imo. It should support more than that though.

I took along a Gitzo table top tripod to NY and Washington a couple of years ago and got some fantastic night and daytime shots. Rock steady for long time exposures. About 18 inches folded up and about 18 inches max extension. I put a small ball head on it. Pricey at $200+, but you only have to buy it once and it should last you over 20 years. It's so small that I can put it in my 7 million dollar home bag at the top under the flap, so no one even notices you are carrying one. Highly recommended.

Thank you all for your insight - much appreciated!