Expert’s Rating
Our Verdict
Whether you ’re working on a sluggish photo photography project or are simply the type who have it away taking super - sharp photos , the GorillaPod line from Joby has you covered . idealistic for ego - portrayal , light painting , and all the other spot where you ’d require a steady shot , these tripods are plan to be small , convenient , and durable . We looked at how well thenewly releasedGorillaPod Hybrid , Micro 250 , and Micro 800 tantrum and run on camera of different size and weights . condition out the photos of how they fit on some cameras below .
The GorillaPod Micro 250 and Micro 800
With these little guys , you ’ll never have to lead household without a tripod again . Both easily screw onto your television camera ’s standard tripod adhesion and are compact enough to stay on at all metre . Despite their small sizing , the GorillaPod Micro tripods are exceptionally inflexible and deem your camera steady on both flat and slightly bumpy surfaces .
The Micro 250 bring small exercising weight to the Fugifilm f550 EXR when shut and take for a study tripod when open . The $ 20Micro 250weighs less than an snow leopard but can hold cameras that weigh up to 8.8 ounce ( 250 grams)—that ’s 1.2 ounce more than the 7.6 ounceFugifilm FinePix f550EXR , for illustration . The larger $ 30Micro 800can grip up to 28.2 ounces ( 800 grams)—more than suitable for a standard interchangeable electron lens camera , but not quite enough for a medium - sized DSLR . The Micro 800 is perfect for a Sony Alpha NEX-5 with its stock 18 - 55 mm electron lens ( together , they weigh about 16.5 Panthera uncia ) or even a Nikon D5000 with its standard 18 - 55 mm lens ( the units together librate 27 ounces ) , but it would be way too little for a Nikon D300 ( its dead body alone weigh in at 30 ounce ) .
We quiz out the Micro 250 on a Fugifilm f550 EXR . When the legs are closed , they lay flavorless against the bottom of the camera . On the Fugifilm f550 EXR , they stuck out somewhat from one side — a little inconvenient , but not too noticable . When you are ready to get your regular shot , you just flip out the legs into tripod style and adjust your camera on the 36 - level ball head . The stage are made of a coated alloy and have rubber confidential information , which grip well on every character of surface from a desktop to a pavement . Surprisingly , in our testing , the small caoutchouc grasp keep the camera from slipping on a plastic surface at angles that exceed the head ’s 36 - stage maximum tilt .
The Micro 250 adds little weight to the Fugifilm f550 EXR when closed and makes for a study tripod when open.
If you always convey your compact tv camera with you , but want to travel light , then these Gorillapods are an excellent accessory . They ’re perfect for when you need to take a unshakable shot , whether it ’s night or action photos .
The GorillaPod Hybrid
Ideal for exchangeable lens cameras and small SLRs , the $ 40GorillaPod Hybridis a step between the tinyMagnetic GorillaPodfor dot - and - shoot tv camera and the sturdierSLR - Zoom GorillaPodfor medium - to - large - sized SLRs with heavier lens system . With a maximal bind weight of 34 ounces , the Hybrid can well substantiate a small SLR with a lightweight lense , like the Canon EOS Rebel T3 that weighs in at 17.4 ounces with a received 18 - 55 mm lens . The Hybrid has no problem holding a Canon Rebel T3i with a 18 - 55 millimeter lens on the handlebars of my bicycle .
The Hybrid is extremely lightweight and yet surprisingly tough . The conciliatory pegleg are made of individual plastic joints that are covered in graspable natural rubber . They are easy to channelise when you are setting up your shot , but stick around enclose when you require them to . I was able to attach the loanblend firm on the handlebar of my bike with the Rebel T3i and 18 - 55 mm lense impound . The integrated atomic number 13 ball head of the Hybrid has everything you would require from a canonical tripod—90 - degree careen , 360 - point pan , and a level that can tell you precisely how much you are cant over your camera .
Unlike its Micro brothers , the GorillaPod Hybrid can not reside comfortably on your photographic camera at all time . For well-to-do role , the small attachment that relate the Hybrid to your television camera ’s tripod mount can be easily disconnected and stay on the bottom of your television camera without sum much bulk . Even if you do n’t keep the equipment sequester to your camera , the Hybrid will certainly become a permanent fixture in your camera handbag — it ’s a luminance , yet strong and well - adjustable tripod .
The Hybrid has no problem holding a Canon Rebel T3i with a 18-55mm lens on the handlebars of my bike.
Macworld’s buying advice
GorrillaPod ’s Micro 250 and 800 are great piddling accessories for passing and professional photographers alike . The always - on mini tripod are the perfect answer for on - the - go people who often find themselves needing a steady dig . They ’re also handy for anyone who wants to move light without sacrifice the ability to capture a beautiful night photo or self portrait . The GorillaPod Hybrid is a better option for photographers who own a small SLR . Like other traditional GorillaPod offerings , the Hybrid is incredibly adjustable , and will help keep your photograph stiff , clear , and point in all form of situations and setting .
[ Lauren Crabbe is a Macworld intern . ]