Rotating Banners

Review: Joby GorillaPod Focus Flexible Tripod


Review: Joby GorillaPod Focus Flexible Tripod

Overview : The Joby Gorillapod Focus is an ultra-versatile mini-tripod (or grip) that was designed for use with large pro SLR cameras with large zoom lens attached, or with prosumer level camcorders (max. load capacity of 11 lbs/5kg). The Gorillapod Focus allows you to achieve the stability of a standard tripod, but at a fraction of the size and weight. The three multi-segmented flexible legs can be formed to grip almost any protrusion, be it a branch, doorknob, rock, or uneven surface.

Its sockets are machined from sturdy aluminum, with anodized gunmetal finish. Each of the joints can bend and rotate 360°, to wrap around objects. The bottom rubber segment on the legs is larger to allow it to be used in the traditional way.

Features :
  • Sturdier aluminum-reinforced sockets support professional equipment and help you get a steady shot in virtually any environment.
  • Flexible joints bend and rotate 360° to form the perfect shape. High-quality, injection-molded plastic ensures snug joints that stay firm.
  • Rubberized ring & foot grips provide extra gripping power to grapple wherever you want to go.
  • Bigger and better means you can shoot with heavier cameras, lenses and video camcorders up to 11 pounds.
  • Adapter screw allows you to mount both the standard 1/4-inch cameras and other 3/8-inch professional cameras, tripod heads and video cameras.

Quality/Usability : I already own a standard 62" tripod but sometimes, its too big and bulky to lug around with me. I've contemplated on purchasing the Joby GorillaPod Focus for a couple of months for my gripped Nikon D7000 but I finally pulled the trigger.

The GorillaPod Focus is a relatively short flexible tripod that stands roughly 1.5 feet high. It's articulating ball joints is capable of wrapping its octopus-esque legs around just about everything ranging from poles, tree branches, chairs, doors and many more. It allows you to take pictures from any position, any position and keep your camera steady.

Review: Joby GorillaPod Focus Flexible Tripod

Joby offers the Ballhead X with its Arca-Swiss compatible quick release plate but I did not purchase this as I already own a ball head with quick release plate. Mounting a ball head is optional but it gives you more freedom to move your camera around to the angle you want without adjusting the tripod. This requires installing the 3/8-inch screw. You can also mount your camera or camcorder directly to the Focus' 1/4-inch screw without the need of a ball head.

Review: Joby GorillaPod Focus Flexible Tripod

To mount a ball head, camera or camcorder, simply screw in the Focus to the tripod socket of your camera. Once mounted, position the legs to whatever position according to the environment.

The Focus is able to hold cameras up to 11lbs! That's a lot of weight. This was one of the main reasons I wanted to get a GorillaPod Focus. My Nikon D7000, MB-D11 Grip and Nikon 24-70mm f2.8G is fairly heavy when all mounted (approximately 5lbs). Mounting a 70-200mm VRII would be even heavier but unfortunately, I don't own one (yet). Trying to get that shot in an awkward position wouldn't be comfortable or possible. Or even the slightest movement would cause your image to blur.

Review: Joby GorillaPod Focus Flexible Tripod Review: Joby GorillaPod Focus Flexible Tripod
Review: Joby GorillaPod Focus Flexible Tripod Review: Joby GorillaPod Focus Flexible Tripod

The tripod legs are machined of sturdy aluminum. Each joint can be rotated and be bent in 360° allowing the legs to wrap around objects. The foot of the tripod is rubberized to provide stability on rough terrain and smooth surfaces. However, on my marble counter with my gripped Nikon D7000 with Nikon 24-70mm lens attached, the rubber feet started to slide thus causing the Focus to buckle when the camera was in portrait mode when used with my Manfrotto ball head. On a rough terrain such as concrete or branch, it held up fine.

Review: Joby GorillaPod Focus Flexible Tripod

Conclusion : Overall, the Joby GorillaPod Focus Flexible Tripod is a must own in any camera gear. Its versatility to adapt to the environment such as uneven surfaces is an awesome feature. Even though the tripod is able to hold up to 11 pounds and meant for pro-sumer and professional camera gear, you can use this on point and shoot cameras as well.

Does it replace a standard full-size tripod? No. But if you're at a spot that doesn't have the room for your standard tripod or the terrain isn't level, the Focus would be your go-to tripod.




Manufacturer: Joby
GorillaPod Focus Only
Site: Buy from Amazon / Buy from B&H Photo / Buy from Adorama


Ballhead X Only
Site: Buy from Amazon / Buy from B&H Photo / Buy from Adorama

GorillaPod Focus & Ballhead X Bundle
Site: Buy from Amazon / Buy from B&H Photo / Buy from Adorama


Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...