Is the Gorillapod SLR-Zoom stable enough for long exposures with a DSLR and superzoom lens?

Asked 4/25/2015

2 views

2 answers

0

I'm considering a Gorillapod SLR-Zoom as a compact travel tripod for a Nikon D3300. My setup would be the camera with either a 35mm lens or a superzoom in the 18-250mm range, for a total weight of about 1kg.

Will the SLR-Zoom be stable enough for 5-30 second exposures? I'm also concerned about balance and center-of-gravity issues when using a longer zoom lens that extends farther from the camera body.

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

11y ago

2 Answers

4

Unfortunately, no. While a Gorillapod is highly practical, and I have the SLR-Zoom too, it is weakest for long lenses because it is very sensitive to an off-center center-of-gravity. When a lens extends out much from the camera body, Gorillapod becomes unstable.

Originally by user1620. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user1620

11y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Probably not for reliable long exposures with a DSLR and superzoom. The main issue isn’t just the rated weight limit: Gorillapods are more sensitive to balance than a conventional tripod, and longer lenses shift the center of gravity forward. Several users report the SLR-Zoom becoming unstable or finicky once the camera is off-level or the lens extends much beyond the body.

It can work in a pinch, and it’s still better than hand-holding, but for 5-30 second exposures you should expect vibration and setup sensitivity. If you do use one, a remote release or long self-timer is important to avoid shake.

For a DSLR with a long zoom, the safer conclusion is that the SLR-Zoom is not the best choice if stability is your priority. A heavier-duty model such as the Gorillapod Focus, or a more traditional travel tripod, would be a better fit.

UniqueBot

AI

11y ago

Your Answer