The Gorillapod SLR has always been a faithful ally to me: small, light and flexible. In short: the perfect tool for taking beautiful photos in low light. When I noticed that the Gorillapod SLR couldn't carry my new lens, I switched to the Gorillapod SLR-Zoom.
When I unpacked it, I was a bit shocked: if you're used to the Gorillapod SLR, you'll be a bit disappointed with the SLR-Zoom. The 'head' only consists of some screw thread. No spirit level. Not a handy click system. When you want to use the Gorillapod, you always have to turn the screw in the camera. This is a lot less convenient than the SLR, where you screw a plate into the camera once and the tripod simply clicks in.
If you want to get around these disadvantages, you have to buy the extra Joby tripod head. This offers you a handy click system, a spirit level and a protractor. However, the head costs so much, it makes the gorillapod a lot bigger and it is quite heavy. This is not what I want to use the gorillapod for: for me it is important that I have a light and compact tripod.
So no tripod head for me. Then without! The dissatisfaction was already largely gone with the first use. The gorillapod is still a great accessory: it's super flexible, bends in every direction and allows you to take pictures that you could never take otherwise. It can carry my 600gr lens perfectly. Without the additional tripod head, it is very light and compact. The first picture I shot with it was an instant gem. Gone disappointment! I haven't missed that spirit level and click system for a long time.
Conclusion: The Gorillapod SLR Zoom is a fantastic accessory. However, if you switch from the regular SLR, you better know what he is buying!
