Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
Perhaps one of the funniest things I saw at PMA 2010, was Joby’s homegrown bike, which looks like it resulted from Lance Armstrong crashing into the Gorillapod factory. While Gorillapods are pretty sturdy for cameras, I don’t think we’ll see Lance pedaling this bike up the Col du Tourmalet in the Tour de France this year. Nonetheless, this is one cool bike. [Read more…]
As part of PMA 2010, Joby has announced two new products – the Gorillapod Magnetic and the Ballhead X.
The Gorillapod Magnetic is a lot like an ordinary Gorillapod; however, it features magnetic feet, which allows it to attach to any magnetic surface. It supports cameras weighing up to 11.5 ounces. The Gorillapod Magnetic should be available in April 2010 for $24.95.
The Ballhead X is designed to work in conjunction with the Gorillapod Focus tripod. The Ballhead X supports up to 11.1lbs and allows you to pan, tilt and rotate the attached camera atop the Gorillapod. the Ballhead X works with 3/8″ and 1/4″ threads, which allows it to be used on any other tripod as well. The Ballhead X should be available in April 2010 for $79.95. [Read more…]
Tamrac recently introduced the Zipshot tripod, which is a light and ultra-portable alternative to the run-of-the-mill tripods out there. The Zipshot weighs 11 ounces and can carry a maximum load of 3 lbs (e.g., a prosumer DSLR with a kit lens). It also includes a built-in ball head.
As you can see in the video, the whole thing pops open in just a few seconds thanks to the bungee cords inside the tripod legs. It’s not exactly the sturdiest tripod, but can still get the job done, particularly if you use a remote or timer. [Read more…]
The Manfrotto 732CY is the latest addition to the M-Y family of tripods. The 732CY uses carbon fiber to reduce weight down near the two-pound threshold.
Key specs of the Manfrotto 732CY include the following:
The Manfrotto 732CY carries an initial retail price of $200.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
Gitzo’s Basalt Collection of tripods, ball heads, monopod and boom. The new line has a fiber from basalt rock to reduce weight and make it stronger.
Full details and specification are in the press release below. [Read more…]
The Manfrotto 190XB is a 3-section aluminum tripod that carries a reasonable price tag around $130. The Manfrotto 486RC2 tripod head is a ball head with a quick release plate that runs about $75. The 190XB and 486RC2 is an everyman’s kind of combo. It’s not as light as the Gitzo Traveler 6x carbon fiber tripod; however, it gets the job done almost as smoothly. [Read more…]
The Gitzo Traveler 6x (Model GT1541T) is a lightweight, carbon fiber tripod that’s great for packing around. While it’s not the most affordable tripod you’ll come across, if quality and lightweight are important in a tripod, you’ll be very pleased with the Traveler 6x. [Read more…]
Everyone needs a good tripod and head combo. I’ve spent some time lately with the Benbo Trekker MK3 tripod. In this review you’ll find my impressions of this kit, what it can do for you, and what kind of photographer that I think the Trekker MK3 is built for. [Read more…]
The Joby Gorillapod SLR-Zoom is one of the more recent additions to the popular Gorillapod line. The previous Gorillapod SLR offered the ability to mount your DSLR and small lightweight lens onto it with a maximum capacity of 1.75 pounds. The new Gorillapod SLR-Zoom allows you to drop a big lens on the camera (like the 70-200mm f/2.8 above) for a maximum capacity of 6.6 pounds. [Read more…]
San Francisco, CA – September 24, 2008 – Joby, Inc. is pleased to announce the arrival of the Gorillapod Focus™, a unique, bendable tripod engineered to support SLR cameras with larger telephoto lenses or digital video cameras. Designed with professionals and motivated amateurs in mind, the Gorillapod Focus is the biggest, strongest Gorillapod® yet and is the fifth addition to the growing and award-winning Gorillapod family.
The Gorillapod Focus provides the stability of a standard tripod at a fraction of the size and weight – only 1.1 pounds (500g). Sturdy machined aluminum sockets, debuting in an anodized gunmetal finish, offer incredible flexibility while ensuring a rock-solid hold in almost any environment. The Gorillapod Focus uses a stainless steel screw for maximum strength to support an amazing 11 pounds (5kg) of gear. It’s shipped with a 3/8” adapter screw in place and can be used with or without a professional tripod head.
Cleverly designed to help capture “hard to get” images like time-lapse, available-light, night-time or long-exposure, the Gorillapod Focus helps photographers refine their imaging skills. Wrap it around a railing, twist it around a tree branch, loop it onto a shopping cart, stand it on a table in the studio, or perch it on a rock during a hike! The possibilities for taking unique images are endless. And, it makes a great travel companion, folding up to fit in most gear bags.
At $149.95, Joby’s new Gorillapod Focus offers the same great features and functionality of all Gorillapods. The medium-sized members of the family are the Gorillapod SLR-Zoom for cameras up to 6.6 pounds (3kg) and Gorillapod SLR for cameras up to 1.75 pounds (800g). The lightweight, original Gorillapod supports compact digital cameras up to 11.5 ounces (325g). And, the Go-Go! is an original Gorillapod that comes with clips to attach cell phones, PDAs and music/video players for mobile entertainment on the go.
The Gorillapod debuted in February 2006 and now sells in over 40 countries. The Gorillapod Focus is available online at www.joby.com.