Joby: GorillaPod Focus + Ballhead X & Grip Tight Micro Stand

The GorillaPod Focus + Ballhead X, Grip Tight Micro Stand & Ultra Fit Sling Strap for Women

by Tina Case

I have been so excited ever since I got this wonderful package from joby.com.   If you are not familiar with JOBY, well then get ready to discover a range of products to make your life as a photographer easier, more comfortable, more creative and basically more stable!  Here is the range  of products I was lucky to take on a test drive.  I will continue to show these products in action as I travel to Mexico and Australia in the next few weeks.

How can you get some of these for yourself?  Enter the 12 Days of Joby Giveaway.  There are several more days to enter so don't delay!

The first product I will show is the GorillaPod Focus + Ballhead X which you mold to fit nearly any crevice, banister, rock or platform.  That's the whole beauty of the GorillaPod Focus series.  This particular GorillaPod with Ballhead X can support the weight of a full-frame DSLR (I use the Canon 5D Mark ii) and pro lens.  

Would you trust another tripod to support the weight of your DSLR and pro lens?  The GorillaPod Focus is gripping a banister 100 feet above the ground on the 5th floor of our hotel.  I would not trust my expensive equipment with just any tripod.  Noway.

Take note, this tripod is gripping a banister at least 100 feet above the ground.  I have an expensive Canon 5D Mark ii, my Canon L series 24-70mm lens and a 32 GB compact flash card.  That's a nice chunk of change.  Would I trust all of this to any other product?  NO WAY!  The GorillaPod Focus is incredible.  It can support the weight of a zoom lens up to 11.1 lbs.  I will be testing it soon on my Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II lens so check back soon.

Perfectly level shot in camera with the GorillaPod

With this GorillaPod Focus (and now I know why they call it that) it grips onto things like a monkey.  Cleverly designed with three legs that can contort and grip to support your camera to get that perfect angle and shot.

There's no reason you can't get that level shot in camera.

Needless to say this tripod will be part of my photography arsenal because it is compact even though it is rugged and sturdy.  It will also allow me to be in more shots since I can set it up with the self timer.

This photo was taken from the Joby.com site

And check out the GorillaPod Ballhead X system. Once you safely and securely mount your camera you can then pan 360 degrees, tilt up to 90 degrees, and lock it in for stability and get that incredible shot like never before.

You can take off the Ballhead X to put on any other tripod, or if you don't need the GorillaPod you can purchase the Ballhead X separately.  

Summary: The GorillaPod Focus + Ballhead X is a comprehensive tripod system that will enable you to frame a fantastic and creative shot during your photography adventures.  The GorillaPod Focus is available for around $99.95 and the Ballhead X is $69.95.  Together these tools are like having an extra pairs of hands to rig the camera for that perfect angle.  Plus you can be in more images than ever before using the self-timer.

Grip Tight Micro Stand

When laid flat the stand is the size of a memory stick.

The other cool product from joby.com is the Grip Tight Micro Stand.  This little gadget allows you to sturdy your smartphone (iPhone and Android) to take a shot with ease.  I love to take macro shots with my iPhone lens but I often have a shaky hand.  With the Grip Tight Micro Stand I can attach it to a regular tripod, the GorillaPod Focus or use it on a platform to keep it steady.  It can also be used next to my desk so I can view it more easily while I work.

In the image above you'll see the format that the Grip Tight Micro Stand comes out of the box.  It is roughly about the size of a memory stick.  

There is a little hole that allows you to add your own keychain or in my case I've added red lanyard.  This makes it easily accessible when I'm on the road.

The tripod opens up and can hold nearly any size smartphone with the expandable grips.

The mount allows you to maneuver and pivot the stand to suit your angle.

You can even flip the stand so the phone/camera can be vertical (see image below).

The Grip Tight Micro Stand makes a great stocking stuffer for anyone with an iPhone or Android.  I LOVE IT!

The stand can be used horizontally or vertically.  Vertical image is from joby.com

Summary:  The Grip Tight Micro for iPhone and Android is a great stocking stuffer for any Instagram fanatic on your list.  At only $29.95 it's a versatile tool and is a great way to prop your iPhone next to your laptop at the office.  You can use it in horizontal or vertical configurations which makes this a very versatile tool.  This is also just as compact to carry as your memory stick or car keys.  Anyone with an iPhone or Android would be pleased to find this in their stocking this season.

Check out the other great photography tools from joby.com - and don't forget to enter the 12 days of Joby Giveaway.   

[Note: I want to mention that from experience you want to avoid taking vertical videos.  Vertical still shots are fine. But with vertical videos you will run into a variety of issues.  So stay away from that, just like these muppets tell you in the video below]



Disclaimer: I was provided with these products to review.  All opinions are 100% my own and I wholeheartedly recommend these products for the photographer on your shopping list.