Gorillapod: SLR-Zoom or Focus model?

[matseski]

My heaviest camera setup (50D+battery grip+2 batteries+Canon 70-200mm f2.8 IS) weighs in at 2.73kg and I am looking for a tripod solution for traveling Europe. I do not want to lug around a full size tripod, so I figure the versatility of a Gorillapod will give me the most options at the least weight and discomfort.


Gorillapod makes 2 models that state that they can support 2.7kg, the SLR-Zoom and Focus.


The SLR-Zoom is rated at 3kg and weights 240g.
The Focus is rated at 5kg and weighs 500g.


Manfrotto 494RC2 Ball Head rated at 4kg and weighs 320g.


The cost difference between the two is inconsequential, as my main concerns are function and weight.


In my normal over-engineering mentality, I am leaning towards the Focus as an extra 260g in terms of all of my camera and lenses is pretty insignificant for the piece of mind that I will have when my camera is being held off ground by this thing wrapped around a pole. However, the lighter weight does appeal to me.


Has anyone used either one with a setup in this weight?

 

[cgipson1]

I have the Focus... and wouldn't have anything less. I just tested it with my 70-200 on my gripped D800 (on the lens mount) and it handles that weight pretty well. I even tested it on a vertical pole (wrapping the legs around it) and it held it adequately, although I would want a strap attached too for peace of mind, lol!

For any heavy lens, I would not go less than the Focus! Hope that helps!

 

[matseski]

Just wanted to report in. I just received the Focus model with the X-Ball head. So far I have been very pleased with the performance and stability. It holds my 50D, grip, 70-200mm f2.8, 1.4x teleconverter and 580EXII flash without a problem. The ball head is fantastic for how small and light weight it is--very little if any creep. The Focus legs require you to put a tad bit of thought into how to position them, but if you are not an idiot about it, I have yet to find a position that I would not feel comfortable taking a 1min exposure from. I have wrapped it around branches and deck posts and as long as you have something to define the height, it holds strong.


I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a lightweight, flexible travel solution.