GH2 Gorillapod+what else for gh2?

C

cuervo.taylor

Active member
I'm planning getting a gorillapod for my GH2, but I'm just a newb with lots of question just read in some place the gorrillapod without a ballhead is kinda useless...

1) should I get the ball head? will this work: Joby GorillaPod BH2-01EN Heavy Duty Ball Head X for Focus Flexible Leg Tripod


2) which gorilla pod will work for run n gun documentary with the gh2 ?
3) do I need something else in order to have the best experience with my gorillapod+gh2 ?

many thanks.
 
what exactly are you using the gorillapod for?

a gorillapod is in no way a substitute for an actual tripod.
 
Gorillapods in general are quite limited in their usefulness. I do like to carry one on hikes for quick timelapses or a shot with the self timer. But if you are using any type of heavy lens, forget about it. I haven't used a gorillapod for anything other than playing around. I would definitely concentrate more on a mono or tripod if you don't already have that.
 
I love my gorillapods - I have both a Focus (big metal Joby) and SLR (little plastic joby)... Only I rarely ever use them as a tripod, except maybe for small practical LED lights for backlight, small objects, tabletop, etc. The SLR is flimsy with big lenses, but the Focus holds the GH steady with heavy glass like my Vivitar 28-90, Leica 14-50 with a wide angle adapter, or Leica R Summilux 35. All very heavy, all very solid on the GPod Focus.

For the GH2, the Focus makes a VERY convenient and moldable handholding rig - mold one arm over your shoulder, another under your underarm, and the third across your chest, and it's dang solid and easier to cart about than any tinkertoy contraption. Use the ballhead to bring the EVF where you want it (so yes, get a decent ballhead)

The SLR even makes for a steadier handheld shot... I use this one by straightening out all the legs and laying them along my left forearm, for a very long, stable 2nd point of contact. It weighs nothing and easily travels on single-small-bag family outings. Plus, it's perfect for something like a GoPro.
 
Warning - I have a gpod and it will not support my gh2 and a decent sized lens... Maybe just mine?
 
The makeshift rig that mcbob describes is a pretty creative idea. Maybe I'm a bit shortsighted in my condemnation :)
 
gundar said:
Warning - I have a gpod and it will not support my gh2 and a decent sized lens... Maybe just mine?
Click to expand...

There are (at least) two species of Gorillapod... the "SLR" and all others (plastic, flimsy things that will hold a consumer P&S, GoPro, or small LED light in place - nice for travel and grip but that's about it) and the "Focus" (a burly chunky metal thing that can also be used to fend off Viking raids). The Focus (with a decent ballhead) will even hold my HVX in place.

As a tripod, it's only good for static shots, but it does work.
 
I recomend the focus also if you want a gorillapod. rock solid bunch of shiny balls. a ballhead is a must. a medium sized one should support most weighted lenses.
 
The Gorillapod Focus absolutely can support a GH2. And you can actually do quite a bit with it. Of cosure it isn't the same as a real tripod, but it's amazing what you can do.

For less than $8, I made my own set of wheels to do some really nice tabletop moves. No drilling, cutting, filing, welding..... Just one wrench and about 4 minutes. Parts list on Vimeo:


Here's the original thread for this DIY project:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?276009-DIY-Cineskate-8-in-hardware-one-wrench
 
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