Recommendations needed for compact, inexpensive tripod for Disney

[jeniferrice]

Also, can you take a regular 3-leg one to the parks for firework pics?

I have a large (not even sure of the brand) one, but it doesn't fold up very compact so I know I'll end up leaving it in the room...especially since we're not likely to go back to the room before fireworks and I won't want to carry it around all day.

Do most use tripods or just try to brace against or on something?

Thanks.

Jen

 

[mountain8778]

Hi Jen, my favorite compact tripod is made by Joby and called the Gorilla tripod. It looks funny, like a bunch of caterpillars meeting at one end, but it is very practical and functional. It will attach to almost anything that you can wrap it around but also stable enough so you can put it on the ground or table and it will hold up the camera. Here is a link below for the version that supports point and shoots. they also make one for SLRs that is slightly bigger.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/519600-REG/Joby_GP1_0REN_Gorillapod_Mini_Tripod_Red_Black.html

 

[mountain8778]

also, yes, you can take a regular 3 legged (5-6ft) tripod into the parks.

 

[fortcampers]

I saw a lady who had a small tripod clipped onto her belt loop. Don't know anything else about it, but it looked like it wasn't uncomfortable.

 

[mabas9395]

You asked for an inexpensive tripod. So do you want the sturdy and heavy version or the light and wobbly version?

Because they don't make a tripod that is inexpensive, sturdy and light. You only get to pick two out of the three.

 

[Ichabadi]

I second the Gorillapod recommendation. I attach mine to a railing and it does the trick.

 

[Master Mason]

I have a velabon maxi 647. It worked ok with my XT and a lighter lens, but I was beyond it's holding capacity when I went to the 40D.

Inexpensive is also a realative term. And what camera are you using, if you have a little pocket p&s you have different options than if your carrying a 1D

 

[Mischa]

I'm so glad I found this thread! I have got to get me one of those Gorillapods! They look really cool and I love the idea of it attaching to a poll or something.

Thanks!

 

[boBQuincy]

One thing to consider is collapsed length, to be sure the tripod will fit in the WDW lockers. As I recall 20" is about the maximum but I bet if that is incorrect some friendly Disboarders will correct it!

 

[PixieDust32]

I found one at best buy for $20.00. Not really big and heavy.

You can rent a locker at the MK and just get it before fireworks.

 

[tinkergrumpybuns]

I found one at best buy for $20.00. Not really big and heavy.

You can rent a locker at the MK and just get it before fireworks.

Just make sure you get the right gorilla pod for your camera. The smaller one is about $20 for point and shoot. If you use an slr or any camera with extra lenses, you will need the larger slr size that runs around $40, or it may topple with the weight of the lens.

I was going to get one, but then thought, I am not going to want to carry it around all day. I may kick myself later.

 

[PixieDust32]

Just make sure you get the right gorilla pod for your camera. The smaller one is about $20 for point and shoot. If you use an slr or any camera with extra lenses, you will need the larger slr size that runs around $40, or it may topple with the weight of the lens.

I was going to get one, but then thought, I am not going to want to carry it around all day. I may kick myself later.

I don't remember the brand, but it was on sale, the reg price was about 40 bucks. I hope it works fine with my slr

I know, on our last trip DH was too lazy to walk to the lockers from the castle and my wishes pics were bad I'll carry it for sure next time.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[We-Luv-Disney]

I used one like this one for several years and 5 WDW trips and always got sharp pics!
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/428996-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_715SHB_715SHB_Short_Digi_Black.html

 

[tinkergrumpybuns]

I don't remember the brand, but it was on sale, the reg price was about 40 bucks. I hope it works fine with my slr

I know, on our last trip DH was too lazy to walk to the lockers from the castle and my wishes pics were bad I'll carry it for sure next time.

Thanks for the advice.

That sounds about right for the dsl model. I always have lofty plans and then get hot and tired and cranky from being hot and tired. Then I "gear down".

So, I have "My rules". I don't shoot in attractions, I enjoy. This trip is all about flowers and details. Then some retail therapy, which with the economy will mean, window shopping and taking photos of things.<G>
I was looking at photos inside the shops one night !
I wonder if you can just wrap the gorilla pod around your neck or backpack?
Let us know how it works for you and how you carry it around.

 

[boBQuincy]

I wonder if you can just wrap the gorilla pod around your neck or backpack?
Let us know how it works for you and how you carry it around.

I have the SLR-Zoom model, with a Velbon ballhead it weighs about a pound. I guess you could wrap it around your neck (or better yet, the neck of anyone who is annoying you) but there are better ways to carry it.

I use some velcro wrap to secure it to my camera bag strap or handle. It's convenient but out of the way and the weight isn't too bad.

 

[tinkergrumpybuns]

I have the SLR-Zoom model, with a Velbon ballhead it weighs about a pound. I guess you could wrap it around your neck (or better yet, the neck of anyone who is annoying you) but there are better ways to carry it.

I use some velcro wrap to secure it to my camera bag strap or handle. It's convenient but out of the way and the weight isn't too bad.

You are too funny! The list of potential carriers, could be endless!
Do you buy the ballhead separately? I didn't notice one in the package.
Good idea with velcro pack, then again, I carry a medium sized purse ( hey , as a woman, you know that means a small suitcase anyway)... I could scrunch it into that with my mickey back poncho!
I should have invested in velcro! Thanks

 

[rtphokie]

Radio Shack (of all places) carries an inexpensive tripod made by Targus (the laptop case people) that folds down small enough to fit in most camera backpacks and many camera bags. I wouldn't put a massive Nikon or Canon pro camera on it, way too flimsy but it's fine for consumer or prosumer level P&S or SLRs.

Dont extend the legs and it makes a good sized table top tripod.

List price is $15 but I got mine on sale for $5 a few months back.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/i...r=1&origkw=tripod&kw=tripod&parentPage=search