Review

Being a YouTuber and a hiker it’s important to select camera gear that’s lightweight, compact and durable. So why the Joby Gorilla Pod 500?

Why the Joby Gorilla Pod 500?

Because of its size and weight, but mainly for the easy-to-use universal screw which sits on top of a stainless steel ball joint which makes it even easier to get the right angle or to quickly switch from portrait to landscape mode.

How well does it work?

For a tripod this size and weight it words brilliantly and fits my Sony RX100 V on the top just fine. I used it on all my walks from the South Downs Way to the Pacific Crest Trail.

What’s there not to like?

The only thing that got me maybe considering an alternative is its durability. On my second long-distance trip up to Everest Base Camp Trek one of the ball joints on a leg kept snapping out. For a while, I could crack it back in, but after a few repeats of this, it eventually gave out and broke. I thought I’d try another one and that’s been on a further 400 or so miles of hiking and filming and it’s been completely fine. I’d say it’s just one of those items in your kit list that you just have to take good care of.

Value for money

For a high-quality mini tripod which is this compact, easy to use and has the stainless steel ball joint head it’s not a bad price. I’m sure there are cheaper solutions out there, but because it fits my Sony RX100 so well and the second one I’ve had hasn’t broken this time, it’s been worth the money for me.

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