A great tripod for its intended use.
341963
This tripod is obviously deigned to be used with a head and a balanced QC plate to the camera.  This takes the Arca plates but you need the right one.  Arca has several plates for long heavy lenses and you need to get the camera balanced on the head then on the tripod.  A plate like the&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Acratech-6-152-mm-Long-Arca-Style-Quick-Release-Plate-for-Lenses/dp/B000O2PGPS/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Acratech 6" (152 mm) Long Arca Style Quick Release Plate for Lenses.</a>&nbsp;so that the heavy lens can be part of the balance.

The Gorillapod i flexible and mounts where you can't get others. The legs are kind of stiff but i you need the weight you need the strength.

Surprisingly useful and way easier to set up as well as less expensive that the alternates.&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Nikon-200-400mm-f-4G-AF-S-SWM-SIC-ED-IF-VR-II-Nikkor-Super-Telephoto-Zoom-Lens-for-Nikon-Digital-SLR-Cameras/dp/B003JBHSHK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Nikon 200-400mm f/4G AF-S SWM SIC ED IF VR II Nikkor Super Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras</a>&nbsp;at 7.4 lbs would still be light enough to work with many DSLRs  but not with the supplied mounting plate. A lng plate would be needed to allow the center of mass to be moved well in front of the camera to account for the lens.

I got mine for table  top and micro work with my&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Casio-Exilim-EX-F1-6MP-12x-Zoom-2-8-Inch-LCD-Pro-Digital-Camera-with-CMOS-Shift-Image-Stabilization-Black/dp/B001FR2W9Y/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Casio Exilim EX-F1 6MP 12x Zoom 2.8-Inch LCD Pro Digital Camera with CMOS Shift Image Stabilization (Black)</a>&nbsp;and old D70 primarily training and forensics.  I use a&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Induro-PHQ-1-Way-Panhead/dp/B003LY3IJC/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Induro PHQ 1-Way Panhead</a>&nbsp;head on it.  See the reviews.  (BTW Amazon screwed up the heads are 5 way!  AFAIK there is no such thing as a one way head!)

The&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Joby-BH2-01EN-Ballhead-X-for-Joby-Focus-Flexible-Tripod/dp/B0038YWLCU/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Joby BH2-01EN Ballhead X for Joby Focus Flexible Tripod</a>&nbsp;is OK but lacks the precision needed.  Neither is really useful for video unless the camera is locked and the object moves.

Overall great for the ecological niche that it occupies.
3366035
I have been using this tripod for a few months. I've noticed a few quirks.

* The leg screws have a tendency to come undone
* The ball head had some rubbery gasket looking material come out of the horizontal adjuster
* The blue clips that keep the legs from folding up are sometimes cumbersome to hold open while collapsing the leg into it's storage position.

Other than these minor issues this is an awesome tripod. The included head works great with my a6300 and all the lenses I have.
2481927
This tripod was recommended to me from a professional photographer as a good "starter" tripod. The box it was delivered in was basically destroyed...they just don't "ship with care" anymore, do they?...but the tripod was fine, which demonstrates the sturdy construction of it. I've had it now for around a month and have used it quite a bit as I'm learning photography. So what have I learned? It's very sturdy, solid. Even though it's aluminum, it's not the lightest thing in the world so lugging it around probably wouldn't be fun...you may want a lighter, more compact one if you plan on carrying it a lot. There is no level on it so if you're using it on uneven ground you may want to have a small hand-sized level handy. Maybe the more expensive tripods or mounting balls have built in levels, but this one does not. But if you are just planning to use it in a studio or just a flat surface for portraits and such, then this tripod is perfect.
1041602
I have had this for about 9 months and absolutely love it.

I use it with a D90 and have had great results with even my heavier lenses (18-200VR, 70-300VR). I have not tried it when using the battery grip, but it seems that since the weight it centered it should work for that too. The ball head is surprisingly stable for the price. I personally added a Manfrotto quick release so that I can use it interchangeably with my monopod & tripod and not change plates.

This tripod can be spread out to be very stable on a flat surface, and has long enough legs to wrap around a handrail or substantial size tree branch. The rubberized joints on the legs prevent it from slipping, even when wrapped around a smooth object. Finally, the tripod is small enough to be easily carried, and its flexibility allows it to be attached by wrapping it around any loop on your pack. In the end, it isn't quite as functional as a nice full size tripod, but you simply cannot beat the portability of a tripod that works nearly perfectly in so many situations. If you ever use your standard DSLR hiking or in situations that you don't want to lug a full tripod, this is the solution for you.
2251444
Great, lightweight tripod. Happy with the purchase.
2019584
This is a sturdy, light-weight tripod at a reasonable price.  I like the ability to rotate the head (and camera) horizontally while keeping the ball head locked in position.  This is great for panoramas, etc.

The carrying case is convenient for transporting the tripod, and keeps it from getting banged up.
769232
The Q-POD is surprisingly useful. The legs are constructed
of metal. They extend an addition 4 inches, for a total
camera height of 7 inches.
You can spread the legs to position the camera at 4 inches.
I've had my mini tripod for some time and use it with a Canon film camera
with a remote. I take pictures of people's pets, mostly
around eye level with small dogs and cat's.

The Head tilts easily and locks securely.
The tripod folds into a small package that could fit in the
shirt pocket, but it is a little heavy for that.
It dwells in a corner of my camera bag.
There is nothing else quite like it, I've looked.
The price is not objectionable considering it's utility.
I recommend it.
1460079
This tripod is great for travelling and for using in spots where a 'real' tripod can not be set up. (like I used it inside a Cathedral to take photos)

It is strong enough to hold a SLR camera. Mine had no problems with a Nikon D70 and chunky lens.

But you really want a tripod head to use on the gorillapod - makes your life a lot easier.

I attached my camera directly to the gorillapod, and it made it awkward for doing a panorama or just changing angles. I really needed like a ball-head tripod head on the gorillapod to give me that freedom of movement once the tripod is secure.

I like the weight of it. Means I can just chuck it in my backpack, and I don't have to carry around a huge tripod all day. [...] It is just very handy for certain situations.

The gorillapod is a well-built quality product that won't fall apart on you. It is a great addition to your kit.
2887808
I bought this tripod two years ago at a local B&M camera store, because I needed to be able to fiddle around with it and see its fit and finish and usability features.
I couldn't be happier. I use this all of the time with my Fujifilm mirrorless cameras, providing a stable base for studio portraiture as well as outdoor shots. I have used it for timed exposures of ocean spray as well as timed exposures of the night sky showing curved star trails.

The head can be a bit fiddly, but that is because it was never intended to be a big fancy head with micro adjustments and fluid damping.
Don't expect this tripod to hold a big DSLR with a heavy lens. It's a bit lightweight for that kind of work.

The weight is great. It has a well made case and fits anywhere.
4369482
Super happy with this lightweight aluminum tripod that can be used just as effectively on the ground as on a tabletop. (I will be using it with my&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Neewer-24x24-inch-60x60-cm-Photo-Studio-Shooting-Tent-Light-Cube-Diffusion-Soft-Box-Kit-with-4-Colors-Backdrops-Red-Dark-Blue-Black-White-for-Photography/dp/B00GKGGICC/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Neewer 24x24 inch/60x60 cm Photo Studio Shooting Tent Light Cube Diffusion Soft Box Kit with 4 Colors Backdrops (Red Dark Blue Black White) for Photography</a>). Coming from an old metal one, this thing is amazing and will work great for my purposes of product photography.

What I like:

1. It's lightweight (1.3 pounds) and will travel - has its own carrying case.
2. The matte black aluminum finish looks good. While it may scuff a bit at some point, it looks good with the black hardware.
3. The clamps on the legs seem sturdy, despite being made of plastic.
4. The level on the top of the tripod is a very useful addition.
5. Not complicated to use; even without reading the included manual, and it's very inexpensive.
6. Great height adjustment range from 15.75" to 50".
7. Tilt of 180, 90 upward or 90 downward degrees.
8. Mounting plate can support up to 5 pounds, which is good for most video cameras and many digital cameras.

What I wish was better... nothing really. For the price I paid, and how I intend to use it (indoors only), I'm very pleased with this item.

One thing to consider...if you intend to use your tripod with a larger DSLR camera or any outdoor photography, you may want to look elsewhere as this product isn't particularly rugged and probably wouldn't stand up well to repetitive use on uneven terrain.
1404930
This is a very good tripod.  It is nice and lightweight for hiking and traveling.  I recently took it on a trip to Germany and Prague.  It is solid and holds up well with my 5D and 24-105 lens.  I have not used it with a longer lens, yet.  It is a bit more time consuming to screw the legs open and closed all the time - but considering the fact that it is light weight enough to hike with - it is a small price to pay.  I am happy I purchased it.
2510905
This tripod is great for a point and shoot.

I used it in a pinch to set my dslr on, but don't trust it.
541131
I bought this tripod for video tapping an upcomming family wedding and have tried it a couple of times to get used to it.  I like the the smooth operation of the controls on the handle.  The panning operation is likewise acceptable.  The telescopic locking legs work well, but are light weight and can rock a little during panning.  The lightness is also a plus because it collapses into a small over the shoulder bag for easy toteing. One hand on the tripod for stabilization and one on the control handle during panning works well.
3771019
Admittedly I'm a DSLR and tripod novice, but this tripod does exactly what I need it to do. It reliably supports my Sony A58 during family photo shoots. Since we're basically only taking still portraits, I haven't tested it for smoothness of panning, etc. But from what I can tell, all the adjustments are smooth and easy to do. My only complaint is that I haven't figured out how best to put it back in the carrying bag so that it doesn't 'get stuck' when I go to pull it out the next time. I always end up wrestling with it for a moment before I can get it more than halfway out of the bag. I assume that's user error, though, and I'll eventually figure out the best orientation. All in all, I'm very happy with this tripod.
3384398
I just bought this tripod so I have not had a lot of use yet but it feels quite sturdy and has a lot of great features. It is well worth the price and then some.
1747695
I haven't actually used it yet, but I did test it out and it will be perfect for my needs. I'm planning on using this tripod to make tutorials using my cell phone. The fact that the legs flip in the opposite direction will allow me to film the way I need to. This was a great purchase and I would buy it again.
3686837
I bought this tripod with 2 intentions in mind.

  1. To have a portable light weight tripod to take hiking and backpacking with me.

  2. To have a tripod to go along with the camera I purchased for use at my wedding.

As far as number one goes. This tripod does very well. It is very compact and light weight. It fits perfectly in the side straps of my small camera backpack (Caselogic TBC-307 SLR Camera Backpack). I barely even notice I am carrying it. My only two gripes are that it does not have a quick release bolt as advertised. Though the twisting one is easy to use. And that when panning horizontally it isn't 100% smooth. Vertically it is perfect, but left and right it jumps just a little.

Now number two. I will now for sure in 2 days during the rehearsal, but I suspect that I will need to elevate the tripod just a little to avoid the looking up appearance in the wedding video. My camera (Panasonic GH1) does have a fully articulating screen so the height of the tripod works just fine in most any other situation. With out an articulating screen you may find the height a little short.

Summation
For the money I don't think you will find a better compact tripod, but there are a couple things they could do to improve on it.