I’ll admit it.
When I first saw those bendable, monkey-like tripod legs, I thought it was a gimmick.
After 30 days of testing the JOBY GorillaPod across three states, six national parks, and countless “oh no, I forgot my tripod” moments, I was wrong. The JOBY GorillaPod 500 is the best flexible tripod for point-and-shoot cameras and lightweight mirrorless setups under 500 grams.
This isn’t a traditional tripod replacement, but it’s not trying to be. It’s a specialized tool that does one thing incredibly well: let you mount your camera on things traditional tripods can’t touch.
In this review, I’ll cover everything from build quality to real-world testing with actual cameras, plus help you decide if it’s worth adding to your gear bag.
Capacity: 500g
Weight: 60g
Modes: Tripod Grip Wrap
Materials: Medical-grade ABS German TPE
The GorillaPod 500 arrives in a compact package that immediately signals “travel-friendly.”
Picking it up, the first thing you notice is the weight or lack thereof. At just over 60 grams, it disappears in your camera bag. I carried it for two weeks through Utah national parks and honestly forgot I had it half the time.
The build quality feels substantial despite the light weight. The articulated joints have satisfying resistance, not loose like cheaper knockoffs I’ve tested. JOBY uses Japanese medical-grade ABS plastic for the structural components, which explains why it doesn’t feel cheap.
Articulated Joints: Ball-and-socket connections in each leg segment that allow 360-degree rotation and secure positioning, typically using TPE rubber for grip.
The German TPE rubber at each joint provides the grip that makes this whole concept work. After wrapping it around everything from chain-link fences to tree branches, I never felt like it would slip.
The GorillaPod 500 is built around a simple concept executed well. Let’s break down what makes it tick.
The “500” in the name isn’t random. It’s the maximum weight capacity in grams, or about 1.1 pounds.
This limits you to point-and-shoot cameras, compact mirrorless bodies, or action cameras. I tested it with a Canon G7X Mark II (about 300 grams with lens) and it handled it comfortably. A Sony A6000 with kit lens pushed it but stayed stable.
Important: Do not use the GorillaPod 500 with DSLRs or larger lenses. You’ll need the GorillaPod 1K, 3K, or 5K models for heavier setups.
JOBY doesn’t cut corners on materials. The tripod uses:
After my testing period, I checked for wear on the joints. No visible degradation, even after wrapping it around rough bark multiple times. Pack Hacker’s 6-month testing showed similar results with no material breakdown.
The stainless steel ball head allows for precise camera positioning. It’s not the smoothest ball head I’ve used, but it gets the job done for landscape and portrait orientations.
The quick-release plate is a nice touch. I could swap the tripod between my compact camera and my smartphone (with adapter) in seconds. This versatility matters when you’re shooting on the go.
The GorillaPod 500 collapses down to about 7 inches long and weighs roughly 60 grams. For comparison, that’s about the same as two AA batteries.
I carried it in my pocket during a day of street photography in San Francisco. No bulk, no hassle. That’s the real advantage here: you’ll actually bring it with you.
The GorillaPod isn’t just a tripod. It’s three tools in one. Let me break down how each mode performed in my testing.
On flat surfaces, the GorillaPod 500 works like any tabletop tripod. The flexible legs let you adjust the height slightly and level your camera on uneven ground.
I used it for product shots at home and food photography at restaurants. The compact size makes it unobtrusive in public spaces. I never got weird looks like I do with full-size tripods.
Stability on flat surfaces is good but not great. The lightweight design becomes a disadvantage here. Bumps to the table will transfer to the camera. For stationary shots, it’s fine. For long exposures, you need to be careful.
This is my favorite use case. Wrap the legs together, and you have a ergonomic grip for stable handheld shooting.
I filmed walking shots through Redwood National Park using this configuration. The extra weight and leverage at the bottom of the camera reduced shake significantly compared to handheld alone.
For vloggers, this is a game-changer. Your arm doesn’t get as tired, and your footage is smoother. I recorded 20 minutes of walking commentary without fatigue.
This is where the GorillaPod shines. Wrap the legs around a tree branch, fence post, railing, or whatever else is available.
I wrapped it around a chain-link fence at Zion National Park for a sunset timelapse. The grip held firm for 45 minutes of shooting. I wrapped it around a tree branch in Yosemite for a self-portrait with El Capitan in the background.
The German TPE rubber joints provide excellent grip. I never had the tripod slip, even on smooth metal railings. However, horizontal wrapping (wrapping around something vertical with the camera sticking out sideways) is the weak point. Heavy cameras will cause the tripod to slowly droop over time.
I tested stability with different camera weights and mounting configurations:
| Camera Setup | Weight | Tripod Mode | Wrap Mode | Handheld Grip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact Point-and-Shoot | 200g | Stable | Excellent | Excellent |
| Canon G7X Mark II | 300g | Stable | Good | Good |
| Sony A6000 + Kit Lens | 450g | Adequate | Fair (horizontal droop) | Fair |
The key takeaway: stay within the weight limit, and you’re fine. Push it, and you’ll see limitations.
After a month of testing, here’s my honest assessment:
Quick Summary: The GorillaPod 500 excels at travel and outdoor photography where traditional tripods are impractical. It has limitations with weight and leveling, but for the right use cases, it’s invaluable.
The GorillaPod 500 is just one model in JOBY’s lineup. Choosing the right one is critical for getting the most out of this versatile tripod.
| Model | Weight Capacity | Best For | Approximate Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| GorillaPod 325/500 | 325-500g | Point-and-shoot, compact cameras, action cameras | $20-30 |
| GorillaPod 1K | 1kg | Mirrorless cameras, small DSLRs, large smartphones | $30-40 |
| GorillaPod 3K | 3kg | DSLRs, mirrorless with larger lenses | $40-60 |
| GorillaPod 5K | 5kg | Professional setups, heavy DSLRs with telephoto lenses | $60-100 |
My recommendation: Weigh your camera with your most-used lens attached, then add 20% for safety margin. Match that weight to the appropriate model.
Pro Tip: If you’re between models, go up one. The price difference is minimal, and the extra stability is worth it. The 1K is only about $10 more than the 500 but handles nearly twice the weight.
After extensive testing, my answer depends on how you shoot.
Travel photographers will get the most value here. The ability to mount a camera virtually anywhere without carrying a heavy tripod is freedom. I used it more in one month than my traditional tripod in the past year.
Vloggers and content creators should also consider it. The handheld grip mode alone justifies the cost. Your footage will be smoother, and your arms will thank you.
Outdoor enthusiasts who want to document adventures but don’t want to carry heavy gear will appreciate the GorillaPod. It’s lightweight enough to throw in a daypack without thinking twice.
If you primarily shoot in studios or controlled environments, a traditional tripod is better. The GorillaPod’s strengths are versatility and portability, not rock-solid stability.
Heavy DSLR users will need to invest in the larger models, which increases the cost significantly. At that point, compare prices with traditional travel tripods.
Street photographers who need to capture fleeting moments might find the setup time frustrating. By the time you wrap the legs around a railing, the shot might be gone.
Pack Hacker tested their GorillaPod for 6 months with no degradation. Users on Trailspace report 3+ years of use with only minor ball joint wear becoming noticeable.
The medical-grade ABS and German TPE rubber are quality materials. This isn’t disposable gear. Expect years of use with proper care.
The GorillaPod 500 (the current equivalent to the Original) supports up to 500 grams or 1.1 pounds. This is sufficient for point-and-shoot cameras, compact mirrorless bodies, and action cameras. For heavier setups, consider the GorillaPod 1K, 3K, or 5K models.
JOBY GorillaPods are built with Japanese medical-grade ABS plastic and German TPE rubber components. Pack Hacker’s 6-month testing showed no material degradation. Users on Trailspace report 3+ years of regular use with only minor ball joint wear. Cheaper knockoffs using wire cores lose flexibility over time, but authentic GorillaPods maintain their articulation.
For travel photographers and outdoor enthusiasts, yes. The $20-30 price point is reasonable for the versatility gained. I used my GorillaPod more in one month than my traditional tripod in the past year because it’s so portable. If you only need a tripod occasionally for indoor shots, a traditional mini tripod might be more practical.
The GorillaPod 500 is not designed for DSLRs. You’ll need at least the GorillaPod 1K for lightweight DSLRs, or the 3K and 5K models for full-size DSLRs with lenses. Always match your camera weight to the model’s capacity and add a 20% safety margin.
Yes, especially for vlogging and handheld shots. The grip mode provides excellent stabilization compared to handheld alone. For static shots, the wrapping mode lets you position your camera in unique locations. Just stay within the weight limit and avoid horizontal wrapping for extended takes.
Weigh your camera with your most-used lens, add 20% for safety margin, then choose the model that matches. Point-and-shoot and compact cameras work well with the 325/500 models. Mirrorless and small DSLRs need the 1K. Larger setups require the 3K or 5K. When in doubt, size up.
The JOBY GorillaPod 500 isn’t trying to replace your traditional tripod. It’s trying to go where traditional tripods can’t.
After 30 days of testing across multiple states and shooting scenarios, the GorillaPod earned a permanent spot in my camera bag. It’s not for every situation, but when you need it, nothing else will do.
The key is understanding what it is: a specialized tool for travel, outdoor, and creative photography. If that sounds like you, the GorillaPod 500 is worth every penny.
