Blurry photos are one of the main problems that beginner photographers come to us seeking advice for. Camera settings and stabilisation systems go a long way to solving this issue. Still, there are some instances where reaching for a tried and true camera accessory is the simple solution - we are talking about a tripod. Our tripod buying guide talked you through choosing a tripod for your kit, but sometimes a full-sized tripod isn't suitable. If you do need a full-sized option, our guide to the best tripods for photos and video covers the top picks across every budget. That's where smaller and more versatile options, such as the Joby GorillaPod tripod range come in. Let's discuss how GorillaPods work and what options are available in 2026.
Already know how GorillaPods work and want to skip to the recommendations? Here are our suggestions:
The Best GorillaPod for Action Cameras
The Best GorillaPod for Smartphones
The Best GorillaPod for Content Creators
The Best GorillaPod for Mirrorless Cameras
The Best GorillaPod for DSLR Cameras
What is a GorillaPod tripod?
Over the past few years, the GorillaPod tripod range has grown substantially, with a vast range of variants and styles to suit everyone. These models are suitable for different applications and individual camera equipment.
When we think of what a GorillaPod can do, we can look at a basic model, such as the Joby Gorillapod 325 stand. Let's look at the key features of this accessory:
- It is portable and lightweight. It is so portable that it can fit easily in your handbag or backpack and stay unnoticed until needed.
- It is easy to mount to your camera gear.
- It can act as a standard mini tripod.
- It includes flexible legs, which is the key selling point of this product. The bendy legs of the GorillaPod allow it to be wrapped around various objects, so you can find a steady surface for shooting virtually anywhere.
How to choose a GorillaPod?
Now that we have uncovered how a GorillaPod works, we can start discussing individual models to find the perfect option for you as a photographer and content creator and decide which GorillaPod to buy for your camera equipment.
GorillaPod for Action Cameras: Joby GorillaPod 500 Action
This handy addition to the GorillaPod lineup is custom-made for action cameras, such as the ever-popular GoPro range. If you're new to action cameras, our guide to the top uses for your GoPro or action camera is a great starting point. This GorillaPod for action cameras includes a GoPro-style pin joint and thumb screw that is perfect for securing your action camera in place during adventures.
Once attached, users can enjoy benefits such as a ball and socket design for quick and easy adjustments to framing and, of course, those flexible legs that help you find a steady base when on location. The Joby GorillaPod 500 Action is made from rugged materials, so keen adventurers don't need to hold back.
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GorillaPod for Smartphones: Joby Griptight Stand Pro 2 for Smartphones
Are you looking for a GorillaPod tripod for your iPhone or Android device? This Joby Griptight Stand Pro 2 is the perfect choice. Along with versatile legs that can grip, wrap and stand, this kit features a sturdy phone grip, which is suitable for most smartphones and quick and easy to utilise.
It is simple to switch between portrait and landscape orientations using this product. A cold shoe mount is included to attach additional accessories, such as LED lighting, for full-featured mobile content creation. For more ways to get the most from your smartphone setup, check out our tips for shooting better video on your phone.
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GorillaPod for Content Creators: Joby Mobile Vlogging Kit
This Joby Mobile Vlogging kit is an essential kit for content creators of differing skill levels. While it is perfect for smartphone users, this kit is also compatible with digital compact cameras or even mirrorless camera users.
The obligatory flexible legs are there, but this kit also comes with a powerful Joby Beamo LED light and Wavo mobile microphone - you can add a touch of professionalism and class to your video productions. These additional accessories can be positioned expertly using the included GorillaPod arms, which feature the same flexible nature as GorillaPod legs.
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GorillaPod for Mirrorless cameras: Joby GorillaPod 3K Kit with Ballhead
While we often see GorillaPods for smartphones and other smaller camera gear, they are also key components of more advanced photography kits. This includes mirrorless camera gear, which is where the Joby GorillaPod 3K kit comes in.
As well as featuring a sturdier and more load-bearing style of legs, which offer a payload of 3 kg, this GorillaPod tripod kit includes a versatile ballhead at the top; this allows users to experience 360-degree panning, 90-degree tilt, and even a bubble-level to ensure all shots are level and precise. The ballhead also includes a quick-release plate so users can switch between handheld and tripod-based shooting instantly.
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GorillaPod for DSLR cameras: Joby GorillaPod 5K Kit with Ballhead
Like the previous model, the Joby GorillaPod 5K kit extends the GorillaPod reach to heavier camera equipment - in this case, DSLR gear or telephoto lenses. This kit includes sturdy and well-made legs and a pro-grade ballhead to produce a combo that can handle a whopping 5 kg of photography gear.
The ballhead includes an arca-swiss compatible QR plate, as well as additional advancements such as a numbered scale to aid in producing panoramas and a dedicated locking knob on the panning access, which allows users to focus on adjusting the tilt-only. If you'd like to use the ballhead more extensively, it can easily be removed from the GorillaPod and mounted on a full-size tripod for versatility.
Load capacity matters most here — DSLRs, especially paired with a telephoto or zoom lens, are significantly heavier than mirrorless or compact cameras, and an underpowered GorillaPod will flex or tip. For crop-sensor DSLRs, the GorillaPod 3K Pro is a solid minimum, comfortably supporting kits up to 3kg. If you're using a full-frame DSLR with a heavy zoom lens, the GorillaPod 5K above is the safer choice, or consider the GorillaPod SLR Zoom, purpose-built for this exact use case — its longer, more rigid legs provide enhanced grip on uneven surfaces when shooting outdoors with a big rig.
Our pick: GorillaPod 5K for full-frame DSLRs | GorillaPod 3K Pro for crop-sensor DSLRs
What Is a Gorilla Tripod? Understanding the GorillaPod Design
The term gorilla tripod is commonly used to describe the Joby GorillaPod range — flexible, three-legged camera supports with individually articulating legs made from interlocking ball joints. Unlike a rigid conventional tripod, a gorilla tripod can wrap around poles, fence rails, tree branches or uneven surfaces, giving photographers far more placement options in the field. The legs grip firmly and support the camera head at virtually any angle. This versatility is why the GorillaPod has become one of the most recognised compact tripod designs in the world, suitable for everything from quick travel shots to long-exposure night photography where a traditional tripod simply won't fit. Our long exposure astrophotography guide shows exactly how a flexible tripod like the GorillaPod can help you capture stars in locations where a full-size tripod is impractical.
Joby GorillaPod 1K vs 3K: What's the Difference?
Two of the most searched GorillaPod comparisons in 2026 are the Joby GorillaPod 1K vs 3K. The key difference is payload capacity. The GorillaPod 1K supports up to 1 kilogram, making it ideal for compact cameras, small mirrorless bodies and smartphones with lightweight lenses. The GorillaPod 3K handles up to 3 kilograms, opening it up to mid-range mirrorless cameras with standard zoom lenses. The 3K also features a larger, more robust ball head with a quick-release plate for faster camera mounting. If you are unsure which to choose, consider the weight of your heaviest camera-and-lens combination — always choose a GorillaPod rated above that figure for safe, stable results.
GorillaPod 3K vs 3K Pro: Which Should You Choose?
The GorillaPod 3K vs 3K Pro is a popular comparison for photographers stepping up from entry-level flexible tripods. Both share the same 3 kg payload rating and flexible leg design, but the 3K Pro adds a refined, Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release ball head with a more precise panning lock — ideal for video work and content creators who need repeatable, smooth adjustments. The 3K Pro's build quality and head mechanism also suit mirrorless camera users who frequently swap between portrait and landscape orientation. If you shoot stills only and want to save money, the standard 3K is excellent. If video, vlogging or professional content creation is part of your workflow, the 3K Pro is worth the upgrade.
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GorillaPod Focus vs 5K: Which Should You Choose?
Both the GorillaPod Focus and the GorillaPod 5K are built for heavy camera systems, so it's easy to see why photographers compare them. Here's how they differ:
The GorillaPod 5K supports loads up to 5kg and suits most full-frame mirrorless and DSLR setups. It strikes a good balance between strength and portability, making it a versatile everyday carry option for serious photographers.
The GorillaPod Focus is Joby's heavy-duty flagship, designed for video-focused shooters and cinematographers using larger rigs with accessories like monitors, microphones, and follow-focus systems. It has a higher load capacity and a more robust ball head suited to professional video use.
Choose the 5K if you're a stills or hybrid shooter with a full-frame camera.
Choose the Focus if you're building a serious video rig that needs maximum stability and load capacity.
GorillaPod SLR Zoom vs 3K: Which Should You Choose?
The GorillaPod SLR Zoom and the GorillaPod 3K are both popular choices for DSLR and mirrorless shooters, but they serve slightly different needs.
The GorillaPod 3K is a compact, lightweight option supporting up to 3kg. It's ideal for travel photographers and anyone who wants a no-fuss, packable tripod for their mirrorless or entry-level DSLR setup. The 3K is one of the most popular GorillaPods sold at Ted's Cameras for good reason — it's versatile, affordable, and genuinely useful in the field.
The GorillaPod SLR Zoom was specifically designed with DSLR users and zoom lenses in mind. Its legs are longer and its build is more rigid, giving it an edge when paired with larger, heavier camera-and-lens combinations that would push the 3K to its limits.
Choose the 3K for lightweight mirrorless or entry-level DSLR kits.
Choose the SLR Zoom for mid-to-large DSLRs with zoom lenses attached.
If you're specifically looking for a full-sized tripod built for travel, our guide to the best travel tripods in 2026 covers lightweight, compact options ideal for photographers on the move.