Product Review: The JOBY Action Series Tripod and Mounting Clamps

As photographers, there is more than one means of capturing the action.
If you own an action camera then these JOBY accessories
should definitely be added to your tool bag.

“We see mostly first-person viewpoints in action video, but we think that gets boring fast. If you want to show off your stylish kickflip or show yourself flowing down a mountain bike trail, you need an off-body place to mount your camera. You need something that lets you film yourself at any angle in any environment or even multiple cameras shooting from different angles. When you can do that, you get to be the director, the camera crew, and the star,” said Michael Jue, director of product design at JOBY.

So the JOBY innovators put themselves into the action and came up with the GorillaPod Action TripodTM, the Action Clamp & Locking ArmTM and the Action Clamp & GorillaPod Arm TM. All are unique to JOBY and all have JOBY quality built in.

All in the series are quick and easy to assemble right out of the box. They come with a removable Tripod Mount for GoPro® that can be used on any tripod with a ¼”-20 screw and are compatible with other video cameras, making them even more versatile. All very light in weight and portable.

The GorillaPod Action TripodTM

This GorillaPod is another ‘mini-me’ of the award-winning GorillaPod and just has strong, flexible and versatile. Set it up as a normal tripod or wrap it around branches, railings, and sign posts. With all those leg joints with rubber grips, just use your imagination and see where you can wrap it, attach it and catch yourself in action.

 
Graphic provided by JOBY.

It has an integrated ballhead with a pan and tilt adjustment knob so you can rotate the camera to just the right angle and the convenience of a bubble-level assists in getting those images straight – those action cameras have no LCD screen.

The Action Clamp & Locking ArmTMand GorillaPodArmTM

The Action Clamp: It can attach to surfaces that are flat or curved and up to 2 inches thick, i.e., round poles and railings, doors, table tops, sign posts, beach chairs, side windows of the car – the list goes on and on and on.


Sliding locking arm of the action clamp
: the sliding design of this clamp allows you to attach to the surface of an object easily and quickly – it automatically locks as you are tightening the screwing arm.

The locking arm or GorillaPod arm can be screwed into either end of the action clamp – convenience once again.

Screwing Locking Arm: Get the action clamp in position, then by adjusting the articulating ball joints at each end of the locking arm you can get your camera set at the perfect angle – tighten the screw for a strong hold and you’re ready to go.


Graphic provided by JOBY.

It may be meant more for catching the action, but try attaching it to your skateboard or scooter and catch what’s ahead of you while you’re on the move – just be sure you lock it down tight for a long-lasting hold.

Flexible GorillaPod Arm: Utilizes the same action clamp but is equipped with a GorillaPod single arm with 5 balls and sockets so you can adjust the camera to get just the right angle. Once again, it’s fast and easy so you can go about catching yourself on the move.


Graphic provided by JOBY.

Credit: I would like to thank Donovan Geoghegan for his feedback on and assistance with utilizing the JOBY Action Series products.

Donovan’s conclusions: “You’re really going to have a blast with these products! They are now some of my favorites in my GoPro® accessories collection.”

The JOBY GorillaPod Action Tripod retails for $39.95 (US MSRP). The Action Clamp & Locking Arm retails for $39.95 (US MSRP) and the Action Clamp & GorillaPod Arm retails for $29.95 (US MSRP). All three products are available for purchase at popular outdoor retailers, consumer electronics stores and JOBY.com. To learn more, go to http://joby.com/whatsyourangle.

by Marla Meier
Article and photos: © 2014 Marla Meier. All right reserved.
Photos where noted provided by JOBY

All written content (and most images) in these articles are copyrighted by the authors. Copyrighted material from Apogee Photo Mag should not be used elsewhere without seeking the authors permission.

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