GorillaPod 3K vs 5K: everything you need to know

The JOBY GorillaPod® is the original patented flexible tripod and has been around for over a decade. Originally designed for self-timer shots, the GorillaPod has helped define a whole generation of Content Creators regardless of what platform they use. What makes the GorillaPods stand out from other tripods is their flexibility, durability, and versatility.

This unique versatility in the way you can use GorillaPods have made them a must-have for all content-creators (from Pro-photographers to TikTok stars), but with so many different variations, how do you know which one is the right model for you? Our answer: it’s all down the equipment you are using to capture your content. In fact, there is a GorillaPod designed for every kind of creator, whether you’re shooting content on your phone, with your action camera or with your top-of-the-range DSLR.

If you’re using DSLR and mirrorless cameras or professional-grade cameras, you’ll be more interested in the JOBY GorillaPod 3K vs 5K.

Let’s review some of the main features of these products and discuss a few of the main similarities and differences between them to find out which is the best fit for you.

JOBY GorillaPod 3K review

The JOBY GorillaPod 3K tripod, like it’s smaller siblings, is made from durable Medical-Grade ABS Plastic with rubber rings around the legs and grips at the feet to maximize stability for your shot, no matter which of the many functionalities of the tripod you plan to use.

What differentiates it from the other GorillaPods is its size and weight capacity: it’s bigger and stronger than its smaller siblings and can support DSLR/Mirrorless cameras or accessories up to 3kg (6.6lbs) in weight.

The GorillaPod 3K Kit is our most popular tripod, (in fact it is the most popular tripod kit in the world!), and it combines the GorillaPod 3K Stand and GorillaPod 3K ball head, which is equipped with its own patented quick release plate and bubble level and allows for 360° panning and 90° cut out for photos at unique angles.

JOBY GorillaPod 3K PRO review

The JOBY GorillaPod 3K PRO tripod is our latest Professional-Grade machined Aluminium Flexible tripod designed for Premium Mirrorless Cameras.

With a patented metal socket construction, this GorillaPod is not only compact and versatile, it is also extremely durable. Much like its ABS brother, this PRO version of the 3K Kit is capable of supporting DSLR/Mirrorless cameras or accessories up to 3kg (6.6lbs) in weight.

The GorillaPod 3K PRO Kit is designed for today’s content creators using the latest equipment. Available as separate GorillaPod 3K PRO Stand and Ballhead 3K PRO this brings modularity to a new generation of content creators. The ball head even features complete Arca-Swiss® Compatibility allowing you to keep the same plate on your camera across multiple support systems.

JOBY GorillaPod 5K review

The GorillaPod 5K is the original beast-mode of flexible tripods and shares the aluminum construction of the GorillaPod 3K PRO. What differentiates the JOBY 5K is its legs and ball head, which are the biggest we can possibly make whilst still maintaining a compact and flexible design. Because of its size, it is also the heaviest of the GorillaPod family, weighing in at just under a kilo (0.74kg).

Like the 3K PRO the ball head is designed to be compatible with Arca-Swiss® quick release plates so that it can support your camera or lens. The 5K ball head is also unique in the range in that it features an independent pan lock allowing you to accurately repeat 360 shots. The 5K packs a punch to support up to a 5kg(11lbs) payload.

The GorillaPod 5K Kit is the ultimate in Grip It. Wrap It. Stand It. ™

JOBY 3K vs 3K PRO vs 5K GorillaPod comparison

If you’re trying to decide which GorillaPod is right for you, consider the equipment that you plan to use it with - The main distinctions between the 3K, 3K PRO and 5K is weight capacity. If you plan on using the GorillaPod like a stick for vlogging as a beginner and you’re using an entry level DSLR or mirrorless cameras, the GorillaPod 3K Kit will mostly likely be the best fit for you – it weighs half as much as the 5K, so it won’t tire your arms as quickly while you’re shooting.

If you are a more experienced Content Creator and you are shooting with the latest Premium Mirrorless Cameras, then you will be wanting to opt for the GorillaPod 3K PRO kit to benefit from its durable construction and class leading finish.

Otherwise, if you are shooting with a professional DSLR camera and heavier lenses, you’ll want to consider the GorillaPod 5K. It’s superior in size and weight capacity, making it better able to secure heavier loads - up to 5kg (11lbs.) of weight.

Another key difference to consider is the ball head that mounts onto the tripod legs. While all of the ball heads have quick release plates for easy mounting, 360° panning and a groove to make it easy to find 90° angles, they are designed differently.

The classic 3K Ballhead is compact in design and comes equipped with a bubble level to line up your shot and one knob to controls both the panning and the movement of the ball head.

The 3K PRO Ballhead is a compact Arca-Swiss compatible design with an all metal construction and ultra-compact class leading QR plate

The 5K ballhead is biggest design we make and is designed with two separate knobs that control the panning and the tilt of the ball head. Like the 3K PRO, the 5K is also designed to be compatible with Arca-Swiss® quick release plates, while the 3K uses its own plate.

As a final consideration both the 3K PRO and 5K Kits also make excellent rigs with the addition of our GorillaPod Rig Upgrade kit, allowing you to add Beamo LED Lights and Wavo Microphones for the ultimate Vlogging set-up.

For a side-by-side comparison of all the GorillaPod tripods, you can check out the GorillaPod buying guide to figure out which one is best fit for the equipment you’re working with.


Still in doubt? Read our guide "Which GorillaPod is right for your camera?" or...watch our video guide to decide: 

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