I used to lug around a “lightweight” full size tripod. With creative use of bungee chords I could get it into a Caradice Nelson, but even then it was dicey on the trails. And then it hit me that I had the Gorillapod in the tool kit, why was I not using it more. One small bungee and I was in action.
I have the medium SLR sold as a kit by B&H with the small sunpak ballhead. It is quick, easy and light – I love it. While not as tall as the full size the added versatility is huge. There are somethings a regular tripod just cannot do.
Also, much like the smaller size of my Micro 4/3 camera kit, I use it more because it is easier to carry and therefore with me.
i use the tiny one with my ricoh. for dslr, sometimes I haul out my landscape tripod–otherwise it’s all handheld for now. I broke my SLR capable joby earlier this year, and do miss it. Nice blog, by the way.