Best Smartphone Tripod Mounts

Best Smartphone Tripod Mounts

These days, we use smartphones for all kinds of photography and video purposes. Audition self-tapes, vlogging, YouTube videos, social media posts and stories, even simple video chats with friends, family or colleagues. But if we want to mount our smartphone to a tripod, we will need some kind of a clamp.

While DSLR, mirrorless cameras or camcorders usually have a 1/4″ thread to mount directly to a tripod, smartphones need an accessory. As more and more people look to stabilize their iPhones, a number of mounts have come onto the market. So here’s the best ones we could find.

In the above image from Think Media’s channel, he’s using a JOBY GorillaPod 3K Kit with a MePHOTO SideKick360 tripod mount and a Shure MV88 microphone.

Universal Tripod Mount

There are plenty of cheap clamps available. Sometimes they come included with a grip or tripod. But they tend to be a bit flimsy and limited to a horizontal-only position.

This universal tripod mount is highly popular and pretty solid, for what it is. The clamp switches easily from horizontal to vertical and visa versa. The clamp itself secures the phone to the tripod, with or without a case. Fix the phone more securely in place with a tightened screw rather than a spring.

Find Universal Tripod Mount on Amazon

MeFOTO SideKick360 and SideKick360 Plus

While more expensive, the MePHOTO SideKick360 and SideKick360 Plus (for larger phones) is stylish, has a metal bracket and more flexibility when positioning your smartphone. The metal bracket is attached by a ball joint which can be adjusted to vertical, horizontal and many other positions.

The base of the clamp has a variety of mounting options too, including UNC 1/4-20 & 3/8-16 foot mount. Compatible with the Arca-Swiss System. If you have a larger phone, then you might need to choose the Plus option.

If you intend to use your smartphone mounted to a tripod frequently, this is probably the better option than one of the cheaper models.

“I use it for everything, all the time.” YouTuber, Think Media

Find MePHOTO SideKick360 on Amazon

Joby GripTight Mount PRO

Joby are one of the best makers of tripods and mounts for iPhones and smartphones. The GripTight Mount Pro is inexpensive and very flexible. The Joby tripod mount also has a very smooth system for rotating from horizontal to vertical.

As you can see, the clamp screws tight for extra security. Again, this is a very flexible smartphone tripod mount which allows you to angle your iPhone however you want.

Find Joby GripTight Mount PRO on Amazon

Ulanzi ST-02S

The Ulanzi ST-02S is one of the best little smartphone tripod mounts. It doesn’t have the flexibility of some of the others, although it can still switch from vertical to horizontal. However, it does allow you to attach other accessories like microphones, lights or even a DJI Osmo Pocket.

It’s not too expensive, small, simple to use and solidly built. The cold shoe mount on the top allows microphone or LED lights to be mounted that way, also.

Find Ulanzi ST-02S on Amazon

ULANZI U-Rig Pro

One of the best tripod mounts from Ulanzi is the U-Rig pro. There are a few of these types of tripod mount available. In terms of cost, this is one of the cheaper ones. In price, they range from this all the way up to Beastgrip Pro models. You’ll note there’s quite a difference in price.

Although they don’t have the same flexibility when it comes to switching from vertical to horizontal, or changing angle, they do have some advantages. One is that when detached from the tripod, they have hand grips either side for handheld work. Another is the mounting options on the grip for added items such as lights, microphones and more.

One thing missing from this model, is the ability to mount conversion lenses. Whereas the Zecti and the Beastrip Pro models do have this feature.

Find ULANZI U-Rig Pro on Amazon

Zecti Cell Phone Holder

A cheaper alternative to the MePHOTO clamp above is the Zecti iPhone holder. Personally, I do like Zecti products. They well made and easy to use. As above, this this clamp has a ball joint to allow the smartphone to be set at many different angles. Switching from horizontal to vertical is no problem.

The Zecti smartphone holder is all-metal and finely machined. Add lights, microphones and more. The mounting plate is the widely-used Arca-Swiss System. One minor downside is the use of spring as opposed to the stronger screw-tightened phone grip.

Find Zecti Cell Phone Holder on Amazon

Read More…

What are the Best Tripods for Smartphones ?

Check out our full Smartphone Filmmaking KIT LIST.

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