Best Z-Flex Tilt Head for iPhone and smartphone filmmaking
What is a Z-Flex Tilt Head? It’s basically a mount for your camera which allows you to quickly alter the position and angle.
If you’ve ever used a tripod with a locking ball head, you will know they can be a bit of fiddly and time-consuming to adjust. So a Z-Flex Tilt Head can sit on top of your tripod and help you get that angle you want a bit quicker.
They can also sit on top of other mounts, such as gimbals, sliders and so on. The Z-Flex Head also gives you the option to add some extra height to your camera position.
There’s a range of Z Flex Heads available from many different makes and for different budgets. Anything from $10 to $150+. The device pictured above is one of the higher quality (more expensive) ones. What you are paying for is extra strength, durability of moving parts, as well as an extra feature or two.
Bear in mind, some of the cheaper ones out there (under $20) claim things on shopping sites such as Amazon and others which don’t turn out to be true. For example, mounting something as lightweight as a smartphone, you will probably get away with one of these cheap versions. However, with a heavier DSLR, in reality they struggle to match the 3 kg max weight claim.
They might also claim to have a quick release system. But check the photos because you can see pretty easily if this is true. If it involves nothing but a simple 1/4 inch screw, this is not quick release.
Neewer Z Flex Tilt Ball Head with Quick Shoe QR Plate Bracket
Comes with 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch screw holes on the bottom so it can be used with tripod, video track slider, stabilizer and other different devices. Standard 1/4 inch screw on the top. The Neewer is made of CNC Machined Aluminum and can carry up to 3 kg/6.6 lbs. Neewer are known for their affordable yet durable products.
ADAI Folding Z Flex Tilt Head
The ADAI can carry weight up to 3kg/6.6 lbs. It is designed to provide extra height, adjustable from 2.6cm to 10cm. The ADAI can be mounted to tripod, video track slider or stabilizer. The top carries a standard 1/4 inch screw for cameras or smartphone mount.
The ADAI also allows 360 degree rotation at the base.
edelkrone FlexTILT Head
This model is in the higher price bracket but has a higher quality build as a result. The edelkrone can support up to 5.5 lb / 2.5 kg camera rig. The design allows you to set the position without constantly loosening and tightening the joints. Just use the key to set the joints to the desired strength and you’re good to go.
There’s a balance between the joints being too tight to adjust easily and too loose they are not strong enough to hold the camera in a fixed position.
There’s smooth panning within a 340° range and comes with panning & lens-center shifting marks. But I like the way it folds together to create a compact box with rounded corners.
Maximum extension is 6.7″ / 17 cm. Mounting options are 1/4″ – 20 on the top and 3/8″-16 on the bottom.
You might want to also check out Edelkrone’s own demonstration video which reveals even more features and creative uses. For some reason they haven’t listed the video on YouTube, but you can find it here.
Eager to learn more?
Join our weekly newsletter featuring inspiring stories, no-budget filmmaking tips and comprehensive equipment reviews to help you turn your film projects into reality!
