When I started to make videos on my phone I realised quickly that propping my phone up against a pile of books wasn’t going to cut it. The number of times I had to stop and put my phone back in the right position after it slipped out of place, even in those first couple of vlogs, was annoying. Not being willing (or having the means) to purchase a “proper” vlogging camera that would sit on my tripod (maybe if this thing kicks off), I naturally took to the internet to investigate cheap but helpful solutions. Having worked with Mobile Fun a few times in the past, and knowing they have a great range of accessories, I had a gander at their site and very easily came across a few options.
The Joby GripTight Tripod Mount caught my attention as it, very simply, promised to be the bit of plastic between my phone and the tripod I already owned. Joby is a name I already know, too – I am a big fan of their GorillaPod, and they also made the ball mount I use on the top of that and my bog standard tripod, which is perfect for getting the camera in just the right position when I’m taking a photograph. Costing £12.99 the Joby mount also fitted within my low cost requirement, although I have to say Mobile Fun very kindly gifted me the mount (sorry, is “gifted” too American?!), and sent it super quickly so I could play with it the very next day.
The plastic mount is a very simple piece of kit, with a similar design to the tops of selfie sticks; a simple spring mechanism grips hold of your phone to hold it in place (hence “griptight” of course). At the bottom is a screw mount that fits standard tripod mounts, so you can attach it to something you already have. And the whole thing folds flat so it slips into the side pocket of your camera bag, handbag or pocket making it easy to store and take with you.
I have found the mount to be incredibly useful. When I’m vlogging from my comfy Ikea chair my phone sits in exactly where I want it without any wobble or slippage. In combination with the ball mount it means I can take perfectly focused photos (no camera shake!) every time. And being so easy to use I don’t think twice about using it. My iPhone 6 fits in the mount just fine (with the thin silicone case I use on), although I wouldn’t use this mount for anything much bigger.
I would say at this point that I’m not about to put my phone in this mount and then walk around holding my GorillaPod as a selfie stick; I don’t think it is secure enough for that. But it is absolutely perfect for attaching to the tripod to shoot piece-to-camera vlogs and for taking photos on the timer (or don’t forget you can use headphones with inline controls to press the shutter button – see my Phone Photography Pointers post for this and other handy tips).
The GripTight seems very well made and does exactly what I wanted it to do, so it comes with a big recommendation for me. My phone is even more useful as a camera now I can use it with a tripod.
Thanks to Mobile Fun for sending me the Joby Griptight Tripod Mount to try out. A great little product, and only £12.99.