It’s no secret the latest iPhones can produce incredible video. I’ve been blown away by how well my iPhone 15 Pro Max footage matches my Sony FX3 cinema camera. And though I always try to remember to shoot more BTS during my commercial shoots, I often forget or don’t feel I have the time to setup my iPhone to shoot.
I’ve tried everything from smartphone gimbals (too cumbersome to balance and setup) to telescopic MagSafe tripods (too wobbly when extended), so have been looking for a pocketable MagSafe table-top tripod stand in the hopes of making more BTS and real-world footage without friction.
I purchased three models to test, and wanted to share my findings. Spoiler: there is no perfect MagSafe tripod, but I’ll share the pros and cons for each and what I’ve settled on for now.
Before we look at the phones, here’s a supertip for matching your iPhone footage to your Sony cameras.
Tip: Easily Match Your iPhone Footage to the Sony FX3 with This LUT
I was struggling to do this, even when shooting LOG, until I purchased the Phantom LUTS for all my cameras. I’m not affiliated, but just a very happy customer. There will usually be a few tweaks needed, but I’m really impressed with the matching of skintones and I’m comfortable using my iPhone as a wide angle b-camera in well-lit scenes.
Requirements
- Can hold my iPhone 15 Pro Max with Hollyland Lark M2 wireless mic receiver attached in both horizontal and vertical positions as a stand-alone tripod.
- Compact and lightweight for EDC
- Bonus: attach to tripods and stands with ease
COMAN DP55
Verdict: Best for Arca-Swiss Tripod use
Buy the Coman DP55 at:
Amazon US https://amzn.to/3H5WC4X
Amazon CA https://amzn.to/3Zs4Z0O
Pros:
- double-sided integrated arca-swiss compatibility
- lots of 1/4-20 taps
- integrated cold-shoe (of limited use)
Cons:
- does not fit vertical iPhone 15 Pro Max with mic receiver
- second hinge makes it difficult to maneuver
- shorter than the rest as a stand-alone table tripod
- heavier than the rest at 110g
ULANZI MA30
Verdict: Thinnest and with Integrated Carabiner makes for easiest EDC
Buy the Ulanzi MA30 at:
Amazon US https://amzn.to/43qCsdx
Amazon CA https://amzn.to/43kJIaz
Pros:
- Integrated Carabiner makes for easy EDC
- thinner than the rest when folded
- Taller than the rest
Cons:
- no easy way to attach to tripods and grip gear
- No exposed screws to adjust hinge tension – wear over time?
- less versatile in positioning as MagSafe head is not hinged
- at 103g, not as light as the MT-02
SHINEWEE MT-02
Verdict: Lightest with innovative hook design and integrated 1/4-20 taps, making this the most versatile.
Buy the Shinewee MT-02 at:
Amazon US https://amzn.to/3F1ST7Z
Amazon CA https://amzn.to/4jgnkFx
Pros:
- lighter than the rest at only 73g
- Hinged MagSafe head makes it the most versatile tabletop stand
- many 1/4-20 taps make for easy attachment to camera tripods, clamps and light stands.
- integrated cold-shoe (of limited use)
- innovative hook allows it to be hung (limited but useful)
Cons:
- not as tall as Ulanzi
- no integrated arca-swiss plate
- tiny hook and legs could be finicky for hose with large fingers
Wishlist
There is no perfect MafSafe tripod … yet. I would LOVE to see a company integrate the best of each of the above to make the ultimate MagSafe Travel Tripod:
- Integrate the MagSafe carabiner clip of the Ulanzi with the hook design of the MT-02, and add the integrated arca-swiss compatibile base of the Coman DP55 to make the ulitamte MagSafe travel tripod. Now someone please make it 🙂
Wrapping Up
Have you found a MagSafe tripod you like? Let me know in the comments.
That’s it for this post, but before I let you go, I have a thought of the day to share. And the thought of the day is this:
“… look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:17b-18 ESV
