Manfrotto now produces numerous accessories for the world of smartphones. The leading Italian company in the photography sector with its backpacks, supports and (above all) tripods has in fact adapted to the new universe in which phones are also used by various photographers for shooting and video shooting. A few months ago we tested the TwistGrip Deluxe, a set based on a very versatile jaw, the Manfrotto TwistGrip.
This component makes sense even when used alone, without the other elements that make TwistGrip Deluxe a more specific tool for video shooting. The TwistGrip supports an iPhone or an Android smartphone and allows you to create a system capable of placing the phone on a tripod, in order to be positioned correctly in any situation. We put it to the test on our own for the benefit of those who don't need much more than a jaw that they can use with a tripod.
TwistGrip how it's done
When the lockdown started everyone got a little organized to bring the work routines into the house: as far as the software is concerned it was quite simple, for the files a little less but between a cloud and a VPN it is not impossible anyway, for hardware, on the other hand, we need to start exploring new ways.
The Mac and PC webcams can work for a chat (but it would be better to opt for an external webcam) but for a video recording the required quality is substantially very different.
So the front or rear camera of our iPhones (or Android smartphones) becomes very interesting and really comfortable. What is needed is a support that on the one hand avoids the natural movements of the hand, on the other hand allows you to position the phone camera in the right position with absolute freedom.
This is why we found our tripod very useful, first dedicated to use with the reflex camera (a model like this one) and now instead moved to a smarter use, on which we have mounted the universal Manfrotto TwistGrip for smartphones.
As did
The Manfrotto TwistGrip, an Italian brand that needs no introduction for quality, represents an ideal solution for this need: the tripods on the market are in fact designed to accommodate a camera (via a screw coupling) and lack the upper part, where in fact it finds place the Clamp which, once screwed onto the tripod, grabs the smartphone in the correct position.
Out of the box Manfrotto TwistGrip for smartphones is an object made of a mixture of satin metal and plastic, rigid or rubbery depending on the position, slightly larger than a Swiss army knife.
The two ends easily rotate to build the grip, which is then adjusted by a sliding part that correctly measures the width of the smartphone, securing it with a screw.
Everything is very simple and even without instructions (however present in the package, it is operational in no more than five minutes, necessary to understand how it works and find the right position (net of tests).
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How does it work
Manfrotto TwistGrip universal for smartphones houses at the ends the housing for the tripod screw and on the other side also a housing for another accessory, which could be for example an additional light.
For the rest there are not many things to learn, in the tests carried out by us all the moving parts have always offered a feeling of precision and we have never encountered difficulties, except in some movements on the tripod, which in our case showed some limitations. and for which we have designed a tight changeover, with perhaps a smaller model to put on the table (like this one for example).
Once the iPhone is in position, we can start it with the canonical touch commands or with AppleWatch, if available or with an external hardware controller (there are various types) so as not to cause vibrations and not to move the smartphone from its balance.
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Considerations
On balance, it is incredible how a small investment like Manfrotto TwistGri for smartphones, together with a tripod, can transform a simple smartphone to keep in your pocket into an extraordinarily interesting camera.
Think of all the photographic qualities of the iPhone made available to a shot in a very simple way, thus being able to use all the apps available to the App Stores. For example, we chose BIGVU for the creation of a series of very long tutorials where there were a lot of data that were difficult to memorize that, thanks to the App, we could read on the display without noticing too much.
It was not our case, however Manfrotto TwistGrip universal for smartphones can be used for selfies directly with the tripod (if this allows it) or by taking a special extendable arm.
Pro:
• Convenient smartphone video solution • offers accommodation for additional lights • Closes for better portability
Cons:
• It does not allow the adjustable inclination if the tripod does not allow it
Price:
• 51.40 Euros (Manfrotto TwistGrip universal for smartphones) • 38.99 Euros (Tripod with bag) • 35.99 Euros (Manfrotto Table Tripods) • BIGVU 14.99 Euros per month (App for telepromotions)
Manfrotto Universal Clamp for smartphones can be purchased at the most well-stocked photography shops, or even at the headquarters of the parent company. At the time of writing it is also available with a small discount at Amazon.it.
