Home Reviews ,,,,, The quality of smartphone cameras is now at such a level that we can think of using the latest generations also for the acquisition of professional quality photos and videos, as well as obviously to be the classic Youtuber. Therefore, if there are handles that help manage shooting with reflex cameras, we should not be surprised to see a reinterpretation of this tool tailored for smartphones appear in the Andoer catalog. We received a test sample in the editorial office together with a monopod with a mini-tripod base and a continuous light LED flashlight designed for action cameras but which, thanks to a particular attachment included in the package, allows it to be used even with the reflex. or in combination with the smartphone by means of this practical handle.
How is the handle made
The handle is made entirely of polycarbonate, a material sufficiently robust for its use and which allows to maintain a very low overall weight (it weighs just 160 grams). By holding the two handles with a little force you can flex the whole structure, but despite this the plastic does not creak and gives the whole impression of being able to withstand slight stresses.
Professional tools use more full-bodied handles, perhaps accompanied by some soft sponge grip: here instead, probably also due to the lower weight it has to bear, they do not have a particular shape, on the contrary, they are carved inside to reduce the overall weight to a minimum. accessory.
This instrument has three screw attachments, one on the base and the other two on the outer edges of the handles, thus allowing it to be attached to a tripod either horizontally or vertically. On the upper bracket there are, on the sides, two openings with the classic speedlite flash attachment that allows you to attach external microphones, LED flashlights and other accessories useful during shooting.
The most elaborate part is the central bracket, composed of a thick silicone padding (recognizable in the photo by the red color) which increases the grip of the smartphone fixed in the built-in clamp. The latter, instead of being managed by the classic spring system, is controlled by a large screw that adjusts on the back, a choice that we appreciated because it is more immediate in use and certainly more durable over time.
The opening of the clamp is very wide, allowing you to also fix phablets or mini-tablets inside: it ranges from a minimum of 4.4 cm to a maximum of 10.8 cm, while the internal length is 22 cm and this therefore guarantees a total compatibility with all smartphones and phablets currently on the market (even with attached case).
How is the LED flashlight made
The LED flashlight is primarily designed for use with action cameras. The dimensions are in fact close to those of a GoPro, while the weight, including the bracket for attachment to a tripod, is 170 grams. Here, too, the predominant material is polycarbonate, of the same manufacture as that used for the handle even if it appears even more resistant to the touch.
On the base there is the sled to attach the tripod attachment which, due to its conformation, also collaborates with the sleds for flashes, or for the useful attachment for fixing to a selfie stick, on the opposite side there is it is the universal shoe mount compatible with action camera accessories. On the front side a transparent plastic cover protects the 20 built-in LEDs and a side slot allows you to hook the two orange and pink diffusers that allow you to slightly turn the light of the torch: they are very useful accessories because they allow you to manage the balance in the room and get much more natural final colors. For example, the orange filter can be used with the white balance mode set to “Tungsten” or cold tones to have a neutral color balance, especially as regards the faces of the framed subjects.
On one side there is the button to turn on the flashlight, on the other a clamp that allows you to open the rear cover that keeps you safe from water and dust (the flashlight is underwater and can also be used in dives up to 40 meters of depth. depth without the aid of any additional cover) and eventually replace the battery by removing the secondary cover using a flat screwdriver.
How the monopod is made
Among the three it is the one we liked the most from the point of view of the materials used. The rod is in fact made entirely of satin aluminum, very light and with a very resistant appearance. The monopod consists of five telescopic rods which, if all open, allow you to reach a height of 170 centimeters from the ground. When closed, it measures 50 centimeters.
The opening of the temples is managed by four quick-release screws: who writes personally prefers systems with clips as they are quicker for opening and closing the various temples, the one used by the Andoer monopod allows you to unscrew all four the handles and adjust the length of the various rods in about 10-15 seconds. Each screw is accompanied by a rubber cover with embossed texture which is very comfortable as it ensures an excellent grip even with gloves.
The lower tip of the monopod is made of rubber but in the package we also find an interchangeable tip with mini-tripod, very useful in video shooting because it allows you to support even a reflex and, thanks to the ball head, guarantees excellent fluidity for movements. The movements of the rod can also be limited by unscrewing a screw that blocks any inclination and is very useful especially if you intend to use the system for a self-timer even with heavy equipment such as a reflex: outdoors or in case of strong wind it will certainly not be as stable as a common tripod but it still allows you to stabilize a self-timer or a landscape photo with fairly fast shutter speeds.
The handle is covered with a very wide sponge structure and on the upper side there is also a wrist strap that can possibly be removed. The handle to stabilize video shooting with a smartphone or any camera is fixed in the appropriate ¼ '' screw accompanied by a thick circular base (5 cm in diameter).
Field test
The trio of accessories can be used with a smartphone or, taken as individual tools, even with action or mirrorless cameras and professional cameras. Those who use a smartphone for video shooting certainly derive excellent benefits both in freehand shooting and in those from a fixed point.
The handle alone improves the grip of a smartphone a lot, especially when using it for awkward shots such as low shots or leaning out of a car. Especially if you wear gloves it is a very sturdy and comfortable tool to hold in your hand, it weighs very little even with an attached smartphone, which remains firmly blocked by the vice. You just have to pay attention to the position of the side buttons: for example, an iPhone will not have to be positioned perfectly in the center because you risk crushing the Volume (+) key in the vice that allows you to start / stop recordings, just as with an Android smartphone you could mistakenly press the Standby button and turn off the phone (this happened during some tests with an Oukitel device).
The LED flashlight is excellent because the light emitted at maximum power is really great (you can also halve the power to double the autonomy, which unfortunately is very low: the 1,900 mAh ensure almost 1 hour and a half at maximum power.
The monopod is the accessory that excited us the most because unlike a tripod it is much less bulky, much lighter and, with the mini-tripod tip, just as useful for most situations. Excluding long exposure photographs, it is truly indispensable even for those who simply own a reflex: we have replaced it for our tripod for all photographic outputs and we have never regretted leaving the tripod at home. The fluidity of the ball head on the tip allows you to record videos with extreme ease, especially when standing in one point (for example at the corner of a room) and taking a shot by slowly moving the frame from side to side .
Conclusions
Even just one of these accessories can really make a difference in video shooting. Together they are a winning combination to improve them a little in all situations, ranging from freehand videos to stabilized ones or at night. The quality / price ratio is excellent.
Retail price
All three of Andoer's accessories can be purchased on Amazon. The smartphone handle costs 17 euros, the LED flashlight costs 25 euros while the monopod (including the mini-tripod tip) costs 38 euros.
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