Content creators look out, there’s a new vlogging tripod on the loose with the sole purpose of helping you create the best, on-the-go videos you can. This multi-purpose tripod has a range of different uses to ensure you’re never caught out when you need to capture the perfect content.
Lightweight, versatile, strong and with more accessories than Inspector Gadget, the JOBY GorillaPod Mobile Rig is the perfect tripod to take on the road or use at home when you want to create content that stands out!
Best Vlogging Tripod for Phones
If you’re familiar with JOBY products you’ll also be familiar with the patented GorillaPod ball and socket design that has made their products some of the most versatile camera and phone tripods on the market. The flexible legs, along with rubberized grips, make the GorillaPod Mobile Rig accessible as a tripod or on the go selfie stick. If you can think it, the Mobile Rig can shoot it!
In this product review we jump into the nitty gritty of the GorillaPod Mobile Rig to really dissect what makes it such a great product. We’ll explore the build design, features and accessories to provide an overall review of the product.
Versatile Body
Weighing less than a pound (0.36kg), the JOBY GorillaPod Mobile Rig is small, lightweight and really easy to travel with. Despite its multiple arms and mounts it’s not a bulky tripod and won’t take up a lot of space in your luggage or day bag. Throw it in your backpack and always have it ready to rock when the moment calls.
When you do need to access it, snap the legs into place, position the arms and away you go. The strong GorillaPod ball and socket design is sturdy and strong enough to hold any phone, as well as the additional arm mount attachments, so you don’t have to worry about it tipping over when you’re in the middle of that perfect video or shot.
When you’re not using it as a traditional tripod, bend the arms inward like a handle and use the Mobile Rig like a selfie stick. The lightweight design means you can hold the phone out for that perfect selfie video without getting a sore arm or needing to find a place to rest the tripod.
Looking for the perfect camera equipment for traveling (as well as vlogging and blogging)? Check out our comprehensive Best Cameras for Travel Guide!
Landscape and Portrait Mode
One of my favorite features of the GorillaPod Mobile Rig is the ease that you can switch between landscape and portrait mode. Lots of other tripods, especially for phones, make you commit to one of the two orientations, but the Mobile Rig lets you easily adjust between the two.
A simple lock and release feature at the back lets you twist your phone between the two modes. This is all part of JOBY’s pro-grade, locking GripTight technology that ensures your phone is always safe and securely attached to the tripod. So if you’re rocking out a quick selfie or portrait vlog and then want to switch to a landscape shot, the GorillaPod Mobile Rig allows you to do it with ease, without having to untwist or unlock your phone.
Additional Arm Mounts
Another amazing feature of the GorillaPod Mobile Rig is the two, fully adjustable arms that are attached to the tripod. Each arm has a 1/4”-20 standard tripod mount on the end, which means you can add items to the tripod to help enhance your video. Whether it’s an external light or action cam to capture a different angle, or an external microphone, customize the GorillaPod arms with a flash shoe mount or GoPro mount to add extra devices.
As well as the arm mounts there’s also a cold shoe mount on top of the phone that could fit an external microphone, light or whatever else you want to add. This means you have three additional spots in total to rig out your mobile video content.
When you’re not using the additional arms you can even choose to unscrew them to further reduce the weight and bulk. The three legs are fixed, but you can can take off both arms or even just one arm if you’re not using it. There are literally dozens of different combinations that you can adjust to make this one of the most versatile tripod products.
Field Tested
After giving the JOBY GorillaPod Mobile Rig a thorough once over we decided the best way to really test it was to get out there and start filming. We locked in the iPhone with a case without any worries, hooked up a GoPro and took off to give it a whirl.
Using the tripod in both stationary and selfie was a breeze. We switched between landscape and portrait modes quickly and efficiently and didn’t get tired holding it over the course of the day.
Everything that the GorillaPod Mobile Rig promised, it delivered. Along with mounting the tripod on flat surfaces we also locked onto a tree and uneven surfaces to really test it out. While the legs on it can’t hold a ton of weight when mounted sideways, they definitely have the capacity to be manipulated to mount the tripod in awkward angles that a regular, stiff tripod couldn’t work in.
Overall this is a fantastic product that costs under $100USD. If you’re serious about your vlogging and want to up the game, the JOBY GorillaPod Mobile Rig is the tripod for you!