REVIEWED: Manfrotto TwistGrip & HandGrip
A second look at this updated premium universal smartphone clamp reveals a more solid grip on a phone that gives much more peace of mind
We’ve reviewed the Manfrotto TwistGrip before, and although it travelled in our photography kit-bag for a few months, there was one big problem; trust. The clamp’s grip on phones just wasn’t 100% reliable when used with a phone wearing a case. All it took was a couple of slips to dent any confidence we had in it.
Manfrotto TwistGrip & HandGrip review: new design
Luckily, the designers have now given the TwistGrip a once-over, and there’s good news. This universal tripod clamp for smartphones and compact cameras now has ridged silicon where it meets the phone, with 5mm lips that make it very difficult for any device to slip. It’s now all about totally hands-free confidence.
Manfrotto TwistGrip & HandGrip review: stability
Designed to accompany the Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod an adjustment screw gives plenty of stability, as does the TwistGrip construction itself, and if you’re aiming for pro-quality snaps and video, this is an excellent product
Manfrotto TwistGrip & HandGrip review: C-shaped design
The design is unusual, but simple; the two end-pieces fold inwards at a 90-degree angle to create a C-shape that grips any brand or model of phone – or compact camera – and screws-in to any tripod on the bottom. There’s even a gap at the top to insert a Manfrotto LUMIMUSE 3 LED flash light for recording video and photos.
Manfrotto TwistGrip & HandGrip review: handheld
TravGear was also sent a Manfrotto TwistGrip HandGrip, a handheld extension to the TwistGrip meant for making handheld video a touch more stable. When attached to the bottom of the TwistGrip, it creates something in between a gimbal and a small selfie-stick, with a wrist-strap attached for safety. It’s a nice idea, it’s very well made, and can be used with a lot of different accessories, but it’s nevertheless rather expensive for what it is.
Manfrotto TwistGrip & HandGrip review: pocket-sized
Steady, sturdy and safer than ever, the 104x25mm, 80g Manfrotto TwistGrip is perfect for storing in a pocket and pairing with a pocket-sized tripod anytime you want to use your phone for a low-light or time-lapse photo, or any kind of video.