As our iPhone cameras get more sophisticated, there’s more of a need to have a better way to hold the iPhone steady for good photos. IK Multimedia has just released the iKlip Grip Pro ($59.99), a multifunction iPhone stand that can help photographers get the perfect picture every time.
As the company notes, the iKlip Grip Pro is 4 accessories bundled into one little package: a secure tabletop tripod, a large-grip video handle, a monopod handle, and a standard tripod adapter. It also has a detachable Bluetooth shutter control that lets you take photos without touching your iPhone.
The heart of the device is a simple spring-loaded clamp that can expand to grip the vertical sides of an iPhone “Plus” model, even with the iPhone in a case. That piece has a standard 1/4” UNC threaded tripod mount in the bottom, so the clamp and iPhone can be attached to any standard tripod.
Most of the time, though, you’ll attach it to the handle. There’s an adjustable and lockable ball joint on top for positioning the iPhone in just about any orientation you desire. The handle is ergonomically designed to fit in your hand comfortably, and has a pattern embossed onto the surface to give it a good grip.
There’s a tiny two-button Bluetooth remote that can be attached to the grip or held separately in your hand — the large bottom button is for iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, while the smaller top button is for Android use.
The Bluetooth remote is simple to pair with your iPhone — just turn on the remote and wait for it to a blue LED to start blinking repeatedly. Open Settings > Bluetooth and look for the word “Shutter”, then tap on it to pair. One more tap connects the Shutter to the iPhone and you’re ready to go.
Now here comes the fun part: turning that grip handle into a tripod. It’s actually more like a “quadropod” since in addition to the three legs, there’s a central post that can touch the ground as well for extra stability.
By rotating the head of the iKlip Grip Pro counterclockwise, the tripod legs are unlocked and can be pulled into place. By unlocking and then pulling on the head three more times, the iKlip Grip Pro can be transformed into that bane of travelers everywhere — a selfie stick!
One final piece rounds out the iKlip Grip Pro — a wrist strap that makes it simple to carry it around.
Conclusion
While I’m sure there are much less expensive alternatives on the market, IK Multimedia is known for making quality accessories — primarily for musicians. The iKlip Grip Pro is well constructed, versatile, and doesn’t take up a lot of room in a camera or computer bag, and it would make a great stocking stuffer or present for the iPhone photographer on your list.
