5 Tripod Mounts for the iPhone 5

Creating sharp images with the iPhone 5 depends to a large extent on how stable you can hold the phone. There are times when mounting the iPhone to a tripod is really the best option.

The light is low, but in front of you is a fantastic scene that you want to capture on your iPhone 5. The problem? A hand-held photo is bound to be blurry, even with the iPhone’s built-in image stabilization. If you had a stand-alone compact camera and a tripod, you would simply place the camera on a tripod by attaching it via its built-in tripod mount. iPhones (and, in fact, almost all Smart Phones) lack this feature. Fortunately, there are plenty of choices that cost from $7 to $70 which will let you connect to a small tripod, monopod, or creative grip.

Apple iPhone 5

Adorama Tripod Mount
GorillaPod Magnetic Tripod

The iPhone 5 can be attached to a tripod via a tripod mount adapter.

A tripod mount adapter allows you to connect your phone to any accessory that uses the standard 1/4-20 tripod socket. I’ve chosen five tripod mount adapters for the iPhone 5 that I use and recommend.

The best advice I can give you, is choose the mount that best suits your shooting style. Read the descriptions of each mount, below, then pick a tripod mount that is the best fit for your needs. I use tripod mounts when I’m shooting at night or on occasions when I find interesting subjects or unique angles. Its always fun to test and explore the various options available.

Image: Courtesy @fashion on Instagram. Slow Shutter Cam, Gorillapod Tripod & Adorama Tripod Mount.

Tripod Mounts

I have a variety of tripods, mounts and adapters that I use to grab snapshots & video in and around the city using my iPhone 5. These are some of my favorites:

1. Adorama Adapter ($7)

The Adorama Adapter is made of plastic and uses a spring loaded metal design that allows a phone to be easily attached, even if its in a phone case. It is strong enough to hold the phone vertical but It is not designed to hold the phone in a a horizontal position. I use these adapters on a regular basics and they work well when I’m shooting video or stills in the field

2. Mosy Smartphone mount  ($14.95)

The Mosy Smartphone Mount is made of a flexible rubber material with an adhesive pad on the back that is easily attached to my iPhone 5 case. The treaded tripod socket is positioned slightly off center. This is my go to adapter when I need a mount that i can depend on. I use this mount when I shoot at odd angles, upside down or leaning over the edge of a bridge.

3. Joby GripTight ($19.95)
The  smartphone mount is made of a flexible plastic material. It can easily fold down to a compact size and its small enough to put in my pocket. It works by using a spring- loaded grip that secures the iPhone in place. This is the mount that I always carry with me. Its always in my pocket whenever I’m heading out without my camera bag.

4. Capta Tripod Mount Phone Stand ($29.95)
The Capta Tripod Mount Phone Stand is constructed out of a solid piece of aluminum and uses a sticky adhesive pad to hold the iPhone in place. It is pretty straight forward to use, the adhesive pad is really strong, reusable and it doesn’t leave any marks. I mainly use this indoors and its great for shooting at any angle.

5. Kirk iPhone Mounting Bracket ($70)
The Kirk iPhone Mounting Bracket is made of solid alloy aircraft aluminum. They have made it easy to securely clamp the iPhone 5 into the adjustable bracket. It is a beautifully made mounting bracket with a smooth rotation option from horizontal to vertical. This is definitely my favorite mount when my phone is not in a case and I often use it with the Olloclip lens.

Now that we’ve solved your iPhone 5 tripod adapter dilemma, you should be thinking about all the creative shots you’ll be able to finally take. Choose as many adapters as you need, so that you can be ready anytime, to shoot that perfect image.

Images: Courtesy @fashion on Instagram. Slow Shutter Cam, Gorillapod Tripod & Adorama Tripod Mount.

Check out more iPhone 5 Accessories at the Adorama iPhone Toolshed.