Accessories
SlingShot Steadicam Tripod for iPhone Review
The SlingShot tripod for the iPhone and other smartphones works as both a tripod and a video stabilizer or steadicam of sorts.
The device gets its name from the design looking like a slingshot with the iPhone sliding into the part that would hold a rubber band if it really where a slingshot. The handle includes a set of popout legs to turn it into a tripod for use in iPhone photography or to hold the iPhone while watching video or viewing other content.
Taking steady video with an iPhone is a challenge. Holding the iPhone by hand doesn’t work as well as using something like the SlingShot. The videographer or photographer can get a firm grip on the phone and steady the shot much easier with the SlingShot than using the phone by itself.
The holder fits the iPhone 4S and older perfectly. It works with the iPhone 5, but not as well since the iPhone 5 in landscape mode is wider than the iPhone 4S or older. Other smartphones that measure the same width as the iPhone 5 or smaller will work. The iPad mini even fits in portrait mode, but don’t bump it or jostle the table at all since it’s a little wobbly with all that weight.
The grip of the SlingShot screws onto the phone holder using a standard tripod screw which means cameras can screw onto the grip. Stick with a point and shoot camera or small video camera. A large DSLR or video camera will put too much weight on the SlingShot handle. The The Glif connected and it worked well too.
The ball joint head swivels around wither using the included SlingShot phone holder or screwing the handle directly to a point and shoot camera. It swivels around but still holds its position well.
At only $19.99 from BiteMyApple.co the device doesn’t set the user back much and it’s well worth the cost for a simple to use accessory.

Walter
12/03/2012 at 12:38 pm
I invested in the Slingshot mainly because I needed a tripod mount for a cased iPhone, for which it serves admirably. Most tripod mounts require a naked iPhone. I mount it to a tabletop tripod or even a regular tripod. You didn’t mention that aspect. The handle/tripod included with the Slingshot is a convenience, but not as stable as a tabletop tripod.