Peak Design Mobile Tripod - Black

I have PeakDesign cases for both iOS and Android phones, and love the cases, but what really makes them shine is this "tripod-thingy".At first it seems quite overpriced (ok - it's not cheap!) but its thoughtful functionality beats absolutely everything I have used since smartphones were invented (I started with iPhone 2 and then Pixel 3!). The design is very adaptable: vertical or horizontal, flush with the table surface (for quick use) or raised above the surface (to allow room for a charging cable, although it works even better with an L-shaped adapter; better than regular Lightining or USB-C cable), strong, so it does not separate from the phone in a bag or backpack.I tried this also with available "universal sticky adapter square," when there was no PeakDesign case for my previous phone for a while, and in that setup, I would give it 4 stars for that use - it creates a small distance between the folded tripod and the phone (a larger, rectangular adapter would easily solve this problem - that's a hint, PeakDeasign design team!) which makes it easier to pop-off in a bag sometimes and slightly less stable in fully extended 3-leg vertical position. But even in that less-than-optimal setup it was still better than other "stand" solutions I had tried, and if you change phones, for $25 you can just get an adapter and you're set.But it is really designed to be PERFECT with PeakDesign cases, and then it is a 5+ star showstopper. Really. (I paid full price for both I own, and have no vested interest other than I love thoughtfully designed things that do the job perfectly). The tiny magnetic thingy to let you tighten the ballhead friction is genius and while I don't have to use it often, over time, it is useful for a small tightening/tweaks.This is my favorite phone "accessory" of all time - no question about that!

This is perhaps one of the most underrated or at least lesser known Peak Design (PD) products and it is awesome. This product is about the thickness of 4 credit cards and secured firmly to the back of the PD mobile cases with a strong magnet. It will attach to an iPhone or other magsafe type connection or metal but PD case has stronger magnets than my iPhone 15 magsafe magnet. So if you wan to leave it on your phone I suggest using the PD case which are awesome too. The magnet will work on my wife’s phone without the PD case well enough to take pictures but not enough to leave it on while taking it in and out of my pocket or to trust carrying the phone by the tripod. The tripod stays nice and tight after frequent use but it’s nice there is a small easy to use tool included and hidden away and secured in place on the tripod. The tripod works well on a variety of surfaces and can be adjusted easily with the micro ball head. The tripod’s design has one limitation. With a large phone in portrait (vertical) orientation the bottom of the phone will come into contact with the tripod legs blocking the rear facing camera camera from shooting upwards. In landscape (horizontal) mode this is not an issue with either the front facing or rear caching cameras is not an issue. Shooting with the front facing camera in portrait orient it is usually fine, as it can from level to almost straight up which is generally fine for most selfies.

The Peak Design Mobile Tripod is the perfect mix of cute and functional. It’s super easy to adjust, folds flat to fit in your bag or pocket, and has a magnetic attachment that makes snapping your phone into place so simple. Plus, the sleek matte black design gives it such a polished look. Whether you’re traveling, creating content, or just want a stylish setup, this tripod’s got you covered!

Let me start by saying for what this is, as others have said, the Mobile Tripod is overpriced. That said, the premium quality and thoughtfulness of the design immediately come through when you unbox the product and we have to keep in mind they are first to market. The R&D along with the premium materials is costly.As for the product itself: The tripod works as described, holding my iPhone 12 Pro Max (which is fitted with an Apple leather case) with ease. Whether choosing portrait or landscape format- there are a variety of angles you can use the tripod with. I adjusted the tension, slightly, using the included tool when the tripod arrived. Overall it’s best features are the size and cleverness of the form factor paired with MagSafe technology.As for why I purchased the tripod; I often use the Moment MagSafe tripod mount during outings with my daughter. Paired with a selfie stick with tripod and my watch; I’m able to take picture of us wherever and whenever. At times though the setup is clunky and even unnecessary. So I started looking on Amazon and was going to get a smaller tripod- enter the Top Peak. I no longer have to worry about carrying around a full tripod and will be able to leverage a table or ledge, as needed, to position the camera higher. I’ll also always have a tripod in my pocket and an added bonus is it is great for using as a stand for me phone.This did get me thinking, what about the times I do need a tripod? I won’t want to carry both setups. Wouldn’t it be great if the Peak Design could also accept a standard 1/4” screw found on most tripods. Looking at the Top Peak, I found that The main support leg, is the exact thickness as a 1/4” #8 nut. Mounting the but to the surface was an option but then the tripod wouldn’t be as sleek and would eliminate some functionality. I realized I could drill a hole in the leg, while sacrificing the key to tighten the mount. I don’t see myself having to do that repeatedly now that I set it. And the benefit of being able to downsize my overall EDC and pair the Insta 360 self stick with built in tripod with the Top Peak seemed like a great alternative.So I drilled a hole in the center of the leg to accommodate the 1/4” nut. It fits perfectly, almost as designed that way (hint hint for v 2.0)There are other ways that this could be accomplished. For instance, I don’t have the tools, and although I know it can be done, I’ve never tapped metal before to thread it. This would eliminate the need for a nut and the removal of as much material from the support leg as I did. At the same time it runs the risk of there not being enough material as there is a cavity where the key was stored. Anyway, I bonded everything together with JB Weld steel and then refinished to match the aesthetic my EDC.So overall, nice overly priced accessory, but with a little time, tools and epoxy…. A great overpriced accessory.

This product will be handy for upcoming travel, for hands free use of my cellular phone. Its compact and stable, and grips the phone firmly.