Glif is an essential accessory for iPhone videos.
As is evident by our articles, we enjoy technology and are excited about new products. We work to improve our own technologies so that our reviews are the best they can be. Several months ago, we began researching and experimenting with different video set-ups. One of those set-ups included an iPhone 5 and 5S. Both have the same body style and for a time, we were shooting hand held and of course, we were unhappy with the product. After some research, we found a ‘universal’ tripod mount that works with iPhones. The biggest problem was that even though it held the iPhone, it didn’t hold it securely and we were faced with a wobbly iPhone tripod mount. Eventually, we just stopped using the iPhone as a camera option rather than deal with the mount problem. Then, we discovered Glif.
Glif by Studio Neat is a universal mount for smartphones. It has two main purposes – mounting your phone to a tripod and propping your phone up in various angles. It is made from rubberized plastic and is small enough to fit in your pocket. Glif also has a 1/4”-20 thread, which fits any standard tripod or camera mount. Glif will fit most devices between 58.4-86.4mm wide and 31.2-12.7mm thick.
Glif was launched in 2010 with a Kickstarter campaign. At the time, it was built for the iPhone 4. Glif received more than 5,200 supporters, which made it possible for Studio Neat to put Glif into production.
When we received our Glif, the first thing I noticed was the packaging. It comes in a cardboard-based tube that has the instructions stamped on the sides and a unique graphic that actually demonstrates how Glif works on the side. The contents of the tube include the adjustable Glif, a hex key for adjustments and a keychain attachment.
To adjust Glif, you simply place the hex key inside either end of Glif to collapse or expand it. One end of Glif is for using the stand part of it and the other side is to adjust the width. With a few simple turns, Glif is customized for your particular device. This adjustment method is far superior to the mounts that expand using a spring. We’ve tested a few of those as well and the spring just isn’t strong enough to hold the iPhone securely.
Glif is a bit heavier than other mounts of this size that I’ve used, but again, this goes to the build quality security of the phone. I’ve adjusted and readjusted the Glif several times and haven’t felt the adjusting mechanism loosen or felt the integrity of the product fail. It’s a very solid, but still very portable accessory.
The rubberized plastic was another reason I really wanted to take a look at Glif. Some of the mounts I’ve tried had been hard plastic and I’ve been concerned that might end up damaging my iPhone. Glif’s softer side definitely eases my mind in that I know my phone won’t be scratched or maimed when using it with the mount.
Glif has made our video production efforts much easier. We can safely use our iPhones as a primary or secondary camera without worrying about its security on a tripod. We don’t have to fight with the mount to have the iPhone sitting at just the right angle. Glif just works.
Glif retails for $30. To learn more about Glif or any of Studio Neat’s fine products, visit studioneat.com.
