The great thing about the photographic trade is that it is so diverse and inventive - if a need is identified - or just created - there are a number of manufacturers who will leap up and offer a product. Some of the products may turn out to be frank commercial copies of other designs - but some of them are rather special and unique. I think we can assign the Manfrotto Twistgrip to this exclusive group.
The need was for a device to hold a mobile phone steady for video work. That's steady in a flat orientation with the long side of the phone horizontal. Then the shots that come from it will go through the conventional editing processes and be displayed on a wide screen. Anything else may be art, or science, but it does not please the eye of the audience.
A mobile phone is a slippery fish - just ask the innumerable people who have had them drop out of their hands and hit the ground - Goodbye Mr. Screen. Hello Mr. Repairman or Hello Apple Shop. I've come to spend with you again...
The Manfrotto answer to this is characteristically stylish - a cast metal clamp that expands and locks to grip the sides of the phone while providing a 1/4" threaded socket under the assembly to attach to a tripod or other stable base.
Manfrotto make enough tripods for this purpose - no-one need go wobbly.
The fun and stylish part of the design is the end bits that go from compact flat pads to 90º jaws with just a twist. In your pocket, out of your pocket...the ideal accessory for the light traveller.
They've even included a plastic-covered accessory slot on the top to add an LED light or external microphone. I should combine it with one of their tabletop tripods and set yourself up as a broadcaster.
