ZGrip iPhone Jr. review

The ZGrip iPhone Jr. from Zacuto is the first consumer handgrip designed for the iPhone 3GS, to aid shooting videos, but what is it like?

Description from Zacuto's website: "The Zgrip iPhone Jr. is a handgrip system for shooting professional stable video using the iPhone 3Gs. The iPhone 3Gs snaps into the iPhone cradle which is attached to the handgrip. The handgrip has a ¼ 20” thread on the bottom so you can mount it to a tripod. It also has a ¼ 20” thread on the top for mounting accessories such as a light."

So how does it look and feel?

The ZGrip iPhone Jr. is a simple design consisting of a molded handgrip and a solid steel iPhone holder, which is mounted on the grip and held in place by 6 screws (3 either side of the grip).

The holder is very much like that of the tried, tested and trusted ones used by US company Thoughout on their range of PED3 mounts and stands; in fact I suspect this has been either produced by them, or the design licensed to Zacuto for use with the grip (if not then I see a patent infringement case looming).  The holder itself is slightly different to that of the PED3 range, in so much as it has been shaped to ensure the iPhone's camera lens is not obscured, and has the addition of a ¼ 20” thread to allow for an accessory such as a light to be mounted.

The grip is molded from toughened plastic with a rough textured finish, which ensures the grip does not easily slip from your hands.  On the bottom of the grip there is a ¼ 20” thread for mounting the grip to a tripod, which if used with a quick release tripod mount allows for greater flexibility.

The fit and finish

The iPhone holder is nicely finished (although on my sample the thread for the accessory is a little jagged) and securely fixed to the grip.  Fitting the iPhone in to the holder was a little awkward as the fit was very tight, but once fitted you have the reassurance that your iPhone is not going to fall out of the holder.

The grip feels nice and is well balanced in the hand, and with its textured finish feels comfortable and secure.  The only gripe I have, is with the finish of the grip, as you can clearly see bits of plastic and glue, where the 2 halves of the grip have been joined.

What do I think of the ZGrip iPhone Jr?

ZGrip iPhone Jr. is a great little product, which if you are serious about shooting video on your iPhone 3GS, then is a must have accessory.

The only things I would like to see, are for the price to be a little lower, and the finish a little more refined.

The ZGrip iPhone Jr. is available now directly from Zacuto priced at $69.00 excluding any taxes or shipping.