Gymbl – iPhone Tripod of a Special Kind

A clever combination of an iPhone case and tripod, which should be standard equipment for the more ambitious iPhone photographer.

Posted by Julia on 27.11.2011 in “Hardware | Keine Kommentare”

Doesn’t it  bother you sometimes that the video – shot with the iPhone – is so blurred?  Or that sometimes you cannot position the iPhone exactly in the right position for a photo, because you then no longer can reach the controls?  While a real tripod is just too large and something small would have been great.

Here the Gymbl enters the picture: A clever combination of an iPhone case and tripod, which should be standard equipment for the more ambitious iPhone photographer.

I introduce here: The Gymbl

Thanks to my active and sometimes quite joyful Twitter timeline I stumbled upon the Gymbl. What fascinated me immediately: the ability to finally take along a tripod for the iPhone that fits in a handbag and no more the big tripod, which I use for the DSLR.

The Gymbl is precise and even more: it consists of a 2-part iPhone Case, which is slid onto the tripod and becomes the tripod base.

The Gymbl has arrived from the U.S.

This is all included in the package:

The case fits, both the iPhone 4 and the 4S, whereby the newer model fits very tight in the case and requires some patience and more push to be freed from it again.

The tripod-leg itself is a rather unique construction: It consists of two legs moving freely, fitted with a non-slip rubber tip, and a very wide leg, which gives the whole thing stability. (caption under picture #2)

The tripod legs of Gymbl

The matching tripod head (caption under picture # 4)

First shots with the Gymbl

The head of Gymbl makes a setup that can be tilted by a pivot hinge on a 180 degree axis and can rotated 360 ​​degrees.

The iPhone is attached thereto by sliding the Gymbl case on this head. This then results in a plethora of different usage scenarios, because the tripod head can even be tilted away even in some positions.

Gymbl in the meadow with tilted tripod head

Gymbl and iPhone in portrait orientation

Gymbl with iPhone when using the front camera

Suitable for everyday use

Due to its small size Gymbl is very easy and convenient to transport. Takes up hardly any space and weighs no more than a glove, so that it can be taken along on every walk, comfortably in a trouser or jacket pocket.

The Case for the iPhone on the one hand enlarges the dimensions of the iDevice, but on the other hand it provides for a very good grip and added stability when taking pictures and movies.

The sleeve for iPhone as pushed together

The iPhone is completely enclosed and provides and excellent grip.

All controls are accessible as before.

Those who have an iPhone 4S, will appreciate the utility when shooting videos, it automatically gives less wobbling. iPhone 4 owners can achieve equally good results with the Gymbl. By folding the tripod together, the legs become a “rod” and with the whole design one can hold it firmly to succeed also with smoother shots.

If you have the possibility to place Gymbl on a firm surface, you can perform with a little practice, even real panning. These are then absolutely horizontal, without shaking and give your video a professional incredible character.

Those who use apps like Slow Shutter, would also not like to do without the Gymbl: long exposures always require a tripod and the Gymbl is a super alternative to a large tripod, if you do not already have one.

If you already own a tripod, but are looking for a safe way to mount the iPhone on it, has two options to choose from. One is the GLIF, which I have introduced to you some time ago already. The GLIF is a pure stand attachment, you attach the iPhone into (works with the iPhone 4 and 4S).

The Gymbl can also be screwed onto a tripod. May look a bit out of the ordinary, because of the way the feet of the Gymbl are positioned, but it works.

Conclusion
Anyone who uses his iPhone 4 and 4S as the main camera – apart from the DSLR – will find in Gymbl a strong and versatile partner for creative photo opportunities.

It must be clear, that the Gymbl is not a full tripod-replacement. Due to its size, it is best to compare it with a table stand. That makes it incredibly portable, but when it’s time to go up high, this little one is reaching its limits.

Nevertheless, it is a very stable and safe alternative for those looking for a convenient stand for your iPhone to shoot better video and even better pictures.

You can read the full review here….

(This is a translation of the German language blog.)