March 25, 2019
12:48 am

A Smartphone Photographers Must Have Accessory

By
George A Vina

Adonit has been around for some time and I first discovered them because of their smartphone stylus’s that they have been making for years. But now I see a new Adonit, they are expanding their lineup of products and comes in the PhotoGrip Qi. The PhotoGrip is an extension for your phone, it makes your smartphone feel like a real camera. If you have ever used a DSLR then you’ll already understand the look and feel of the PhotoGrip.

Carrying Pouch, Tripod, & PhotoGrip

Specs and features:

- One-handed hold

- Qi (Wireless) Charging built in with a battery, newer smartphones can take advantage of its battery back

- Bluetooth Remote Shutter Button, perfect for remote shooting or selfies

- Self Standing Base

- 3000 mAh battery, charges via USB C (cable included)

- Bonus Travel Pack: Carrying Pouch, Tripod, & Neck strap


Black variant, remote shutter button can be removed as shown


The PhotoGrip weighs 4 ounces (129 grams), connects via Bluetooth, and works with both iOS (5.0+) and Android (v4.3+) with a device 4.5” and larger. Per Adonits website the maximum phone dimensions are a width range: 58mm-85mm and Max. depth of 10mm. You can choose between Black and White/Mint. It’s made with PC+ABS and Silicone Rubber which keeps it light but not flimsy.

White/Mint variant

To use the device it is very simple, after removing the battery insulator press and hold down until you see a flashing green light after that go into your Bluetooth settings on your device and look for “Adonit Photo Remote” after it’s paired its ready to use. Easy. Simple. The way everything should be. The remote uses a removable CR2016 battery, which is slated to last 1000 continuous hours. After that, launch your favorite photo app and starting shooting!

If you have a newer smartphone with wireless charging capabilities then the PhotoGrip also dubs as a battery pack, 3000 mAh, so you can shoot all day and not sweat about running out of juice. To activate wireless charging, just press the button that looks like your phones side/lock button on the top.

I know some will ask so I will say it now, sadly this will not work for recording video in apps like Snapchat and Instagram, I don’t know if it’s a limitation with the PhotoGrip or phone manufactures not allowing that type of access, doesn’t work on my iPhone X. But it will take photos within those apps perfectly fine.

For a smartphone photographer, the PhotoGrip can be a handy tool in your arsenal. It makes holding your phone much easier, having the ability to throw it on a tripod and take remote photos is great for various scenarios like group photos, and even low light photography.

I personally do not shoot very often with my phone because I am always using my DSLR. But if I were to start using my phone more this device would definitely make me feel at home because the grip resembles that of a DSLR. For those with larger hands, it might feel a little small for you but I still think it’s better than just holding your phone because you have more contact points with your hand to keep it stable.

The PhotoGrip Qi as of this writing cost $59.99. If you think the PhotoGrip would work for you consider buying it from Adonit.

Have questions or comments? Let me know down below!

Will you be getting one?

About Adonit

is a community of creative thinkers with a meticulous focus on design, engineering, and product experience. Our products are built on the belief that technology should enable the creation process in the simplest way possible. Since our 2011 Kickstarter launch, we’ve built a carefully curated line of styluses now sold in over 150 countries. And we continue to grow with the mission of crafting tools that empower everyone to create, make, and do more in the modern workspace. Adonit is based in Austin, Texas with R&D facilities in Taipei, Taiwan. For more information about Adonit and our products visit adonit.com.tw