Shoulderpod S2 - Professional Smartphone rig, Tripod Mount and Filmmaker Grip with Wooden Handle for Shooting Photo and Video with Any iPhone or Android Phone

For some time, I had been researching electronic gimbal devices to add a steady, professional look to my smartphone videos. All brands of gimbals, even those costing several hundred dollars, seem to have mixed reviews as to performance and reliability. Plus, most gimbals are large, bulky, require frequent charging (not ideal for travel use), and, since they interface with a smartphone via Bluetooth, drain the phone's battery rather rapidly. Many reviews of electronic gimbals give less-than-glowing (sometimes scathing) reviews of the proprietary apps necessary to operate them. Few such gimbals will balance a smartphone properly without removing the phone from its protective case, a major inconvenience. I ran across a mention of the Shoulderpod S2 and, out of frustration with the problems seemingly inherent to more sophisticated (and expensive) gimbals, decided to give this simple device a try. I have been thoroughly impressed. It is a simple device, essentially a handle that attached to a phone. I didn't expect much, but used in conjunction with an iPhone's inherent video stabilization feature, it results in remarkably smooth and stable video--not far removed from the smoothness a tripod would provide, if you put a bit of effort into holding it steadily. The Shoulderpod is well made, well thought out, beautifully packaged, and extremely satisfying in its design and quality. It conveys an Apple-like feeling in its elegant design and simple function. It accommodates my iPhone with substantial Otterbox case securely and with no problems. It is compact, requires no batteries, no Bluetooth, no charging, no learning curve, no confusing app, no frustration, and takes up little space. It is perfect for travel, small enough to carry in the pocket of my jeans. Rarely does a product exceed (or even meet) expectations these days, but the Shoulderpod does. Yeah, it's expensive for what it is. And does it do all the fancy stuff a gimbal is supposed to do? No. But, I figure I saved at least a hundred bucks compared to an electronic gimbal, and saved countless hours of frustration. As a bonus, it includes two standard tripod sockets and will also stand up on a table. All in all, one of the most satisfying little devices I've purchased in a long time.

The item comes in three parts: the phone clamp with tripod threading, a nylon strap, and a handle with cork made with tripod male and female threaded ends. Handle is about right for regular to small hands. A bit too short for people with large hands.

I bought this to take to a concert to do some video recording. I was worried that I may not be able to bring it in the stadium, however, because it's so small and and it comes in pieces, there was no concern at security. The handle makes it so much easier to record and it was much more comfortable the entire night. I wish I had a remote control so I could have also used it for pictures. Will be on my to buy list. The only unfortunate thing is that I lost the strap that night!

For what you get, the S2 is pretty good and looks great. There are two chief complaints I have. First, there is no cold-shoe or 1/4 20 on the top that would allow you to add a light or a microphone like the MV88+. Second, the mounting mechanism is not quick release, so it isn't as fast to take off. If you need to mount a microphone or light, get the Shoulderpod R2 or buy the U1 upgrade kit, which will turn the S2 into an R2. It will make it a more useful product, IMO. From what I have been told the U1 upgrade kit will not be made anymore, so it will be hard to find. If you don't use a microphone or light, then the S2 is a pretty good setup. The quality of the build seems good. If you team this up with a Moment Lens and a Moment case, it looks pretty legit.

I have been using the MOVO PR-1 for some time now and really like it. I wanted a longer handle and bought the Shoulderpod. The wood handle is perfect for shape and length. I am a bit disappointed in that it is unfinished, it is rough and scratchy. It also pills my clothes. The plastic parts are of the same quality as the MOVO which is cheaper. I am using filler, a ding and sealer to finish the wood handle. The MOVO also has a level and 2 more 1/4-20 mounting threads.

My husband is a wonderful photographer but now, rather than a full-sized camera, we use our iPhones almost exclusively. I wanted to find the best accessory to help get more terrific photographs. It’s a great size for his hand and he truly liked the way it feels. This should help us on our Alaskan cruise next month.

Works as promised. If you’re a vlogger then it’s perfect; if you’re a narrative filmmaker then you’ll have to move as slow & steady as possible because each step causes the frame to jolt up & down slightly. If you’re neither then it’s also just a great stand for your phone to watch videos on.

This little handle is perfect for my I-phone 7plus. I used it to great effect on my European trip. I'm a film maker by profession and have been surprised by the ease of use and steady quality of the "S2 Handle". It's perfect for family photos and videos. Or more professional offerings.

Le produit est de très bonne qualité. Le serrage de la pince, qui tient donc le téléphone entre ses mâchoires, est ferme et stable. Pas de risque de voir le téléphone s'échapper. Le gain en stabilité est énorme, notamment si l'on cale en même temps le côté gauche du téléphone avec la main gauche (le contraire pour un gaucher). Couplé avec la stabilisation interne de l'iPhone X (non désactivable), on obtient des images d'excellente qualité, y compris dans les formats les plus définis. A noter également que le dessous du manche comporte un filetage standard, ce qui permet donc de monter l'ensemble facilement sur un pied (en ajoutant bien entendu le plateau compatible avec la rotule du pied). Je recommande donc ce produit sans aucune arrière pensée.

Brilliant, professional piece if kit .. Love it

Schon beim Auspacken und zusammensetzten macht der Griff einen sehr hochwertigen und stabilen Eindruck. Die Handschlaufe ist extrem praktisch und wirkt fest und vertrauenserweckend. Kann mit kaum vorstellen nochmal einen Handgriff für mein Telefon ohne diese Sicherheitsmaßnahme zu verwenden. Was mich aber am meisten begeistert ist das Material. Holz fühlt sich einfach in der Hand so viel besser an als das billige Plastik, dass sonst oft verwendet wird. Kann den Shoulderpod nur wärmstens empfehlen.

Lo estoy utilizando con un iPhone 11 y estoy muy gratamente sorprendido. Además de que es un modelo de presentación comercial (una caja cuidadísima), ofrece unas prestaciones muy notables para quienes deseamos hacer video con el iPhone, porque agiliza mucho todas las operaciones y ayuda a que la imagen resulte muy estabilizada. No puedo menos que felicitar a quienes lo han ideado y fabricado.

I liked that it is simple and it works. A solid feel in your hand. Holds the phone very securely.