As someone who loves capturing moments, especially while travelling or just out and about, I often found myself in a bind. How do you get a steady shot, include yourself in a group photo, or simply reach a slightly awkward angle when all you have is your action camera? The struggle to frame the perfect shot or avoid shaky footage when holding the camera by hand was real. Solving this problem was crucial; otherwise, countless memories would be documented poorly, or worse, missed entirely due to fumbling or inability to get the right perspective. A compact, reliable solution was exactly what I needed.
- The pocket-size shorty (4.6in, 11.7cm) is the perfect partner for on-the-go activities, travel and more
- Extend shorty up to 8.9in (22.7cm) for group shots, selfies and other hard-to-reach angles, Kick out the built-in tripod for stable shots on any level surface.
- Prop shorty up on any level surface with its built-in tripod
What to Look For in a GoPro Mount/Tripod
Action cameras are all about capturing dynamic moments, but sometimes you need static stability or a bit of extra reach. This is where mounts and tripods come in, solving the fundamental problem of getting your camera where it needs to be, whether it’s a stable surface or just a bit further from your body. The ideal customer for a portable mount is someone who uses their action camera frequently on the go – travellers, casual vloggers, family vacationers, or anyone who wants spontaneous, improved shots without carrying bulky gear. If you need a professional-grade, heavy-duty tripod, extensive reach for complex shots, or mounts for extreme sports where maximum security is paramount, a simple mini pole/tripod might not be sufficient. In those cases, look for larger, more specialized mounting systems or full-sized tripods designed for heavier loads and greater stability range. Before buying any mount for your action camera, consider its size and weight – is it truly portable? How much extension do you need? What material is it made from, and does it feel durable? Does it offer both grip and tripod functionality? Compatibility is key, especially if you’re looking at third-party options, but even with official gear, understanding its limitations is important. Finally, weigh the cost against the perceived value and functionality offered.
- CONSTRUCTION: The tabletop tripod is made of Aluminum Alloy, durable and solid; With the use of a vlogging tripod, it can achieve greater performance and maintain image quality for cropping larger...
- ADJUSTABLE MINI DESK TOP TRIPOD: Extend to 24.4 inches/62 centimeters, folds to 12.6 inches/32 centimeters, with extended center column to meet your different vlogging, shooting, photography and...
- ▶【Click-to-Open】ULANZI TT38 Camera Tripod, Grip to Tripod in a Snap, Seamlessly switch between camera grip and tripod with just a push, never missing a shot. It also has a cold shoe mount on the...
Introducing the GoPro Shorty
Stepping into the world of essential action camera accessories, one product that caught my eye is the GoPro Shorty Mini Extension Pole Tripod (GoPro Official Mount). This is a neat, pocket-sized accessory designed to function as both a mini extension pole and a built-in tripod for your GoPro camera. The promise is simple: provide a compact, versatile tool for stable shots, selfies, and hard-to-reach angles on the go. When you purchase the GoPro Shorty, you get the device itself, ready to mount your camera directly. Compared to larger, more complex GoPro mounts like the 3-Way or El Grande, the Shorty is significantly smaller and lighter, prioritizing ultimate portability over extensive reach or grip options. It’s essentially the minimalist option in GoPro’s grip/tripod lineup. This specific GoPro accessory is explicitly for the casual user, traveller, or anyone needing a quick, convenient way to prop up their camera or get a slightly wider shot. It’s not designed for heavy cameras or situations requiring robust stability in challenging conditions.
Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Extremely compact and pocket-sized (11.7cm folded).
* Dual function as a mini extension pole and tripod.
* Built-in tripod provides stable base for static shots.
* Official GoPro mount ensures compatibility and secure fit with GoPro cameras.
* Very lightweight at just 0.14 pounds.
Cons:
* Limited extension range (up to 22.7cm).
* Primarily plastic construction might feel less premium for the price.
* Can feel a bit small for those with larger hands.
* High price point compared to some third-party alternatives.
Deep Dive into the Shorty’s Capabilities
Having used the GoPro Shorty for quite some time now, I can speak to its performance and how its features translate into real-world benefits.
Incredible Portability: Always Ready
One of the standout features of the GoPro Shorty is its size. At just 11.7cm (4.6 inches) when folded, this thing is genuinely pocket-sized. You can literally toss it into a jacket pocket, a small purse, or the corner of a backpack without even noticing it’s there. This level of portability is its main selling point and, frankly, its greatest strength. The benefit here is spontaneity. You’re walking down the street, see something cool, or want to quickly grab a selfie with friends, and the Shorty is instantly accessible. No fumbling with bulky gear, no deciding whether it’s “worth it” to pull out a larger mount. It’s always ready to go. This solves the core problem of missed opportunities for great footage because your gear was too cumbersome or inconvenient to access quickly. I’ve found myself using my GoPro far more often in casual situations simply because having the Shorty on hand makes capturing quick shots so effortless.
The Extension Pole Function: A Little Extra Reach
When extended, the Shorty reaches up to 22.7cm (8.9 inches). While this isn’t a massive amount of extension compared to dedicated selfie sticks or longer extension poles, it’s often just enough to make a significant difference. That extra few inches means you can get more people in a selfie, capture a scene with slightly better perspective, or reach over a small obstacle. The mechanism for extending feels smooth and locks into place securely. It’s easy to adjust on the fly. The benefit is improved framing and the ability to get shots that would be impossible or awkward holding the camera directly in your hand. For vlogging, this minimal extension helps get the camera slightly further from your face, making the footage look much better than a tight, up-close shot. While it won’t let you shoot over crowds or get dramatic high-angle shots, the modest extension provided by this mini extension pole is perfectly suited for its intended purpose: quick, casual use.
Built-in Tripod: Stability on Demand
One of the most versatile aspects of the GoPro Shorty is its built-in tripod. The handle splits open to form three small legs, providing a stable base for your camera on any level surface. This feature is incredibly useful for static shots, time-lapses, setting the camera down while you get ready, or even using it as a desktop stand for video calls if you’re using your GoPro as a webcam. The legs feel reasonably sturdy for the size of the device and the weight of a GoPro camera. The benefit is the ability to get perfectly still footage without needing to hold the camera, freeing up your hands and enabling creative shots like time-lapses or long exposures (if your camera supports them). It completely solves the problem of finding something to prop your camera against or enduring shaky static shots. I’ve used this tripod function countless times on tables, rocks, ledges – wherever I needed a stable point. It’s important to note that this is a *mini* tripod; it works best on flat, stable surfaces and might not be suitable for windy conditions or uneven terrain, especially with heavier GoPro models or accessories attached. But for its size, the stability it provides is commendable.
Official GoPro Quality and Compatibility
Being an GoPro Official Mount, the Shorty offers guaranteed compatibility and a secure fit with all GoPro cameras. This provides peace of mind that your expensive camera is securely attached and won’t wobble or fall off due to poor fitment, which can be a risk with some cheaper third-party accessories. The mounting finger feels robust and locks firmly into the GoPro’s built-in mount. The standard GoPro mount screw is included and works perfectly. The benefit is reliability; you trust that the mount will do its job. While some users feel the plastic construction doesn’t match the premium price, the quality of the mounting mechanism itself and the overall functionality suggest it’s built to GoPro’s specifications, ensuring it holds the camera safely during intended use. This reliability is key when you’re actively using the camera on the go.
Materials and Feel: Lightweight and Practical
The GoPro Shorty is constructed from plastic and metal components. The main body and legs are plastic, while the extension pole sections likely incorporate metal for rigidity, and the mounting screw is metal. The plastic handle has a slightly textured finish, which feels comfortable and provides a decent grip, even if it is compact. At just 0.14 pounds, it’s incredibly lightweight, adding minimal burden when carrying it or using it for extended periods. The benefit of the material choice is primarily the low weight, which contributes significantly to its portability. However, as mentioned in the cons, the predominant use of plastic, especially for the tripod legs and folding mechanism, has led some users to question its long-term durability or perceive it as feeling less “premium” than they might expect for the price. While mine has held up well through casual use, I am mindful that it’s not built for rough handling or significant stress. The ball head allows for angle adjustment, which is convenient, although it can sometimes require a firm hand to tighten securely. Overall, the material choices prioritize lightweight and compactness, which aligns with its purpose as a highly portable, on-the-go GoPro accessory.
What Others Are Saying: Real-World Feedback
Looking at feedback from other users online, the sentiment is generally positive, highlighting the product’s core strengths while acknowledging its limitations. Many appreciate how incredibly compact and lightweight the GoPro Shorty is, finding it the perfect size for travel and keeping with them at all times. The built-in tripod is frequently praised for adding essential versatility for static shots and time-lapses. Users often feel more confident using an official GoPro product, believing it offers better security and compatibility for their camera than some cheaper alternatives. However, a common point raised is the price, with some feeling it’s expensive considering the relatively basic functionality and the fact that it’s largely made of plastic. The limited extension length is also mentioned, although most users who bought the Shorty expected this given its name and focus on compactness. There are a few scattered reports of the unit breaking, particularly around the folding mechanism or extension pole, which aligns with the perception of it being potentially less durable than a metal alternative, though many users report it feeling sturdy enough for their needs.
Final Thoughts: Is the Shorty Right for You?
Ultimately, the GoPro Shorty Mini Extension Pole Tripod (GoPro Official Mount) is designed to solve a specific problem: enabling action camera users to get stable, well-framed shots and selfies easily while maintaining maximum portability. Without a tool like this, you’re left trying to prop your camera awkwardly or hoping your handshake is steady enough for video, leading to potentially disappointing results. The GoPro Shorty excels because it’s incredibly small, functions reliably as both a short extension pole and a stable mini tripod, and offers the peace of mind of being an official GoPro accessory. If you value portability above all else and need a versatile tool for quick, casual shots on the go, the Shorty is a fantastic fit despite its relatively high price tag and limited extension. To check out the product details and see if it meets your needs, Click here.
Last update on 2025-07-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API