When I first started getting serious about capturing stable photos and videos with my phone and smaller cameras, I ran into a common problem: shaky footage and awkward setups. Trying to prop my device on random surfaces or just holding it by hand rarely produced the results I wanted. I knew I needed a dedicated support, something small and portable that could handle both tabletop shots and offer a stable grip for handheld recording. Not addressing this meant continuing to produce content that looked unprofessional and missing spontaneous photo opportunities because I didn’t have a reliable way to steady my shot.
Before diving into a specific product, it’s important to consider why you need a compact support like a tabletop or handheld tripod in the first place. These tools are designed to solve the fundamental problem of camera shake, enabling clearer photos, smoother video, and better framing, especially in low light or when using longer exposures. They are a must-have for anyone who creates content on the go, whether you’re a vlogger, a travel enthusiast, a mobile journalist, or just someone who wants better quality snaps and clips from their smartphone or small camera.
The ideal customer for this category is someone who values portability and versatility. They need a support that is lightweight enough to carry everywhere but sturdy enough to hold their device securely. They likely use smartphones, action cameras, or small mirrorless cameras, typically under 1kg (2.2 lbs). If you’re using heavy DSLR setups with large lenses, or need significant height adjustment for standing shots, this category might not be the right fit, and you’d be better off looking at full-sized tripods with higher weight capacities.
When choosing a compact support, think about:
* Weight Capacity: Can it securely hold your specific camera or phone setup?
* Size and Portability: How small does it fold down? How much does it weigh? Will it fit in your bag or even a pocket?
* Versatility: Does it work as both a tabletop tripod and a handheld grip? Does it allow for portrait orientation?
* Build Quality: Is it durable? Does the head hold position firmly?
* Ease of Use: Is it quick to set up and adjust?
- DUAL FUNCTION: this small tripod works as a table top tripod or as a handheld support
- EASY USE: to get the optimal shot, just push the button locking mechanism for portrait positioning
- SECURE: HandyPod 2 is equipped with a 1/4-20" attachment to support devices weighing up to 1kg (2.2lb)
Introducing the JOBY HandyPod 2
Having used compact supports for a while, I eventually came across the JOBY HandyPod 2. This sleek, black accessory positions itself as a versatile solution for creators using smartphones, action cameras, or smaller mirrorless cameras up to 1.0Kg (2.2lbs). It promises dual functionality as both a stable tabletop tripod and a comfortable handheld grip. When you purchase the HandyPod 2, you essentially get the tripod base with integrated legs and a ball head featuring a standard 1/4-20″ screw mount on top.
Compared to some market leaders like the Manfrotto PIXI, the HandyPod 2 specifically adds a notch in its ball head design to facilitate easy portrait orientation shooting, which is a significant advantage for smartphone users focused on social media content. It feels like an evolution, directly addressing a common limitation of similar compact tripods.
This specific HandyPod 2 is definitely for the mobile creative, the travel vlogger, or the enthusiast photographer using mirrorless or smaller cameras who needs a lightweight, easy-to-use support system for static shots, low-angle work, or simply better handheld stability. It’s likely not for professional videographers using heavy rigs or anyone needing precise pan/tilt movements not suited to a basic ball head.
Here’s a quick rundown:
Pros:
* Excellent dual function: Works well as both a table top tripod and handheld grip.
* Specifically designed notch allows for easy portrait mode shooting with phones (when paired with a phone mount).
* Very lightweight and portable.
* Legs offer a good grip when used as a handle.
* Simple push-button ball head mechanism is quick to use (initially).
Cons:
* Ball head may struggle to hold heavier loads (close to the 1kg limit or slightly over) and can slip over time.
* Durability concerns with the ball head tension mechanism reported by some users after extended use.
* Limited height adjustment (it’s a tabletop/handheld support, not a full-size tripod).
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Going Deeper: Key Aspects and How They Help
Having spent a good amount of time with the JOBY HandyPod 2, I can speak to how its key features perform in real-world scenarios and the benefits they provide for everyday shooting.
Dual Functionality: Tabletop Tripod and Handheld Grip
One of the most advertised features, and arguably the most valuable, is its ability to function as both a tabletop tripod and a handheld support. When the legs are splayed out, the HandyPod 2 becomes a stable base for placing on flat surfaces like tables, rocks, or ledges. This is fantastic for static shots, time-lapses, or self-촬영 when you’re sitting down. The legs have rubberized feet that provide decent grip, preventing it from sliding around easily. The height it offers in this mode (maximum 14.7 cm) is perfect for getting your camera or phone slightly elevated for a better angle.
When you fold the legs together, they form a surprisingly comfortable and ergonomic handle. This instantly transforms the HandyPod 2 into a grip for handheld shooting. Holding a camera or phone this way provides significantly more stability than just gripping the device itself. It helps reduce camera shake, especially noticeable in video footage. Whether I’m vlogging on the go or just walking and talking while filming, the handgrip mode makes the footage much smoother. It also helps keep your fingers out of the shot, which is a common issue when just hand-holding a phone. The slightly textured material of the legs when closed feels secure in the hand.
The seamless transition between these two modes is a major plus. It takes seconds to go from a stable tripod setup to a mobile handgrip, which is essential for dynamic shooting situations.
Easy Use: Push Button Ball Head Mechanism
The HandyPod 2 features a simple ball head with a push-button locking mechanism. This is designed for speed and ease of adjustment. You press the button to release the ball head’s movement, allowing you to quickly angle your device in almost any direction – tilt, swivel, or rotate. Once you’ve found your desired position, you release the button, and the ball head is supposed to lock firmly in place.
For quick adjustments and minor tweaks, this system works very well. It’s much faster than traditional twist-lock ball heads found on larger tripods. The ability to instantly reposition your camera is great for reacting to changing scenes or quickly switching between different subjects. It’s particularly convenient for video calls or live streaming setups where you might need to adjust your angle frequently.
However, this is one area where the “long-term use” perspective comes into play and some disadvantages can arise. While initially the locking mechanism feels solid, over time and with heavier loads (even within the stated 1kg limit, depending on balance), I’ve noticed the ball head can start to creep or slowly droop. It seems the friction mechanism relies heavily on tension, and this tension can lessen or become less effective at certain angles or with unbalanced weight. This isn’t a dealbreaker for light setups or static shots where the weight is centered, but it can be frustrating if you’re using a heavier mirrorless camera with a slightly front-heavy lens or trying to hold a precise, off-centre angle. Some users have reported this becoming more prominent after several months of use, suggesting potential wear on the internal locking components.
Secure Attachment and Weight Limit
The HandyPod 2 is equipped with a standard 1/4-20″ screw attachment, which is the universal standard for cameras and many camera accessories. This means it’s directly compatible with most mirrorless cameras, action cameras, and compact cameras. For smartphones, you’ll need a separate phone mount that has a corresponding 1/4-20″ thread on its base. JOBY makes excellent phone mounts, and pairing the HandyPod 2 with one of their GripTight mounts creates a solid smartphone setup.
The stated weight limit is 1.0kg (2.2lbs). This is a crucial specification to pay attention to. For most smartphones (even larger “Pro Max” models with phone mounts), this is perfectly adequate. For small mirrorless cameras with light prime lenses or kit zooms, it’s also generally fine. However, as mentioned before, approaching or exceeding this limit, or using equipment that is significantly unbalanced, can test the limits of the ball head’s locking power, especially over time. My experience aligns with others who found that while it might technically *hold* 1kg, it performs best and is most reliable with devices comfortably under that threshold, perhaps closer to 700-800g. Pushing the weight limit, particularly in angles where gravity is working against the ball head, can lead to gradual slippage.
Lightweight and Portable Design
At just 0.17 Kilograms (about 6 ounces), the JOBY HandyPod 2 is genuinely lightweight. Its compact size (Item Length 7.28 Inches / Maximum Height 14.7 Centimeters) makes it incredibly easy to carry around. It easily fits into a camera bag, a backpack pocket, or even a jacket pocket. This portability is one of its greatest strengths. It means you’re far more likely to actually have it with you when you need it, unlike bulkier tripods.
The convenience of just being able to grab this small portable tripod on your way out the door, knowing it won’t weigh you down, significantly increases its utility. It’s ideal for travel, daily vlogging, or casual shooting where minimal gear is preferred. The legs fold neatly together, making it a slim package when not in use.
Reliable Design and Comfortable Handgrip
Beyond the dual function, the overall design feels reliable for its intended purpose. The legs are made of a sturdy material, likely reinforced plastic or a composite (though the specs mention Aluminum for material type, which might refer to internal components or the screw mount area, as the main body feels composite), and the build feels solid enough for regular use. The shape of the legs when closed forms a very comfortable grip, which is essential for extended handheld shooting. It fits well in the hand and reduces fatigue compared to just holding a camera or phone directly.
The design also incorporates that crucial notch I mentioned earlier. This simple yet effective feature allows the ball head to tilt 90 degrees, enabling seamless switching between horizontal (landscape) and vertical (portrait) shooting orientations. For anyone creating content for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts, where vertical video is standard, this is indispensable. Trying to achieve a stable vertical shot without this feature on other mini tripods can be impossible or require awkward workarounds. The HandyPod 2 makes portrait shooting quick and easy, provided your attached device and mount are not too heavy or unbalanced for the ball head.
Overall, the design prioritizes ease of use, portability, and functional versatility within its compact form factor. While the long-term robustness of the ball head tension can be a point of concern, the fundamental design serving as a stable tabletop base and comfortable handheld grip is very effective for its intended use cases and weight class.
What Others Are Saying: Real-World Experiences
Looking around online, many users seem quite pleased with the HandyPod 2, often highlighting its convenience and dual nature. People appreciate its portability and how easy it is to switch between using it as a small tripod and a handheld grip. The ability to shoot in portrait mode is frequently mentioned as a major advantage, especially for phone users, setting it apart from some competitors. The overall build quality is often praised initially for its solid feel and comfortable grip. However, some users do echo the concerns about the ball head’s ability to firmly hold heavier loads, particularly over time, noting that it might start to slip or lose tension, causing their device to droop, especially when close to the weight limit or after several months of regular use.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Dealing with shaky photos and videos was a constant frustration that limited my creative output. Not having a reliable, portable support meant missing opportunities for stable shots and producing less polished content. The JOBY HandyPod 2 offers a compelling solution to this problem for users of smartphones and lighter cameras.
It’s a great fit because of its dual functionality – providing both a stable tabletop base and a comfortable handheld grip – its extreme portability thanks to its lightweight and compact size, and its inclusion of features like the portrait mode notch that are specifically useful for modern content creation. While there are potential concerns about the long-term durability of the ball head with heavier loads, for most smartphone users and those with very light mirrorless setups, it performs well out of the box.
If you’re looking for an ultra-portable, versatile support to improve your mobile or light camera photography and videography, and your primary devices are well within the 1kg weight limit, the JOBY HandyPod 2 is definitely worth considering. To learn more and check it out for yourself, click here.
Last update on 2025-07-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API