Review: Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro + GripTight Mount for Magsafe

I’ve recently been experimenting with adding some new toys to my video of logging kit. After doing a bunch of research, and hunting for what new and most useful, I’ve had the opportunity to test out a bunch of gear from Joby. Today I’ll look at the Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro kit which I’m using with the hybrid GripTight Mount for Magsafe.

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Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro + GripTight Mount for Magsafe review

In this review I’ll show you what this small tripod can do, how it works, and look at whether I think it’s a good buy for you.

What is a Gorillapod?

In a nutshell the GorillaPod is a flexible tripod. It’s small enough to set on a table or desk and allows you to have your phone, camera, or tablet in a stationary position for filming and I’ve even seen some folks use this as a monitor stand for small screens.
Unlike a standard tripod, you can bend and flex the legs of the Gorillapod, wrapping it around railings or posts where a flat surface won’t get the job done. You can even wrap it around your wrist or hold it like a selfie-stick.

What is Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro?

Some Joby models, mainly the smaller ones or those designed for lighter duty are made of plastic (other Gorillapod models use ABS plastic), but the 3K Pro kit is made of metal and designed to be more rugged, durable and to manage heavier weight gear.
Each of the legs is made from 10 articulating aluminum ball sockets with rubberized ring and foot grips, and each socket can be adjusted, rotated, and bent into almost any position, meaning the legs are super flexible. But they also stay where you put them.

This particular version is designed to hold a maximum of 6.6 pounds or 3 kg. You can mount gear to the GorillaPod using the threaded mount, and there’s both a 3/8 and 1/4 inch threads, plus an Arca-Swiss mount to more securely hold a camera.

These mounts sit on top of a ball head, which you can swivel, drop to horizontal, tilt or loosen off and use to pan smoothly. The ball head contains a bubble level, allowing you to ensure your shot is straight every time.

Change up the Angle

The flexible construction of the Gorillapod 3K Pro allows you to get the perfect shot, even if that means holding just one of the legs. The head of the Gorillapod is on a swivel, so you can also turn your camera or phone to portrait mode and lock off the head at any angle.
You can also hold one of the legs above the camera level and get a tracking or “flying” shot with added stability with your self-made steadicam. You can even put it over your shoulder for a point of view shot by placing two of the legs on your chest and the third on your back to create a hands-free shot that also allows you to get close-up.

Extendable in Many Ways

Not only is the Joby Gorillapod 3K Pro flexible, but you can also extend its use with add-on products. Joby also sells accessories like microphone holders, extra arms to add lights, or a Spin & Swing holder that extends the range of the Gorillapod horizontally.

GripTight Mount for Magsafe

I opted to use mine with the hybrid GripTight Mount for Magsafe. This mount is genius, in that you can clip your phone in magnetically with a MagSafe case, or flip the jaws into place and you can grip your phone. It will hold phones from 64-86mm wide, and it had no problem with my Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max—even with a case on. It will turn 360 degrees.

This flexible mount also has two threads so you can attach extra articulating GorillaPod arms, and connect your Joby Beamo Light and a JOby Wavo Pro shotgun mic too.

I love this mount; it’s perfect for using my phone and super versatile if a pal wants to borrow it too.

Using Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro with GripTight Mount for Magsafe

In the few weeks I spent with this gear, are used the tripod in a variety of ways. I attached the Joby Beamo light and used it to light my Zoom calls.

I used it as a holder for my smartphone to get product b-roll, both as a tripod, and like a steadicam in motion.

I used it to record videos using both my smartphone and camera… and I definitely took advantage of its wrapping legs, to take some cool videos outdoors.

Overall review: Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro with GripTight Mount for Magsafe

Overall I couldn’t be happier with both the Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro kit and the hybrid GripTight Mount for Magsafe. These accessories make it super easy to up my production game by providing a stable surface, easy hand hold, and flexible mounting solution for both smart phones or cameras.

I am honestly having a difficult time trying to come up with any downsides for any of the pieces of this kit. If I had to point out something it’s that I had a plastic version of the GorillaPod, and after about 8 years of use, the joints had become so loose it would spread out and tip over… but that’s the smaller plastic version, and it lasted about 8 years of constant use and maybe abuse… so take that as you will.

I’ll leave it at this: I can definitely recommend both the gorilla pod and the grip tight mount for you and your video or photography productions.
Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro kit sells for about $159USD/$199CAD While the hybrid GripTight Mount for Magsafe costs about $39USD/$59CAD. You can find them both from Joby’s website or Amazon.