ulanzi Photography Articles

4 Smartphone Photography Accessories to Level Up Your Game in 2024

4 Smartphone Photography Accessories to Level Up Your Game in 2024

Photo by nensuria via iStock

Thanks to incredible advancements in mobile technology, more and more people are swapping out traditional cameras for smartphones with built-in high-resolution cameras every year. However, in the constantly evolving world of smartphone photography, making your content stand out requires more than just the latest phone model. 

To truly level up your mobile photography game in 2024, it’s all about owning the best accessories. That’s where we come in! In this article, we’ll share four innovative smartphone photography accessories all photographers should have in their camera kit—a smartphone tripod, a smartphone light, a smartphone gimbal, and a smartphone cage.

Whether you're brand new to smartphone photography or already a professional content creator, we promise you will see great results using every accessory discussed below. So, what are you waiting for? Keep reading to discover what you need to elevate your smartphone photography skills in 2024!

Check out the video above by Jamie Windsor to discover 13 smartphone photography tips and tricks that will help you take better photos. 

Table of Contents

Smartphone Photography Accessories: OctoPad

Octopad with phone

The OctoPad is a one-of-a-kind universal tripod ideal for smartphones of all shapes and sizes… 

Its unique design ensures it remains sturdy on nearly any surface, including sloping, uneven, and wet/slippery surfaces. We have tested various other suction cup supports and mini-tripods, and none offer the stability the OctoPad provides.

Octopad vs tripod

Another reason it’s perfect for smartphone photography is its lightweight, portable, and durable design. It’s constructed from high-quality materials built to last, and it folds up super small, making it easy to transport in a backpack or purse. This makes it terrific for activities like traveling and hiking.  

On top of that, its versatility is unmatched. Besides smartphones, the OctoPad can support lights, microphones, flashes, GoPros, mirrorless cameras, and more. It has a max weight capacity of 8kg.

Smartphone Photography Accessories: Hobolite Micro

hobolite micro

One of the principles of photography is light, and you never know when you will find yourself in a situation where the lighting is less than ideal. Enter the Hobolite Micro

It’s a compact, portable light excellent for on-the-go content creators like smartphone photographers and videographers. It weighs only 0.52 pounds and is small enough to fit in your pocket.

hobolight micro front

The Hobolite Micro is a bi-color light with a heat range from 2700K to 6500K. Additionally, each light can be adjusted independently, giving you complete control of how you want to light your subject or scene.

Other cool features include its rechargeable battery, HD LED screen, and a stylish design. The battery life is 50 minutes, but you can also power it externally for up to 11 hours. The screen makes it simple to adjust its settings. And the beautiful, retro design is sure to impress your photographer friends. 

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Smartphone Photography Accessories: DJI Osmo Mobile 6

DJI Osmo Mobile 6

One of the best smartphone video accessories for people who like creating movies is the DJI Osmo Mobile 6. It’s the newest smartphone gimbal from DJI, the world's leading manufacturer of advanced camera stabilizers and camera drones. It’s a foldable, 3-axis gimbal compatible with all leading smartphone brands.

The Osmo Mobile 6 boasts an industry-leading feature set with a built-in extension rod (which doubles as a selfie stick), advanced subject-tracking technology, cinematic effects, and one-tap video editing. The ActiveTrack 6.0 is particularly impressive, as it automatically follows and centers moving subjects. It can even track multiple people simultaneously!

If you are a YouTuber, vlogger, or social media influencer who primarily records videos with your smartphone, the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 is 100% a must-own accessory.

Smartphone Photography Accessories: ULANZI Smartphone Video Rig

ULANZI Smartphone Video Rig

Finally, we have the ULANZI Smartphone Video Rig. It’s another video accessory popular amongst smartphone filmmakers and videographers. While it won’t eliminate as much camera shake as the previously mentioned gimbal, it will make your video footage significantly more stable than when shooting handheld (at a lower price).

This professional smartphone rig was designed with live streaming in mind, making it a good choice for vlogging couples. With your smartphone installed inside, you can also mount accessories like microphones, flashes, and lights onto it. Moreover, you can set it up to capture both horizontal and vertical videos.

The ULANZI Smartphone Video Rig is compatible with all the most popular Apple and Android smartphones.

Final Thoughts on Smartphone Photography Accessories

Final Thoughts on Smartphone Photography Accessories

Photo by molchanovdmitry via iStock

Investing in those state-of-the-art smartphone photography accessories is a quick and easy way to improve the quality of your photos and videos. With that said, they aren’t the only game-changing accessories currently on the market. Check out the list below to view some more of our favorites: 

Furthermore, if you are interested in upgrading your phone, here’s a list of the best smartphones for photography in 2024:

Recommended Photography Gear

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Top 10 GoPro Accessories for Video Creators

top gopro accessories for video creators

I just picked up a GoPro HERO 7 Black not that long ago, and after taking it on a recent trip to Death Valley, I'm all in on the action camera thing.

I had so much fun shooting video with this thing - particularly the TimeWarp feature.

Anyway, in the weeks since I got my new GoPro, I've been testing out some accessories for it and wanted to share my thoughts on the to p10 GoPro accessories I've been able to get my hands on thus far.

Let's get started!

Table of Contents

Top GoPro Accessories: RODE VideoMicro ($59.00)

top accessories for gopro videomicro

This tiny shotgun microphone is perfect for a GoPro.

It's compact and lightweight, but audio quality isn't sacrificed. In fact, it has a high-quality cardioid condenser mic capsule so you can get clear, crisp audio.

And since it's a directional mic, it minimizes sounds from the periphery so your video has focused audio from the subject.

Add to that a thermoplastic suspension structure for minimizing vibrations as you adventure around with your GoPro, and you have the ideal audio companion for the best adventura camera on the market!

Learn more about the RODE VideoMicro

Top GoPro Accessories: RODE WS9 Windshield ($25.00)

top accessories for gopro windshield

There's no point in investing in a better microphone if all it picks up is the sound of the wind rushing by...

The WS9 is inexpensive, but packs a solid punch for ensuring you get the best quality audio.

With an open-cell foam enclosure covered with synthetic fur, this sucker does its job to perfection. After all, that's why it's one of my picks for the best GoPro accessories on the market today.

Learn more about the RODE WS9 Windshield

Top GoPro Accessories: Ulanzi V2 Vlog Protective Housing Case ($15.95)

top accessories for gopro ulanzi protective case

This case is a must for having a microphone with your GoPro.

Not only does this case have a cold-shoe mount for the mic, but it also has a spot to hold the 3.5mm microphone adapter nicely tucked directly beneath the GoPro.

This rig is compatible with GoPro HERO 7, 6, and 5, and you can mount the case in a number of different ways, from your bike helmet to a chest belt to a monopod or selfie stick.

It's lightweight, portable, and fits the GoPro like a glove, so you don't have to worry about a clunky case getting in the way of your fun.

Learn more about the Ulanzi V2 Vlog Protective Housing Case

Top GoPro Accessories: GoPro Pro 3.5mm Microphone Adapter ($49.99)

top gopro accessories for video creators 3.5mm adapter

In order to use an external mic with a GoPro, you need one of these things.

Personally, I find it really annoying that you need to shell out $50 bucks for one of these when it would have been better for GoPro just to include the 3.5mm mic port to start with!

But..good luck finding one of these for $50, as they have been out of stock for some time. I had to buy mine from someone on eBay for $106. Yikes!

Learn more about the GoPro Pro 3.5mm Microphone Adapter

Top GoPro Accessories: Andycine Mini Hot-Shoe Stand ($36.99)

best accessories for gopro andycine hot shoe

If you have hot-shoe accessories you want to add to your GoPro, this little stand is a must-have.

Use it to mount a mic, LED lights, flash, or camera monitor to your GoPro...you name it!

It offers a 176-degree viewing angle with a base that rotates 360-degrees for optimal functionality.

Making adjustments is simple with 3 M3 knots and an Allen key to get things just how you want them.

Additionally, since the GoPro has such a wide-angle of view, you need to get your microphone or other accessories out of the way.

This rig puts more distance between your accessories and the GoPro to get them out of frame. 

Learn more about the Andycine Mini Hot-Shoe Stand

Top GoPro Accessories: Litra Torch LitraPro ($220.00)

Yes, the Litra Torch LitraPro is one of the more expensive GoPro accessories on this list, but it is also far and away one of the best GoPro accessories you can get your hands on...

That's because the GoPro has never been good in low-light situations. If you'll be filming without much light, you absolutely must have a light like this.

Just get a load of these specs:

  • 60 LEDs
  • 1200 lumens of output
  • Bi-color with adjustable color temperature
  • 70-degree beam angle
  • 95 CRI
  • Size: 2.75 x 2 x 1.2 inches
  • Weight: 6 ounces

litra gopro

So, yeah, the LitraPro is a powerhouse despite being so small. But, hey, that small size is precisely what makes it an ideal companion for a GoPro.

This thing puts out so much light, and the fact that it's adjustable from 3000K to 6000K should not be overlooked.

I did a full review on this rig a few weeks ago. Check it out here to see why this is the best light money can buy!

Learn more about the Litra Torch LitraPro

Top GoPro Accessories: HandlePod 3-Axis Action Cam Mount ($29.95)

must have gopro accessories for video creators handlepod

You might have never heard of the HandlePod 3-Axis Action Camera Mount, but I have to tell you it's one of my favorite GoPro Accessories for a couple of reasons.

For starters, it's like a Swiss Army Knife for action cameras. With its 3-axis configuration, I can use it as a grip, as a stand, and even mount it to things like a bicycle or a tree. I can hold onto it in from of me for vlogging, set it atop my desk (as shown above)...you name it!

Secondly, it's inexpensive - about $20.00 less than my beloved GorillaPod.

So, not only is the HandlePod more versatile, it's also far less expensive. What's not to like about that?!

Learn more about the HandlePod 3-Axis Action Camera Mount

Top GoPro Accessories: Joby GorillaPod 3k ($49.88)

must have gopro accessories joby

Another must-have GoPro accessory is the Joby GorillaPod 3K.

This multi-use tripod can support just about any device that weighs less than 6.6 pounds, so if you have a light, microphone, or other accessory, or if you want to use it to support the GoPro itself, this mini tripod is up to the task.

It comes with a Ball Head 3K with a separate pan joint so you can position the camera or accessory just how you need or like. You can also use the GorillaPod 3K as a grip or wrap its legs around sturdy objects for hands-free filming.

Learn more about the Joby GorillaPod 3K

Top GoPro Accessories: GoPro Dual Battery Charger ($49.00)

best gopro accessories battery charger

Not only does this charger enable quick charging of two GoPro batteries, but it also comes with a spare battery in the first place!

You can charge the batteries via a USB port or for up to 45 percent faster charging, you can add a GoPro Supercharger to the equation.

GoPro batteries can drain fast, so having a backup that's fully charged and a means of recharging the batteries quickly is an absolute must.

Learn more about the GoPro Dual Battery Charger

Top GoPro Accessories: Samsung 128GB EVO UHS-I MicroSDXC Memory Card ($23.99)

samsung memory card

A fast memory card is a must for shooting GoPro videos, and the Samsung 128GB EVO UHS-I certainly doesn't disappoint.

It's got plenty of storage, that's for sure, and with lightning-fast read/write speeds of up to 100MB/s, you won't have to sit around and wait for it to do its thing.

In fact, it'll transfer a 3GB video to your computer in 38 seconds. Nice!

This card is also waterproof, temperature resistant, X-ray proof, and has a 10-year warranty. Not bad, right?

Learn more about the Samsung 128GB EVO UHS-I MicroSDXC Memory Card

Top GoPro Accessories Honorable Mention: Wiral LITE Cable Cam ($399.00)

wiral cam

I just got this thing, so I haven't had a chance to fully test it.

However, in the little time I've had to play around with it, I can tell it's going to be a rockstar GoPro accessory for me.

It's billed as the world's first easy-to-use cable cam system, and so far, I wholeheartedly agree that it's easy to use.

It's just a simple rope system that takes about three minutes to set up, but it gets your viewers close to the action with smooth, long video sequences that you'd expect from a much bigger and pricier unit.

Check out the video above to see what I mean - this thing is totally awesome!

Learn more about the Wiral LITE Cable Cam



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