JOBY PodZilla Review (Flexible Tripod Kit)

The original JOBY GorillaPod has been a mainstay in photographers’ bags for over a decade.

I’ve owned several of them and had never thought about how to improve them or add variation to their uses.

That’s why I don’t run my own photography accessory company!

The updates to the popular mini tripod are small but worthy.

Let’s examine the JOBY PodZilla Flexible Mobile Tripod to see what’s new and how it can benefit professional and enthusiast photographers, filmmakers, and Internet influencers.

Read on for my full JOBY PodZilla review.

PodZilla Flexible Mobile Tripod Medium Kit Specs

 

• Weight – 0.25 kg
• Top Attachment – 1/4”
• Attachment type – 1/4″-20 standard tripod mount
• Materials – Aluminum, Rubber, Plastic
• Dimensions – 4.8 x 5.4 x 25 cm
• Payload Weight – 1 kg
• Head Type – Ball Head

Build Quality

While JOBY flexible tripods are lightweight and don’t look tough, they are extremely well-built with a solid aluminum core.

They always have been, and this newest offering is more of the same.

My decade-old original has transitioned from a DSLR to currently residing in my office with a Nikon Z fc semi-permanently attached for Zoom meetings with wedding clients.

It still works great, and I suspect the JOBY PodZilla will have the same fate.

I’ve already noticed that the new mechanism within the rubberized legs is more flexible than the older version.

The JOBY PodZilla Flexible Mobile Tripod is marketed toward mobile phone creators but can also mount compact mirrorless cameras.

I have an iPhone mini, and I did notice the adjustable smartphone mount doesn’t latch as securely onto a smaller phone without a case as it does with larger phones.

Keep this in mind if you’re a fan of smaller phones like me.

• Related: The Best iPhone Tripods

Size & Handling

Lia, a future social media influencer (aka my friend’s daughter), mentioned that the rubber-coated grips on the JOBY PodZilla felt great in her hand, and she didn’t tire while holding it out in front of her.

It held her larger phone in a case very securely, and when she wanted to go hands-free, the flexible legs wrapped easily around objects.

• Best travel tripods

How I Tested the JOBY PodZilla Flexible Mobile Tripod Medium Kit

While Lia used the Joby PodZilla Flexible Mobile Tripod in a run-and-gun style and attached it to an object and an uneven surface, I wondered what I, a working photographer, could use this for.

After all, my first JOBY product was purchased years ago with only photography in mind.

While not a traditional tripod, the PodZilla tripod is very sturdy and can make do as a tabletop tripod.

I realized that if I want to stay relevant in my profession as a wedding photographer, I will need behind-the-scenes footage and talking head style videos for social media.

This would be an indispensable product if one started a YouTube or Tik Tok channel.

Alternatives

JOBY essentially owns the market of flexible tripods that hold smartphones up to large cameras.

If you own an iPhone, look at their GripTight™ GorillaPod for MagSafe for a quick and easy magnetic mount.

A less expensive but unproven (to this reviewer) option would be the Magnus FT-05 MiniFlex Flexible Tripod with Ball Head and Smartphone Adapter. This company also appears to make flexible tripods for cameras as well.

JOBY has many options for different-sized devices and accessories tailor-made for their products, including microphones, lights, gimbals, and more. These are all perfect for aspiring content creators.

Value for Money

At around US$40, the JOBY PodZilla Flexible Mobile Tripod Medium Kit provides an all-in-one starter kit for content creation.

Since the company is known for quality products, this is a worthy investment for mounting and using your valuable smartphone or camera kit securely.

FAQ’s

What are the PodZilla sizes?

The PodZilla comes in a medium and large kit.

How much room does a PodZilla need?

These flexible tripods easily fit into the accessory pocket of most camera bags.

How much can PodZilla lift?

1kg / 2.2 lbs.

PodZilla Flexible Mobile Tripod Review | Conclusion

The PodZilla Flexible Mobile Tripod will be my mobile solution for behind-the-scenes videos for my business. It’s lightweight, takes up very little space, and can be attached to almost anything.

I could also see it as a holder of small lights for macro photography and a way to have Zoom meetings with clients when I’m not in my office.

Based on my previous experiences with a JOBY tripod and the company’s reputation, I have no doubt it will hold up for many years. It’s a very useful and unique tool for content creators of all stripes.

Thanks for reading! Let me know in the comments below if you found this JOBY PodZilla review helpful or if you have any other questions.