Recommended vlogging grips and tripods for Sony ZV series cameras?

Question

So Ive been using the ZV-E10 for a solid year now and honestly its been great but Im hitting a wall with the official Sony GP-VPT2BT grip. My logic was that staying in the ecosystem would make things easier with the bluetooth shutter and zoom rocker but the legs are just so short for any real static shots when Im out in the field. I was thinking about grabbing a Joby Gorillapod because obviously everyone has one but then I worry about the durability long term since mine always seem to get loose after a few months of heavy use. I need something that can handle a bit of weight because I usually have a small shotgun mic and a deadcat on top which makes the whole rig way too top heavy. Im planning this big trip to Tokyo in like three weeks so I need to figure this out fast because I dont want to be struggling with a shaky setup while trying to film b-roll in crowded areas. I looked at the Ulanzi stuff too because they have those quick release plates which seem way faster than screwing the plate in every single time. Budget is around 150 bucks max. Does anyone have experience with those hybrid ones that have the extendable poles but still feel sturdy enough to not tip over in a light breeze? I just need it to be reliable...

RiftRogueX · Accepted Answer

Re: Basically, the issue with that Sony grip is... the center of gravity. Late to the party but check these specs for your Tokyo trip:

Ulanzi MT-16 Extendable Camera Tripod with Cold Shoe supports 1.5kg and the 22cm extension is quite rigid.

SmallRig Selection Tabletop Tripod with Panoramic Ball Head is aluminum and handles 2kg. Its wider footprint prevents that top-heavy rig from tipping over in the wind.

FrostVector · Answer

Basically, the issue with that Sony grip is the footprint. Its way too narrow for a ZV-E10 once you add a mic like the Sony ECM-G1 Shotgun Microphone. Ive gone through a few Gorillapods myself and honestly they just dont last under daily use because the joints lose tension over time. Since you're heading to Tokyo and need stability for b-roll, I'd suggest looking at an aluminum hybrid setup instead of plastic. The Ulanzi MT-47 Metal Tripod with Ball Head is a solid choice. It handles top-heavy rigs much better than the GP-VPT2BT because the build quality is significantly higher and it uses a more traditional tripod base.

The legs are extendable but they use a much wider base, so a light breeze wont knock your camera over.

It includes a cold shoe on the ball head which is useful if you want to offset your mic weight from the hot shoe.

The metal construction means the legs wont start wobbling after a few weeks of heavy use in the field. For the speed you're looking for, I'd definitely pair it with the Ulanzi Falcam F38 Quick Release System. It lets you pop the camera off the tripod in about one second. In crowded places like Shibuya or Shinjuku, you dont want to be standing there unscrewing a mount while people are bumping into you. This setup is way more reliable than the standard ecosystem gear and fits right in your budget tho. It basically turns the ZV-E10 into a much more professional feeling tool.

VectorVandal · Answer

Just catching up on this thread and honestly, its frustrating how many of these vlogging accessories end up being e-waste after a few months of heavy use. People here are right about the Sony grip footprint being too small and Gorillapods wearing out, but unfortunately, even some of the recommended aluminum ones can feel a bit fiddly after a while. ^ This. Also, if you want something that actually holds up in crowded spots without tipping over:

Manfrotto Pixi EVO 2-Section Mini Tripod is a huge step up from the base model. The legs have two different angles and it can hold about 2.5kg, which is plenty for your mic and deadcat setup.

Sirui 3T-35K Table Top Tripod is basically a tank compared to the plastic stuff. Its all metal and has a legit ball head that doesnt drift when you lock it down. I really had issues with those cheaper hybrid poles in the past because they just dont stay rigid once you extend them fully. Stick to something solid like the Sirui for your Tokyo trip if you want to avoid shaky b-roll. Good luck tho, Tokyo is amazing for filming.