The Best Mobile Filmmaking Gear

Your One-Stop Shop

Mobile filmmaking has come a long way. With the advent of incredible camera capabilities on the latest camera phones, you can now shoot and edit insane-quality videos in the palm of your hand. While shooting with just your phone is perfectly doable, we're a team of passionate mobile creators and avid hobbyists, so we like to beef up our footage with added accessories.

From gimbals to microphones — we curated a list of our top essential filmmaker tools. We're talking gimbals, mobile lenses, and even cages. The world is your oyster.

1. Zhiyun Smooth 5S

For Stabilization

The Zhiyun Smooth 5S is a game-changer in mobile filmmaking. It features professional magnetic steel motors with an upgraded algorithm, strong compatibility, and a wider phone clamp to ensure safer and easier filmmaking with most smartphones. This 3-axis gimbal stabilizer gives you buttery-smooth shots, eliminating that shaky footage when you're walking or breathing heavily. Whether shooting on the move or inte studio for headshots, the Smooth 5S ensures professional-grade stability. it also offers a longer battery life, so it keeps you filming longer without interruptions.

Specifications:

• Weight: 21.7 oz / 615 g (with Handlebar and Battery)
• Battery Life: Up to 12 Hours
• Payload Capacity: Up to 150-300 Grams
• Compatibility: iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Series

Key Features:

• SmartFollow: Follows your subject with accuracy.
• Advanced Dolly Zoom: Has an built-in focus/zoom control wheel.
• Not Over-Done: Your original shot looks nice and not too overly corrected.

Why It's Crucial:

Mobile filmmakers need stability, and run-and-gun shooting styles require some support to make the footage look nicer. This gimbal is it.

2. Moment T-Series Mobile Lenses

For More Perspectives

Moment's T-Series Mobile Lenses are a must-have for iPhone users. Obviously, we're biased, but these lenses are genuinely the key to more creative POVs. The wide-angle 18mm lens captures extra-wide landscapes, while the anamorphic lens adds cinematic spice to your shots. You can dive into macro photography or get up close with the telephoto lens. All our lenses are engineered with military-grade material and are the best mobile lenses you can get on the market, with real glass to enhance your imagery without your phone’s digital manipulation.

If you need more information, read our detailed article on how our mobile lenses (both M-Series & T-Series) work with the latest iPhone 16 flagship camera.

Specifications:

• Lens Types: Wide, Telephoto, Anamorphic, Macro
• Compatibility: iPhone, Pixel, and Samsung Phones

Key Features:

• Attaches to a drop-in lens mount for your phone.
• Real glass, no A.I. or fake photoshopping.
• Hand crafted with precision.

Why It's Crucial:

Versatile optics give your videos a unique visual style, making your content stand out in the crowded mobile filmmaking landscape.

3. JOBY Gorillapod / Moment Tripod Mount

For Flexible Support

The JOBY Gorillapod tripods are our favorite because they’re darn flexible (literally, bend it in any way you want). The 3K size is practically everyone's go-to. It's a solid size for a DSLR camera and a phone when using a phone clamp like the GripTight Pro 2. The flexible tripod legs wrap around anything from a street sign to a tree branch, so you’re never limited when setting up a shot or looking for new angles. This kit includes the ball head attachment, which is necessary for setup flexibility.

Our Moment Pro Tripod Mount is designed to work with any standard 1/4”-20 tripods or handles. It allows you to shoot in landscape and portrait mode without a phone clamp, making using this mount on the GorillaPod easy. Compatible with or without a case, this mount also includes our proprietary (M)Force magnet array, which is even stronger than standard accessories, giving you extra confidence that your phone won’t fall off.

Like our Tripod Mount, our Pro versions add a standard cold shoe mount. Of course, the cold shoe mount comes off if you don't want to use it. These types of tripods and mounts are especially ideal for social content creators who push out a lot of TikToks or Reels.

Specifications:

• Holds devices weighing up to 3 kg (6.6 lbs)
• Includes Ballhead with 360-degree panning bed and cutout for full 90-degree tilt.
• Built-in level for perfect shots
• DSLR tripod or Smartphone tripod if paired with a phone mount

Key Features:

• Use as a tripod for self-filmed scenes or as a stabilizer.
• The compact size means you can travel with it anywhere.

Why It's Crucial:

The Gorillapod's flexibility and the Moment Tripod Mount's strength make it the perfect setup to stuff in your backpack when you're out shooting TikTok or short films.

4. Rode Wireless Go II

For Crystal-Clear Audio

The Rode Wireless Go II is a reliable wireless mic for shooting outside the studio. Each kit contains two transmitters and a single receiver, allowing creators to capture two sound sources simultaneously — perfect for a wide range of filmmaking scenarios, from recording headshot interviews to two-person vlogs.

Specifications:

• Range: Up to 656.2' / 200 m
• Battery Life: Up to 7 hours
• Microphone Type: Lavalier

Key Features:

A standout feature is its onboard recording capability, allowing you to record over 24 hours of audio directly to each transmitter as a failsafe against dropouts and other audio issues. You can also choose between mono or stereo recording modes, recording each channel separately or combining them for ultimate flexibility in the editing room.

Why It's Crucial:

Whether you're capturing interviews, vlogs, or any other natural sounds when outside, you can feel confident knowing this mic will handle it all. Mics like these are great because you don't need to bring extras.

5. Moment Filmmaker Cage

For More Stable Footage

The Moment Filmmaker Cage is more than just rugged protection for your iPhone to make your footage a little more stable. It also holds all your cables and wires in one spot, so you feel more organized when shooting (like your light cables or mics). The Mobile Filmmaker Cage supports several of your favorite accessories thanks to the multiple cold shoes, 1/4"-20, and 3/8"-16 attachment points. And yes, you can dress it up with Moment Lenses with Filters because they can hold the weight perfectly.

Specifications:

• Material: Aluminum Alloy
• Compatibility: Any MagSafe-Compatible Smartphone
• Mounting Options: Multiple 1/4"-20 threads

Key Features:

• Built-in cable routing
• Keeps all phone buttons accessible
• Padded contact points to keep your phone safe
• Stands upright when set down on a flat surface

Why It's Crucial:

Its various attachment points and cable management system simplifies your shooting experience, ensuring your gear is secure and your focus stays on capturing an epic shot.

6. 67mm VND Filter w/ Filter Mount

For Cinema-Level Looking Motion

What's great about these filters is the convenience of adjusting their strength simply by rotating their ring. This feature eliminates the need to lug around various filters for different lighting situations; instead, you need one versatile piece that adapts to each specific scene. A VND promises your shots are always correctly exposed, regardless of how bright it is outside.

These filters are specifically designed for high-end camera lenses (or phones!) and feature laser-etched, machined aluminum housings, which make them easy to view when shooting and adjust your ND settings on the fly.

Specifications:

• Filter Glass: Schott B270 Pro Cinema Glass
• Adjustment: Rotation with hard stops to prevent cross-polarizing within a working range.
• Filter Range: ND4 - ND32 and ND64 - ND512
• Compatibility: 16mm and above

Key Features:

• Available in both 2-5 stop (ND4 - ND32) and 6-9 stop (ND64- ND512) ranges
• Advanced optical coatings for cinematic color and rugged durability
• Precision tuned to never cross-polarize
• Hard stops on both ends of the stop range for more precise control
• Works with any standard center-pinch lens cap (like the one you already have for your camera lens)

Why It's Crucial:

VND filters allow filmmakers to control motion blur and exposure settings in real-time during their shoot without having to rely on editing the brightness or shutter speeds in post-production.

7. MC RGB On-Camera LED Light

For Colorful, Dimmable Light Sources

This is my favorite light in the camrea bag, and while it works great for my bigger cameras, it's also perfect for the iPhone when screwed on top of the Mobile Filmmaker Cage.

It has full Hue, Saturation, and Intensity (HSI) controls, allowing me to dial in the perfect shade and intensity with 360° hue control; some scenes require more intense lighting scenes than others, so the ability to dim the source is crucial

The Aputure MC apart is its RGB capabilities and includes two extra white LEDs — one for tungsten and another for daylight settings. This makes it so useful for any shoot I'm on. It also features nine built-in lighting effects, a boon for creative shoots.

Specs:

• Color Temperatuer: 3200 to 6500K
• Color Accuracy Standard: CRI 96 I TLCI 97
• Dimming: Yes
• Capacity: 2600 mAh
• Battery Run Time: 2 to 15 Hours

Key Features:

• Connect to the Sidus Link app if you need more control over your lighting effects
• 9 built-in lighting effects presets
• Built-in magnets and a 1-4″-20 female screw mount allow you to place and use it anywhere in seconds.
• Compatible with the Qi wireless charging

Why It’s Crucial:

The portability of this RGB panel is perfect for on-the-go shoots, especially for tighter shots where you only need a small spotlight (also works amazing in super dark spaces for how small it is).

8. Moment Cold Shoe Mount for MagSafe

For Big Accessories on a Phone

What we love about MagSafe is that you no longer need a phone clamp or a tripod to mount gear to your phone. Instead, this cold shoe lets you securely connect your favorite cold shoe accessory directly to your iPhone. It's way more organized and way slimmer for quick shoots if you're not into rigging up the phone on a cage.

Specs:

• Dimensions: 58mm x 82mm
• Shoe Mount: Any standard cold show accessory.
• Phone Compatibility: Any official MagSafe phone case

Key Features:

• Works with most cases using our Stick-on Adapter - for MagSafe
• Mounts any standard cold shoe accessories
• Adjustable cold shoe arm for different size phones and cases
• Padded contact points to keep your phone safe

Why It's Crucial:

It's a one-fits-all magnetic attachment that handles the organization and carries the weight of a light microphone, tripod, and more.

9. Moment Fanny Sling 2L

For Carrying the Goods

Slings are where it's at. The 2L size is perfect for fast captures on the street or to organize all of my accessories to later grab on the fly. It's even large enough to fit my 35mm film camera, so I can take pictures on a video shoot, too. Its seven adjustment points allow it to expand or cinch down as needed, especially when wearing a bunch of added layers, and hte double-waterproof coating gives me confidence it won't get destroyed i na rainstorm.

Specs:

• Material: Weatherproof recycles Korda with a double-layer waterproof coating.
• Dimensions: 10.25” W x 5.25” H x 1.6” D
• Capacity: 2L

Key Features:

• Wearable over the shoulder or on the hips.
• Microfiber-lined pocket for sunglasses or filters.
• Adjustable strap and pack wings to fit your body.
• Retractable camera lens wipe.
• Integrated clip for keys.

Why It's Crucial

it's cute; it carries everything I need and a great after-shoot purse to take with me for a beer. If you know, you know.

10. Moment Pro Camera App

For Advanced Manual Controls

The Pro Camera App has always been centered around bringing your favorite big-camera controls to your smartphone camera. It has tons of unique features like timelapse, slow shutter motion blur, zebra stripes, and full-stock manual controls over ISO, shutter speed, and focus—you can literally turn your smartphone into your favorite mirrorless big rig or DSLR. It's also the #1 paid Photo and video app, so you know it's good.

Check out our full guide here on how to get started with the app.

Key Features:

• Import, organize, and use your favorite LUTs
• Color Spaces: choose between Rec.709, Rec.2020 HDR, Display P3, and Apple Log (on compatible devices)
• Codecs: shoot in HVEC, H.264, or any of the 422 ProRes variants
• Video bitrates: get precise control over video quality with standard, medium, and high bitrate options.
• RGB Histogram: dial in your video color, balances, and exposure with a live RGB histogram.
• Audio Meters: Get the right sound level with real-time, dual-channel audio levels.

Why It's Crucial:

This is really the only way to get those big-camera controls on your phone. Plus, it works in tandem with Moment mobile lenses and can import LUTs straight onto your footage for a real-life movie as you're filming.