Sony GP-VPT2BT Grip Review

I was looking forward to the Sony GP-VPT2BT Grip . I like small tripods as they are easy to carry, and handy when you need a stable shot in a pinch. This one has a few built-in features. Although as much since only one of my lenses will work with the power zoom I can’t say they will all be useful. But I was keen to play around and give it a go, especially since it’s been a few years and my camera experience has grown massively.

So this isn’t exactly my first impression, as I did have this tripod grip a few years ago. But unboxing it still feels as good as I remember. I really did enjoy using the grip, although it was with the smaller and lighter Sony ZV-1 I am hoping to get the same joy from myA7CIiI providing I use the right lens.

Using the tripod as a hand grip, I wish there was some more texturing or it was rubberised in some way. I don’t intend to use it in the rain, but if I’m near water and get my hands wet, I’d be a bit worried about slipping. I think for safety’s sake I’ll still have a wrist strap at the same time. 

The tripod legs only open to one level, so they aren’t very adjustable. But for something in this small and compact form I dont mind it. I wish there was a little bit more movement though for uneven terrain. This tripod works best on flat, even ground.

A small tripod can be really useful for low to the ground shots or you can put on outdoor tables and walls to get a stable but higher up shot. The only limit is your own creativity.

Packed down the bluetooth shooting grip is a really nice size. Its too small to go on the outside of my camera bag, but upright it can squeeze into the corner out of the way until needed. 

At 215g this is really Lightweight so you won’t think twice about throwing this in your bag. Even if you decide not to use it, you aren’t going to be regretting carrying this extra accessory in your bag.

Setting up I found to be really easy but this will be dependent on what you’re connecting it to. I am using it with the Sony A7CII, which is one of Sony’s latest cameras with their most up to date menus. I just had to go to Bluetooth settings and it connected within seconds. 

The head itself is easy to pivot, and as both a grip and tripod can go to -90°. I have noticed if you are trying to get vertical shots it does become harder with lenses that are physically wider such as Sony’s 24-70 GM. This is because the lens catches on one of the legs. As it uses a standard ¼ inch screw im sure theres some accessories to circumvent this, but it’s not ideal.

The max weight that the tripod can support is 1.5kg. I am writing this about the tripod mode as I feel that would be the most practical with a heavy lens. Otherwise you’ll end up finishing your shoot with a sore wrist. 

The majority of lens and camera combos will be fine, as the heaviest body is around 600g, and very few lenses venture over a kilo. However if you do a long or long distance nature you may want to consider something that can handle more.

Built into the grip tripod there are some buttons. These are great for one-handed controlling but aren’t removable if you want to set the tripod up somewhere and self-record.

The buttons include photo, movie, zoom controls, a lock switch and a custom button. I still haven’t decided what I want my custom button to do.

Since the Sony GP-VPT2BT Grip is bluetooth you can set the camera on something else and use it as a wireless remote. I have found this to be really handy in studios. I can se the camera up on a bigger tripod to record myself, and then use the power zoom controls to adjust the lens until I am perfectly in shot, instead of having to get up and down and adjust myself every time. And when I am ready to record I can start and stop as I please, instead of having to get up every time.

Now there are other competitors for Bluetooth tripods who are cheaper, and in part you have to remember you are paying for the Sony name. 

At the time of writing the RRP is £169.99. Would I pay this? Absolutely not. As much as I love this tripod. I do not think it is worth that price. I picked this tripod up myself for £96, which I thought was much more reasonable. But I wouldn’t consider this item an essential, it’s value is in how you use it, so take a think before purchasing.