Top Mobile Filmmaking Gear for Video Creators

Everything you need to create epic short films on your smartphone — gimbals, lenses, mics, and more.

Hand holding iPhone 16 with a mobile filmmaker cage with an on-camera shotgun microphone for footage.

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 fine, 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.

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1. Moment T-Series Mobile Lenses

For More Perspectives

Our attachable lenses are a must-have for mobile creators. Obviously, we're slightly biased, but these lenses are genuinely the key to more creative POVs. The Wide 18mm lens captures extra-wide landscapes, while the Anamorphic lenses adds cinematic spice to your shots. You can dive into macro photography or get up close with the Tele 58mm 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 images without your phone’s digital manipulation. Pair it with the manual controls you'd find on the Moment Pro Camera App, and you have a device that rivals the big rigs.

If you need more details, read our this article on how our mobile lenses (both M-Series & T-Series) work with the latest flagship camera phones.

Specifications:

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 We Like It:

Our phone's camera lens can only capture so much. These lenses are easy to attach and offer way more unique focal lengths with higher-quality results (if you attach the lens over the phone's standard 1x lens, you get a wider aperture, which is ultimately better quality).

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2. VND Quick-Lock Filters

For Cinema-Level Looking Motion

These best-selling filters are truly a community favorite. You don't have the clunky look of a large filter ring at the forefront of your phone, but you still get that cinematic-looking footage straight out of the phone. A VND promises your shots are always correctly exposed, regardless of how bright it is outside, especially when paired with the manual settings you'd set on the Moment Pro Camera App.

It's worth noting that the filters with Quick-Lock technology are only compatible with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro series. If you have an older device, try the 67mm filter ring paired with a 67mm filter mount. Both filter styles capture that VND experience you'd normally get on a big camera, just now in the palm of your hand.

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

Key Features:

  • Secure: The proprietary Quick-Lock mechanism won’t come off your Moment Camera Case.
  • Quick: A tool-free removal that can be done in seconds.
  • Protective: Covers your expensive camera lens to protect it from dirt and scratches.
  • Pro Effects: Cinema-quality glass gives you professional-quality results.

Why We Like It:

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

CPL quick lock filter for iPhone 16 with hands holding the phone.

3. 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 with a bunch of attachments (like your light cables or mic wires). This cage can support up to multiple of your favorite accessories thanks to the numerous 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. Hold onto it like a steering wheel with two hands, or one-hand it like a boss out the car of a window.

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 We Like It:

It's like a gimbal, but way simpler. The attachment points and cable management system stablizes your shooting experience, no matter the weight you put on it.

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4. 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 standard 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 We Like It:

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.

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GorillaPod 3K PRO Stand

JOBY

The JOBY GorillaPod 3K Pro Stand is the perfect GorillaPod flexible tripod to use with premium mirrorless cameras. This brand new GorillaPod gimbal features our patented technology with metal handle t...

Add for $68.84

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5. Rode Wireless Go II

For Crystal-Clear Audio

The Rode Wireless Go II is a super reliable and well-to-do wireless mic for shooting outside the studio. Each kit contains two transmitters and a single receiver, allowing you to capture two sound sources simultaneously — which is great for a wide range of filmmaking scenarios, from recording headshot interviews to two-person vlogs in the middle of a windy field. RODE has a variety of great products that are beginner-friendly, but this one takes the cake for mobile audio.

Specifications:

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

Key Features:

You can 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 We Like It:

Whether you're capturing interviews, vlogs, or any other natural sounds when outside, you can feel good knowing this mic will handle it all.

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6. 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 key. The box 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 great tool for super 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 We Like It:

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

Aperture light MC mini panel for iPhone filmmaking.

7. Zhiyun Smooth 5S

For Stabilization

The Zhiyun Smooth 5S is a game-changer in mobile filmmaking and probably one of the most popular gimbals for your smartphone in the community. It features professional magnetic steel motors with an upgraded algorithm, versatile compatibility, and a wider phone clamp to guarantee a safer and easier filmmaking experience across a range of devices (even the Max or Pro models). This 3-axis gimbal stabilizer gives you buttery-smooth shots, eliminating that wobbly footage when you're walking or breathing heavily. Whether shooting on the move or in the studio for headshots, the Smooth 5S gives you professional-grade stability. It also offers a longer battery life, keeping you filming longer without interruptions on those super long days.

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 a built-in focus/zoom control wheel.
  • Not Over-Done: Your original shot looks nice and not too overly corrected.

Why We Like It:

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

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Smooth 5S Smartphone Gimbal | Gray

Zhiyun

The Zhiyun Smooth 5S builds on the already great Smooth 5. Upgraded with a powerful built-in fill light, in addition to the two modular magnetic ones, providing an integrated yet simplified filmmaking...

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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 device. 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 We Like It:

It's a one-fits-all magnetic attachment that organizes and supports the weight of a light microphone, tripod, or lens.

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Cold Shoe Mount - for MagSafe®

Moment

Introducing our Cold Shoe Mount - for Magsafe. It’s the fastest way to mount a light or microphone to your phone. What we love about MagSafe is that you no longer need a phone clamp or a tripod to mo...

Add for $32
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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 We Like It:

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.

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Fanny Sling 2L

Moment

This is our daily, go-to fanny sling. It’s comfortable, adjustable, and fits your daily carry from wallets to keys to phones, and even a 35mm camera. The seven different adjustment points mean the pac...

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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 and trusted by the community. It's been around for a while, always upgrading its software based on customer feedback and consumer reports. You don't need anything else.

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

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 We Like It:

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.

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