Note: Sorry for not including photos or video with this review. We've had tons of rain recently, and rather than delay this review any further, I'll update it after things have had a chance to dry out. I backed the original version of Andobil's MagStick during its 2022 Kickstarter campaign (after having backed Andobil's prior KS campaign for their rugged bike phone mount). I've enjoyed using th... Learn more

Note: Sorry for not including photos or video with this review. We've had tons of rain recently, and rather than delay this review any further, I'll update it after things have had a chance to dry out. I backed the original version of Andobil's MagStick during its 2022 Kickstarter campaign (after having backed Andobil's prior KS campaign for their rugged bike phone mount). I've enjoyed using the original MagStick, and while it delivered on everything promised, it did have some limitations: Being lightweight made it a bit too flexible, which affected its use as a tripod when there was any wind, and also prevented it being used with anything heavier than a smartphone. When Andobil announced they were releasing a new MagStick version that was both stronger and more stable, I immediately ordered one. When it arrived, I compared it side by side with the original version, and also compared it to my tripod and monopod. The difference was night and day. The new MagStick 2.0 has a wider base and locking vertical segments that combine to create something that is far lighter and more portable than my regular camera tripod, and far more stable than my monopod. The MagStick 2.0 is also stronger than the prior version. I loaded it up with my smartphone, a small LED light and a microphone, which it handled no problem. Then I swapped my phone for my Panasonic Lumix DC-TS7, which is twice as heavy, and it handled it without any problems. While the MagStick 2.0 absolutely earns this 5-star review, that doesn't mean it's perfect. But it's close! Making it stronger made it heavier, and making the segments lock made it larger when collapsed, which together make it slightly less convenient to carry around. However, its benefits greatly outweigh this one limitation, and I still strongly recommend this both as a sturdy selfie-stick and as a very portable tripod. Also, the original MagStick, with its flimsy plastic legs, did provide a storage slot for the included Bluetooth remote. The MagStick 2.0, with its metal legs, does not have this storage slot. My solution is a piece of velcro hook material on the head of the unit, with the fuzzy velcro on the back of the remote. Problem solved! Now let's talk about the "secret sauce" of the MagStick, which has been kept unchanged from the first version: The head unit, including the phone and accessory mount. The mount is directly compatible with the iPhone MagSafe mounting system (on the iPhone 13 and newer). If you don't have MagSafe, the MagStick includes metal rings that may be attached to any smartphone, including my Google Pixel 5a. While Apple's MagSafe works right through a case, on other phones, the metal ring should be mounted on the outside of the case. The head unit also includes a physical clamp-style phone mount, which is ideal not only for phones without MagSafe or a ring installed, but also for most other cameras that can't use the ring, including sports cameras like the GoPro. Even some heavier cameras will work, including my Panasonic Lumix that I mentioned above. There is lots more to say about the MagStick 2.0, and it's all documented on the product page. Please check it out!

The Andobil MagSafe 2.0 is a great improvement over the original. The sturdy base is a game changer that makes this tripod fully useable, the previous one vibrates so much that you can only work with it with the remote control. Another great improvement is the holder attachment screw is now mounted on a turning knob! It makes the 2.0 a truly versatile tripod, allowing the attachment of a number of... Learn more

The Andobil MagSafe 2.0 is a great improvement over the original. The sturdy base is a game changer that makes this tripod fully useable, the previous one vibrates so much that you can only work with it with the remote control. Another great improvement is the holder attachment screw is now mounted on a turning knob! It makes the 2.0 a truly versatile tripod, allowing the attachment of a number of third-party devices such as cellphone holders and ball heads. In the photos, the first one shows a camera mounted on top of the tripod; the second photo shows a holder with a cellphone; the third photo shows a ball head with a cellphone holder mounted with 2 LED light panels. As you can see, the MagSafe 2.0 has now become a truly versatile tripod with the addition of a 3/8" universal mount screw on a knob! Well done, Andobil !!!