Recommended compact tripods for the Sony ZV-1 vlogging setup?

Question

I finally pulled the trigger on the Sony ZV-1 for my upcoming trip to Tokyo next month and honestly I am super stoked but also kind of stressed about the accessories. I am trying to keep my whole setup as light as possible because I am gonna be walking like ten miles a day through Shibuya and Shinjuku and I really dont want a heavy rig hanging off my neck or stuffing my backpack. I have been looking at a few options online but I am getting some mixed signals on what actually works best for this specific camera especially since the ZV-1 has that weird tripod mount placement that blocks the battery door if you use a standard plate. It is a tiny bit annoying that Sony did that honestly.

I did some digging and saw a lot of people recommending the Manfrotto PIXI because it is sturdy and cheap but then I saw some reviews saying it doesnt have enough tilt for vlogging at eye level unless you hold it awkwardly. Then there is the official Sony GP-VPT2BT shooting grip which looks cool because of the bluetooth buttons but man it is pricey for what it is and it looks kinda chunky in the hand. Plus I read that the legs on the Sony grip feel a bit plasticky and might tip over if the wind picks up while I am doing a time-lapse on a table or a ledge.

My budget is ideally under 100 bucks and I really need something that can pull double duty as a handheld grip and a stable mini tripod for when I am eating at a cafe or something and want to film myself. I saw some people talking about Ulanzi or Joby stuff too but I am worried about the build quality over time or it being too wobbly. Is the Sony grip actually worth the extra cash for the convenience or should I just get a solid small tripod and one of those extension plates to fix the battery door issue? Does anyone have a setup they actually swear by for travel vlogging...

TeriPn · Accepted Answer

^ This. Also, I just saw this thread and wanted to check the mechanical specs. Before you buy, I have to ask... what is the total payload you are expecting? If you are adding a Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone, the weight distribution changes quite a bit. I would suggest being careful with the Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod Black MTPIXI-B. It uses a decent technopolymer and has a 1kg load capacity, but the lack of an independent pan head makes it hard to level on the fly. Alternatively, the Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit offers flexibility, but the friction joints often degrade over time with frequent use. For the battery door issue, the SmallRig L-Shape Grip for Sony ZV-1 2936 is technically the best fix... it relocates the 1/4 inch thread so you can access the SD card slot without removing your gear. It is a much cleaner solution than the Sony grip imo.

Danielmix · Answer

I took the Ulanzi MT-16 Extendable Mini Tripod on a two-week trip last year and was so satisfied with how it held up.

Sony GP-VPT2BT Wireless Shooting Grip: convenient buttons but feels way too plasticky for $100.

Ulanzi MT-16 Extendable Mini Tripod: cheaper, has a side cold shoe, and the extension is clutch for vlogging. Get a SmallRig ZV-1 L-Shape Handle Grip Plate to fix the battery door gap and you're set.

Kak esehiko sminor k112 forum. · Answer

Im honestly kinda disappointed that Sony didnt think the mounting point through for vloggers, especially since the ZV-1 is marketed exactly for that. Unfortunately, those plastic legs on the cheaper kits usually snap or wobble if youre walking through crowds in Shinjuku, which is the last thing you want. If you want real reliability without the Sony tax, here is what I found works best:

SmallRig Base Plate for Sony ZV-1 Camera 2936: This is a lifesaver. It fixes that annoying battery door issue and adds a cold shoe on the bottom too.

SmallRig Tabletop Mini Tripod with Panoramic Ball Head BUT2664: Its made of aluminum so it wont flex like the plastic ones, and it stays stable even if it gets a bit windy on a cafe table. Dont let the gear stress you out too much tho. Once you get that base plate on, the camera feels way more professional and you wont have to keep unscrewing stuff every time you need a fresh battery. Youre gonna have a blast in Tokyo!