VIDEO KITS | Minimalist

Moondog Labs Mult Camera Filter Mount-2.jpg

Gear & app suggestions for those getting started with mobile video & filmmaking.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

Beginners, students, casual users, hobbyists, social media creators (TikTok, etc.), YouTubers, travelers or even just those looking for an Everyday Carry style setup.

WHAT DO WE RECOMMEND?

Regardless of the kind of phone you use we recommend adding several key accessories to this starter style kit to ensure you'll get the best possible results. These are a tripod, tripod mount, ND filter (with a mount, depending on the setup), microphone and a case.

This is a minimalist setup, but you can actually do a lot with it (only add the microphone when needed to keep the setup small). Below are different configurations with purchase links. These are suggestions based upon years of hands-on experience. And please note, some of these options could be mixed & matched within different setups.

MINIMALIST • SETUP #1

This can work with a variety of phone models.

Note - if you have an iPhone 15 or 16 Pro/Max some of these items won't work (see optional list below).

*Moment Case (choose correct M-Series case for your phone)
Moondog Labs Multi-Camera Filter Mount (connects to Moment M-Series case for an ND filter)
Moment 52mm VND filter
Ulanzi Tripod Mount
Manfrotto Tabletop Tripod
RODE VideoMicro II (small camera mount mic)
Apple 3.5mm to Lightning Adapter (for mic)

*IMPORTANT NOTE: Moment M-Series cases are for iPhone 13 or earlier. If you have a 14 or later series device, then get a T-Series (and if you do that then the Moondog Filter Mount will not work, so consider a snap-on filter mount from Moment for your specific phone).

MINIMALIST • SETUP #2

This will only work with the iPhone 13 or 14 Pro/Pro Max:

PolarPro LiteChaser Pro for iPhone 14, iPhone 13 (all-in-one case, grip/tripod mount and filter mount) - choose the Kit that includes a Variable ND filter
Beastgrip Tabletop Tripod
RODE VideoMicro II (small camera mount mic)
Apple 3.5mm to Lightning Adapter (for mic)
Smallrig Cold Shoe Mount (for mic)

MINIMALIST • OPTIONS for iPhone 15 or 16 Pro/Max

Sandmarc or Freewell Sherpa Case (any case will work, but these are good if you decide to add lenses later)
Moment T-Series Case (nice option, but their lenses are hit or miss with the 15 series phones)
Moment QuickLock VND Filter (for iPhone 15/16 Pro/Max cases)
Moment Snap-On Filter Mount (for T-Series case and 15 Pro/Max)
USB-C to 3.5mm Adapter (for mic)

Any of the other tripods or mics mentioned will work with the 15 or 16 series phones.

VIDEO CAMERA APPS

ALTERNATIVE & OPTIONAL GEAR

Sandmarc Cases, Lenses & Filters (different ecosystem, but solid choice)
BeastClamp (hand grip & tripod mount)
Ulanzi Mini Tripod (for lightweight setups)
Moment MagSafe Tripod Mount (for 12 series or later iPhones)
Manfrotto Smartphone Clamp & Tripod Mount
Tiffen 52mm ND Filter Set
MOZA Nano SE Gimbal (pocket sized, but big performance)
Deity V-Mic D3 (small on camera mic)

For more gear suggestions be sure to check out the main Apps + Gear page
and/or the Buyer's Guides from the menu above.

NEW TO MOBILE FILMMAKING?
Check out our Smartphone Cinematography 101 course

We use affiliate links from Amazon, B&H and more for some of our suggestions. A small commission is paid to use for any sales which helps support our website and YouTube channel - and it costs you nothing extra. Thank you!