Ulanzi CG01 Bluetooth Smartphone Cap Grip II.

[Chako]

I was perusing Facebook when an add poped up in my feed about this item. I wasn't even aware something like this existed, but once I saw it, I was certain I would like to play with one. Meet the Ulanzi CG01.

20240801_132022 by Chako, on Flickr

20240801_131042 by Chako, on Flickr

This is a add on to your smartphone to turn it into a more traditional camera. My biggest issue is gripping the smartphone. If I take the case off, my Samsung S24 + is slippery and I am certain I will drop it. With my wallet style case, the handling is easier, but the screen protector flap does get in the way. With this cool accessory, I can remove the case and lock it around my cell phone and use it much like a regular camera.

20240801_131053 by Chako, on Flickr

The cool thing about this is that it not only adds a grip to better hold your smartphone, but there is a detachable shuitter button that links up to the phone via bluetooth. Press the shutter button for 3 seconds until you get a blinking blue light, pair the phone to the device, place the phone into camera mode, and start taking photos. Better yet, the shutter button pops off the device (held on by magnets) and you can use it as a remote shutter.

20240801_131509 by Chako, on Flickr

For photo purposes, I took out my LG G6. I quickly found out that if I moved my phone all the way to the right, my fingers would touch the display and cause a bit of grief. Leaving a space like that on the right is perfect for resting fingers without playing with the touchscreen.

20240801_131529 by Chako, on Flickr

The CG01 does a good job of giving you a nice handle to hold the phone.

20240801_131553 by Chako, on Flickr

The fake lens cap is held on by magnets. Flip it around to give yourself a selfie mirror to compose your shots.

20240801_131608 by Chako, on Flickr

On top of the unit is a cold shoe for adding lights, microphones, or anything that has the required shoe and is self powered. I am already getting an LED light for this.

20240801_131631 by Chako, on Flickr

Here is the bluetooth enabled shutter button removed from the unit.

20240801_131645 by Chako, on Flickr

The bottom of the grip is hollow and stores away the recharging cable for the shutter button. My issue with this is there are too many interior rough edges that prevent an easy cable extraction. It works, but sometimes, you have to play with it more than I would like to coax the cable out.

20240801_131709 by Chako, on Flickr

A metal tripod mount is excellent. Far better than the plastic ones I was sure this would come with.

20240801_131716 by Chako, on Flickr

20240801_131825 by Chako, on Flickr

20240801_131948 by Chako, on Flickr

20240801_131957 by Chako, on Flickr

So what are my thoughts on this? I think this product is indispensible if you use your cell phone for a lot of photography. This fairly cheap product that I bought off of Amazon turns your cellphone into a picture taking power house. It solves the issue of handling the cell phone. If you place the phone in right, you can eliminate touching the screen during picture taking. It gives you a better shutter button that is also removable. It allows you to attach devices to the top of the camera. This can be self powered LED lights, microphones, etc. It also allows you use a tripod if needed. The little mirror is cute, and in certain circumstance could be useful.

All in all, I can highly recommend this. I just wished I had found this sooner.