I remember countless moments while traveling where tourists laboriously fixed their smartphones into a clamp on a selfie stick and hardly took them out all day because the swap was simply too fiddly.
The Kraftgeek JustTap Magnetic Phone Tripod takes a different approach, relying on a magnetic quick-attachment system that allows for docking and undocking in seconds. What else can this tripod do?
Features & Technical Specifications
The heart of the JustTap is the magnetic mount. It is MagSafe-compatible and holds corresponding iPhones or MagSafe cases without further ado. A self-adhesive metal ring is included, which can be used to retrofit other smartphones. The magnet itself is powerfully dimensioned; it grips the phone securely even if you move the tripod abruptly, and it doesn’t give you the feeling that the device could detach at any moment.
A special feature of the selfie stick is the built-in tripod. You press it against the ground and three legs fold out. Additionally, the tripod can be extended telescopically. This makes it possible to take group selfies from a distance or to film yourself at eye level without having to place the device on a table.
A small ball joint sits at the head, allowing for tilts. The various settings are a bit stiff, but this ensures the smartphone remains in the set position.
Not to be overlooked is the integrated Bluetooth remote, which sits in a magnetic compartment on one of the legs. It can be charged via USB-C and pairs quickly with the phone.
Folded up, the JustTap measures about 33 centimeters and weighs around 450 grams, with a load capacity of nearly 2.5 kilograms. The build quality seems decent; there are no sharp edges or wobbly connections.
In Practice
For me, the magnetic attachment is the greatest relief compared to conventional selfie stick mounts and the biggest highlight.
The smartphone can be attached without any fiddling. Especially when traveling, you don’t want to keep your smartphone trapped on a selfie stick all day, but rather have it quickly at hand to type a message or study a map. The magnetic quick-change system solves this problem so smoothly.
The most important thing about the attachment, besides the speed, is, of course, how well the smartphone holds. There is no reason for concern here. The magnet holds the smartphone very firmly, whether upside down or during movement. I’ve had much worse selfie sticks where I was constantly worried about my expensive device.
As a tripod on solid ground, the JustTap performs respectably. The ball joint maintains the chosen orientation, and the remote triggered without delay. Even in portrait orientation, the setup remained stable as long as you didn’t choose extreme tilts.
I found the Bluetooth remote to be a real asset in many situations. It allows for group photos without a timer and without needing a second person behind the camera. The pairing with the smartphone remained stable, and even from several meters away, the shutter responded without noticeable lag. This results in shots where you are part of the picture yourself while still maintaining full control over the moment.
When you fold the legs together into a handle, the tripod becomes a selfie stick. However, because of the built-in tripod construction, the spot where you hold it is not as ergonomic as a specially shaped handle or a soft rubberized end.
For a quick selfie or a short video, this hardly matters, but those who film themselves for several hours might find the lack of handle shaping somewhat uncomfortable. Additionally, at 450 grams, the tripod is not exactly light.
The extendable mechanism significantly expands its use. Group selfies succeed with more distance, and the higher vantage point brings your own face closer to natural eye level during self-recordings, which looks much more flattering than a wide-angle shot held from below.
However, the extended length comes at a price: the more you extend the tripod, the more noticeable a slight instability becomes. If you tap on the screen, the entire structure begins to vibrate slightly. For long exposures or steady video recordings, it is therefore advisable to trigger the smartphone via the remote whenever possible and avoid direct contact.
Indoors and in calm conditions, this characteristic is hardly significant, but outdoors with a light breeze, the flexibility can become a challenge.
One point that should not be underestimated, despite all the functionality, is the size and weight. The JustTap is not a selfie stick you can just slip into your pocket. When traveling, you’ll want to have a small backpack or a larger camera bag to keep it handy. Considering its versatility, the pack size is acceptable, but those who look for minimal luggage must consciously accept this compromise.
Conclusion
The Kraftgeek JustTap Magnetic Phone Tripod is a well-thought-out companion for everyone who uses their smartphone as a versatile camera and doesn’t want to choose between a selfie stick and a table tripod. The magnetic quick-attachment works reliably and takes the stress out of handling.
The workmanship is good, the joints hold their position, and the integrated remote frees you from the “self-timer dance.” The system is ideal for quick transitions between making calls and taking photos.
On the other hand, there are a few tangible limitations. The stick mode is ergonomically only a compromise and becomes somewhat uncomfortable with prolonged use. At full extension, the tripod loses stability, which requires conscious handling for blur-free shots. Furthermore, the pack size is not so ultra-compact that you can always carry it inconspicuously.
Those who can live with these disadvantages get a flexible and quickly ready-to-use solution that helps wherever the smartphone is the main camera.
Buy
The JustTap Magnetic Phone Tripod is available directly on the manufacturer’s website, Kraftgeek. At kraftgeek.com, you can find the product, matching accessories, and current prices. With the code “MARKUS15” you get a discount of 15%. You can also buy it on Amazon.
Kraftgeek was kind enough to provide the tripod for testing free of charge.