Freewell Sherpa | iPhone Filmmaking Kit Review

[@FlowericiousResident]

i have polar pro litechasers lens the director kits their customer support is great, however the grip on sherpa looks interesting.

[@iphoneographers]

The PolarPro stuff is solid.

[@animaxxx4429]

@@iphoneographers which mist filter is better according to you? polarpro@s litechaser one or sherpa@s snow mist?

[@iphoneographers]

For a subtle look the snow mist is nice. But for a larger glow, the other one from PolarPro is good, although Freewell makes one that does that too. The quality is pretty much the same.

[@uxjordan]

Does anyone know what app you use to record?

[@clasicorides]

I’ve been using filmic pro for a while to record. Top notch (at this moment) in my opinion.

[@neptaly2]

Freewell is better than polar pro? Or which is the best to buy?

[@iphoneographers]

Neither is really better than the other. It depends on what you’re using it for. Would say Freewell is more for travel and easy setups and PolarPro (especially the cage version) is for more serious/robust setups. I like them both for different reasons. I do like the Freewell filter system somewhat better though.

[@milliemolnun]

Can I use the magnetic filters with the anamorphic lens or only those that come with the lens?

[@laba5008]

I like their phone case and lenses except the grip. That can be improved.

[@TerraNipponica]

Hello, I would like to know about the possibility of simultaneously using ND, CPL, SMIST1/4, and other filters in the FREEWELL SHERPA system for iPhone 15. I have watched many videos of people reviewing this system and carefully studied the manufacturer's website, but nowhere is there extremely important information. Everyone says that you can use, for example, a VND filter or a permanent ND filter with the Anamorphic 1.33 lens, as well as a CPL filter and others. Good! However, everyone needs to understand whether ND, CPL, SMIST1/4, and other filters can be used simultaneously on one lens in various combinations, as this is critically important for any shooting. For example, when making videos of the city or nature in high lighting conditions, I need to use an ND or VND filter to reduce the shutter speed, but I also need to remove glare from the surfaces of plant leaves or from the surfaces of cars, water, windows, etc., and I need to use a CPL filter. As you understand, these filters are meaningless separately and can be used, but only in rare cases. I would appreciate clarification on this aspect, as it significantly affects the functionality of the entire system and gives a clear answer whether it's worth buying or it will be money thrown to the wind.

[@iphoneographers]

The filters are magnetic and so they aren’t threaded and thus there is no way to stack them.

[@davidgates5699]

Use a Magsafe phone cage if you do not like the grip.

[@wounded_healer1439]

I just ordered the sherpa case with the anamorphic lens kit because it's currently the only option for the Galaxy S23 Ultra when it comes to lenses that lock into a case, I may eventually invest in a cage setup but I do more gimbal work, so a case that works with lenses like this is much better considering the payload of gimbals. I'm currently using the Zhiyun Smooth 5.& am in love🙌🏻👏🏻

[@LouisLuzuka]

I’ve been using the polar pro 12 pro max case with that clip handle and I really enjoy the extra grip 😊

[@vendytoys9454]

In Indonesia we cant get it.. i dont know why

[@grumpy2759]

I already have to much invested in the light chaser pro. I also have a bunch of moment lens that are not of as much use with the iPhone 14 pro.

[@gravitymediapro]

How’s the magnetic strength of the case?

[@LiquidLoungeVIP]

Been using this when it launched and its really great! Got the case, Mist VND filter and the grip, the anamorphic was not available but waiting on it. I absolutely love the setup! Great review btw,

[@wowyummyyy]

L I K E 👍👍👍👍👍😻😻😻

[@mikefarrell617]

Yes do the moment video comparison

[@dialogandointerculturalmente]

Great video!!! As usual great teacher!!! Freewell and Polarpro took moment's clients??? Smallrig looks amazing for my jobs...but I can not decide my self about the better way of using filters and lenses.... I already had two moment lenses "M" .... this Frell is not the same mont is it???? Would you make a suggestion for my case??? Thanks!!!

[@repentandliveholy]

Hello! Thanks for video. Which telephoto lens is best as for you?

[@dc2911]

Great video thanks! Do the Moment lenses work with the Sherpa case?

[@iphoneographers]

No, they do not. They do work with the Litechaser Pro though.

[@vegasrenie]

I like the "future proof" aspect of Freewell. Did not get the grip because apparently I have a shopping issue when it comes to mini tripods, selfie sticks, monopods, etc. 😅 I don't need another one!

[@martinohesse]

Is there an adapter for Samsung like the one at 1:18 ?

[@MTBs]

Great video! Can you use the ND filter and the mist filter together?

[@iphoneographers]

You can’t stack filters, but I’m pretty sure the mist knocks it down some too, but I need to confirm that. Typically it’s ND plus mist.

[@project_poor_runner]

Is the grip ergonomical for large hands? Like can you reach the shutter button easily with your thumb?

[@iphoneographers]

I’d say it’s medium sized. I think they could’ve made the grip a little bit bigger, but I think they targeted the middle and so it works for most people as long as your hands aren’t like André the Giant. Lol.

[@WillNewcomb]

Q: how well does the Bluetooth remote work? Does it work with multiple iPhone camera apps? Until a few months ago I had a brilliant cheap phone grip with identical functions (but no case/lens attachments). Unfortunately it broke and is no longer made. Subsequently I've bought another more restricted phone grip where the Bluetooth ONLY works with the default iphone12pm camera app. I've had similar problems with other Bluetooth remote shutters.

[@iphoneographers]

I’ve only done some basic testing because I don’t personally use that but it worked fine with one phone.

[@WillNewcomb]

@@iphoneographers Mine all work with the default camera app but struggle/totally fail with most other apps. None of them work with slow shutter apps where they're really needed.

[@bobimmesua7827]

Can you give me some advice about this or Litechaser Pro case? I'm mainly used for variable ND.

[@iphoneographers]

I think the VND on both are good. The Sherpa has an easier system to work with though. The LiteChaser is more robust. It’s a subjective call based on your needs. For ease of use and a bit less expensive I’d probably look at the Sherpa, especially if you’re traveling.

[@heffe4257]

It was between this and the litechaser pro kit for my iPhone 14 pro. Got the litechaser kit, but I think I’m going to return it. It only works with moment lenses, and they don’t work well with the 14 pro. Nor does Moment update their app either.

[@iphoneographers]

Their lenses work fine with the standard wide on the 14 Pro and you can use any app. Check out Cinema P3. But this kit is nice.

[@pauledwards8300]

I have one question before I purchase this article - does it require a battery or is it charged? I didn’t see a charging point in your video

[@iphoneographers]

There’s nothing to charge here it’s just a case and filters.

[@RealWorldGarage]

Thanks Blake!! Hope you and yours had a good Holiday season.

[@iphoneographers]

You too, thanks for watching!

[@bqoutdoors2334]

I don’t know if you remember my comment asking you about wanting a treestand setup for self filming my hunts. Do you think this would be better ?

[@iphoneographers]

Yeah, I do remember, but I think you were saying you wanted a long telephoto and a robust setup. So really for that I would still go with the Beastcage and get that 1.7x Tele. That setup is bulletproof. However, if you’re looking for something, that’s more lightweight and then you can use just the built-in lenses, this is a nice option for sure.

[@bqoutdoors2334]

@@iphoneographers thanks I’m gonna stick with the first option the beast gear your the. Man

[@Mtaych69]

5:19 into your video, you mentioned having some difficulties mounting the anamorphic len. I had the same problem with my anamorphic len. My kit arrived yesterday - and I found it very difficult to mount it. Worst, after I installed the amamorphic len, I found horribly deep scratch on my len mount after I removed the len. What I am now more afraid is that I might scratch my iPhone lens as the len needs to be pushed and then twisted around and I found it very hard to install the len - and it is such a shame. My brand new case is horribly scratched less than half an hour of opening from the package and my gold anamorphic 1.55x kit (expensive too) - I am afraid to use it because it might scratch my iPhone's len. Did you have such an issue - are you worried if the metal fitting will scratch the iPhone lens?? I tried to write to Freewell support but was informed that Freewell has been in business long enough to have considered all these details and besides, no one had complained about their iphone len being scratched in all their times of selling their products. And if it does scratch my iPhone len, they are prepared to take responsibility for it. Well, that does not really help to ally my concerns because what if my iPhone len did get scratched since the push and twist move is not terribly rigid - will they replace my iPhone or pay for my repair bills? So I guess I will just have to write off the expensive anamorphic len kit as a bad investment and treat it as a heavy expensive paper weight. Just wanted to know if anyone has had their Iphone lens scratched or is it safe to use the "Press & Twist" anamorphic len? Thank you.

[@iphoneographers]

Once you get used to the mounting system it works fine, but yeah, it’s tricky at first. Freewell is a good company and so I would definitely ask to exchange it. I have thought about accidentally scratching the iPhone lens, but I’ve never actually had that happen. While I try to be careful, the lens itself is very strong since they’re always exposed even in your pocket. So I wouldn’t worry too much about that. Hope you get it worked out!

[@Mtaych69]

@@iphoneographers Thanks for your feedback. Unfortunately, everyday I picked up my scratched case, I just felt so dismayed with it (can't get over the fact that my shiny new toy has deep scratches on them) that I just can't motivate myself to use any of the Freewell products I purchased for fear that I would add more scratches or ruin my iPhone. I searched around some of the youtubes (after I noticed my scratches - maybe I should have done more research before purchasing) and noticed that there were other videos where the presenters found it difficult to install the lens or I noticed they too had that circular scratches on their len mounts. I wished they had designed it better such that those scratches would not happen at all. I was so excited when I ordered the various products and now they are just expensive paper weight.. :( I'm the sort of person that hates seeing scratches on any shiny surfaces.. OCD perhaps. I am thinking of moving back to my original case just to forget about the whole entire incident as looking each day at the scratched case is making me feel so bad about my purchase.

[@captainkilos]

Does any of the 3rd party camera apps take advantage of apples new action mode?

[@iphoneographers]

Not to my knowledge

[@remierrard6195]

Hi ! Thank you for your videos, which are of very high quality to compare the brands in them. Excuse me if my English is not perfect, I am French. I am looking to improve my iphone with photo lenses. I saw on one of your videos that the moment mark was obsolete. Beastgrip is too heavy for me I want a light and fast system to take videos while hiking with a 15-20kg bag. What brand do you recommend? Sandmarc? other ? In an ideal, i would like it to fit on an osmo mobile 6. But I am open to any other very practical solution. Thanks !

[@iphoneographers]

The Moment lenses aren’t obsolete, they just have some issues on the larger sensor phones. But if you stay on the standard wide 1X lens, they perform fine. They don’t work well on the telephoto anymore. But you mentioned Sandmarc and they are quite good, and have recently updated their lenses for the newer phones. I don’t use Sandmarc personally, but I have in the past, and they are nice quality. The other ones to consider are from Reeflex. I’ve mentioned those in a past video and will be doing a video in the near future looking at their selection.

[@remierrard6195]

@@iphoneographers Thanks for taking time to respond to me. I'm going to watch your videos and I'm waiting for the news. Cordially,

[@benoitlandot5475]

Thank you for this video. What 1?55 anamorphic lens would you recommend?

[@iphoneographers]

Beastgrip has a brand new one coming out that I would recommend or Moment has a new one to check out.

[@benoitlandot5475]

@@iphoneographers Thank you!

[@nishidrai7951]

I think the overall product and functionality is better than moments. Very clean practical but how is it performance wise?

[@iphoneographers]

It’s really solid. Definitely recommend it for this kind of light kit.

[@nishidrai7951]

So among freewell, moment, sandmarc and beast grip. Which is your pick? I saw beast grip lens r also also very good.

[@sarhanalhabsi]

Freewell Sherpa System Vs ShiftCam System ?

[@iphoneographers]

To me they’re really different animals, the ShiftCan is more of a lens set and case, and the Sherpa is more of a filter set with a case. If you want a really solid set of lenses, go Shiftcam. But if you want a great portable rig with nice filters, then the Sherpa is great.

[@sarhanalhabsi]

@@iphoneographers I would have to buy both phone cases and I won’t be able to use lens and filter at the same time

[@sarhanalhabsi]

@@iphoneographers that’s why i need a system works with both lens and filter at the same time

[@FreewellGear]

@@sarhanalhabsi We have you covered; we have an anamorphic lens & more lenses coming later this year; Freewell is the most portable system on the market.

[@sarhanalhabsi]

@@FreewellGear Great news, any idea when these lens and filter will be available? because i'm traveling on Dec and would love to get some lens and filters before I leave.

[@elliotstern8582]

The mount looks like a moment bayonet mount. Is it the same?

[@iphoneographers]

No, it’s different.

[@chrisdamonsworld]

I just want the grip

[@iphoneographers]

They sell all these pieces individually.

[@MusicWorldProductionX]

Can i use in vlogging video sir?

[@iphoneographers]

Definitely. Pretty ideal for that kind of shooting.

[@MusicWorldProductionX]

@@iphoneographers thanks I think this will be handy for daily vlogging person

[@jamesloop]

I’ve been using this set up on my iPhone 13 Pro Max (ND filter+case+handle grip) daily for the last two months. The grip is awesome - I was a little worried about its “hold strength” but it’s on my phone all day every day, in and out of my pocket, and it doesn’t budge, and it’s super easy to take off and put on. Plus it’s universal, so you don’t need the Sherpa case to use it and it can be used on ANY phone. The magnetic filters are so convenient. I wish that they had a “blank” magnetic filter adapter though, that mounts magnetically in the same way, that you could screw in your own filters and stack filters if needed. I’d pay good money for that. I have the moment universal filter adapter mount for when I need my black diffusion filter stacked with ND filter, but I hate the way it clamps onto the screen on the phone so I barely use it.

[@iphoneographers]

Good to hear. Sounds like you were an early adopter. Overall I think it’s really solid too.

[@jamesloop]

@@iphoneographers yeah, scored a promotional deal probably right after it launched. Almost went with polar pro, but the universality + magnetic filters of the Sherpa system sold me on it

[@aleksanderjelacic213]

How is audio? Mic is covered by filter. I have Sherpa too, but audio is bad. Whic mic you use? Back, front or bottom ( filmic pro app)?

[@jamesloop]

@@aleksanderjelacic213 I’ve been using the cinema p3 pro app, but it has the same mic settings as filmic pro I believe. Tbh I don’t use the native mic much at all - usually I have some cheap Bluetooth lav mics for interviews, or a cheap meike shotgun mic, or just recording though headphones. The few times that I have used my phone mic I used it on “back” because I had the main lens pointing directly at me (I’m assuming back means back of phone, not “back, in relation to phone’s main camera lens…i.e. screen side”) and didn’t think it was that bad, maybe even better with the filter on since it blocked some of the wind, but I was sitting only about 3’ away from the phone. The filters have what looks like vent holes all around it and *I think* that is supposed to let you use the phone mic, but I haven’t done much testing so this reply prob won’t be very helpful, sorry. Generally I try not to use my phone mic though just cuz quality is so poor with or without a Sherpa filter mounted to it (usually very hissy).

[@aleksanderjelacic213]

@@jamesloop Hi. I only have VND filter, i didn't find a sigle hole for mic on it. Back mic is totaly blocked. There are 8 extra holes on skin at the bottom around lightning connector. I will use bottom mic. Where did you find holes on filter?

[@Skipp28TN]

A waist of $. Lense does nothing iPhone cant don handle switches to audio control Whole system is worth $50

[@Fairyrobots]

Drive your car, I can. Yessss.

[@iphoneographers]

🤣

[@CuriousTummy]

made of plastic or aluminum or steel?

[@CuriousTummy]

the grip

[@FreewellGear]

@@CuriousTummy mix of PC & metal.