The trend of Vlogging and personal content making continue into 2020. Today, Sony launched the all-new wireless shooting grip, the GP-VPT2BT to lead vlogging into new standards. We bring you the review.
This grip was designed for vloggers and solo traveller in mind using the Alpha and RX series cameras with Bluetooth functions (see compatibility list below) who work alone and at the same time retaining full control of their camera with one hand operation, minus the cable. We have seen the older version of the grip introduced by Sony, but in our opinion, the connecting cable always takes perfection away. With this new Bluetooth enabled GP-VPT2BT shooting grip, lets us take you on a ride to see how it performs.
Cordless
As mentioned, the cable was ditched. It connects to the camera via the Bluetooth connection to take control of the camera. It is pretty straightforward. Connecting it is easy. Just enable the Bluetooth function from the camera and you are ready to pair the grip, by holding down the “Photo” and “T” buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds and it’s paired. You will be wondering since it is cordless, where does it draw the power from? For this, Sony designed this grip to work like any remote control using a low energy CR2032 tablet type battery.
Once it is paired, you can use it freely to take photos and videos with the dedicated buttons. The zooming function integrates seamlessly with RX100 VII and RX0 II where you can control its power-zoom optically and digitally. If it is paired with the Alpha series such as the A6100 shown above, it will act as picture enlarger or reducer functions in playback mode to check your shots.
The C1 button on the grip is convenient for you to customise your favourite setting from the camera, for us, we set it as a playback button, so we can review the shots in a blink. The choices are yours, so just try around what’s the best function for you to be set in the C1. There is a lock lever among the cluster of buttons, this is especially useful to prevent you from accidental activation of buttons when you are travelling or packing with it.
Since this is a cordless grip, we detach it from the camera and it works as “advance” remote control that does more than just a shutter button. You get the idea.
Handling and Built
The new grip is physically larger, much bigger than Sony’s previous version of shooting grips. What does this translate to? Larger grip means more stability and control. It is actually pretty comfortable, with nice ergonomics and holds, the thumb moves comfortably around all the buttons with ease. We tested this grip the A6100 but we think it finds the equal balance with the A7 series and the A9 series as well.
The new GP-VPT2BT has greater flexibility in terms of tilts and turns. It can now tilt to 90 degrees for the low angle shoots and we can still access to all the buttons and maintaining control of the camera. Compared to the older version, once it’s tilt to 90 degrees, it is impossible to use the buttons. So, this is a very big improvement. The quick-release button on the head also allows the camera to rotate 90 degrees at every stop for a full turn. You can use this to turn the camera to any direction without unloosing the screw head.
When you need hands-free, just deploy the legs to become a mini tripod. Sometimes in a situation or location where the tripod is not really convenient, the shooting grip like this will be your most love in the world at that moment.
If you are the outdoor kind of vlogger, the good news is, the GP-VPT2BT is dust and moisture resistant. Pair with a dust and moisture resistant camera and nothing nature can stop you to create awesome contents.
PRO & CONS
Turn Ons
Cordless
Custom button
Better comfort and grip
Better tilt and rotate
Turn Offs
CR2032 battery
Should you buy Shooting Grip?
If you are already owning one of these compatible Sony cameras (A6100, A6400, A6600, A7III, A7R III, A7R IV, A9, A9 II, RX100 VII, RX0 II) and are a vlogger/one-man content maker, then you wouldn’t need to think twice to get this accessory. The biggest improvement of this new grip, the GP-VPT2BT is its cordless design and its built, setting more freedom and confidence to content makers.
Price is at a reasonable level of RM499, available locally this month, for complete specification information, visit Sony Malaysia.
