SMALLRIG Small Camera Tripod Selfie Stick, Extendable 8"-15" Mini Handheld Carabiner Tripod with Mantis Hook, 360° Ball Head, Cold Shoe Mount, 1/4"-20 Screw for DSLR, Adapter for DJI, for GoPro - 5285
Quick take
The SMALLRIG 5285 is a compact extendable mini tripod that can also be used as a selfie stick and a hook-mounted stand. With its carabiner-style carry design, mantis hook, and 360° ball head, it’s aimed at quick setups for travel vlogging and action-cam shots. Because it is lightweight and built for small rigs, it’s best when your camera setup stays on the lighter side.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Extendable four-section design reaches about 8 in to 15.2 in for small reach and tabletop to low-angle shots.
- Carabiner-style, openable handle and a mantis hook enable hands-free “clip it and shoot” setups.
- 360° ball head helps you dial in angle quickly, plus there’s a reserved cold shoe mount for add-on accessories.
- Wide camera compatibility via a 1/4"-20 screw and included adapters (including GoPro and DJI Action series support).
Cons
- Mini and lightweight by design, so it may not be ideal for heavier camera bodies or larger payloads.
- The practical height range is limited compared with full-size tripods, so it may not suit higher overhead framing.
- Build appears sturdy for its size, but some buyers flag it as somewhat fragile in certain parts, so it’s better treated as a travel accessory than a rugged everyday stand.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence points to this as a genuinely useful travel accessory, with recurring themes around portability, compact storage, and hands-free usability. Many comments emphasize that the height feels stable for a mini tripod, the head does not sag during normal use, and the locking feels effective. Buyers also tend to like the “multi-function” concept, especially using the hook or carabiner to position an action camera without needing an extra support.
There is also limited-but-relevant feedback that some parts can feel less robust than expected for heavier setups, so the safest interpretation is to treat this as a lightweight support for action cameras and small cameras rather than a heavy-duty tripod.
How the SMALLRIG 5285 is built for quick setups
This model blends a mini tripod, selfie stick, and hook mount in one compact frame. The openable carabiner design is meant to make it easier to carry and clip to gear, while the mantis hook provides an alternative to holding the tripod for certain angles and locations (for example, hanging from appropriate structures).
On the shooting side, the 360° ball head lets you adjust framing fast, and the reserved cold shoe interface gives you a place to mount small accessories like LED lights or microphones. A 1/4"-20 standard screw broadens compatibility beyond action cameras.
Key features that matter in real use
Height range and form factor
The extendable four-section design goes from about 8 in up to 15.2 in. That range is typically enough for tabletop content, low-to-mid angle vlogging, and quick overhead-ish shots without needing to carry a full tripod. At roughly 176 g (6.2 oz), it is light enough to toss into a bag for travel.
Ball head movement for easy framing
A 360° ball head is built for rapid orientation changes. In practice, that means you can shift the camera for different perspectives without re-mounting or complicated adjustments.
Carabiner and mantis hook positioning
If you shoot in environments where you can clip or hang gear, the built-in hook and carabiner approach can reduce the need to find a surface or hold the setup manually. This is one of the strongest “value” angles of the design, especially for action-camera footage and casual group shots.
Cold shoe and mounting compatibility
The cold shoe mount is a plus if you plan to add compact lighting or audio accessories. For camera mounting, the 1/4"-20 screw and included 2-prong adapter support action camera ecosystems such as GoPro Hero 13/12/11 and certain DJI Action models (via the included adapter).
Pros and cons, matched to buyer needs
Best for
- Travel creators who want a small tripod/selfie stick combo that packs down quickly.
- Action-cam users who benefit from hook or clip-based hands-free positioning.
- Beginners who want easy angle adjustments (360° ball head) and flexible shooting modes (handheld, desktop, and hook).
- People who like having a cold shoe interface for small accessories.
Who should avoid it
- Anyone mounting heavier camera setups, expecting full-size tripod stability, or aiming for high overhead shots.
- Buyers who need a rugged, repair-friendly tripod for rough daily use, since mini tripods like this are typically more sensitive to high loads.
Value and verdict
The SMALLRIG 5285 is a low-profile accessory that prioritizes portability and quick positioning over maximum height and heavy-duty stability. The overall buyer-review pattern supports it as a practical mini tripod for action cameras and small camera rigs, with the standout advantage being the hook and carabiner design for hands-free scenarios. If you want something compact for vlogging, travel, and casual action-camera work, it fits well, but if you regularly run heavier gear or need bigger framing range, you may want a larger tripod option instead.
FAQ
Does the SMALLRIG 5285 support action cameras without a phone clamp?
Yes. It includes a 2-prong adapter for compatible action cameras (including GoPro Hero 13/12/11 and certain DJI Action models). It also supports mounting via a 1/4"-20 standard screw for devices with that threaded hole.
What’s the height range of this mini tripod?
It extends from about 8 in up to 15.2 in, using a four-section design.
Is the 360° ball head good for changing angles quickly?
That’s the intended use. A 360° ball head is designed for fast, casual angle adjustments, which is helpful for vlogging and repositioning between shots.
What is the cold shoe mount for?
The cold shoe interface is reserved on the side so you can attach small accessories such as LED lights or microphones.
Can I hang the tripod using the mantis hook?
Yes, the end includes a mantis hook meant for hanging or clipping on suitable structures for more stable, hands-free positioning.
Is it stable enough for cameras heavier than action-cam size?
This is a lightweight mini tripod, so it is best treated as a support for smaller camera setups. Review evidence is limited, but there is buyer feedback that some parts may feel fragile under heavier loads, so avoid overloading it.
Specifications
| Product Title | SMALLRIG Small Camera Tripod Selfie Stick, Extendable 8"-15" Mini Handheld Carabiner Tripod with Mantis Hook, 360° Ball Head, Cold Shoe Mount, 1/4"-20 Screw for DSLR, Adapter for DJI, for GoPro - 5285 |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Camera & Photo > Tripods & Monopods > Complete Tripods |
| Brand | SMALLRIG |
| Manufacturer | SmallRig |
| Model Name | 5285 |
| Model Number | 5285B |
| Screen Size | 15.2 Inches |
| Color | Black |
| Material | GF Nylon, Silicone, Aluminum Alloy |
| Item Weight | 6.2 Ounces |
| Item Length | 15.2 Inches |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 5453 |
| Warranty Description | 2 year manufacturer |
| Built-In Media | 2-Prong Adapter, User Manual x 1 |
| Maximum Height | 16.1 Inches |
| Minimum Height | 8 Inches |
| Folded Size | 8.1 x 6.7 x 6.1 inches |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 6.7"D x 6.1"W x 8"H |
| Compatible Devices | Camera/Action Cam |
| Features | Mantis Hook |
| Head Type | Ball Heads |
| Material Type | GF Nylon, Silicone, Aluminum Alloy |
| Audio Recording | No |
| Shooting Modes | Handheld, Desktop, Hook |
| Special Feature | Mantis Hook |
| Tripod Head Type | Ball Heads |
Available variants
Style
- for camera
- for DJI action camera (5 Pro/4/3)
- for Action Cam
- for action camera
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