The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products or points for an honest, helpful review.
Customers commend the Shooting Grip with Wireless Remote Commander for its wireless remote, compact size, and easy usability. The wireless remote allows for great picture taking, while the compact size makes it a perfect tool for vlogging. Customers also appreciate the build quality and compatibility with Sony cameras. However, some customers express concerns about the price and battery type.
This is a great product and addition to a camera. Everything works great via bluetooth. It can work as a selfie stick or a tripod.
Posted by BrandonP
I scared that it didn’t work at first since it was an open box deal but I figured it out and it also came the original box but the shipping box was beat up pretty badly by the carrier other then that it’s perfect thank you Best Buy!
Posted by Fefebeth
The Sony GP-VPT2BT Shooting Grip / Tripod, with Wireless Remote Commander is the newest Sony combination shooting grip and tripod model. This is a nice accessory for my new Sony α6100 mirrorless camera. The most notable improvement over similar devices is that Sony added Bluetooth wireless functionality for the four electronic controls. The grip/tripod allows significant flexibility in adjusting both pan (up to 360 degrees) and tilt (up to 90 degrees forward or back). Among the electronic remote camera controls are zoom function (rocker switch), as well as still photo shutter control (button), video activation control (start/stop toggle button), plus C1 control (custom assignable button). The grip is manufactured of a heavy plastic, which is textured on all hand-held surfaces. It feels solid and is both comfortable and balanced with the α6100 mounted. Obviously, balance with a camera with a long lens mounted would likely be an issue, as would stability when used as a tabletop tripod with a front-heavy camera and lens combination. With compact and lightweight cameras like the α6100, it is ideal. The bottom of each of the three legs has a rubber pad for stability when used as a tabletop tripod. The camera mounts securely to the top of the grip/tripod with the standard/typical threaded tripod screw mount. The top plate can be panned/rotated 360 degrees, in 90 degree increments, each having a locking detent. The release button for that rotational function is conveniently placed immediately below the top mounting plate and is easily operated with the user’s thumb. The entire head unit tilts up or down a full 90 degrees. The tilt function has a knurled friction control adjustment knob on the right, as well as ten detent locking positions each for up and down adjustments. The tilt lock-release button is on the left, and likewise is easily accessible and operated. Obviously, the mounted camera should be supported and stabilized whenever adjusting tilt angle on the grip/tripod. On the rear surface of the grip, below the pan/tilt mount are the controls for wireless operation of camera functions. The “Photo” button provides shutter control for still shots. Depressing the button half-way activates camera auto-focus, which when achieved illuminates the small LED indicator lamp located between the buttons, directly over the Zoom rocker switch. Continuing to full button depression activates the camera shutter. The “Movie” button toggles video control on and off with each depression. Video recording is confirmed by illumination of the LED indicator. Located between the Photo and Movie buttons is the rocker switch for Zoom lens control. Beneath the Photo button is the C1 button, which replicates the user programmable C1 button on the camera body. Beneath the Movie button is the rotating Lock (and Power) switch, which locks all of the controls to prevent inadvertent operation of the camera and conserves battery power. Once the Sony supplied CR2032 lithium button battery is installed in the battery compartment on the wide leg (which has the control buttons), and the camera is mounted on the grip/tripod, the grip must be paired to the camera. Pairing of the α6100 is simple and straightforward. Fortunately, both the newer α6100 and α6600 models are ready to use with the GP-VPT2BT. The other, older α mirrorless models require a firmware upgrade, first. The grip length is about 6.75” from stem to stern, and when functioning as a tabletop tripod, the bottom of the camera is elevated 5.25”. Take note that when using Bluetooth remote camera control, smartphone location linking is disabled, and the camera will not switch into power saving mode. The obvious target users for the GP-VPT2BT shooting grip / tripod are vloggers. However, this accessory is also very useful for conventional photography and videography applications. The additional reach and camera operating control button on the extension really facilitate shooting from high angles and low angles, without being a contortionist. The combined flexibility of the shooting grip and the pivoting screen on the α6100 make such high and low angle shots much easier and better. Likewise, the usefulness and convenience of a compact, lightweight, stable and fully adjustable (pan/tilt) tabletop tripod, with integrated controls for basic camera functions serves many useful photography and videography purposes. I find the GP-VPT2BT to be extremely handy and useful. When my α6100 is not mounted to the shooting grip, the accessory is always kept immediately at hand in my camera bag for rapid deployment, tucked into the nice drawstring storage pouch that Sony includes in the package. There are numerous reasons that I have been a fan of Sony products for many years, enjoying Sony TVs from my first Triniton to the current Android 4k UHD TVs, from audio gear to photography gear. Across all product categories, Sony has never disappointed. Sony products are well designed, well made and reliable, and always meet or exceed expectations. My Sony α6100 is a fantastic camera, and the GP-VPT2BT Shooting Grip / Tripod, with Wireless Remote Commander is a very welcome accessory for it!
Posted by Curmudgeon1
Sony GP-VPT2BT Wireless Shooting Grip --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *****Review***** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This shooting grip makes taking selfies and vlogging incredibly easy. The built in tripod, the 360 button release swivel and tilt makes it extremely versatile. Due to its compact and lightweight design, it is easy to travel with in its provided carrying case or keep it attached to the camera with little to no obstruction when you don’t necessarily need the grip for the shot. I personally felt it was relatively comfortable in my small hands and balanced while attached to the A6100. I didn’t worry too much about losing grip or dropping it due to the textured grip. Although, I’d imagine it would be much more comfortable for someone with larger hands. The pairing process was a no brainer as long as you know your way around the Menu. Once paired, it seems to always pair when turned on and connection seems stable. It has basic controls; photo, record, zoom, lock, C1. It was very nice that there were no delays in response when each was pressed. To get down to the “cons”, this grip is battery operated; specifically (1) CR2032 button cell battery. Following this, there is no indication of battery life or even an estimated usage stated on Sony’s website. It would be advised to carry extra batteries at all times. Whilst this shortcoming is not a deal breaker, I personally feel for the price point, it would have been nice if it were rechargeable. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *****Quick Features & Specs***** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dust and moisture resistant: In addition to an overall grip design that keeps dust and moisture out, the absence of cables means that the camera's connector covers can stay closed, for maximum system dust and moisture resistance Bluetooth wireless remote commander: With a compatible camera attached, remote controls for still and movie shooting can be operated while holding the grip normally, without having to touch the camera. Any function assigned to the camera's C1 button can also be recalled via the remote grip C1 button No cables required: Bluetooth wireless communication means that no connecting cables are required to transmit control signals from the grip to the camera. Simply aim and shoot with no cables to get in the way Flexible tilt function: A quick tilt function makes it easy to set the ideal camera angle for a wide range of subjects and viewpoints. Whether shooting selfies or a subject, the tilt function lets you get the shot without having to assume uncomfortable posture Quick, easy direction changes: Quickly and easily position the camera for subject or selfie stills or movies. Improve your chances of getting the shot, even when shooting stills or movies without assistance. Combined with the grip's easy angle adjustment capability, 90° lock positions also make it possible to shoot in vertical orientation with optimum stability. Contoured for comfort: The grip has been carefully designed to provide optimum stability and comfort, whether attached to a compact or mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera. Remote control buttons are easily accessible while holding the grip, for smooth, intuitive operation It's a tripod too: Spread the grip's cleverly integrated legs and it becomes a handy, stable tripod, leaving both hands free for vlogging and other applications --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *****What's in the box***** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sony GP-VPT2BT Wireless Shooting Grip CR2032 Button Cell Battery Carrying Pouch Manuals
Posted by MarkusKong
This remote/tripod could not have come at a better time for me. I recently broke my go to “small tripod” and realized just how much I miss having a small and short option I can take anywhere before I got this, and bonus, this one is a remote to! I know it’s supposed to be a remote first, but really this thing is equally useful as both remote and tripod, just the fact that sony was smart enough to add 2 fold out legs and make it multi purpose is the first sign that this remote is a keeper. The instructions come in every language you could ever imagine but somewhere in there was a short english section that explains the easy process of pairing with your Sony camera (must have bluetooth). Personally, I connected it to my A7iii and it connected on the first try without issues and really the instructions were only needed so I knew which button combo to push to initiate pairing. In theory, I shouldn’t need that again, and if I do, it’s 2020 and the internet covers these things pretty well. So how well does it work? I was actually really happy with the way the remote works, but there is a very tiny learning curve, which is how touchy the buttons are. I wasn’t expecting the photo and zoom buttons to be so sensitive and at times it led to accidental pushes but after awhile I started to get used to it. The plus side of that touchy-ness is that you can still half-press the photo button to focus just like on the camera body and the zoom actually goes at 2 speeds based on how hard you press the button. And if you find yourself pressing the buttons on accident too much, there is a simple lock switch that will turn off the buttons until you need them; again, Sony thought this one through. But let’s talk about that zoom function for a second because that was something I was curious about how it worked. Essentially I found out that you have to be in JPEG mode and also somewhere in the menus is a setting to turn on digital zoom. With those settings all correct, the zoom button does work (but digital zoom only obviously) but I’m assuming for vlog work or when you’re uploading to web, aka when high quality won’t matter, this would be very handy to have on the handle. For me personally, I shoot raw and prefer to use optical zoom if it’s not a prime lens and so this feature probably won’t be as useful for me, but I’d rather have the option and not use it then wish I could. I don’t do a ton of VLOG work or any “walk and talk” so I can’t tell you from experience if this is useful for that but if you’re walking around shooting with a gorilla stand or equivalent then this remote can do the same thing PLUS connect to your camera and control it and still be a tripod when needed, so for me, it made more sense to get this vs another tripod that will fall apart or get loose joints and be useless to me or unsafe to trust holding up my camera. This remote can also do a quick 90 or 180 degree spin with the press of a release button that I assume would be very handy for any vlogger who needs to switch back and forth. Other than that, there’s not much to say about the remote, it is, after all, a simple tool. But nothing wrong with that, keeping it simple can be a good thing. This remote does exactly what I want it to do and a little extra. The attention to detail by Sony is noticeable and appreciated and keeping the price down is always great to see. I don’t think you can go wrong with this remote/tripod from Sony if you own any Sony alpha camera with bluetooth. It’s a great handle, it’s a great remote, and it’s a great tripod. Win. Win. Win.
Posted by bTobin