Omg I cannot wait to see how that 17 Air looks in person!! The slim profile is gonna be amazing for video but totally changes the tripod game. Quick question tho, are you looking for a brand that does a whole magnetic ecosystem like Peak Design where you can swap mounts fast, or are you more into the budget-friendly but solid gear from brands like SmallRig? Also, are you planning on mostly doing handheld vlogging style stuff where weight matters, or do you need a beast of a tripod that can handle wind while you do long exposures? Since the phone is gonna be so light, the balance is basically everything!!

Wait, are you planning on doing mostly stationary stuff at home or taking it out in the wind and elements because that *really* changes what kind of base you need, you know? Since the 17 Air is supposed to be super slim, my biggest worry is the clamping force and the center of gravity being all wierd if the tripod is too light or the mount is flimsy. Basically, I've seen too many phones hit the pavement because people cheap out on the actual mount part, so here is what I think about reliability from a veteran's perspective: 1. Get a mount with a *physical screw lock* like the SmallRig Phone Tripod Mount. Spring-loaded ones are okay for casual stuff but for a thin, expensive phone you want to be able to tighten it yourself so it doesnt just slide out when you tilt it for vertical shots.
2. Weight is actually your friend. If the tripod is too light, even a small breeze will give you micro-jitters in your 4K footage which is honestly the worst thing ever right? I'd look at the SmallRig Selection Tabletop Tripod for something solid.
3. Make sure the legs have a locking spread so they dont just collapse if you bump the table. Definately focus on the locking mechanism because that's where the real danger is!

Late to the party but ngl, you gotta be super careful with the clamping force on a phone that thin. I would suggest avoiding those cheap spring-loaded mounts entirely because they might put weird pressure on the screen or just let the phone slip if it's too slim. For the base, check out the Manfrotto Compact Action Aluminum 5-Section Tripod. It is way more stable than those tiny plastic ones and fits right in your budget. Pair it with something like the Ulanzi ST-27 Metal Phone Clip since it uses a manual screw to tighten. It is much more reliable for a thin device than any spring-based thing I have used... definitely worth the peace of mind.

Bookmarked, thanks!

Hey! I've been using the Joby GripTight ONE GorillaPod. It's surprisingly stable for its size – I trust it even on slightly uneven surfaces. Under $50, which leaves budget for a decent phone cage. Pro-tip: always use a safety strap, regardless of tripod quality. Better safe than sorry with that future tech!

Forget flimsy tripods. Prioritize a Manfrotto head with fluid damping. Smoother pans are crucial for video; adds around $75 to your setup, but SO worth it. Trust me, seen too many shaky car videos!