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What are the essential camera accessories for Pixel 9 Pro Fold?

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I just got the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and im kinda panicking because I have a trip to Japan next month and really want to get some good night shots. I saw people recommending Moment lenses but I dont think they actually fit the Fold because of the hinge? Everything online seems to be for the standard Pro models and it's confusing. I also looked at those tiny Magsafe tripods but I'm super scared the phone is too heavy when it's unfolded and itll just tip over.

  • Needs to fit the folding shape
  • Budget is about 150 dollars
  • Must be portable for hiking
  • Good for long exposure

What are you guys actually using...


6 Answers
12

Ugh, I totally feel your pain with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold accessories right now. I spent a bunch of money trying to make those Magsafe stickers work for my night shots and unfortunately they are just not strong enough when the phone is opened up. Its really disappointing how few options there are specifically for the Folds dimensions and weight. Since youre heading to Japan and want those crisp night shots, you definitely need a setup that wont budge. Here is what I actually use after my last trip:

  • The Ulanzi ST-27 Metal Phone Tripod Mount is way better than any magsafe thing. It is solid aluminum and has a cold shoe mount. It grips the Fold super tight so it wont slip out while youre doing long exposures. The downside is it is a bit heavy for hiking, but the stability is way better than the cheap plastic stuff.
  • For the actual tripod, look at the SmallRig Tabletop Tripod with Ball Head BUT2664. I had issues with those tiny flexible ones shaking in the wind, but this one is really sturdy for its size and fits in a backpack easily.
  • You absolutely need a Pixel Bluetooth Remote Shutter Release. Touching the screen for a night shot always causes a tiny bit of blur, even on a tripod, which is so frustrating when you see it on a big screen later. Honestly, just skip the Moment lenses for now. The Folds lens positioning makes the mounting plates sit weirdly and its just a headache you dont need on a trip. Stick to the native lenses, they are honestly amazing for night sight anyway... just make sure you have a solid grip!


11

Unfortunately, my lighter mounts weren't as good as expected. The Fold's weight was an issue until I used the Sirui T-005SK Travel Tripod with B-00K Ball Head for night shots.


5

In my experience, you should definitely skip those tiny magsafe mounts for night shots. Ive tried many setups over the years and the Fold is way too heavy unfolded for magnets. I recommend the Ulanzi MT-11 Flexible Tripod with Ball Head because it's super sturdy and cheap. It is great for hiking and keeps your phone safe. Better to stay under budget and be secure!


2

Ngl the accessory situation for the Fold is a total nightmare. I love the phone but finding stuff that actually fits is a mess. Reminds me of when I went to Osaka and spent way too much money on vintage toys instead of gear. Den Den Town is honestly better for shopping than the touristy spots anyway. I didnt even take photos because of that Godzilla figure... anyway lol sorry kinda went off topic!


1

saw this earlier but just getting to it now... in my experience, the pixel handles the hinge weight way differently than the samsung foldables do. ive tried many setups over the years but honestly i usually end up just getting distracted by the city itself.

  • the google hardware feels way denser than the samsung stuff
  • travel weight is a huge factor when youre walking 20k steps a day last time i was in tokyo i basically gave up on photography because i found this tiny basement shop that only sold vintage stationery. spent like three hours looking at pens and totally missed the sunset at the shibuya sky. those gel pens are just built different over there and i ended up carrying a heavy bag of notebooks instead of my camera gear. anyway lol sorry kinda went off topic there


1

Quick reply while I have a sec! Totally agree with lxsgtxejnx about the weight distribution being the main boss battle here. I remember my first trip to the mountains with a heavy foldable where I actually spent three days beforehand in my garage building a custom counterweight system out of lead tape and old camera parts just to find the perfect equilibrium. It was fantastic seeing it finally hold still for a 30-second exposure! Since youre looking for that perfect night shot with the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, I have a couple of technical questions to help narrow it down:

  • Are you planning on doing mostly urban long exposures with light trails, or are you hoping to catch some astro shots while youre out hiking?
  • What kind of case are you planning to use with it? The torque on that hinge is no joke when its unfolded, so the mounting physics change completely depending on the millimeter thickness of your setup. I love the challenge of getting these heavy devices balanced perfectly!


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