The iPhone 17 Pro Max has once again raised the bar for mobile photography and videography, packing incredible power into a slim device. We have features like Apple ProRes Log and Open Gate shooting, turning our phones into legitimate filmmaking tools. Yet, for all their technological prowess, smartphones have always had an ergonomic Achilles’ heel. Holding a slick rectangle of glass and metal for serious shooting is often awkward and fatiguing. This is precisely the problem TELESIN aims to solve with its new Master Grip, a comprehensive system designed to give your iPhone the soul of a dedicated camera.
I’ve been digging into this kit, and it’s a thoughtfully engineered ecosystem that addresses the core pain points of mobile creators. From first impressions to a deep dive into its features, here’s my expert take on how the TELESIN Master Grip fundamentally changes the game.
First Impressions
Opening the box feels like you’re unboxing a premium piece of tech, almost like a Leica accessory. The build quality is immediately apparent. You get a collection of components that form the complete kit, often called the “creator combo.” This typically includes the grip itself, a specialized phone case, a magnetic filter, a high-quality wrist lanyard, and a very clever MagSafe fill light.
The star of the show, the Master Grip, feels substantial and comfortable in the hand. It has a deep, textured grip that accommodates all your fingers, and a dedicated thumb rest on the back. This design is for comfort; it provides the stability and one-handed control that has been missing from the smartphone experience. It makes the phone feel like a proper camera body, not a slippery device you’re afraid of dropping.
The Grip’s Controls
The true magic happens when you connect the grip to your phone via Bluetooth. The top of the handle is an array of physical controls that give you tactile command over your iPhone’s camera.
Two-Stage Shutter Button: This is a game-changer. Just like on a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a half-press brings up the focus and exposure box on your screen, allowing you to lock in your settings with your thumb. A full press takes the photo or starts/stops video recording. This single feature makes the shooting process feel infinitely more intentional.
Zoom Lever: Positioned perfectly for your index finger, this rocker allows for smooth, controlled zooming. You can slowly push in for a dramatic cinematic effect or quickly zoom out to capture the whole scene, all without ever touching the screen. It works across most camera modes, including photo, video, and cinematic.
Mode Dial & Function Buttons: A dedicated dial on the front lets you cycle through camera modes like Cinematic, Video, and Photo without fumbling through on-screen menus. There’s also a “wake up” button that instantly turns on your phone and launches the camera app. A single click of this button toggles between the rear and front-facing cameras, while a double-click on the function button cleverly pauses your video recording—perfect for creating seamless multi-clip videos without post-editing.
One of the biggest challenges when shooting high-spec video on an iPhone is power consumption. Recording in formats like ProRes rapidly drains the battery, potentially cutting your shoot short. The TELESIN Master Grip directly solves this with a built-in 3200mAh battery.
This turns the grip into a wireless MagSafe power bank for your phone. When attached, it actively charges your iPhone, ensuring you have enough power for everyday use even after an intense filming session. This feature is crucial for creators, reportedly boosting 4K recording time at 60fps by over an hour, which can be the difference between getting the shot and running out of juice. The grip itself is conveniently recharged via a standard USB-C port located on the bottom.
Down below, you’ll find a standard quarter-20 tripod mount, a USB-C charging port, and a loop for the incredibly robust wrist strap they include.
The Graphene Cooling Case
A major challenge for anyone shooting long 4K ProRes videos is heat. When an iPhone gets too hot, it throttles performance, dims the screen, and can even shut down recording. TELESIN tackles this head-on with a remarkable case.
This is a MagSafe case. It’s a graphene heat dissipation case with directional cooling ports. Graphene is a wonder material—a single layer of carbon atoms that is about 200 times stronger than steel and a better conductor of heat than copper. This case is engineered to actively draw heat away from your phone’s processor and battery and vent it, allowing you to shoot for longer sessions at peak performance.
The case itself feels great, with clicky, tactile buttons and a precision fit. It also features a magnetic mount for TELESIN’s filter system. The kit often includes a UV filter for basic lens protection, but the company is also developing other options like ND filters, which would be huge for controlling shutter speed in bright conditions.
A Smart Ecosystem of Accessories
TELESIN didn’t stop with the grip and case. The available accessories show a deep understanding of a creator’s needs.
The MagSafe LED fill light is particularly brilliant. It snaps onto the case and has a unique hinge that opens to reveal a small mirror. This is perfect for vloggers using the superior rear cameras, as you can use the mirror to frame yourself perfectly. The light itself is powerful, with adjustable brightness and three different color temperatures (warm, mixed, and cool daylight) to match any environment.
The modularity of the whole system is its greatest strength. When you’re done shooting, the grip pops off with a strong magnetic pull, and you can slip it into your pocket. You’re left with a stylish and protective case on your phone. Need to film? Snap the grip back on, and you’re ready to go in seconds.
Software
The Master Grip integrates beautifully with the iPhone’s native camera app right out of the box. Most of the core functions like the shutter, zoom, and mode switching just work.
For even more creative control, TELESIN has its own app called Reefcolor. Pairing the grip within this app unlocks its full potential. You can use the mode dial to scroll through a variety of creative filters and looks, reminiscent of Kodak film stocks and other classic styles. The app gives you more granular control and is constantly being updated to further refine the user experience and add more features. A standout function in the app is the ability to flip between the front and rear cameras while recording video, without stopping the clip—a fantastic feature for vloggers who want to show something and then immediately provide commentary.
The Final Verdict
The TELESIN Master Grip is one of the most complete and well-executed smartphone camera accessories I have ever tested. It successfully bridges the gap between the convenience of a phone and the control of a dedicated camera. The ergonomic design makes shooting more stable and comfortable, the physical controls bring back the tactile joy of photography, and the innovative cooling case is a practical solution to a very real problem.
This is a professional tool for mobile journalists, vloggers, and any filmmaker who wants to maximize the incredible camera they already carry in their pocket. It empowers creators to focus on their craft, providing the control and confidence needed to turn an iPhone 17 into a true filmmaking powerhouse.
