Sandmarc Motion Variable Filter, Film Rig and iPhone Case Review (Gifted). Real World Results for iPhone Filmmakers

I tested Sandmarc’s Motion Variable Filter, Film Rig, and iPhone case during a work trip in Chicago. Here is how these tools performed when the lighting was unpredictable and the schedule was full.

Disclosure: Sandmarc gifted me the Motion Variable Filter, Film Rig, and iPhone Case. All opinions are my own.

I planned to test this kit during my Creative Reset Retreat. I imagined natural light, quiet mornings, and open hours to explore filmmaking without rushing. The package arrived a little late, and Sandmarc apologized, which I appreciated. Since life was already moving, I brought everything with me to my nine-to-five retreat in Chicago.

So, my first tests happened in a hotel room at night and in an office hallway before meetings. Not exactly cinematic but very real. Most creators film in between responsibilities and in lighting that is far from ideal. If gear can perform in that environment, it can perform anywhere.

Here is how each tool worked for me.

Motion Variable Filter

The Motion Variable Filter gives you control over exposure in a way that feels natural and intuitive. This is not something you can easily recreate using the iPhone’s exposure slider. The filter allows you to shape light rather than react to it.

What I noticed

• Better control under hotel lamps and office lights

• Skin tone that stayed consistent instead of shifting

• Highlights that no longer blow out near windows or bright corners

• Smoother pans with a more intentional cinematic feel

• More balance in mixed lighting

I was just testing my new lenses, but it sparked something.

This filter is for mobile creators who want their footage to feel more polished. If you shoot while traveling or in unpredictable lighting conditions, this tool adds a level of control that lets you focus on the story you are capturing.

Film Rig

The Film Rig reminded me that stability is its own form of storytelling. When your camera feels grounded, your footage reflects that grounding. The rig gives your phone structure so your hands can move more confidently.

My experience

• Noticeable reduction in micro shake

• Walking shots that looked smoother and more controlled

• Easy to attach a microphone or small light

• Quick to set up with no calibration

• Lightweight but sturdy enough to stabilize movement

If you film travel content, vlogs, or cinematic B-roll, this rig is a strong companion. It does not try to replace a gimbal. Instead, it offers the perfect middle ground between handheld and fully stabilized.

iPhone Case

The case felt simple at first, but once I started attaching the Motion Variable Filter, I realized how important it is. The case is designed to lock securely into Sandmarc’s accessories, creating a stable foundation for filming.

How it performed

• Snug, secure fit

• Clean alignment with the filter system

• Matte finish for a steady grip

• Balanced feel without adding unnecessary bulk

• Durable enough for travel and daily use

If you plan to use Sandmarc’s filters, lenses, or rigs, this case is the piece that ties everything together.

Final Thoughts

Testing this kit during a work trip instead of an artistic retreat reminded me that real-world filmmaking rarely looks glamorous. It looks like capturing shots in between meetings. It looks like adjusting to unpredictable light. It looks like creating even when the moment is not perfect.

The Sandmarc Motion Variable Filter, Film Rig, and iPhone case supported that kind of filmmaking. They made my footage cleaner and more consistent, and they fit seamlessly into a busy schedule. If you create with your iPhone and want a simple upgrade that respects both your time and your storytelling, these tools are worth exploring.

I will continue using them in my upcoming cinematic videos and share more results as I go.

Thanks for reading!

Michelle Elaine