The Phone Case That Improved My Workflow
Why I Switched My iPhone 17 Pro Max Case
(And You Might Too)
I didn’t expect to switch my iPhone 17 Pro Max case…
But one small problem turned into a bigger workflow issue—and now I’ve completely changed systems.
Let me show you why.
So I’ve been using the Freewell Filmmaker case setup…
And to be fair—it does A LOT really well.
It feels great in the hand.
It’s smooth, well-designed.
The magnetic filter adapter snaps on and off super easily.
There is a magnetic lens cap.
And the accessory grip? Honestly—very feature-packed.
At first glance, it feels like the perfect mobile filmmaking setup.
BUT here’s where things started to fall apart for me…
There’s no built-in strap lug.
So I had to buy a separate strap holder and wedge it into the case.
And once I did that… the phone didn’t sit flush in the case anymore.
That’s not something you notice right away—but over time, it gets annoying.
NEXT then there’s the magnetic filter adapter.
Yes—it snaps on easily…
But that’s also the problem.
When you try to remove a filter, the entire adapter comes off with it.
So now, instead of a quick one-handed filter swap…
You’re stuck using two hands, trying to separate everything.
That slows you down more than you’d expect—especially in the field.
AND tripod mounting became another issue.
The easiest way I found to mount the phone to a tripod using this case,
was with using the Freewell accessory grip.
BUT when you do that…
You completely block the MagSafe area.
So now you can’t use any other accessories that would be used in that area.
AND remember that strap workaround?
Yeah… that created another issue.
The strap connector actually gets in the way of plugging into the USB-C port smoothly
So now charging or connecting plugged accessories becomes clunky.
AT THIS POINT I realized…
This wasn’t just a small annoyance.
It was affecting how I actually shoot.
So I started looking at alternatives.
I first looked at purchasing the Freewell cage but decided against it, because it’s only available as a kit with both side handles and therefore much more expensive then I was looking to spend, over 3 times the cost.
I continued to search for cages that can accept 67mm filters
I then narrowed it down to two systems:
SmallRig… and Neewer
Now SmallRig looked really good—and a great support system
But even-though their filter system is magnetic,
It is designed specifically for their own proprietary (SmallRig) filters.
And since I use Maven 67mm and 82mm filters on my phone…
I didn’t want to risk compatibility issues.
SO, I made the switch to the Neewer cage system.
And honestly… this is a completely better experience then I could have imagined.
FIRST—this has a rock-solid 67mm filter mount AND, it’s a screw-in filter mount.
It locks directly into the cage with these 2 clips, and then the cage closure locks it securly in place.
I screw in the Maven 67mm magnetic adapter ring, and I’m all set for using 67mm mag filters.
Now filters come off with one hand, no filter adapter attached.
That alone fixes my BIGGEST frustration.
Now, I can attach ANY Arca plate I want for mounting to a tripod or monopod—no workarounds.
On this cage…
There are 2 cold shoe mounts, one for horizontal and one for vertical.
And lots of 1/4-20 mounting points…
A strap adapter lug…
A large open area for connecting cables
And when I SLIP the phone in?
It locks in with a SOLID click.
This feels like a REAL camera rig now—not just a phone case.
And there are lots of possibilities for growth.
NOW—it’s NOT perfect.
My Freewell grip doesn’t work with this setup.
So I’ll need to find a new grip or extension solution.
I’m still figuring that part out—and I’ll update you when I solve this.
There is NO lens cap, unless you use the filter holder with a 67mm lens cap.
BUT, here’s the bigger takeaway…
This wasn’t really about switching cases.
It was about WORKFLOW.
The EASIEST system isn’t always the FASTEST system…
And small friction points—like filters, tripod mounting, or cables—
add up fast when you’re shooting in REAL situations.
If you’re building out a mobile filmmaking rig…
DON’T just look at features.
Think about how everything works together.
THAT’S what actually makes the difference.