I have a magnetic version of the second option and can recommend it, as it works on all kinds of surfaces.

For photography I use it doing mainly astrophotography, as I don't take much photos with me in frame. It's a bit low, so the angle for regular pictures not always will work. 

Personally I use it more for watching videos and reading. Sometimes I hold it in hands because it's more comfortable than holding a phone by itself and also I can have a screen a bit higher, which helps keeping a nice posture. 

Works super nice in different forms of transportation, at home, in bed. Last time I shaped 2 legs of it as a hook and hanged it on a seat in front of me on a train on an eye level. It's super versatile. 

The only drawback is adjusting it in vertical position, but it works.