SmallRig Camera Cage for iPhone 15 Pro Max | Detailed Overview

A detailed look at the Brandon Li SmallRig cage for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
▶︎ FEATURED GEAR:
Brandon Li 15PM cage geni.us/9BImoiw (Amazon) or geni.us/7Ljqky (B&H)
SmallRig tripod geni.us/EXEyqaK (Amazon)
SmallRig M to 37mm adapter geni.us/KuTo (Amazon)
Beastgrip 1.7x Tele beastgrip.kckb.st/8d0e4def
Beast Handle geni.us/EEylD (Amazon)
Ulanzi Claw quick release geni.us/eoG7 (Amazon)
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Smartphone Gimbal geni.us/BaAGD
Hybrid Gimbal geni.us/NmUCxt
Universal Camera Cage/Grip geni.us/QdB1
Tripod Mount geni.us/v3pto
Mini Tripod geni.us/DbUyG
Bendy Tripod geni.us/of3vKAt
Battery Pack geni.us/NSmbd
Small LED Light geni.us/EVZoEA
Camera Mount Mic geni.us/df8Tcb8
Moment Lenses geni.us/ShopMomentLenses
Anamorphic Lens bit.ly/ShopMoondog
Sandmarc ND Filters/Lenses bit.ly/ShopSandmarc
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If you’re new to the channel it's all about taking mobile & DIY filmmaking to the next level. I share tools, tips & techniques to empower indie filmmakers, KZbin creators, mobile journalists and really anyone who wants to create better videos and movies. I primarily use iOS devices - but most of the tips will work with any smartphone - so if you're an Android user there's plenty of good info here for you, too! :)
CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
0:32 Unboxing
2:50 Overview
7:37 VND fitler
9:08 37mm adapter mount
9:55 Wrap-up
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[@LouisLuzuka]

Been wanting a review after seeing this one released 😮🎉

[@Logypierogi]

best review i`ve seen so far thanks

[@iphoneographers]

Thanks for watching!

[@n1iex]

Nice review thanks!

[@GixrGuy]

Peace be with you😌 I have an older SmallRig Camera Cage that being used with an iPhone 14. I really like the camera cage but I love😍 this new version! SmallRig seems to have improved upon the previous generation, iPhone 14, cage. The new cage accepts a number of different lens mounts in addition to the Quick Release Hand Grips that can become a top mount grip. I could really use the Quick disconnect hand grips so that I can go from hand held to attaching it to a gimbal. Well done SmallRig! BTW, the Camera Cage's Bluetooth shutter button works with Black Magic's iPhone app. Thank you for this review👍

[@enriqueruiz4751]

Nice review might get one for traveling

[@555fourthstreet8]

The compartment for the Allen key is awesome

[@mdturnerinoz]

I LOVE mine. Both SmallRig and Brandon Li should get awards for that rig! I just used mine down at Sydney Harbor, going time-lapses of the Harbor. Easy peasy to set up, use, and tear down. The ND filter was good as well. The Bluetooth trigger worked fine, BUT when you turn off the phone all the way or reset Bluetooth, you have to reconnect it again! :0(

[@iphoneographers]

I’ve been using mine a lot now as well and really like it. And the ND is solid. I have have noticed a little bit of a green tint occasionally, but nothing you can’t take out in color correction later. Overall a really nice all in one kit.

[@KoolCreation]

Cool!

[@barcostudio]

what happens when apple changes the dimension of the following phone, is the inner sleeve on the cage swappable to fit the new versions or would I have to purchase a new cage? I bought the universal smallrig cage a couple of years ago and it fits my last three phones.

[@MR.GLDN33]

Can it connect to the black magic app?

[@rogeriogomesosorio4755]

All these solutions lack one of the major problems with making the iphone as a really pro solution: a way to simple connect, at the same time, a SSD and a mic…

[@normansavigar]

It can be done with a USB hub. I have Rode mic, SanDisk SSD and Anker powerbank connected through the Belkin hub to the 15PM. But I need to use the Smallrig Universal cage to mount all these items. Pros are using this type of combination, and then adding more sophisticated bits of equipment beyond my needs.

[@iphoneographers]

I’ve got a video for you… 😃 See below. You just need a USB-C hub. And Smallrig makes a nice SSD holder, which I’ll demo in a future video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXuxpadpYqtnmNksi=du8AVLnObAPx4ooQ

[@normansavigar]

@@iphoneographers Smallrig used to focus on Samsung T5/T7 sized SSDs, but I see they have now brought out a Universal Holder. I went with a Tilta Holder that is smaller for the Sandisk SSD.

[@NITRYNIA]

love mine too (not BL edition I dont have the pro max but the color of this edition 😍)

[@mariobarsony7855]

Love your videos❤ Is there any chance u can attached the Beastgrip DOF adapter on this cage?

[@iphoneographers]

I haven’t tried that, but my guess would be no. That alignment has to be very precise and so really the Beastcage is the way to go. But I will test it in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@robertharezlak]

Hey, thanks for the video. very useful. Do you know what the difference is between this version of Brandon and almost the same one, but without the name and ND filter in the package? It has SKU number: 4391. I'm asking because I wanted to buy an Anamorphic lens and in this "normal version" after replacing the backplate it is possible, but from what I read it is not possible in Brandon's version. Do you have any information about this? Thank again and have a great day!

[@iphoneographers]

Haven’t used the other new ones only this Brandon one, although I have used the previous generation and they work well changing the plates to 17mm. Haven’t tried T-Series though.

[@pdcorlis]

I use an inexpensive MagSafe wallet to keep my SSD attached to the back of my iPhone. Is that sort of solution possible when the iPhone is in this cage? Also - is there enough clearance for a flat USBC cable to connect the SSD drive to the phone? Thanks for the review!

[@iphoneographers]

I’ve got an SSD holder from Smallrig that attaches via a cold shoe, and it works well. I’ll show it in a future video. But depending on how big the MagSafe SSD mount you have is, it’s possible it could work as the back of this cage is pretty open. But not having used it I can’t say for sure.

[@joshuabenson6124]

@iphoneographers do you have quality loss and vinyetting when using the m-mount to 37mm adapter with the beastgrip 1.7x as well?

[@iphoneographers]

I haven’t seen any, but I’ve only used the telephoto. A wide angle might vignette.

[@MR-AK]

I would love to know if this setup is robust or not? After few months use. Because I take my setups for travels. 😊

[@iphoneographers]

It’s definitely robust. I would say it’s solid setup for travel, and overall it’s pretty light which is nice for that type of shooting.

[@sevrin1965]

It's a nice bit of kit, I have one, unfortunately the VND filter doesn't work with the wide angle camera correctly, you have to zoom in a bit, otherwise you get really bad vignetting, as the VND is quite thick, so you see it in the corners of the frame, this may be be solved if they provided a larger filter mount, so you could use a larger diameter filter, I contacted them about this, but it would seem they have already discontinued the 67mm one for the older iPhone cage, so it probably wont happen, apart from that, it works really well.

[@iphoneographers]

Yes, I noticed that recently. Although I only had to reframe in post by maybe 5% so I don’t think it’s a big deal, but do wish it covered completely.

[@gabricks1224]

It’s a bummer that small rig doesn’t do a lens mount for Freewell lenses

[@CaryDean]

One negative of adding the T series plate is when you choose to not use the Moment lenses, just the iPhone lenses is Smallrig doesn’t make a filter adapter/holder for the T series plate so no filtration. I don’t know anybody that would want to change that out after installation. A great cage and system otherwise. Love the QR handles.

[@555fourthstreet8]

That’s when the Moondoglabs adapter comes into play

[@CaryDean]

@@555fourthstreet8 I went to their site after reading your comment. They haven’t updated since the iPhone 13 series and they all appear to be M series mount and everything says sold out. While they do seem to be available on Amazon they don’t appear to be compatible with the iPhone 15 series or T series mount.

[@iphoneographers]

Yeah. They should definitely create one for the other lens mounts. That’s a very good point. The Moondog one is only M series, and unfortunately I think they may be either out of business or on hiatus as their website hasn’t been updated in quite a while.

[@tristend.mowatt2612]

Hey, how has the cage held up? Does the green paint rub off/ scratch easily after installing and removing the mount over and over?

[@iphoneographers]

I haven’t had it long enough to know yet, but so far no signs of wear. Their previous models have held up great though, so this one should probably be the same.

[@tristend.mowatt2612]

@@iphoneographers Perfect! Thanks for the reply

[@csdstudios]

How do you charge the bluetooth handle on the one grip? doesn't it need to be charged since it has a battery?

[@iphoneographers]

You don’t have to charge it. My guess is it has a small watch style battery that last a long time, but not 100% sure. I’ve never had an issue with other similar ones, but I’ll look into it.

[@jjmmfi]

Does the m mount 37mm adapter sacrifize any image quality compared to having bigger image circle with 37mm plate? Considering buying Beastgrip 1.7x for my iPhone 13 Pro and with a smallrig m mount case with that m mount to 37mm adapter. I would save over 100 bucks not having to buy beastgrip cage. If anyone has any other tele lens recommendations for 13 Pro I would really appreciate too. Don’t know about T series tele because of bad reviews…

[@iphoneographers]

That’s a good question and I haven’t tested enough to know. But initially haven’t seen any issues. I’ll have a video coming in the next few weeks looking at all the different telephoto lenses on the later gen phones.

[@normansavigar]

Thanks for the review. I use a lot of Smallrig products but I wasn’t attracted by the bespoke handles. These don’t work on other cages such as the Smallrig Universal that I can load with a lot more equipment for video work. I decided to use the Neewer cage for the 15PM. With the 17mm plate and a second for 67mm filters it perfectly matches the new Reeflex G-Series lenses and filters.

[@iphoneographers]

Yeah the handles are interesting but I think they’re not cross compatible as you say. I’ve got several of the traditional ones that I use on different cages that are more universal - but I do like these. I’ve got that Neewer cage too and have been playing with it as well and will release a video on it soon. Probably do a comparison between it and several other ones. I’ve also got a set of those G-series lens coming in and I do like the 17 mm mount. Lots of fun toys to test out and great to have options.

[@RizwanPervez]

which camera and mic was used to record this video?

[@iphoneographers]

Combination of a Sony ZV-E10 and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Sound was Sennheiser MKE 400. amzn.to/3IbDaRp amzn.to/3VblNIv

[@gabricks1224]

How long till that lens comparison video is done?

[@iphoneographers]

Working on it. Finally got the last lenses in last week. Will have something out soon.

[@gabricks1224]

@@iphoneographers I bet

[@NITRYNIA]

BUt i have a trouble if you had a ND filter 62mm on the 1.7 beast grip telelens you got it in frame... vignetage i have to Zoom in x1,2, there is no native 37mm plate ? 😢 plz can you try add ND filter on 1,7 beastlens with this cage ?

[@iphoneographers]

I’ve used ND on the 1.7 tele and don’t recall any issues, although occasionally with any smartphone lens when you pan or tilt if you’re using image stabilization you will get a little bit of drifting and see the edges/vignette.

[@NITRYNIA]

@@iphoneographers smallrig cage + 1,7 lens from BEASTGRIP, with the Mount to 37mm from smallrig too = you see the lens edge on the corner with the 24mm 1x And with my ND filter from URTH is more visible. If I want that a picture with the BEASTGRIP lens and Nd Filter I have to passe the 24mm to 35mm for have my edge clean And yes with the stabilizer if you mode edge appears too

[@NITRYNIA]

@@iphoneographers ,I'm guessing 1,7 beastgrip works better with beastgrip cage VS smallrig one...

[@SaintNomad]

I have a question. If you're not busy, could you please answer? I enjoy taking videos of my wife while walking with her using my smartphone. However, if I purchase a third-party lens and attach it, it seems like it might cover the LiDAR sensor. Would there be any issues with autofocus?

[@iphoneographers]

No issues with autofocus.

[@SaintNomad]

@@iphoneographers Thank you so much!!!

[@LinhNguyen-rs3hl]

Please tell me how much this product costs and where to buy it!!!

[@iphoneographers]

Links are in the description!

[@richardstirling5799]

is there a non Brandon Li version? - not into branding..

[@iphoneographers]

Yeah, check this out… amzn.to/3TTgLxN

[@guiadeniteroi]

Which one for iphone 14 pro max???

[@iphoneographers]

I’ve had good luck with the SmallRig, the one before the Brandon Li edition. Really liked it. amzn.to/4a86zsn

[@guiadeniteroi]

@@iphoneographers thanks very much for the reply!! 🙏🏻

[@ravebrave8866]

I use samsung note S20 Ultra simply the best....

[@TheBo]

Why is the Moment M-Series lens not compatible with this? How about the T-Series?

[@iphoneographers]

They aren’t compatible with a 15 Pro or Pro Max iPhone, but they connect fine to the cage. So it’s a bit of a strange choice for the main mount if using lenses. T-Series are designed for the 15 series phones (sort of - they don’t all work very well).

[@TheBo]

Thanks for responding. I am trying to put a rig together for my 15 Pro Max w/ a 1.33 anamorphic lens but researching and reading reviews it seems all of them have mounting and compatibility problems. Frustrating. Do you know of any easy setup solutions with a 1.33 that actually works with the 15 Pro Max?

[@iphoneographers]

I’ll have a definitive answer for you soon as I’m working on a lens comparison. But the Beastcage and their 1.33x is likely a good option. Or the Freewell using their case works. The main trouble we’re on the 15 Pro/Max is with the telephoto and the 1.55x.

[@TheBo]

Thanks again!

[@LouisLuzuka]

Do you prefer this over the universal cage 😮

[@normansavigar]

I prefer the Smallrig Universal Cage for video where I need to mount extra equipment beyong the 1/4in screws on this cage.

[@iphoneographers]

Different animals really. In the long run universal cages probably make more sense if you update your phone a lot, but the custom ones are very nice because, well… their custom. :) And they just work.

[@normansavigar]

@@iphoneographers I like the Custom cage for simple tasks but not enough mounting points for complex work.

[@MR-AK]

Great video. Just to share I bought Shiftcam lens and case. It's the worst product and company. It fell apart after 2 weeks. And now they are making excuses not to return it. Thanks .

[@iphoneographers]

Oh wow, sorry to hear that. I’ve had no real issues with their lenses. I did have a lens mount come loose on the case, but I’ve had that happen on my Moment cases as well. Hopefully you can return it and maybe look at Sandmarc instead.