SmallRig L-Bracket : Why I no longer need a battery grip

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Sony 55mm f1.8 - geni.us/zeiss55f18
Sony 85mm f1.8 - geni.us/Sony85
Music by Bensound.com

[@smallrigofficial6732]

Thank you for your many amazing words about our product! We’re so happy you like it 🥳🥳

[@recrdholdr]

6:05 Just an FYI, the L bracket is almost certainly Hard Anodized not painted. So it will be very hard to scratch as the colour is physically embedded in the Aluminum Bracket. If it was just cosmetically anodized it would be fairly easy to scratch, but the Hard anodizing process leaves the aluminum with a very hard exterior, making it very hard to scratch. It, however, may fade over time to a Dark gray colour.

[@ArrakisDunedt]

Have to disagree there is a place for everything The grip is not for that it is for very long usage in portrait mode without having a twisted wrist. I also have a l bracket but can recognize that battery capability is not an issue anymore but wrists soreness and issues can arise from using it for very long time in vertical mode without help of a grip.. horizontal button no way ;)

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

Absolutely, the main reason for these is so that you've got the extra controls for portrait mode. It may not be a significant problem for some people, but it can be an issue on longer shoots. The extra battery is mainly a byproduct of having space for it, and the extra space for grip, is also a byproduct of needing it to have an equivalent grip in the portrait orientation. I'm not surprised that he's going to be giving it up as it's clear that he wasn't using it properly in the first place. Personally, when I've got a battery grip, it doesn't come off the camera, except if I have a camera bag that's not large enough to accommodate it. Otherwise, it's on all the time.

[@bryang3382]

Hi Dave, love your videos and your comments. I bought this small rig and I got this grip 1 × SmallRig Left Side Grip for L-bracket 2218 which is small and includes dead shoe capability for that mic. I love mine and I always dislike too big of a rig, this works well!

[@derekgillan7314]

It is possible to buy L brackets that fit the battery grip. Leave the battery grip and L bracket together, interchanging with the standard L bracket. A great video.

[@JoaquimGonsalves]

I'm a big proponent of a great marriage. (Wait what did I just say?) What I mean is, SmallRig is absolutely amazing with what they do and I love that their engineers take the time to design form fitting cages and accessories for different camera bodies. It's as satisfying to me as busting bubble wrap or seeing a working phone charging icon. I have their cage/grip for the M5(M50) and while I'm not 100% impressed with the design, (for some reason it does rub a bit against the battery door while opening) I must say I almost never take it off the body. Except when I want to clean or feel that sweet Canon rubber on the grip. Infact it's a must accessory for anyone who wants do video or long hour shooting on a tripod with the M5/M50 as it let's you open the battery door without having to take it off your tripod. You can also mount something like the BlindSpot Gear compact NP-F adapter with a DC coupler and effectively increase the M's battery life. And at the price I'm just incredibly grateful that they exist. They're a huge asset to the indie film community.

[@Photomeike]

Brought one for my Z6. Worth every penny IMO

[@carlosserra9528]

This is fine for video, not for photography! They are different things. The battery grip holds two batteries and all camera controls when in a vertical position for photography! So Dave, don't compare the two things!

[@bthemedia]

What?? Reason for L-bracket has no relation to the battery grip in title - which was only for 400mm lens that already has Arca Swiss plate on the lens collar for 360-degree rotation! So... why buy/use it? Only if you want a L-bracket apparently!

[@RichFreeman]

No shutter release for portrait either.

[@richardpcrowe]

I use an eBay Fugasun (no kidding - that's the name) eBay L-bracket for my A6400. It is very well made and fits perfectly, giving me at least a half inch (50mm) or so more depth for my right hand as I hold the camera. This really helps with my relatively large hands considering the small form factor of my A6400. The additional weight is negligible and the access port lets me open the battery/memory compartment with ease. Oh yes... It is damned handy when mounting the camera on my Arca Compatible tripod/monopod clamps...

[@raksh9]

I'd like two Fugasun, please

[@scb2scb2]

I have some good and bad news for you Dave ... I am the co-designer of this bracket (smallrig 2122) and i know many small problems with it... Now for the good news a new model is in pre-order now that fixes a few things and get this allows you step by step to turn it into a half-case for hybrid shooters. Its called the 2236 (ill link it) and a prototype should be on my channel soon for a look and shipping starts feb 19. Now the L-part is made in such a way that we can add different sideparts (even between brands) the first one is a left grip/plug/cable protector (2218), the second one is a hdmi-clamp, lens supporters for metabone and mc11 and more are planned. I would also advice some 'guntape' mods on the 2122 and 2236 (again see my youtube for examples).... Over the last year i helped on the design of the 2122, 2218, 2260(love that) and the 2236 and more will be done in 2019... Here is a link to the 2236 and look at the pictures it MIGHT look as a cage but one pictures shows it as a l-bracket... www.smallrig.com/smallrig-half-cage-with-arca-l-bracket-for-sony-a7iii-a7riii-2236.html ask questions if needed..... Good review and the 2122 still has value but well the 2236 is now so close to release and much more fun (as soon as my pre-production version comes in ill confirm how much better it is.... Lastly its very sturdy i fell down a few weeks ago and it saved my a7R3+1635GM ....

[@DaveMcKeegan]

Hats off to you Daniel, it's an excellently designed piece of kit - I've been using it for a few weeks on a daily basis and I've not noticed any problems with it ... So they must be small ones 😊

[@scb2scb2]

@@DaveMcKeegan Thanks smallrig did most of the work but its has been a fun cooperation with them they listen and talk with me about 1 time per week. Check out the other parts i listed... and indeed the 2122 is not 'bad' i still use 2 and they are always on my cameras. But small things like markers, rubber inside for less slipping, a 100% new battery door so the pinky part is better and the edge less sharp, better weather sealing now possible. arca plates improved for some clamps like from RRS. better storage places for peak-design plugs and i probably forget a few. and like i stated it comes with a front and top part that allows you to turn it into a half-case.. and pre-order price is now about the same as the 2122 so :).... smallrig is great in co-design not sure if you use coldshoes a lot but somehow nobody ever made one with a 'lock' so things can't fall out so i asked and helped and same day they send me a picture of the design team working on it, got 2 proto-types in my mailbox (amsterdam, from china) and it went on sale a few weeks later (smallrig 2260's). PS: i don't work for smallrig and they don't pay me its just fun to be able to shape the tools around us and the fact there are a few companies willing to co-design things..

[@DaveMcKeegan]

What was involved in the collaboration? I had an idea for a part they might be interested in making but the website suggests you need to provide modelled design plans, is that the case?

[@scb2scb2]

@@DaveMcKeegan nope ... there are 3 ways i guess : a open facebook group facebook.com/groups/SmallRig/ the designers react and if they like it they will do all the real work (you just provide ideas feedback). The dreamrig is more for people who also love 3d tools and within reason they will build anything for you : www.smallrig.com/content/dream-rig.html and that might become a product. The last way is over time to build friendships with some of the design team... not sure how special my case is :). Anything in co-design is on the website : www.smallrig.com/co-designs/ and you can post ask questions about it on the facebook groups... But if you message me on facebook i am more then willing to help you along if its a good idea. Do understand its great to get 'something' into the world but you share the idea with a company. The 2122 you now have i got 2 free copies but thats in a way the only payment i got and by now thousands of units have been sold... but i am fine with that and consider it my 'giving' back to the photo/video community.

[@scb2scb2]

btw i run a badly organised youtube channel (and well organised facebook group called a7iii/a7riii setup tips) but also put other bigger youtube people you probably know in touch to get something build they are just that open won't give names but feedback from channels made it into products ;)

[@sergiooliveira4351]

I´m a big of L bracket! I think its the first acessory that i buy to a new camera

[@KentKirjonen]

Agree to your comments. Have one mounted on my A7iii and it's wonderful. Much comfortable grip and quick change horizontal to vertical. Regards Kent

[@Ade5]

Yeah i recently got this L-bracket for my A7III.. Its friggin fantastic for comfort.. Also very convenient with the arca swiss..

[@mehul3028]

After watching this video, I immediately went to the store and bought a battery grip. Totally worth it.

[@richardpcrowe]

I have a generic Chinese knockoff eBay L bracket for my A6500 which works great and was dirt cheap. I can access all the holes and cables with this bracket. I don't like the Meike Battery Grip because of the wire that is hanging out of the grip and connected with the camera. The L bracket gives me a better grip than without it and of course gives me Arca Swiss Cap[ability...

[@richardpcrowe]

Love the slot for the Allen Key - I always misplace those darned things!

[@GraphicMill]

I do want one, but it won't work on a video head. So I would be taking it off and on again, particularly when changing up for what is scheduled during the day (Photos or Video)... and often, that happens at the same event or location. But, just as you, I have the MinkieMonkeyMeike grip sitting on the table across the room from me and I use it 'sometimes". I also use my gimbal a lot and neither grip or extension would be handy. Yet, if I'm at the car track taking in a weekend of racing, I'll be using the MeikeMonkey grip because I'll have the adapted Tamron 150-600 or the 70-200 in the mount! Ahhhh... summer time, warm weather, no snow, at the track for the weekend, just for fun!! Can't wait!!

[@DaveMcKeegan]

I read your "Minki Monkey" and now all I can think is the Pink Panther 🤣

[@ErnestoCruzRevilla]

Check the website, they have a cage and other types of things that would be good for video

[@GraphicMill]

Ernesto Cruz Revilla, oh yes, I have in my Amazon shopping cart the cage, the quick release handle, an HDMI clamp, even the rods and holder... those things are in the ‘safe for later’ as I ponder if I really need them. My agenda has been to follow Brandon Li’s strategy of reducing my gear. I always have too much stuff and flying to a gig is brutal. So with the investment in new Sony gear, I have tried my best to chop the gear down to a manageable amount. For the past few months while working locally, I end up going to a job with “everything”, but I only take out my one main backpack, the small bag of my travel light stands, and the carry-on sized bag with the battery powered LED lights. I can carry all that in one trip into the job. I do my best to only use that manageable amount of gear and it’s starting to work out Ok as I refine the gear. I guess it’s coming down to only doing jobs that allow a smaller arsenal of gear. I’m turning 64 this year and I want to travel light. So, do I really need SmallRig attachments that only add more weight and BS to my day? I truly love them, but do I ‘need’ them? Simple Simple Simple is my plan.... but habitually, it’s not always that easy. Even just audio gear can really add up. Taking a Drone is another great item, if you use it. Spare gear for redundancy is always a concern. No one wants to be at a shoot and something breaks and you kick yourself for not bringing that spare shotgun mic, or cable, or a backup camera (or two), an extra tripod, back up drive, that boom stand, if only I had that fill reflector, a different mic mount, the GoPro, I could of used that extra wireless lav mic! And the list goes on and on!! When I fly somewhere, I have two carry-on bags with all the expensive stuff, my suitcase weight is maxed out with tripods and stands, I cut back on clothing and especially ‘shoes’ because I need the allowance for gear! I have to take my suitcase and carry-on to my local Vet office to use her scale to double check the weights. I should have been a caricature artist, all I’d need is some paper and a sharpie marker! Hahaha The joys of video!! Hahaha

[@ErnestoCruzRevilla]

@@GraphicMill I feel you. For the amount of gear you carry you should be able to charge enough to hire someone to help you, but the client wants something professional that cots nothing and looks amazing!

[@GraphicMill]

Dave McKeegan, Peter Sellers / Pink Panther was Classic! Sooo funny! I’m long overdue to re-watch a Pink Panther movie! Lol

[@JB_Hobbies]

I don’t know about you, but I have found the bracket to be a little slippery because it is so smooth. I sprayed on a rubberized coating, and that has solved the slipperiness issue. Thought I would share the tip for anyone experiencing this.

[@airdailyx]

JB i use gun grip tape.

[@JB_Hobbies]

AirDailyX Flight Simulation Thanks. I’ll check it out and see if I like it better.

[@Enrique-the-photographer]

I got something similar a few months ago from Sunwayfoto for my Fuji X-T2 and it’s an excellent product. And yes, as you said, it's great for going from horizontal to vertical on a tripod (with the arca-swiss ballhead).

[@scb2scb2]

some other brackets are nice (like the rrs one) but all the smallrig ones are designed 'bigger' and 'stronger' bigger as in most others are 10mm in height but smallrigs (also for the fuji's) are closer to 20mm (depends a little) for better pinky rest.

[@zwheels654]

This is exactly what I need. Thanks for the info!

[@MrJuniormikey]

I love the a6600 grip, it’s better than the a7iii grip for me.

[@JamesDBuzzard]

Have you seen the new model? 2236 is the product number! It's on pre-order at smallrig

[@RawloftheDead]

Just what I was looking for. I wanted something to fit on my tripod when shooting portraits cus I do not like flipping my camera sideways from the roller ball

[@megaman2016]

Can you complely remove the L part of the mount?

[@LeoInterHyenaem]

The grip end doesn't appear to have a rubberised insert. That's certainly a negative.

[@rickymcc8624]

Hi Dave and Daniel Thanks for video, comments and introduction to 'Small Rig' stuff. I want one but as it's mid Feb now will try to hold out for newer model that Daniel you mentioned. Only possible other 'weak point' I had wondered about was a possible tendency for base L to rotate slightly about the base of camera body unless cap head bolt is very tightly torqued down? I have had other plates twist on other cameras. One solution seems to be incorporating some small friction pad - as found on many QR plates. Could this be a future useful upgrade or do those who have used it feel it's unnecessary? Richard

[@airdailyx]

I have this, 2 issues. First is you need gun grip tape. Its all metal I have no clue why they did not try to match the grip finish to the A7III. Its cold and hard in the hand. So get grip tape!! Second is the grip near your pinky sticks out in order to accommodate the battery door so all your fingers will not align on the grip so you will need to get used to that. Otherwise, I keep it on my camera almost always. Its a must have tool for the A7III.

[@DaveMcKeegan]

Fair points, I've never found these to be an issue for me but obviously everyone is different

[@AtterJay]

I bought one of these soon after my A7III. Thought it was a great addition. Still do, but I’ve had to replace since I bought a Manfrotto MHXPRO-BHQ6 ball head. Although both state arca swiss compatibly, they’re not. I believe Small Rig have updated their website to confirm this already. So I’ve had to replace with a Chinese import L-bracket. At only £20 I wish I would have bought it in the first instance. It fits better (the bit around the grip is almost perfect whereas the Small Rig overhangs a little), I got it in the sunburst red(ish) colour that matches the A7III’s trim and it looks great. It lacks the many screw holes for accessories that the Small Rig has, but that’s of no importance to me right now and there’s no magnet to hold the Allen key. But must importantly, it’s compatible with my tripod head :)

[@DaveMcKeegan]

I had standard quick release ballheads and just replaced the top plate with an arca swiss plate rather than buying a whole new ball head and thankfully, no compatibility issues

[@AtterJay]

Dave McKeegan I got a great deal on a new Manfrotto 055XPRO4 with the ball head for free (Xmas deal), so I preferred changing the l-bracket rather than hack the new ball head. But yeah, upon researching the issue I seen a few people doing what you did.

[@DaveMcKeegan]

Makes sense then 😊

[@scb2scb2]

Its more complex there are 2 versions of arca.. its the usa companies that changed it so most european companies (including the company that invented it) and most from china followed that. Then Really Right Stuff 'made it better' and some other usa brands followed this. When working on the 2122 we didn't notice this (i had a rrs one at the time). Smallrig now updated their internal guidelines so both should work (i can only confirm this when i get the new proto-type of the 2236 in. here is the backstory ... www.jobu-design.com/Arca-Swiss-is-NOT-a-standard-time-for-a-change_b_8.html

[@AtterJay]

Thanks Daniel. Yeah I tried to source an RRS one but difficult (and pricey) to get hold of in the U.K. I found. I’ve read somewhere that Small Rig might change their brackets to fit this year. Either way it rendered my Small Rig useless. But I’m really liking this cheapo import so far.

[@UncleAlpha1]

I love this l bracket

[@completelystupid87]

I don’t like the magnetic base, it messes up your IBIS, and we don’t need to remove the base plate at any time, they should just make it not magnetic

[@miro_scheib]

That's exactly what i need! Thanks for the review

[@vitaleprotopapa2344]

Two video today! Great!

[@markjlewis]

Bought one for my Canon 80D (fits the 70D & 90D) as well. Really impressed with it and only cost me 31 quid. Small rig stuff is the dog's b......s. I'm just a punter that uses their gear btw.

[@cynthiaroberts7206]

Thanks! Great video and info. How would this work with the protective camera case?

[@DirkHardy1989]

Great! Can you remove the L-part of the bracket? Cheers

[@DaveMcKeegan]

Yes you can either completely remove the sliding plate or the L-part is held onto the sliding plate by 2 hex bolts so you could just remove them

[@misurebanks1538]

can you take the side bracket completely out and just have it and a base grip?

[@DaveMcKeegan]

Yes you can, there are to screws connecting the side upright to the bases

[@misurebanks1538]

@@DaveMcKeegan ❤❤ liked and subscribed bro!

[@DaveMcKeegan]

Welcome 🤗

[@Canadapt]

There is a comment below that says that the magnetic base negatively affects the IBIS ... is this true?

[@DaveMcKeegan]

I've noticed no difference to the IBIS system (which is pretty much always on)

[@gmolina]

Dave, great vid as usual! I tried and loved that L-bracket and was planning on getting one, however, they just released a refreshed version which I ended up pre-ordering. "SmallRig Half Cage with Arca L-Bracket for Sony A7III A7RIII 2236". Cheers!

[@scb2scb2]

sorry missed this remark yes indeed i hope my pre-production unit will be coming soon but with chinese new year not sure how that will work out but they should make their 19 feb shipping date for first batch.

[@MrChrissk]

Would you recommend one of these cheap grips, I dont want to pay Sony money for one. Its not something i would defo need but id like to try one. As i used to use the much smaller a6000 all the time with my big sigma lens so the A7 feels a lot bigger and secure in hand than that did. But i feel the extra size would help as i always shoot hand held doing motorsport so it would hep balance it when zoomed out to say 500mm etc.

[@DaveMcKeegan]

Yes I would, I've had several cheap grips and some genuines for various cameras in the past, and while you can feel a difference if you compare the two up side by side, for me it's not enough of a difference for the price. If you are always using the grip then it could be worth it, however for occasional use I've always found cheaper grips to be more than up to the task

[@TheSocialjerry]

Thanks for sharing this video .. really insightful. Can you do a video or direct me to one of your videos on how to convert your tripod to fit a arca swiss system?

[@DaveMcKeegan]

Don't know of any videos on it but most tripod heads have a screw through the top that holds the plate in place so it was simply a case of buying an Arca-swiss tripod plate, unscrewing the old plate and screwing the new one on.

[@TheSocialjerry]

@@DaveMcKeegan thanks for your reply

[@carlmcneill1139]

$59? That's way cheaper than really right stuff's L brackets.

[@SatongiFilms]

You can get such L brackets on ebay for even less (even ones that fit better than this smallrig's which """blends perfectly""" cough cough)

[@JosiahHeng]

@@SatongiFilms link?

[@lucuslopez6866]

The picky being on the bottom of the camera helps to stabilize the camera better

[@thaluska7]

yes you can get the pain off. I have it for almost 1 year and on the corner it's going off. but this could be because of putting it on ground and so :D

[@scb2scb2]

I fell with it one on and it took 3mm of the bracket (l-part) but saved my a7R3+1635GM got a video on my channel to showcase the damage but gave some extra virtual hugs to the ladies at smallrig :) (they mostly are ladies btw).

[@SatongiFilms]

jokes on you, you should hold big camera+lens combos by the lens primarily, and not the camera grip.

[@DaveMcKeegan]

Agree, except your lens hand takes the weight while your camera hand balances it

[@vegandude7413]

Your hand is pretty small. Cuz if it fit my little finger, i can barely touch the shutter button

[@Yupthereitism]

The pinky grip just out and is uncomfortable. There you go, the one negative.

[@ricardomagath3640]

Hi! May i know what's the model of the clamp-head you use for this setup? The Andoer one, and how long have you been using it? Is it durable and stable? No slippage?

[@DaveMcKeegan]

I've been using it for over a year now and still works perfect

[@ricardomagath3640]

@@DaveMcKeegan thanks man! I'm rather new to photography and I'm still trying a to figure out my gears. As for this clamp, i found 40mm, 58mm, & 60mm. If I have a sony A7III with a smallRig L-bracket, which size should I get? I've been asking around and people seem to be too busy this part of the year, hope you can lend an assist 🙏🏻

[@DaveMcKeegan]

@@ricardomagath3640 I believe those measurements refer to the width of the mount across, they should all fit Arca-swiss plates My plate is a 50mm

[@ricardomagath3640]

@@DaveMcKeegan thank you so much!!!

Do you like the Tamron 28-75? Never seen you have made a video about it?

[@DaveMcKeegan]

Yes I do ... Maybe I will do a video on it at some point then 😊

[@damianalmua]

i wanna buy anyway the grip, and i love it the Small rig L, you think L braket fit well on the grip too?

[@DaveMcKeegan]

Yes it does go on the grip, although shooting with the camera vertical is uncomfortable because the L-bracket doesn't follow the shape of the grip. And the side piece can block the camera port covers as well

[@damianalmua]

Dave McKeegan nice ti hear that, I’m just thinking on the grip for every day and L bracket for pano shoots on tripod, (but with long batteries performance) thanks for Your reply!

[@GregorMima]

I guess it´s anodized metal, not paint ... it´s a chem. finish to make metal surfaces harder and resistant to corrosion. One side effect it becomes black.

[@scb2scb2]

yep and i asked once and if memory is correct its 6061 aluminium alloy.

[@scb2scb2]

@@cinialvespow1054 True and some parts are red for example but black is still 'holds' better and is easier todo. Maybe ill ask them to make me a golden smallrig 2236

[@TinoPetersson]

How is rolling a ballhead to the side a pain in the ass? Every time a new thing comes in the market, the old accessories are suddenly completely impossible to use.

[@DaveMcKeegan]

If you want to shoot panoramas then a ballhead will put the camera at the side and arc the camera around - but the the L-bracket it stays above the tripod and spins on the spot Findings the little notch to roll the head into to go sideways can be a pain at times especially if it's facing the wrong way and the head doesn't sit perfectly flat once it's in place so you have to recompense your shot With the L-bracket, because you don't move the tripod head, you can switch orientation without needing to recompose your shot. I'm not saying ballheads are impossible to use, I'm just saying the L-bracket is easier

[@TinoPetersson]

@@DaveMcKeegan first of, you're not just saying that the bracket is easier, you said that the ballhead is "a complete pain In the ass". Which I seriously think that you are the only one who thinks. Almost every single ballhead has an axis of which it can freely rotate about, which doesn't get affected of wether or not the camera is in the portrait position. Thanks you for arguing with me, I'm sure this makes you look even more professional :-) Have a nice day.

[@DaveMcKeegan]

I'm curious how I argued with you? You asked me a question and I gave you an answer

[@alecgrimmett8294]

This L bracket is trash. I would definitely consider the new version

[@TimoRJensen]

Is this Video sponsored by Smallrig?

[@DaveMcKeegan]

Not at all - Smallrig sent me the item to try out however it's not paid at all. I used it like a consumer for a few weeks and gave my honest opinion ... And my honest opinion is that I liked it so much that I'm still using it

[@scb2scb2]

@@DaveMcKeegan And that is normal for them, i spend more than a few hours 'working with them' they don't pay me. They do send me prototypes and production units if i helped. They also will send a free product if one of your ideas (of value) gets included. Next to that like with Dave i guess (don't want to talk to much for Dave or smallrig) they send review units out to people and given the prices sending it back would be way too much hassle but this is done a lot and i personally don't consider that payment. They even have a cooler method called dreamrig where you can design, they check and work with you send you a prototype (free) and if taken into production and sells you get some small $100 i think gift. Now this might not sound like a big deal but many video people use this on red, sony, arri $$ setups and being able to get a custom made part they need would normally would cost $$. I personally never do that since over the years now kinda talk to some of the designers as part of my online friends but many with 3d skills do. They have facebook groups to support all of this : www.smallrig.com/content/dream-rig.html

[@vyoufinder]

Pronounced like "Mikey."