Smallrig Lightweight Cage for Sony A7S III (vs. Original and Nitze Cages)

[@IAmKenArts]

Excellent and very detailed video. Thumbs up!

[@franklinmichael671]

3:08 what? The lightweight version is heavier than the original one?

[@we.visuals]

Might be a typo, if you go to 7:48 he weighs all 3. Hope this helps!

[@AleeshaFPV]

ahh yes the video i was looking for!

[@thomastthai]

I agree with you on front facing 1/4" and 3/8" screw holes. They had that on this A7iii cage. You can mount a cold shoe on the left side of the original SmallRig A7Siii cage to mount your follow focus. SmallRig now has a follow focus that mounts nicely with their cages.

[@ScottDumas]

You're right, a cold shoe could definitely be mounted on the left side, but I don't think it would be quite as solid and just more complex than I'd hope to be necessary haha. It does seem like they have come out with some nice mounting options for that new follow focus they made as well.

[@FharishAhmedPortfolio]

8:08 Knucle joints?

[@smallrigindia8021]

Great review. Now customers in India can directly order form smallrig India website

[@marcellobrecciaroli7646]

Hi. It is possible to attach a hands trap to the Smallrig Lightweight cage? that vertical slot for the strip makes me thing it would be tough.

[@KygenPatriot]

Please compare with Kondor blue cage.

[@ScottDumas]

Never tried Kondor Blue to be honest, but it looks like good gear. I'd say to make the decision just based on the connections you need/your workflow and other gear so that it all works together seamlessly. Quality shouldn't be an issue either way :)

[@ArtCCCP]

smallrig 3065 suitable for Sony a7-4?

[@takeachance182]

I cant find the cage anywhere

[@theautomationchannel6920]

Feeling that stinger top handle you reviewed earlier is much better… i got the nitze stinger handle with nato rail

[@ScottDumas]

The Stinger is definitely a killer top handle :)

[@theautomationchannel6920]

@@ScottDumas just more clarification I got two after your recommendation as I like and trust your content.

[@magnusgotander3954]

Are the Nitze cage together with the follow focus very firm to the lense all time ? Would it be some better to have a 2 rail below the cage for that. How good are the combination?

[@ScottDumas]

I haven't had any issues with it, the direction of the screw makes it so the push from the lens/gear tightens the rod down, not loosen it. As long as you clamp it down tight, not a problem :)

[@RaidOctober]

Thanks for doing a comparison on the 2 cages but are the specs on the weight of the cages wrong? Cos it would seem like the new 'lightweight' comes in heavier than the original?

[@ScottDumas]

Oops!! Good call, yes those specs are reversed. Sorry!

[@serranopro_]

What top handle Is that?

[@kashikadel4484]

Does this for Sony A1?

[@ScottDumas]

I’m not sure but I hope to get one soon so I can try it out then

[@anthonycampo185]

Did anyone ever find out if this fits the A1?

[@contemarcula]

is the top handle included in the box?

[@ScottDumas]

If you get the full kit, yes- but the parts are also sold separately.

[@contemarcula]

​@@ScottDumas Thank you Scott! Unfortunately in Italy they only sell the single cage, the kit is unavailable and the single parts either

[@andrewjoseph1363]

Hey did small rig pressure you into making a video? I know their products are solid but the business practices have been questionable. Any thoughts? Would love your input.

[@ScottDumas]

Not at all... I’ve asked them to test things I was interested in in the past, sometimes they offer to work together for new products reviews, sometimes it’s a mix of the two. Not sure specifically which business practices you have in mind but I’ve always found them to be decent and fair both as a customer and a reviewer.

[@andrewjoseph1363]

@@ScottDumas thank you! I really appreciate your input!

[@rubenamadeo2938]

Hi man, really love ur review! 1 questuin, if those rig compatible with sony a7iv?

[@ScottDumas]

Hi! Unfortunately I don't think they are. I'm not positive but small differences in the body size/shape probably cause issues.

[@terencemorrissey4413]

Scott, does the ITIX 45mm focus breathe?

[@ScottDumas]

With drastic focus pulls it can but I haven’t found it to be extreme or distracting in normal use. Not perfect but reasonably under control.

[@paulg3388]

Great video, thank you! I am a recent Sony A7S iii owner, and I purchased the Sony ECM-B1M Mic for it. I was wondering if you could help me work out how to use the SmallRig you have demonstrated, with a top handle but also with the Mic inserted into the shoe mount on top of the Camera. I am thinking due to having to insert it into the shoe mount on the Camera, I would have to use a side handle instead? any help would be greatly appreciated! but I appreciate this probably not your job here .. :)

[@ScottDumas]

Hi! Thanks very much for watching :) Yeah, unfortunately I think with the B1M mic you'd be better off with a side handle (or two) since it needs to go in the hot shoe. I'm actually not entirely sure because I don't have it, but the K3M XLR adapter actually comes with a hot shoe extension cable (I don't think that's the official name) so that you can "move" the hot shoe mount into another location (it has a "dumb" shoe mount on the bottom, so you could put it onto the shoe mount of the cage instead, for example). I imagine that would work, to get the mic off the top center of the camera, and then you could use the top handle there with the mic on the side. If the B1M doesn't come with that cable, you might be able to purchase it separately, and I imagine it would work with the mic too because the technology should be the same as the XLR adapter. I hope that makes sense, if not please do let me know :)

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Not looking at buying a cage and don't even have a a7s iii but for some reason I watched the whole review 😂

[@ScottDumas]

Haha I really appreciate that!

[@Bo_Hazem]

Amazing breakdown, you made me a but confused now. I'm more fixed into getting Tiltaing full cage with the down rods + PolarPro Basecamp up front. I'll watch more videos and see if you had a Tilta review there.

[@Ali_ReBORN]

How the hell is the new lightweight is heavier than the original???

[@ScottDumas]

Sorry- mixed that up and didn't notice until it was too late. The numbers are reversed

[@Ali_ReBORN]

@@ScottDumas Yeah i figured that out later, proof check in the future bro :) don't rush, thanks

[@billyoung9538]

I think the new lightweight Smallrig cage is overpriced, and overly glitzy for what it is. Out of all of these I think I prefer the Nitze with the exception that it lacks a secondary mount lock. While I love that Smallrig has tons of accessories, the problem is they use to be about following generalized standards, where as a lot of their newer stuff feels more about forcing their eco system. While most cage manufacturers do it to a degree, the fact that Nitze has ARRI locking pin points on more of their mounts means that more accessories have the oportunity mount more securely without resorting to some custom connector. Factor in almost half the price of the lightweight rig and it just seems to check more check boxes for me. The only issue is does it stay put over time? We'll have to see...

[@ScottDumas]

Agreed on all points. The original Smallrig cage is better for me except that cold show location, and it’s cheaper. The gray finish is cool, but not a necessity, and lightweight hasn’t been something I’ve felt I really needed. With the Nitze, it’s been on for a week or two now, packed away, built up, gone through a couple shoots and no problems yet. Only time will tell. That second screw point is such a small detail that I wish they hasn’t missed though

[@magnusgotander3954]

I would prefer the Nitze if I only had any support from the Nitze company. I have search for a any communicatinon since several weeks so I can buy the "right" things for my needs but the really dont care about any presumed customer with questions. So there am I ..... Just keep quiet and buy .... Do any one knows a dealer in Europe, (not Amazon or England since "Brexit") I would be thankful. Otherwice I am forced to buy unother brand.... Sad that DJI don't produce similar items.They have a really, really good support. A salut to them.

[@ScottDumas]

Sorry to hear that you've been having trouble with that. Unfortunately seems to be the issue with a lot of companies which produce more affordable gear. Facebook has always worked for me though, if you need to get in touch with Nitze hopefully someone there can help you or at least get you in touch with someone.

[@smartshot3727]

First

[@DennisLimCY]

second.