Why Camera Top Handles May Not Be Right for You

I’ve seen many KZbinrs recommend these type of camera top handles for shooting videos. You could say, I fell for it too and thought it would be a useful for my workflow. But here's my personal reason why I don't use it anymore for my mirrorless camera.
CONSIDER SUBSCRIBING ► bit.ly/2KzIi40
INSTAGRAM ► bit.ly/2S7xONA
PATREON ► bit.ly/3aK34sF
🙇🏻‍♂️ A huge thank you to Maximiliano for being my first ever Patreon supporter for this channel.
SMALLRIG Top Handle 2094C (new version)
🇬🇧 amzn.to/3G9jmLO
🇺🇸 amzn.to/334ZBX7
🇨🇦 amzn.to/3EWNhWf
🇩🇪 amzn.to/3sZOTMH
🇫🇷 amzn.to/3EWcnEE
🇯🇵 amzn.to/3zpYnlw
Camera Gear
===========
Dji Osmo Pocket 2 Creator Combo - amzn.to/3DYhfcO
Canon C100 Mark II - amzn.to/3g3BOKn
Canon 50mm F/1.8 STM - amzn.to/3vpSWQF
Fuji X-T2 - amzn.to/3q2DO8M
Fuji 35mm F1.4 - amzn.to/3ntnSee
Fuji 18mm F2 - amzn.to/39g1D6d
Canon FD to Fuji X Adapter - amzn.to/3nCN0PK
SWIT CM-55C 5" Monitor - amzn.to/2LssjIR
Dummy battery - amzn.to/3bzXmNt
NPF Battery + USB charger - amzn.to/2XtYA4R
Audio Setup
==========
Shure SM7B - amzn.to/3bMkt7H
XLR Cable - amzn.to/30G7MoF
KabelDirekt 3.5mm Extension Cable - amzn.to/2K0TZ7o
Rode Wireless Go 2 - amzn.to/3sZbitr
Bose QuietComfort QC35 II Bluetooth Headphone - amzn.to/31JF8a8
Lighting
=======
Godox SL60W LED Light - amzn.to/2MLDlcV
Neewer 48" Parabolic Softbox - amzn.to/39zNDpm
Neewer 5 in 1 180cm x 120cm reflector - amzn.to/3l6z4h2
Viltrox VL-162T LED RGB Light - amzn.to/35mJfYy
Amazon Basics Light Stands - amzn.to/39f43lz
Boom Arm - amzn.to/35kekMs
Diffusion Fabric - amzn.to/3npiUin
Support Gear
===========
Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod - amzn.to/3ovNVTa
Manfrotto Ball Head - amzn.to/3cj6eGl
edelkrone HeadONE - amzn.to/2PUV2Z5
edelkrone SliderONE PRO v2 - amzn.to/3cl2HHB
Manfrotto 3 Way Head - amzn.to/3l3fnqF
LP-E6 Battery + USB Charger - amzn.to/3qD95z7
Smallrig Ball Head - amzn.to/3l3UjQN
Smallrig Ballhead Super Clamp - amzn.to/3nvKJ8S
X-Rite ColorChecker Passport - amzn.to/38w1o8h
Some of the links in my video descriptions are affiliate links, which means at no extra cost to you, I might make a small commission if you click them and make a qualifying purchase.
0:00 Intro
0:26 Logo
0:31 Disclaimer
0:56 The issue I have with top handles
1:32 Pro reasons for using one
1:50 Final thoughts
2:20 Outro
2:29 More videos to check out
#TopHandle #BuyOrNot #Smallrig

[@tombuck]

I love the ergonomics of top handles, but it always feels risky using the ones that mount only via the hot shoe. Seems like a dangerous amount of force, so then I typically use a cage, but then the camera feels big and bulky 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@JoeLamOfficial]

Couldn't agree more. It feels great in the hand, especially with the monitor etc on a small camera body (small grip). But the time to setup and the immense bulk it brings makes it difficult to use in a twisted way. Ultimately I used it less, I guess that is THE answer for me anyway. 😅 By the way, thanks for checking out my video and being a subscriber. I can't believe it! Reason I own a SM7B is because I watched your videos!!

[@signaturaphotography]

How has it been with your c100?

[@JoeLamOfficial]

To be honest, the footages holds up really well even when upscale to 4K. Trouble, my C100 is playing up lately. Sometimes, won’t turn up. I think it might be a faulty ON/OFF Switch or people online seem to suggest it might be a blown internal fuse. Have to get Canon to check it out. It’s out of action at the moment. :( Thing is, they charge an inspection fee. But without knowing how much (or if it’s worth it) to get it repaired. It’s difficult for me to get it booked in at the moment.

[@signaturaphotography]

@@JoeLamOfficial thanks, thats sucks that its down at the moment. i was asking about the top handle, how has it been working with the c100, using it directly in the hotshoe instead of attached a cage

[@JoeLamOfficial]

It works great too but only if you don't need the XLR/rec button/built-in mics. Otherwise those are gone. Flip side, it makes the setup slightly smaller and you can a lot more mounting holes/options. Depends what you need for your setup?

[@signaturaphotography]

@@JoeLamOfficial ok thanks for response

[@JoeLamOfficial]

No worries. 😉

[@JoeLamOfficial]

What are your thoughts on top handles? Do you use one?

[@NemouseJurado]

Have you ever tried Horizontal mounting the handle? I do use one, and you can grab it really well to do long shots with movement, pretty secure when you need to raise the camera over your head, the handle rocks in horizontal position.

[@JoeLamOfficial]

Good tip. I think I have tried it but doesn't quite solve the issue with the flash trigger for instance. For those times, I still have to remove the top handle. 🤭

[@NemouseJurado]

@@JoeLamOfficial I never use it to take photos, but for video!

[@JoeLamOfficial]

I see what you mean. If I used for video only I think it wouldn't be an issue for me either. What camera do you use ?