Chinese manufacturer of modular camera rigs, cages, and accessories for DSLR, mirrorless, and cinema cameras.
SmallRig cages are made from 6061 aluminum alloy with a wall thickness of 2-3mm and offer over 20 1/4" threaded mounting points per cage. The 15mm rod systems operate with a standard length of 200mm, 300mm, or 400mm and support up to 15kg payload. Typical cage dimensions are 140x95x85mm for DSLRs like the Sony α7 series. Follow focus systems use 0.8 pitch gears and offer a focus throw of 330° rotation. Monitor brackets support display sizes from 5"-7" with VESA 75 mounting.
Modular connections are made via M4 and M5 Allen screws, while quick-release clamps operate with a clamping force of 150N. Handles feature ergonomic profiles with a 32mm diameter and anti-slip rubber surfaces.
SmallRig was founded in Shenzhen in 2013 by Jimmy Wang, initially as a manufacturer of affordable DSLR cages for the growing videoblogger market. In 2015, the company expanded with professional rigging solutions for cameras like RED and ARRI Alexa Mini. In 2018, SmallRig introduced camera-specific cages precisely tailored to individual camera models.
By 2020, SmallRig achieved annual revenues exceeding $100 million, establishing itself as an alternative to established manufacturers like Wooden Camera or Tilta. Today, the product range encompasses over 3,000 individual products for more than 400 camera models.
Low-budget productions frequently utilize SmallRig for handheld setups, as a complete rigging system for a Sony α7S III, including cage, handle, and follow focus, costs under 400 Euros. Documentarians use the compact shoulder rigs for run-and-gun shooting, while YouTuber productions prefer the desktop rigs with integrated LED mounts.
On "The Creator" (2023), cinematographer Oren Soffer used SmallRig components for crash cam setups, as the low price made total losses acceptable. Streaming content producers appreciate the rapid availability via Amazon Prime delivery for short-notice shoots.
SmallRig positions itself 60-70% lower in price than Wooden Camera or Tilta with comparable functionality, but uses less precise tolerances (±0.2mm instead of ±0.05mm). ARRI accessories offer higher load capacity (25kg vs. 15kg) but cost three to five times as much.
For high-end productions, Wooden Camera or Bright Tangerine remain the standard, while SmallRig dominates in independent films, content creation, and backup equipment. RED Digital Cinema has integrated SmallRig-compatible mounting points into their cameras since 2022.
In 2026, SmallRig continues to assert itself as a leading provider of modular camera rigs alongside competitor Tilta. The focus is on lightweight solutions for mirrorless and cinema cameras such as the RED V-Raptor or Blackmagic models. Particular attention is paid to improved cable management and support for client-preferred codecs like H.265.
Ich verwende SmallRig-Cages hauptsächlich für B-Kameras und spontane Handheld-Shots, da sie schnell aufgebaut sind und genug Montagepunkte für Monitor, Funk und Follow Focus bieten. Die Verarbeitung ist solide genug für normale Produktionen, auch wenn die Toleranzen nicht an ARRI-Zubehör heranreichen. Für Crash-Cams oder extreme Wetterbedingungen nehme ich lieber SmallRig als teure Alternativen zu riskieren.
SmallRig ermöglicht mir spontane Kamerabewegungen mit kleinem Budget, ohne auf professionelle Optik zu verzichten – das Rigging sieht am Set immer noch nach ernsthafter Produktion aus. Bei Schauspielern wirken die kompakteren Setups weniger einschüchternd als große Studio-Rigs, was intimere Performances fördert. Die schnelle Rekonfiguration zwischen Shots spart wertvolle Drehzeit.
SmallRig reduziert meine Kamera-Budgets um 50-70% ohne sichtbare Qualitätsverluste im finalen Bild, was besonders bei Multi-Kamera-Setups erhebliche Einsparungen bringt. Die 24-Stunden-Lieferung über Amazon rettet regelmäßig spontane Zusatzdrehs, während etablierte Hersteller 2-3 Wochen Lieferzeit haben. Bei Verlust oder Diebstahl am Set verschmerze ich 200 Euro leichter als 800 Euro für Wooden Camera.
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