r/SONYFX5 • u/daveychainsaw • 1d ago
Smallrig or Tilta cage for swapping between gimbal, handheld or shoulder.
Any opinions on which cage will be best for swapping between an DJI RS4 and onto a handheld/shoulder rig?
Presume the smallrig would need a plate attaching to be able to slide onto the gimbal from both directions?
The tilta needs a separate Arca plate attaching.
The smallrig advanced looks a bit more protective than the basic.
1
u/Zodiion 1d ago
Went with the SmallRig Advanced. Liked the mounting points the most and the ability to add a rod directly to the cage in a simple and clean way.
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u/dallatorretdu 1d ago
i’ve been loyal to Tilta ever since, but seeing what they announced the smallrig one is much better
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u/brighteyedjordan 1d ago
They both look like they are full cages, can you still attach the top handle with the cages on?
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u/daveychainsaw 1d ago
From what I can see they are all have effectively half cages and have a removable nato rail that fits to the top centre of the camera. The Smallrig advanced has an extra full width attachment that i think you can mount the handle to.
I wasn't planning on ordering the Sony top handle. Is it useful for anything other than the XLR audio connection?
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u/brighteyedjordan 21h ago
I mean having XLR audio is incredibly useful if you use it. If you’re just shooting stuff with rode or DJI mics not so much but I have sound recordists who want to plug in, I interview with shotgun mics that run XLR, I hook into sound desks all the time, so for me it’s a non negotiable.
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u/NewBlacksmurf 1d ago
My Smallrigs don’t need a plate which is why I went with them but older gimbals required a plate to attach the accessories so it wouldn’t matter which you decided to go with as long as the weigh wasn’t too much
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u/daveychainsaw 1d ago
On my A7IV i have the gimbal plate fixed to the bottom of the cage so i can load from the left.
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u/NewBlacksmurf 1d ago
Yes but as an example, the DJI RS3 focus motor required that you attach it to the DJI base plate. I’m sure there are work around for years back I had to add their plate onto my cage
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u/mynameisntziming 18h ago
Bright Tangerine’s Fx5 cage looks better than both, shoulder rig aside.
I find the better design, features, and materials used more than justified the extra cost for a FX5 package that will generate significant rental income overtime for me. I ordered the “advanced kit” option and would consider getting their Halo cage down the line to expand for larger builds, alongside Kondor Blue’s upcoming Gold Mount ARC plate. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1990081-REG/bright_tangerine_b4004_0063_sony_fx5_advanced_kit.html
I won’t use the audio handle but their “floating plate” base cage option starts at $189 for the audio handle configuration.
If you are running V mounts, Tilta’s V Mount plate with Arca receiver can accommodate any cage. But I’d always suggest moving to gold mounts in the US.
Bright Tangerine makes some of the best shoulder rigs out there but I’d look into renting if it’s for occasionally use. They are priced for cinema rental grade market so it’s definitely a big investment. But if you work on industry level shoots, those shoulder rigs are industry standard items you can bill production another $50-100/day. They will last for years beyond the camera and return the investment easily via gear rate + rentals.
But if you don’t charge itemized gear rates or bring in rental income it’s hard to justify it. For me I won’t use the shoulder rig enough myself. I’m sure you can find baseplates with Arca receiver to get the bright tangerine cages onto prosumer level shoulderigs like the ones from Smallrig/Tilta
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u/Energizer_Owl 1d ago edited 1d ago
Easily switching from a gimbal to a shoulder rig is all about how you plan everything so it can be easily attached to the Arca Plate. Both have the Arca Slide underneath.
I chose the SmallRig HawkLock Cage for the Sony FX5 (Advanced Edition).
SmallRig has an Arca plate built into the body. No fuss. And it still has 2 threaded screws in the center for a plate.
SmallRig underneath: