Review on 📷 SMALLRIG Camera Cage for Sony A7R III/A7 III with VG-C3EM Vertical Battery Grip - Ultimate ARRI Standard Compatible Solution with Cold Shoe, NATO Rail, and 3/8'' Locating Holes - Model 2176 by Dale Toth

This frame is for a Sony A7 camera with the battery grip attached (Sony or 3rd party). I use this larger body for a better grip area, the ability to shoot vertically easily, and longer battery life. I use the A7 III in this configuration for photo and video work. The cage is a bit boxy, but you won't find many options when using a battery grip in your build. I think I've only come across 3 manufacturers including this one before moving on to larger, bulkier and more versatile frame cages. This is the best I've found. The SmallRig is well thought out with multiple 1/4-20, 3/8 and 3/8 mounting points with locating pins on all sides. There is also a nice addition - an integrated NATO guide on the port side. This is very convenient, but be careful as it is VERY close to real ports. There are several HDMI clamps for different camera models that are sold separately from Small Rig/Revain. The camera attaches with 2 1/2 points - a 1/4-20 tripod on the bottom, bolted to a strap eyelet on the side of the camera mount and friction on the frame itself. It feels solid with minimal flexing. An Allen screw and a wrench are included in the scope of delivery. I should point out that no instructions were included, but the safety and operation is pretty much self-explanatory. My top three disappointments (hope SmallRIg is listening and improving) is #1. I wish they would add another short nato rail or two in the frame on top or on the opposite side of the cage. #2. Except for the built in Arca-Swiss mount found on the small rig #2268 A6000 + battery. This wouldn't be difficult to incorporate into the design. Grooves or ribs may have been milled into the bottom edges and enough of the bottom of the cage on the media side to allow for horizontal and vertical installation. This would eliminate the need for an Arca insert or Arca-L insert, greatly increasing flexibility and simplicity. #3 is the 15mm LWS (Small Rig #1943) recommended for this cage. It's great that there's even an option for a battery grip. It is compatible with the Metabones adapter and is flexible - it can be installed upside down if needed to decrease or increase the stem distance to the lens. The problem is that the rod mount is added about 30mm deep at the attachment point about 20mm from the profile of the camera body (to accommodate the thick part of the grip below). Some of my native E-mount lenses were too short to use the follow focus motor because the portion of the stem used was mounted too far to reach the gear teeth on the lens. If you end up having the same problem, look for Small Rig bolt options on a single rod receiver (like SmallRig #1995) and mount it to the top of the cage. Any telephoto lens like Canon's Cinema Lens or adapted L-series shouldn't pose a problem. Yes, these are somewhat specific issues, but common enough to include in future developments. Overall I give this extended cage an 8/10 because it does what it says on the tin and really gives my kit a lot of flexibility. I only wish the designers and engineers at Small Rig would think about flexibility and how a camera configured this way could be used in the real world. Consumers: Expect to research the necessary accessories and take your time setting up and testing. I've found that all of the SmallRig products I've bought over the years have always been useful (some even smart) and affordable. This cage is no exception. I recommend. (Note: Unfortunately, Revain doesn't sell all of the products that Small Rig sells through its own website, so you may need to track and cross-reference the details one-by-one. Revain remains the best option to check price, shipping, and speed of shipping first, especially when If you have PRIME it is best to check with BOTH places before placing your order(s) The company website has a little more detail and configuration suggestions to help you find part numbers The clamp I need for my A7III is currently being used not sold by Revain.)