Smallrig Quick Release Half Cage Review For The Sony A7III Camera
Smallrig is a company out of China that makes all sorts of goodies for camera lovers. Recently we received the Smallrig Quick Release Half Cage for the Sony A7iii. Not too long ago we wrote about the Smallrig full cage for the Sony A7iii, but have since found the Half Cage is a way better option and a lot more flexible.
Smallrig Quick Release Half Cage Unboxing
When receiving the Smallrig Half Cage, you will get the cage, a quick release plate and a hex wrench.
Smallrig Quick Release Half Cage Review For The Sony A7III Camera
What makes Smallrig’s Half Cage stand out from the many cages on the market is it’s quick release capability and unrestricted access to the right side of the camera.
Since the Smallrig Half Cage a quick release plate, you will have to mount the plate to the bottom of the camera. To do so you will need a regular flathead screwdriver. It’s a bit odd that they don’t include one and instead include a hex wrench that doesn’t enable you to mount the quick release plate. One improvement would be to use a 4mm hex screw rather the one they included. Another option would be to use a mounting screw that contains a twist handle screw like the Monfrotto quick release plates use.
The cage comes equipped with array of 1/4’’-20 and 3/8’’-16 threaded holes for mounting all sorts of cage accessories.
Smallrig Half Cage Sony A7iii Top View
The top of the Smallrig Half Cage provides plenty of options for mounting cage accessories and also doesn’t restrict access to the right side of the camera’s buttons and dials. You have unrestricted control over the operation of original A7iii handgrip.
Smallrig Half Cage Quick Release Bottom View\
Smallrig Quick Release Half Cage
The Smallrig half cage uses a dual lever quick release system. A large silver lever locks the camera into the cage and a safety level prevents the camera from accidentally dropping out of the cage.
To insert the camera into the cage requires 4 steps (No tools required).
- Push the locking lever towards the lens
- Push down the safety lever
- While the safety lever is in the down position, slide the camera into place.
- Pull back the locking lever towards the back of the camera
To remove the camera from the cage requires 3 steps (No tools required).
- Push the locking lever towards the lens
- Push down the safety lever
- While the safety lever is in the down position, slide the camera out of the cage.
Smallrig Quick Release Half Cage For the Sony A7iii Side View
The left side of the Smallrig Half Cage has a wide cutout area allowing full access to all the A7iii’s side doors.
The left side of the cage also includes a Nato rail for mounting Nato compatible handles and accessories.
Smallrig Quick Release Half Cage Specifications
The cage is design to work with Sony’s A7R III/A7 III/A7 II/A7R II/A7S II line of cameras . It adds protection on 3 sides of the camera and offers tons of mounting options.
Package Includes:
- 1 x A7RII Half Cage 2098
- 1 x Hex Spanner
Product Spects
- Product Dimensions: 165x155x85 mm
- Net Weight: 330g
- Package Size: 96.8×121.2×74 mm
- Material(s): Aluminum Alloy
- Retails $99.00
Can You Install A Battery Grip With The Half Cage?
The cage is designed for the camera body (ONLY) and not a battery grip.
Is The Nato Rail Compatible With Other Nato mManufactures?
So far I have been able to use the Nato rail with Wooden Camera, Camvate and Zacuto handles without issue.
What Cameras Is The Half Cage Compatible With?
The Smallrig Half Cage is compatible with Sony A7 II/III series mirrorless cameras.
Is The Half Cage Quick Release Plate Compatible With Any Manufacturers?
The Smallrig uses a Manfrotto 501 PL style quick release plate and should be compatible with Manfrotto systems that use that plate.
Why Is The Smallrig Half Cage More Expensive Than The Full Cage?
The Smallrig Half Cage uses a Quick Release system which adds to the cost of the cage. It’s a fantastic design and worth every penny.
The Smallrig Quick Release Half Cage is by far the best cage on the market for the Sony A7iii. It allows you to quickly release the camera for taking photos and provides a super stable platform to mount camera cage accessories. The aluminum craftsmanship is very good and I have zero complaints.
▶ BUY – Smallrig’s Camera Cage
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Honestly I think Smallrig listened to their customer base and really hit a home run with this cage.
For those who use an extended grip or battery grip on their Sony A7iii’s, that type of setup will not work with the Smallrig half cage.
Thank you for this review! Could you please add which SmallRig components are compatible and best to use for a small AV setup – for example shoes to hold Sony/Sennheiser AVX microphones, recommended handle for the NATO bar and anything else you have found really useful.
Many thanks
Hi DeeJay,
The Sennheiser AVX microphone receiver should have a cold shoe adapter to attach to the cage.
My favorite Nato bar is the Wooden Camera NATO Handle (https://amzn.to/2FJ0syD) or the Zacuto (https://amzn.to/2Fw4JEg) nato handle. You might have to buy it directly from Zacuto though.
I am going to be posting something soon on a really cool GoPro7 setup. I should have everything in I need by the 2nd.