Bought it. Pretty solid overall! The one big problem Inhabe with it is the lack of a third contact point to stabilize the camera inside of the cage. Like it sits pretty loose since it only connects to one of the two handle strap eyelets. Kinda makes me a bit concerned about long term use, but ergonomically it's quite excellent.
I received this cage on Friday. It’s a wonderful piece of gear. There’s still a lot of situations where I would rather not have the cage attached, but it’s a “must have” for those times where you’re operating a manual lens with a long throw (I have the focus wheel as well). Luckily, for all other situations, it’s ridiculously easy to detach. I’m coming from a Tilta setup. It’s not quite as heavy duty as Tilta’s lineup, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing… I prefer the lighter setup of the Smallrig cage. I will say that if you’re planning to attach a base plate with rod rails (for a follow focus or matte box), then this might not be the cage for you since it makes swapping batteries impossible without removing the base plate (the battery door won’t open all the way with this setup).
I'll definitely check it out, it's so nice to see cage manufacturers putting in thoughtly designs for filmmakers and creators. Thank you, really glad you enjoyed it.
Hello, Great feedback about this product. I am considering the purchase of a lumix GH6, and this product could be perfect as a starting point for a future set with more complete accessories. I am french speaking but I understood 90% of your review. Thank you very much for your help. Yves
Thank you! You bet, G9 vs GH6 for photos. GH6 vs GH5s low light. GH6 vs GH5 And probably a whole bunch more 😁 so much already filmed, just gotta put the videos together.
Hello, I thank you to share this interesting video. Out of curiosity: with thsi cage and its handle, is it possible to put the eye on the viewfinder? Or does the handle move the eye away or disturb the view? This is an important thing for me. Thank you
I bought the SmallRig cage for the GH5 and while it is very useful, there are two issues I hoped they've resolved with the GH6 cage. I'm using both left and right hand SmallRig wooden handles for a symmetrical handheld GH5 rig with an Atomos Ninja V on top. The problem is that the mounting holes on the left and right side of the cage are not quite aligned in the same front-to-back position. That makes it impossible to align the wooden handles symmetrically on either side of the GH5. Of course, the lens is not symmetrically placed in the GH5 either, and to compensate, I'm using a SmallRig metal handle spacer. While that helps a lot, it's not quite wide enough to place the handles symmetrically on either side of the GH5. While the cage still works well enough for handheld use, it'd be great if SmallRig could pay more attention to these small details.
I have a Black Mamba GH6 cage arriving tomorrow and didn't really think about how it could solve the front record button issue. I deactivated that stupid button within probably the first 45 minutes of owning the camera 😂
Its a little more limited than others, however so many gimbal plate options are using sideways mounted Arca Swiss plates...this makes the design practically perfect.
I have the cage for my GH6 and parts in my cart at small rig, may pull the trigger on ordering today after watching your video Rich. I really want to get the nano follow focus $300US, but would really want the Tilta left handle with the follow focus index finger wheel… $200US. Making it such an expensive rig, but so versatile for film. Do you have any thoughts on that?
I often thought about the Tilta handle and Nano follow focus. I ended up buying the manual tilta follow focus, much like the new SmallRig one. Sometimes I use my setup without needing manual/controlled follow focus, and worried about the batteries in the Nano going flat on an unexpected shoot. Although it's insanely tempting 😋
I have a BMPCC4K that’s been rigged with Tilta’s line of products. This included the Nano and the FF Handle (index finger wheel). Honestly, Tilta products add a lot of unnecessary weight. Their durability might be better, but it isn’t practical for most people who operate a camera. Also, if you’re not using a gimbal - then electronic follow focus systems are not worth the investment (unless someone needs to operate focus from afar). That’s just my opinion! I also have the GH6 with this exact cage, as well as Smallrig’s FF wheel, and it works extremely well. It’s incredibly lightweight, which means I’ll probably use this more… and I like how compact it is compared to Tilta’s other products. I think it’s about half the size of my BMPCC4K camera rig (with all the same type of equipment).
@@kylepuckett6786 very helpful! I appreciate your reply. I have seen how sensitive the tilta follow focus wheel is in some other videos, seems like it’s too easy to overcorrect focus and too difficult to fine tune, especially with sigma lenses. I will probably get the small rig FF based on that, and your reply. I just want a left handle that I can use my thumb or index finger to focus myself without having to shift and grab the follow focus knob.
Hey Rich, big fan of your videos - your GH5 handheld rig video was very inspiring and I have built a rig similar to the one in your video. I was so pumped for this cage due to its design/look/feel etc... but sadly I'm not sure how well it will work for me in the field. Due to the minimal design of the mounting point system on the Black Mamba cage, I don't feel safe using it with any sort of handle mounted on the right side of the cage. The left side and bottom mount both feel extremely sturdy since SmallRig utilized the use of the M2.5 Pin screw... BUT they used that mounting system on the LEFT side only! The right side has no connection between camera & cage and therefore is not secure :( I was shooting handheld using a NATO mounted handle on the right side of the camera, and noticed after 20 minutes or so that the camera cage felt extremely loose. Upon further examination, the cage itself had loosened itself due to my carrying the camera rig with the right side handle. There is so much flex on that side of the cage that the torque from just holding it caused the bottom screw to loosen up to where it was almost falling off of the camera. After further research it looks like TILTA is the only GH6 cage I have found that utilizes both M2.5 screws and therefore must be the most secure when using a cage with the GH6. Anyway I hope you are enjoying the GH6 - I know I am so far :)
Thank you very much for your review!! A question: is it possibile to mount the cage vertically to the standard plate or do I need an extra vertical plate?
Impressive, clear explanation of the advantages of this Small Kit over the basic Small Rig Kit.
Glad I could help 👌👍
Bought it. Pretty solid overall! The one big problem Inhabe with it is the lack of a third contact point to stabilize the camera inside of the cage. Like it sits pretty loose since it only connects to one of the two handle strap eyelets. Kinda makes me a bit concerned about long term use, but ergonomically it's quite excellent.
Same problem here. Very unstable and loose. Have to tighten the bottom screw very often. Would like to have a third contact point as you mentioned.
I received this cage on Friday. It’s a wonderful piece of gear. There’s still a lot of situations where I would rather not have the cage attached, but it’s a “must have” for those times where you’re operating a manual lens with a long throw (I have the focus wheel as well). Luckily, for all other situations, it’s ridiculously easy to detach.
I’m coming from a Tilta setup. It’s not quite as heavy duty as Tilta’s lineup, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing… I prefer the lighter setup of the Smallrig cage.
I will say that if you’re planning to attach a base plate with rod rails (for a follow focus or matte box), then this might not be the cage for you since it makes swapping batteries impossible without removing the base plate (the battery door won’t open all the way with this setup).
the new low pro cage for the eos r5 is pretty sick too. great review Rich
I'll definitely check it out, it's so nice to see cage manufacturers putting in thoughtly designs for filmmakers and creators.
Thank you, really glad you enjoyed it.
Right off the bat, that's a cool looking floating sneaker thingy right there. Okay, back to the video.
Hello,
Great feedback about this product.
I am considering the purchase of a lumix GH6, and this product could be perfect as a starting point for a future set with more complete accessories.
I am french speaking but I understood 90% of your review. Thank you very much for your help.
Yves
Thank you Yves and im so glad you enjoyed the video and could understand it 😀
That’s a nice cage. I’m looking for reasons to buy the GH6…and this review may have convinced me. Nice cage, great review, cheers!
Thanks Andrew, this cage is a must have for the GH6, it honestly feels great in the hand and makes the GH6 feels far more managble and easy to hold
It is surprising that the camera itself was not enough temptation…
…
Great stuff Rich!
awesome video Rich ! are you making a comparison video of the GH6 and previews Lumix cameras in terms of IQ? that would be exciting!
Thank you!
You bet, G9 vs GH6 for photos.
GH6 vs GH5s low light.
GH6 vs GH5
And probably a whole bunch more 😁 so much already filmed, just gotta put the videos together.
@@RICH_Photography awesomeeee !!! looking forward to those vids !
Great review, as always....🔥 This cage is awesome 👍
Thank you, such an epic cage 🔥 best I've ever held and used.
nice video rich
Thank you so much, appreciate it!! 🙌
no you i appreciate the hard work you put to these videos
Hello, I thank you to share this interesting video. Out of curiosity: with thsi cage and its handle, is it possible to put the eye on the viewfinder? Or does the handle move the eye away or disturb the view? This is an important thing for me. Thank you
I bought the SmallRig cage for the GH5 and while it is very useful, there are two issues I hoped they've resolved with the GH6 cage. I'm using both left and right hand SmallRig wooden handles for a symmetrical handheld GH5 rig with an Atomos Ninja V on top. The problem is that the mounting holes on the left and right side of the cage are not quite aligned in the same front-to-back position. That makes it impossible to align the wooden handles symmetrically on either side of the GH5. Of course, the lens is not symmetrically placed in the GH5 either, and to compensate, I'm using a SmallRig metal handle spacer. While that helps a lot, it's not quite wide enough to place the handles symmetrically on either side of the GH5. While the cage still works well enough for handheld use, it'd be great if SmallRig could pay more attention to these small details.
I have a Black Mamba GH6 cage arriving tomorrow and didn't really think about how it could solve the front record button issue. I deactivated that stupid button within probably the first 45 minutes of owning the camera 😂
there is a way to lock that front record button. its a pain.
Im skeptical of the limited mounting points on the bottom for gimbal use especially
Its a little more limited than others, however so many gimbal plate options are using sideways mounted Arca Swiss plates...this makes the design practically perfect.
@@RICH_Photography slightly nervous I won’t be able to rig this in my weebill lab S but only time will tell
I have the cage for my GH6 and parts in my cart at small rig, may pull the trigger on ordering today after watching your video Rich. I really want to get the nano follow focus $300US, but would really want the Tilta left handle with the follow focus index finger wheel… $200US. Making it such an expensive rig, but so versatile for film. Do you have any thoughts on that?
I often thought about the Tilta handle and Nano follow focus. I ended up buying the manual tilta follow focus, much like the new SmallRig one.
Sometimes I use my setup without needing manual/controlled follow focus, and worried about the batteries in the Nano going flat on an unexpected shoot.
Although it's insanely tempting 😋
I have a BMPCC4K that’s been rigged with Tilta’s line of products. This included the Nano and the FF Handle (index finger wheel). Honestly, Tilta products add a lot of unnecessary weight. Their durability might be better, but it isn’t practical for most people who operate a camera.
Also, if you’re not using a gimbal - then electronic follow focus systems are not worth the investment (unless someone needs to operate focus from afar). That’s just my opinion!
I also have the GH6 with this exact cage, as well as Smallrig’s FF wheel, and it works extremely well. It’s incredibly lightweight, which means I’ll probably use this more… and I like how compact it is compared to Tilta’s other products. I think it’s about half the size of my BMPCC4K camera rig (with all the same type of equipment).
@@kylepuckett6786 very helpful! I appreciate your reply. I have seen how sensitive the tilta follow focus wheel is in some other videos, seems like it’s too easy to overcorrect focus and too difficult to fine tune, especially with sigma lenses. I will probably get the small rig FF based on that, and your reply. I just want a left handle that I can use my thumb or index finger to focus myself without having to shift and grab the follow focus knob.
Hey Rich, big fan of your videos - your GH5 handheld rig video was very inspiring and I have built a rig similar to the one in your video. I was so pumped for this cage due to its design/look/feel etc... but sadly I'm not sure how well it will work for me in the field.
Due to the minimal design of the mounting point system on the Black Mamba cage, I don't feel safe using it with any sort of handle mounted on the right side of the cage. The left side and bottom mount both feel extremely sturdy since SmallRig utilized the use of the M2.5 Pin screw... BUT they used that mounting system on the LEFT side only! The right side has no connection between camera & cage and therefore is not secure :(
I was shooting handheld using a NATO mounted handle on the right side of the camera, and noticed after 20 minutes or so that the camera cage felt extremely loose. Upon further examination, the cage itself had loosened itself due to my carrying the camera rig with the right side handle. There is so much flex on that side of the cage that the torque from just holding it caused the bottom screw to loosen up to where it was almost falling off of the camera.
After further research it looks like TILTA is the only GH6 cage I have found that utilizes both M2.5 screws and therefore must be the most secure when using a cage with the GH6.
Anyway I hope you are enjoying the GH6 - I know I am so far :)
What's your battery solution for the gh6 on a gimbal?
How did you get that E mount sigma 24-70 to mount to the gh6?
Thank you very much for your review!! A question: is it possibile to mount the cage vertically to the standard plate or do I need an extra vertical plate?
Thank's a lot for this review. I'll buy it soon. I have the DMW-XLR module. Could you tell me if is works with the handle ?
It doesn’t. You’ll need to swap in the 3082 handle
GH5 compatible?
No unfortunately not