In the last few months, there have been at least 5 companies that released their versions of the camera rotating collars concept. We’ve been working with the SmallRig and the Silence Corner Atoll units, and we want to show you the difference between the two to help you decide which one might be better for you.
Concept
A rotating collar allows you to quickly switch from landscape to portrait mode without releasing the camera off the tripod or needing an L bracket (which is not as quick and typically doesn’t preserve the exact same framing). Even though this is a more secure maneuver that can actually be done with one hand, as we’ll see, both of these units have their own limitations.
Horizontal to Vertical with a twist – Smallrig Rotatable Collar Mount Plate
Build
Both units consist of a metal collar with a thumb screw stopper connected to a base that is attached to the bottom of a camera with a provided screw.
Atoll provides a set of Allen wrenches and extra screws to assemble the parts and to customize the fit to the camera. SmallRig includes a magnetic tool that tucks away under the base for easy access.
The Atoll unit comes with a riser (sold separately) that can be fitted to the base to accommodate specific cameras, while SmallRig’s collar is made for the A7 line of Sony cameras only.
Hight adjustment on the Atoll
Atoll’s collar features 360-degree rotation (limited by the setup itself as many cameras have a grip that will prevent a full spin), making it at least, in theory, more versatile than the SmallRig version, also adding a 1/4’’ mounting hole on the ring base and an extra base for a backpack clamp.
SmallRig, on the other hand, features small details that add ease of use to their unit, like a lens alignment dot on the front of the collar and a lens release button. Good thinking, SmallRig.
Similarities
Both of these units are well made and both do the job. The design allows you to swap lenses with the collar attached. The rings have a limit of 63mm, but Atoll sells 3 bigger versions of this unit to fit lenses up to 95mm in base diameter (with our lenses we didn’t run into any issues but some users have reported that the SmallRig unit didn’t work with some specific Tamron lenses so keep this in mind).
Atoll vs. SmallRig
Differences
The biggest differences between the two units are base design and collar movement. The SmallRig base is large and actually increases the camera grip. The collar has only two positions: landscape and portrait with no positive click like the Atoll.
Atoll adds clicks in the collar rotation to the marked position. Its 360-degree rotation allows for upside-down camera mounting that can come in handy for low-angle shots. One thing about this rotation that you need to be mindful of though is locking the collar after repositioning.
The SmallRig collar features friction movement, so the thumbscrew doesn’t really have to be tightened every time.
The long base of the SmallRig with its included magnetic screwdriver
Pros/Cons
With both of these collars, there are limitations with positioning that depend on the camera body. A bigger camera’s grip will get in the way of Atoll’s full rotation so that the selfie screen will be blocked by the tripod. One way to go around this limitation is by using these collars with a camera with a top-flip screen (but there are not too many of those and most are not of the higher-end variants).
One thing that we talked about when reviewing camera cages and that’s applicable here as well is quick releases. Granted, this isn’t the type of accessory that needs to be constantly removed from the camera, but for some hybrid shooters, different configurations would require taking this collar off to use a cage or some other accessories.
SmallRig has done this enough to know to include a tool for assembly, but we would love to see a design that allows us to attach the collar with the quick-release plate that’s already on the camera.
The Atoll in an underslong mode
Versatility
These are still first-generation designs, so we hope to see them evolve into something that’s more versatile. At this point, the installation is a little awkward, since the lens gets in the way of the ring, and you need to put on the body cap to protect the sensor through this process. It’s an extra step and it can become a nuisance if you have to constantly remove the accessory.
Another versatility issue we encountered is using this on a gimbal. Technically, the newer gimbal versions all have really strong motors that can easily hold the payload even when it loses balance after rotating from landscape to portrait.
In our tests, depending on the gimbal’s space allowance and the camera body interaction with the collar, it may or may not be possible to use these units.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s fair to say that a rotating collar is a great accessory. These two versions are geared toward different types of users. They are both well-made and get the job done. The Atoll is smaller and more portable, while SmallRig’s design is simpler to use with the useful lens release button and the added grip.
Pricing
As for pricing, SmallRig’s rotating collar is $80, and Atoll sells for $110.
You can check out more LensVid exclusive articles and reviews on the following link.
You can support LensVid by shopping with our affiliate partners
Affiliates: Amazon, B&H, Adorama and E-bay.
Why should you trust us?