Today we are taking a look at the new FX 30 Cage and rotating handle from SmallRig. Together they create a very versatile kit with lots of options for connecting accessories and different configurations.
We recently added an FX30 to our camera lineup. I initially put together a kind of Frankenstein cage for it from different parts, but we now have a dedicated SmallRig cage made for the FX-3 and FX-30. Here are some thoughts after some testing of the cage with the SmallRig rotating handle.
Concept
About a year ago we reviewed a couple of wireless follow-focus systems that rely on how stable the camera is inside the cage. That made me realize that there are specific use cases that the cage manufacturers are not considering. Another concept we constantly wish for, being hybrid shooters, is quick releases in the cage. It’s still not a popular concept.
This cage is a little different, though only because of this specific camera body. Because of the multiple mounting points integrated into the body, it’s a lot easier to get a very firm cage hold, while keeping a sleek profile.
Also because the FX-30 is a cinema-line camera and we don’t use it for shooting stills, this is the first time the cage can stay on one of our cameras, so quickly changing out of the cage is not really an issue. But there is another issue with the Arca Swiss plate integrated into the cage base.
This long Arca Swiss plate is made for photography ball heads, and it’s kind of pointless for fluid heads, and you still have to add another quick-release plate. It’d be great to have one integrated into the base.
The new FX30/FX3 Smallrig cage and rotating handle
Components
The design is actually a half cage with three mounting points. There are multiple lanyard slots. The side screws are not attached to the cage, so if you take the cage off the camera, make sure not to lose them.
There are 1/4” and 3/8” mounting holes with locating pins on the sides of the cage and an extra ¼” mount on the top left next to the cold shoe.
The left side of the cage also features a Nato rail and a mounting point for an HDMI cable clamp. On the base of the cage there are more mounting points, a latch to facilitate changing batteries, and a magnetic tool.
As a separate component of the cage, SmallRig includes a top Nato rail that attaches to the FX-30 integrated mounting holes.
Side handle
The rotating side handle attaches with a Nato rail holder with a thumb screw. It is an all-metal construction with mounting holes and a cold shoe on top and a magnetic Allen key tucked away in the base of the handle. There are also slots to attach a hand strap.
The handle is really solid. It’s hefty and feels really good in the hand with its pistol-grip shape and cushioned rubber inserts.
The main feature of this handle is the rotating mechanism that allows for easy angle adjustment. This mechanism is surprisingly strong and smooth. It features 360-degree rotation, so technically you could mount this handle on the right side of the camera with the included Nato rail. The grip wouldn’t be the most comfortable, but it will work in a pinch.
Having a rotating handle is very ergonomic since it adjusts to any angle easily. It can actually replace the top handle for low-angle shots and serve as a point of contact when operating the lens.
Different mounting options
Cage limitations
Speaking of the top handle, it’s not something I personally use often, mostly because it gets in the way of the hot shoe. And so does the Nato rail that comes with this cage. On the one hand, it’s great that it’s optional, and not part of the cage. But in my shooting setup, I would only use it in specific cases.
The good thing, having these mounting points on the FX-30, SmallRig can design a Nato rail that protrudes forward to clear the hotshoe.
Another thing with mounting the side handle is because there is no way to reposition the holder on the handle itself, it will not be flush with the bottom of the camera. Because it rotates though, you can always get it out of the way quickly to set the camera flat on a table.
The other option is mounting the included Nato rail higher on the side of the cage or adding a long SmallRig Nato rail.
Rotating is more convenient
Conclusion
In conclusion, SmallRig’s FX-30 cage and rotating side handle are a great combo. There are some limitations with the cage as to specific types of setups, but thankfully SmallRig is really good at providing multiple options. We’d love to see a cage with a redesigned quick-release plate and a larger top left section to accommodate a small Nato rail or a cold shoe.
Pricing
As for pricing, the FX-30 cage sells for $90 and the rotating handle is $100.
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