SmallRig Nikon Z6ii Cage Review, SmallRig Cage 2824.

2.- Features

This SmallRig cage model no.2824 comes with two built-in Nato rails, one on top of the camera which can be used for a Nato top handle or a monitor mount or whatever other Nato rail accessory takes your fancy. The second is on the left hand side of the cage for a left hand nato side handle or another accessory. I love having Nato rails in these two positions as they are incredibly handy and I would strongly advise anyone buying a cage to bite the bullet and get one with a two Nato rails.

The ability to just slide on and lock accessories is fantastic. What I particularly like about the rails is the ability to change the handle positioning in a moment. For example the left side handle is something I slide up and down a bit when I am shooting at different positions and the same with the top handle, you can easily find the balance point of the camera by sliding the top handle position along the top of the cage, let’s say you are happy with your balance and then you add a follow focus unit or an external monitor it will pull the balance of your rig to the right or left then. With a Nato rail all you have to do is slide the top handle to the balanced position and your off shooting again. Now that’s a huge time saver isn’t it? 

when you think of unscrewing and bolts and re-screwing them again over the years this system is a pure joy to use then. I usually take off the Nato accessories when packing my gear and it only takes seconds. Now if you are sitting there thinking the side handle or top handle I hasn’t a nato rail mount then don’t worry you can always upgrade later on as this cage has loads of 1/4 inch mounts and three Arri Rosette mounts also.

There are also loads of other mounting options with a cold shoe mount and three 3/8″ 16 thread ports also.

3.- Ergonomics or how it fits in your hand

This SmallRig cage fits nicely in the hand and doesn’t add a lot of weight to your rig. No wiggle in your camera and it adds a nice bit of extra length to the grip of the camera. The one drawback to mirrorless cameras has to be their minature grip which isn’t too bad but if work on shoots where you end out holding your camera all day likie I do then it’s more than a bit of a pain. All the buttons are still easily accessible which and this cage was clearly designed by someone who really thought this true.

4.- Price

Now price-wise there are a few different SmallRig cages and this model ….. the retails for $111.25 via the SmallRig website but honestly it’s great value for money. The one thing you really don’t want to skimp on is your camera cage as it’s the one piece that holds it all together. There is also the SmallRig cage model no.2926 this has a Nato rail on the left side but no top mounting Nato rail, it also has two locking screws as there is no anti twist pin in it or rubber pads, it retails for $69 though so it is a good bit cheaper.