Which cage should I buy for my Sony FX30?

Question

Hey everyone! I finally upgraded to the Sony FX30 after saving up for months, and I am absolutely loving the image quality so far. However, I am quickly realizing that I need a solid cage to start building out my rig for actual client work. I mostly do documentary-style shooting and some local commercials, so I need something reliable but not overly bulky.

I have been looking at a few different options like the SmallRig Black Mamba, the standard Tilta cage, and even the Kondor Blue one because of that cool space gray look. My main concern is that I really want to keep using the top XLR handle that came with the camera, and I have heard some cages make that fit a bit awkward or require extra extension plates.

I am specifically looking for a cage that meets these criteria:

Does not block the tally lights on the front and back of the body

Allows for easy access to the battery compartment and all the side ports

Has plenty of mounting threads for my Atomos monitor and a wireless follow focus

I am a bit overwhelmed by all the choices and do not want to waste money on something that will not fit my workflow. For those of you who have been using the FX30 for a while, which cage should I buy for the best balance of protection and functionality?

JeremyhiC · Accepted Answer

Spot on. Quick tip: make sure you use dual-locking points to prevent twisting. The SmallRig Full Cage for Sony FX3 FX30 4183 is the safest bet for keeping that XLR handle rock solid.

RichardOperi · Answer

Saw this today. Are you planning to add rails later? Just wondering since sticking with a basic SmallRig Half Cage for Sony FX30 3278 could save you serious cash for other gear.

Deteyling_csPt · Answer

Quickly jumping in here since I just went through this. I actually had some issues with the Kondor Blue Sony FX3 FX30 Cage even though I loved the look... it just felt a bit flimsy when I had a full Atomos Ninja V 5 inch Monitor and a follow focus hanging off it. Unfortunately, the Tilta options werent much better. I found that the Tilta Sony FX3 FX30 Camera Cage V2 made getting into the side ports a total nightmare during fast-paced documentary shoots. Not as good as I expected for the price point. I finally settled on the SmallRig Full Cage for Sony FX30 FX3 4183 because it was the only one that didnt mess with the XLR handle clearance. Some of those other brands say theyre compatible but then youre stuck buying some extra extension plate just to make it sit right. Its frustrating that the more expensive cages often have the worst ergonomics for the battery door too. Save yourself the headache and just go with the SmallRig. It keeps the tally lights clear and doesnt feel like youre fighting the gear all day.