Finally pulled the trigger on the VII for my Japan trip next month but I am totally torn on the grip situation. Do I go with the basic Sony AG-R2 stick-on or the SmallRig cage? I want the security of the cage but I'm worried it ruins the pocketability. Budget is thin now so I can only pick one...
Building on the earlier suggestion, the cage really is a pocket-killer. I had issues with one on my last trip and it just makes a sleek camera feel clunky and awkward in a jacket pocket. Unfortunately, even the official stick-on grip was not as good as expected for the price... it felt like it might peel off in the humidity. Since we've already established that the cage ruins the form factor and you definitely need that screen protector, here is how I would actually handle the security and utility side of things on a tight budget:
Look, I love the VII but the ergonomics are honestly kind of a letdown out of the box. I bought the SmallRig Cage for Sony RX100 VII LCS2434 thinking it would be the ultimate setup, but it totally killed the pocketability. It is way too heavy for a vacation where you're walking miles. Then I tried the Sony AG-R2 Attachment Grip and while it helps, the price they charge for a tiny piece of rubber is kinda ridiculous tbh. Since you're on a budget, skip the fancy metal and just do this:
@Reply #1 - good point! I would suggest skipping the cage. Make sure to get the Sony PCK-LG1 Screen Protector instead... I scratched mine day one and it was a total nightmare.