Best cages and rig setups for Sony FX3 and FX30 video work?

Question

Just picked up an FX3 for some freelance doc work and my current handheld setup is killing my wrist. I keep seeing people swear by the SmallRig half cage because it keeps things light but then I read others saying you need the full cage for better stability when mounting a monitor and v-mount battery. Ive got about 300 bucks to spend on the cage and top handle and I need something that packs down small since I travel to shoots in NYC on the subway constantly. Is the extra weight of a full cage worth the trade off if Im mostly running and gunning solo? Really struggling to decide which way to go here...

mastkekb · Accepted Answer

Late to the party but honestly, check your current handle before buying more gear. Are you using a side grip or just holding the top handle? If you want to keep weight down while mounting gear, you might want to consider:

SmallRig Cage for Sony FX3 3227B for extra mounting points

SmallRig NATO Rotating Top Handle 3766 for better balance Be careful with full cages though, they add bulk fast. Do you need the V-mount for long interviews or just battery life?

DavidDof · Answer

Man, I feel your pain with the subway commuting! I used to lug around a massive rig and my wrists were basically shot by noon. Since you want to stay agile but keep the rig sturdy, I honestly just built a custom setup that doesnt break the bank. Forget the expensive full cages, you can get so much more value mixing and matching parts.

SmallRig Cage for Sony FX3 3667B gives you all the mounting spots without the unnecessary bulk

SmallRig NATO Handle 1955 is super reliable and way cheaper than the fancy tactical ones

SmallRig HDMI Cable Clamp 3000 is a lifesaver for protecting your ports I swapped to this minimalist route last year and saved enough cash to grab some extra batteries. Seriously, just focus on keeping the center of gravity tight to the body. Youll thank yourself when you arent carrying a lead brick through the city!

Wagmit · Answer

Honestly, skip the full cage. Grab the SmallRig Half Cage for Sony FX3 and FX30 3639 and the SmallRig Mini Top Handle 2926. Saves so much weight on those subway rides.