SMALLRIG Super Clamp Mount with Mini Ball Head Mount for Action Cameras

solid pieces

I should first preface this review by adding that in addition to being an artist and illustrator, I’m also a photographer. My husband is, as well. This means we have quite a bit of photography and lighting gear lying around already. This includes tripods, light stands, boom arms, goose neck arms, clamps and numerous accessories, including full-sized Manfrotto super clamps, which we’ve used for years. The full size Manfrotto clamps are great, but their bulk and weight can sometimes be a problem. That’s where this great little super clamp comes in! I wanted to start filming art process videos for social media. Despite having a lot of gear already on hand, I realized that I was unable to position my iPhone above my desk and easily change the phone angle when adjusting the angle of my desktop (that tilts). The full size Mantfrotto super clamp was perfect for positioning a ring light right above my desk, but it was too bulky to position my iPhone in the middle of the ring light. I tried using a gooseneck arm, but it wasn’t versatile enough. So, I looked for a solution on Amazon. I decided on this little super clamp, since I was already familiar with the SmallRig name and good reputation for affordable video gear. I loved that this little clamp came with a ball head, which would make positioning a phone tripod mount adapter much easier. I also picked up a metal Pictron smartphone tripod mount adapter with a built-in ball head to go with it (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08H1NGLLF/). This little super clamp is the absolute perfect size for my needs. It’s compact and lightweight, but it also feels well made. It took seconds to attach it securely to a boom arm and I was able to easily position the phone tripod mount adapter in the center of the ring light. Since the super clamp and phone mount both have ball heads, I can quickly change the phone angle to match the angle of my desktop, as well as switch from recording in portrait mode to landscape mode and back again, without a lot of fussing around. This is perfect! (See attached photo) While a full-size super clamp is needed for in some cases, having a more compact version on hand is incredibly useful for smaller tasks where a large, heavy clamp is overkill. It’s especially useful in tight spaces, like the center of a ring light! I will likely pick up a few more of these clamps in the not-too-distant future, as I can already imagine other potential uses around the studio, like quickly moving my Rode shotgun mic from one side of my desk to another. ** If you found this review helpful, please mark it as helpful to let me know and help other buyers. Thanks! **

I was looking for a special clamp to move my webcam from on top of the monitor to the center of my monitor pole mount. When you have your webcam on top of your monitor, you are always slightly looking up, and to the viewer, it looks like they are looking down at you. I have a five screen set up as noted in the picture. You can see the webcam is now firmly clamped on the desk mounted monitor pole at "eye level." This position looks more natural when creating videos, engaged in zoom sessions, or taking pictures of yourself. I had to find the "right" clamp that would firmly attach to the monitor pole and then attach to the webcam via the 1/4" screw on the webcam. I was able to find the SMALLRIG Super Clamp Mount with Mini Ball Head Mount. It came with a hot shoe adapter with 1/2 screw, made of solid alloy metal, and metal T-shape bar which is far better than the plastic knobs on the market. Be careful when buying these type of jaw clamps paying close attention to the knob that does the tightening. Make sure it is metal and not plastic. This doesn't mean the plastic pin knob won't work, it just means the metal T-shape bar will last a lot longer than a plastic one that could strip in the near future. There are other jaw super clamps on the market that are basically the same as the Smallrig. They might cost less or more and will serve the same purpose. I like the Smallrig at the time the purchase was made for it appeared to serve the purpose being sought. Of course, this super jaw clamp serves many purposes to secure DSLR cameras, cell phones, and tablets too! My purpose was more specific to the need as described. I recommend this product wholeheartedly. It is a solid buy!

I've used this one time to clamp a Panasonic G6 with a Sigma 24mm 1.8 lens to a 3/4" thick lighting pipe for video. Total weight of the camera+lens = about 32oz. The mount locked the camera in place and held it steady throughout the video. So it definitely works for its intended purpose. The negatives: like others are saying, the cushioned pads on the clamp will come off easily. One came off my clamp after the first use. I will superglue them down to hopefully prevent this from happening again. Also, there is zero documentation with the clamp. It comes in a box with an additional part (which is unidentified because of no documentation) and a hex key (presumably to be used to tighten some kind of hex bolt.... but without any documentation, this is purely speculation). Also, my clamps were shipped from Asia, so they took a long time to arrive. They were delivered within Amazons predicted window - so they weren't late, but it was still a long time.

This product is very nicely machined. Great "fit and finish". I wanted it to use with an iPhone clamp to use on an exercise bike or on my treadmill (the aluminum plate that would be a book rest). The clamp is solid and works really well for my machines. Of course, I would not use this for riding a bike on the street. It isn't really designed for this and potentially could shake loose. The product is also not designed for heavy weights, such as a camera with a long telephoto lens. It might work, but it looks like this would be asking too much, and slippage could be a problem. The metal seems very good and I don't think that would be the issue. Rather, the friction surfaces are not too big. But, for what I wanted it is just right. Small, well built, easily portable in a gadget bag. The screw is also well-designed. It moves both jaws with each turn; so, opening and closing is quick.

Works good for trail cam

I'm always looking for inconspicuous ways to attach my camera and audio equipment that won't get in everyone's way, or obstruct line of sight from various guests etc. I've tested out various clamps from many suppliers and they have had some poor fit, clamp pads that slip slowly out of the jaws etc. These SmallRig Clamps are tight, well fitted and hold their position very well. I've put microphones, digital recorders and small cameras on them with zero fails. These clamps allow me to position equipment, even LED light panels, exactly where I need it. The price is so reasonable that I purchased a bunch of them and have several in every photo gear bag. I'm extremely pleased with the versatility and build. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. Five Stars for sure, excellent tools that just make my job easier. There is a small Allen wrench included, this is used in the 3/8" diameter threaded post that comes with the Cold Shoe packet. Though the Allen wrench is included in this kit, there is no 3/8" post, so it may be a puzzle to some as to what it's for. The 3/8" posts have an Allen wrench recessed opening for tightening and removal.

I had a photo shoot coming up where I had to attached a bunch of speed lights in odd locations. To cover myself I bought 3 different brands of similar clamps. These were the beefiest of the lot. Each one weighs about 3 times the other brands because these are solid metal. I was sure I would break some others if I clamped them down as much as I wanted, but these I could go ahead and clamp away. Under vibrating conditions the rubber may come loose, but in a studio that is not an issue. I also found that the jaws are very well designed and were able to grab surfaces that were nearly 2 inches wide down to a sheet of paper, and hold them firmly enough to let my speed light extend out horizontally and stable. This is the only type I will be getting in the future. Mind you, when I say that there heavier than other brands, they aren't really heavy. They are just really solid. The other ones looked the same on Amazon but are made of nylon (plastic).

Love smallrig stuff they really engineer nice gear , I've a few of these and they are so handy for locking a gopro on the Bimini frame or windscreen when im out in the boat , I use these all the time when im filming projects very easy to lock a small camera onto anything really, i even use one with a phone holder attachment that holds my phone rock steady in bumpy conditions out in the boat. High quality engineering , amazing design , super strong and quality materials made to last even in the worst conditions possible .

Gostei muito do produto, chegou antes do esperado, e é um material excelente, cumpre o que promete Recomendo

En el poco tiempo que lo he usado, el producto funciona muy bien y la calidad de los materiales es excelente.

Works well. Use it on the Adventure Motorcycle for mounting GoPro Cameras. It works well with the camera weight and wind pressure. It isn’t designed to take a lot of weight. Build quality and finishing is good.

I have been searching handlebar mount for a long time and bought some other too but this one is the best in sturdiness. I have used 2-3 mounts and one thing I understood that no matter how sturdy the mount is , the stick will shake once you extend it fully. But this product can be adjusted to get a specific angle which no other mount can give you.