This SmallRig camera clamp review looks at a compact mounting setup for creators who need to secure a camera or accessory to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod.
SmallRig Clamp Review Summary
The quick verdict
8,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSmallRig 1138 Camera Clamp
A versatile clamp and dual ball head for creators who want to secure small cameras, lights, or accessories to a rod, tube, table, or frame.
- Clamp mounting for rods, tubes, tables, frames, and tripods; no drilling required.
- Dual ball head with a 1/4"-20 screw for cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.
- Supports up to 1.5 kg.
- Includes a super clamp and an action camera mount adapter.
Pros
- Mounts to several common surfaces without drilling.
- Dual ball head and 1/4"-20 screw allow flexible positioning of compatible gear.
Consider before buying
- The 1.5 kg capacity makes it important to account for the combined weight of the mounted gear.
- Dynamic use calls for adding a safety rope, which is an extra step in a moving setup.
Read the full review summary
SmallRig’s Cool Ballhead Arm combines a super clamp, dual ball head, 1/4"-20 screw, and action camera adapter. It can attach compatible cameras, monitors, lights, microphones, webcams, and other gear to a range of mounting surfaces without drilling.
Its clearest fit is a compact camera rig that needs flexible positioning and a stated load limit of up to 1.5 kg.
The aluminum and stainless steel build and twist-resistant clamp design add practical appeal, while dynamic setups call for a safety rope to reduce the chance of an accidental drop.
The buying factors
SmallRig Clamp Scorecard
Editorial scores reflect listed features and buyer fit; they are not laboratory measurements or customer ratings.
Mounting flexibility
The clamp can secure to rods, tubes, tables, frames, and tripods, while the dual ball head helps position attached gear.
Accessory compatibility
The 1/4"-20 screw and included action camera adapter support a useful mix of cameras and production accessories.
Load capacity
A capacity of up to 1.5 kg covers many compact accessories, but buyers should match their complete setup to that limit.
Clamp stability design
Non-slip threads and an anti-twist structure are intended to help the clamp stay secure as gear is positioned.
Construction
Aluminum and stainless steel offer a metal construction suited to a reusable mounting accessory.
Dynamic-use precautions
The need for a safety rope in dynamic scenarios adds a setup step for moving rigs or other situations where a dropped device would matter.
Key Features and Specifications of SmallRig Clamp
- Clamp mounting for rods, tubes, tables, frames, and tripods; no drilling required.
- Dual ball head with a 1/4"-20 screw for cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.
- Supports up to 1.5 kg.
- Includes a super clamp and an action camera mount adapter.
- Aluminum and stainless steel construction.
- Safety rope is advised for dynamic setups.
Pros and Cons of SmallRig Clamp
Pros
- Mounts to several common surfaces without drilling.
- Dual ball head and 1/4"-20 screw allow flexible positioning of compatible gear.
- Includes an action camera adapter for a broader mounting setup.
- Non-slip threads and anti-twist construction target clamp movement during setup.
Consider before buying
- The 1.5 kg capacity makes it important to account for the combined weight of the mounted gear.
- Dynamic use calls for adding a safety rope, which is an extra step in a moving setup.
- Confirm that the clamp and screw interfaces suit your mounting surface and equipment before buying.
Who Should Buy SmallRig Clamp?
Good fit
Choose it if you want one clamp-based mount for positioning a compact camera or accessory on a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod.
The dual ball head provides adjustment, and the included adapter broadens its use with action cameras.
It suits creators whose full mounted setup stays within the 1.5 kg limit and who value a metal clamp with non-slip threads and an anti-twist structure. Keep a safety rope in the plan for dynamic use.
Who should skip it
Look elsewhere if your rig exceeds 1.5 kg or your setup requires a mount with a longer articulated reach; this clamp’s documented capacity and compact dual-ball arrangement may not fit those needs.
It is a poor fit for buyers who do not want to secure a safety rope when using a mount in dynamic scenarios.
SmallRig Clamp: Positioning, Capacity, and Setup
A flexible clamp-based mounting point
The mount is designed to attach to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod through a locking knob, avoiding the need to drill a mounting point.
That makes it useful for temporary or repositionable camera setups where an existing surface can serve as the anchor.
Check the whole rig against the load limit
The stated maximum is 1.5 kg, so count the camera or accessory together with anything attached to it before choosing this mount.
Non-slip threads and an anti-twist structure are useful design details, but careful matching to the load limit remains central to the buying decision.
Plan for the mounting interface
A 1/4"-20 screw and action camera adapter cover several common accessory connections. Before buying, check that the screw or adapter you intend to use matches your camera, light, monitor, microphone, or action camera setup.
Treat moving rigs with extra care
For dynamic scenarios, plan to attach a safety rope to help prevent an accidental device drop. This added precaution matters most when the mounted gear or clamp may move during use.
Alternatives to SmallRig Clamp
Camera Mounts & Clamps alternative
2,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSMALLRIG 9.8 Inches Magic Arm Clamp Kit
Choose the kit if you want the clamp and a longer articulating arm together; choose the Cool Ballhead Arm if its dual-ball clamp setup and 1.5 kg capacity fit your rig.
- The Magic Arm Clamp Kit combines a super clamp with an articulating arm measuring 9.8 inches (25 cm), giving it more reach as part of the mounting assembly.
- The SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm provides a clamp and dual ball head and supports up to 1.5 kg, making it a fit for a compact setup that values a direct clamp-and-ball-head arrangement.
Camera Mounts & Clamps alternative
2,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSMALLRIG Super Clamp
Pick the Super Clamp if you need a clamp-only base with those threaded mounting points and a jaw range suited to your surface; choose the Cool Ballhead Arm if you want dual ball heads and the included action camera adapter.
- The SMALLRIG Super Clamp is a clamp-only option with 1/4" and 3/8" threaded holes, and its jaw opens to about 1.57 inches (40 mm) at maximum.
- The Cool Ballhead Arm combines its super clamp with dual ball heads and an action camera mount adapter for a more complete mounting arrangement.
Is SmallRig Clamp Worth It?
The SmallRig camera clamp is worth considering if you need a versatile mount for a camera or accessory rig.
Its dual ball head and 1/4"-20 screw let you mount cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras, while the included action camera mount and compatibility with rods, tubes, tables, frames, and tripods add flexibility.
Keep its maximum capacity of up to 1.5kg in mind when choosing gear.
For a stationary or easily secured setup within that limit, it offers a useful combination of adjustability and accessory support.
For dynamic use, include a safety rope in the setup and confirm that the mounting interface fits your gear before committing.
Your review at a glance
8,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSmallRig 1138 Camera Clamp
A versatile clamp and dual ball head for creators who want to secure small cameras, lights, or accessories to a rod, tube, table, or frame.
- Clamp mounting for rods, tubes, tables, frames, and tripods; no drilling required.
- Dual ball head with a 1/4"-20 screw for cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.
- Supports up to 1.5 kg.
- Includes a super clamp and an action camera mount adapter.