SmallRig Advanced Cage Kit for Sony a7R V, a7 IV & a7S III – Review

Gear: SmallRig Advanced Cage Kit for Sony a7R V, a7 IV & a7S III

SmallRig Advanced Cage Kit for Sony a7R V, a7 IV & a7S III

Build Quality & Design

The SmallRig Advanced Cage Kit is built with precision-milled aluminum, giving it a solid and professional feel without adding excessive weight to your Sony a7R V, a7 IV & a7S III. The cage fits snugly around the body, offering full protection while leaving access to all essential buttons, dials, and ports. The design includes multiple 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 mounting points along with ARRI locating holes, making it extremely versatile for attaching accessories such as monitors, lights, and microphones.

Category: Camera Gear

Weight: 19.6 oz.

Price Range: $161.49 - $279.99 BUY

Ergonomics

What stands out most is how comfortable the kit feels in the hand. The removable side handle provides excellent grip for handheld shooting, especially when working with heavier lenses. The handle is also NATO rail compatible, so it’s quick to slide on and off. SmallRig clearly designed this with both solo shooters and rig builders in mind.

SmallRig Advanced Cage Kit for Sony a7R V, a7 IV & a7S III

Accessory Integration

The kit shines when it comes to flexibility. With its cold shoe mounts, NATO rail, and mounting threads, you can turn your a7R V, a7 IV & a7S III into a full production rig. It pairs perfectly with follow-focus systems, external recorders, and top handles. Cable clamps and locking mechanisms also ensure that HDMI or USB-C connections stay secure during longer shoots.

Ease of Use

Installation is straightforward—your Sony a7R V, a7 IV & a7S III screws into the base securely with anti-twist pins to prevent movement. Battery and card doors remain accessible, which is crucial for fast-paced shoots. The cage also has a built-in Arca-Swiss plate, letting you move quickly between tripod and handheld setups.

Pros

• Rugged yet lightweight aluminum construction.

• Excellent protection for the Sony a7R V, a7 IV & a7S III.

• Tons of mounting options (threads, NATO rail, cold shoe, ARRI holes).

• Comfortable removable side handle.

• Built-in Arca-Swiss quick release compatibility.

• Maintains full access to ports, battery, and card slots.

Cons

• Adds bulk compared to shooting bare camera.

• Might feel overkill if you only shoot casually without heavy accessories.

Final Verdict

The SmallRig Advanced Cage Kit for Sony a7R V, a7 IV & a7S III is a fantastic investment for filmmakers, videographers, and hybrid shooters who want to expand their rigging options. If you’re working with external monitors, audio gear, or need a stable handheld setup, this cage offers the protection and flexibility to turn your Sony camera into a professional cinema tool. For casual shooters, it might be more cage than necessary, but for serious production work, it’s hard to beat.

SmallRig Tip

Tip: Once you install the SmallRig Cage, you may find it awkward getting the battery in or out. Don't worry, all you need to do is open the frame near the top left of the battery compartment door.