Every videographer and filmmaker knows the frustration of uncontrolled light. Lens flare and veiling glare can instantly ruin an otherwise perfect shot, washing out contrast and introducing unwanted artifacts. For years, I struggled with these issues, constantly adjusting my shooting angles or relying on makeshift solutions that were far from ideal. This persistent problem not only compromised the visual quality of my work but also added considerable time to my post-production workflow, trying to salvage footage that should have been pristine from the start. I realized I needed a dedicated tool to manage stray light, and it would have significantly improved my output.
- 【CARBON FIBER BOX & TOP FLAG】SmallRig Lightweight Matte Box 2660 is designed to block the sun or other light source in order to prevent glare and lens flare, with interchangeable mounting systems...
- 【WIDE COMPATIBILITY】The matte box comes with a 114mm clamp that allows you to mount it directly onto 114mm cine lens, and the included 67 to 114mm, 72 to 114mm, 77 to 114mm, 82 to 114mm threaded...
- 【SUPPORTS TWO 4 X 4" OR 4 X 5.65" FILTERS】It accepts two 4 x 4 or 4 x 5.65" filters without the use of filter trays and includes four adapter rings to attach the matte box to the lens. The filters...
Essential Considerations Before Investing in a Matte Box
Before diving into a purchase, it’s crucial to understand why a matte box is a necessary piece of equipment for many video professionals and serious hobbyists. Fundamentally, a matte box tackles the pervasive issues of glare and lens flare, ensuring your footage remains clean, crisp, and high-contrast. It also provides a robust system for holding professional-grade filters, which are essential for creative control over exposure, depth of field, and special effects.
The ideal customer for a matte box is a filmmaker, videographer, or content creator who frequently shoots in varied lighting conditions, especially outdoors or in environments with strong light sources. They are typically using mirrorless or DSLR cameras for video production and are keen on elevating their cinematic quality. This includes cinematographers needing to use ND, polarizing, or diffusion filters consistently.
Conversely, a matte box might not be suitable for the casual photographer who primarily shoots stills or those who prefer an ultra-minimalist, run-and-gun setup without the need for extensive light control or multiple filters. For these users, a simple lens hood might suffice, or a screw-on filter system would be more practical and less cumbersome.
Before making a purchase, prospective buyers should consider several key factors:
* Weight: Especially critical for gimbal or handheld setups.
* Compatibility: Ensure it fits your lenses (clamp-on vs. rod-mounted) and camera system.
* Filter Capacity & Type: How many filters can it hold, and what sizes (4×4, 4×5.65)? Does it support rotating filters?
* Build Quality & Material: Durability and robustness are important for field use.
* Accessory Mounts: Are there provisions for attaching monitors, microphones, or other rig components?
* Price: Matte boxes can range from budget-friendly to very expensive professional models.
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Unveiling the SmallRig Lightweight Matte Box 2660
The SMALLRIG Lightweight Matte Box for Mirrorless DSLR Cameras, model 2660, is designed to be a versatile and accessible solution for controlling light and managing filters on cinema or DSLR lenses. It promises to effectively block sun and other light sources, preventing unwanted glare and lens flare, thereby enhancing image quality. Upon purchase, the core package includes the carbon fiber matte box body, a carbon fiber top flag, and a set of threaded adapter rings (67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm, all stepping up to 114mm) for wide lens compatibility.
Compared to high-end market leaders like Bright Tangerine, the SmallRig 2660 positions itself as a significantly more affordable alternative, often at a quarter of the price, while still delivering essential functionality. While it might not boast the same level of refined engineering or advanced features (like rotating filter trays) found in top-tier professional systems, it provides immense value for its cost. This specific matte box is ideally suited for independent filmmakers, documentary shooters, and videographers who require a lightweight, robust, and capable light-controlling solution for their mirrorless or DSLR cameras without breaking the bank. It’s less suited for those who absolutely require a rotatable filter stage for advanced polarizers or graduated ND filters, or those working with extremely large cinema lenses requiring larger, more traditional studio matte boxes.
Here’s a quick breakdown of its pros and cons:
Pros:
* Extremely lightweight, making it ideal for gimbals and smaller camera setups.
* Durable carbon fiber construction for the main box and top flag.
* Excellent compatibility with a wide range of common lens diameters via included adapter rings.
* Supports two 4×4″ or 4×5.65″ filters simultaneously.
* Features 1/4″-20 accessory threads for mounting additional gear.
Cons:
* Filter slots can be uncomfortably snug, potentially requiring modification for some filters.
* The top flag lock may loosen over time, requiring occasional retightening with an Allen key.
* Lacks a rotatable filter stage, which can be limiting for certain filter types.
* No dedicated filter trays, requiring direct handling of filters in the slots.
Delving into the SmallRig 2660’s Capabilities
Having used the SmallRig Lightweight Matte Box 2660 extensively, I can confidently break down its features and how they translate into tangible benefits for a video production workflow. This piece of gear has become a staple in my kit, though not without its quirks.
Lightweight Carbon Fiber Construction
One of the most striking aspects of the SmallRig 2660 is its construction. Weighing in at just 457 grams (and a mere 238g without the top flag), it truly lives up to its “lightweight” designation. The use of carbon fiber for the main box and the top flag is a brilliant design choice. This material provides exceptional rigidity and durability while keeping the overall mass down. In practice, this means it’s incredibly comfortable to use on smaller setups like my Sony A7 IV, or even on a gimbal like the Moza Aircross 2 or Movi Pro. Traditional matte boxes, often made of heavier plastics or metals, can quickly unbalance a gimbal or make handheld shooting fatiguing. The SmallRig 2660 helps maintain the natural balance of your camera setup, allowing for smoother camera movements and longer shooting sessions without arm strain. This reduction in front-heavy load also benefits smaller rod systems, preventing sag and ensuring your setup remains stable throughout the shoot.
Wide Lens Compatibility and Adapter Rings
The versatility of the SmallRig 2660 is significantly boosted by its comprehensive compatibility system. It comes with a 114mm clamp, allowing direct attachment to cine lenses of that diameter. Crucially, it includes a robust set of threaded adapter rings: 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, and 82mm, all designed to step up to the 114mm clamp. This means that whether I’m using a compact prime lens or a larger zoom, I can usually find an adapter ring to fit. This broad compatibility is a huge time-saver on set, eliminating the need for multiple matte boxes for different lenses. Switching between lenses is remarkably easy – simply thread on the appropriate adapter ring, and the matte box clamps securely. It’s truly a universal solution for most mirrorless and DSLR lenses, which is a major benefit for creators who use a diverse range of glass.
Filter Support (4×4″ & 4×5.65″)
This matte box supports two filters simultaneously, accommodating both 4×4″ and 4×5.65″ cinema filters. The design allows filters to be pushed out from the side by unscrewing a top thumbscrew, theoretically preventing fingerprints on the filter surfaces. The interior of the matte box has a nice matte finish, which is crucial for preventing internal reflections and maintaining optimal contrast.
However, this is where I’ve experienced the most significant drawback. The filter channels are quite snug. When I tried to use my existing set of 4×4 Tiffen filters, almost none of them fit properly without excessive force. This was a considerable disappointment, as Tiffen filters are a widely used standard. As an avid DIY enthusiast, I resorted to carefully disassembling the matte box and very gently sanding down the inside of the filter channels with fine-grade sandpaper. After two rounds of careful modification, most of my filters now slide in with relative ease, though some still require a firm push. The lack of traditional filter trays means you’re directly sliding the filters into these channels, and for square filters, you need to manually ensure they are centered within the matte box. This can be a bit fiddly, especially when trying to quickly swap filters in challenging conditions. The absence of a rotatable filter housing is another minor limitation; if you frequently use polarizers or graduated NDs that require precise rotation, you’ll find this missing feature to be a consistent workflow interruption. While it holds two filters securely once they are in, the initial insertion can be a point of frustration for certain filter brands.
Four 1/4″-20 Accessory Threads
On the top of the SmallRig 2660, there are four 1/4″-20 threads. These seemingly small additions are incredibly useful for expanding your rig. I’ve used them to mount a small LED light, a wireless microphone receiver, or even a small monitor without adding extra bulk or cages to my camera. This capability helps keep your setup compact and integrated, streamlining your workflow. It speaks to SmallRig’s understanding of how filmmakers build out their camera rigs, providing convenient attachment points where they are most needed, right on the matte box itself.
Carbon Fiber Top Flag
The included carbon fiber top flag is an essential component for effective light control. It allows you to precisely cut unwanted light from above, preventing veiling glare or bright reflections from striking your lens. The flag is adjustable and can be folded down to cover the front of the matte box, providing protection for your lens during transport or when not in use. This protective aspect is a nice bonus, saving you from needing a separate lens cap for your setup. The only minor quibble here, as noted by some users and myself, is that the locking mechanism for the top flag can occasionally loosen over time, requiring a quick retighten with an Allen key. It’s a small inconvenience but something to be aware of.
Overall Build and Ease of Use
Beyond the specific features, the overall build quality of the SmallRig 2660 feels robust and professional, especially given its price point. The matte finish on the interior does an excellent job of absorbing internal reflections. Attaching and detaching the matte box from lenses, once the appropriate adapter ring is on, is quick and straightforward thanks to the clamp design. For those who opt for it, using the optional 15mm LWS rod clamp 2663 (sold separately) provides an even more secure and traditional rod-mounted setup, though I’ve found it perfectly usable as a clamp-on unit for most of my mirrorless work. Despite the filter channel issues, the simple, functional design ensures that it integrates well into a fast-paced shooting environment, helping you maintain focus on capturing the shot rather than struggling with your gear.
What Other Users Are Saying
After spending a significant amount of time with the SmallRig Lightweight Matte Box 2660, I decided to check what other users thought. It turns out my experiences align closely with many online reviews. People consistently praise its extremely lightweight nature, which makes it an ideal companion for gimbals and compact camera setups. Many appreciate its solid carbon fiber construction and the professional aesthetic it brings to a rig. Users frequently mention how easy it is to attach to various lenses, especially with the included adapter rings, and that it offers better coverage than standard lens hoods. However, the recurring theme among critical feedback, mirroring my own frustration, is the tight fit of the filter channels, with several users needing to modify them to comfortably insert their 4×4 or 4×5.65 filters. The lack of a rotating filter stage and the occasional loosening of the top flag screw are also points that come up. Despite these minor design flaws, the general consensus remains highly positive, with users acknowledging its exceptional value for money.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
The problem of uncontrolled light and the inability to easily integrate filters into a shot is a persistent hurdle for many videographers, leading to compromised image quality and inefficient post-production. The SmallRig Lightweight Matte Box 2660 stands out as an excellent solution to these challenges. Its lightweight carbon fiber design makes it highly adaptable for modern mirrorless and DSLR setups, its broad lens compatibility ensures versatility, and its capacity for two filters provides crucial creative control. While the filter slots might require a bit of DIY adjustment, the overall value and performance make it a worthy investment for anyone looking to professionalize their video production. To explore this excellent piece of gear further and see if it fits your filmmaking needs, click here to check the product out.
Last update on 2025-07-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API