Before I got serious about video work and building out a camera cage, I struggled a lot with awkward handheld shots and nowhere convenient to mount my accessories. Trying to manage a microphone, a small monitor, and a light, all while holding the camera steady, felt like juggling chainsaws. This lack of proper handling and accessory mounting wasn’t just inconvenient; it limited my creative options and made long shooting days physically taxing. Finding a solid camera grip or top handle wasn’t just about comfort; it was essential for improving production value and making the whole rigging process less of a headache.
- NOTE: The NATO Rail is not included, please purchase separately！NATO Rail (ASIN:B00N1TN5EU / B081Q74TJW) is recommended.
- Compatibility: SMALLRIG NATO Top Handle 3766 is designed to facilitate low-angle shot and reduce burdens on arms, compatibility for any accessories features NATO Rail, can be quickly mounted on the...
- Lightweight Only 124g: Hollowed-out design makes it weigh only 124g. Mostly made of aluminum alloy, together with anti-slip and anti-freeze silicone
Essential Considerations Before Acquiring a Camera Handle
A camera handle or grip serves several crucial purposes for anyone using a video rig or cage. Primarily, it provides a comfortable and secure way to hold your camera setup, especially when shooting at low angles or simply needing better stability for handheld shots. Beyond just holding the camera, these handles are vital for expanding the mounting options for accessories like external monitors, microphones, LED lights, and wireless receivers. Someone might seek one out because they’ve hit the limits of their camera’s hot shoe mount, need a more ergonomic way to carry a heavier rigged-up camera, or want the flexibility to quickly change their setup.
The ideal customer for a top handle is typically a videographer, filmmaker, or serious photographer who is already using a camera cage or video rig system. They need robust mounting points and appreciate modularity and speed in their workflow. This specific category of handle, utilizing a NATO clamp, is especially suited for users already invested in or planning to use a NATO rail system for its quick-release capabilities.
Conversely, if you’re a casual photographer who only uses a camera strap and doesn’t plan on adding multiple accessories or a cage, a dedicated camera grip like this might be overkill. You’d likely be better off with a simple hand strap or focusing on lens and camera body ergonomics. If you need accessory mounting but no cage, a hot shoe mounted accessory bar might suffice. Before buying, you absolutely need to consider:
- Your existing rig setup: Do you have a NATO rail or cage?
- The weight of your camera and accessories: Can the handle support it?
- What accessories you need to mount: Are there enough cold shoes and threads?
- Your preferred shooting style: Do you primarily shoot handheld or on a tripod?
- The handle’s mounting mechanism: Quick release (like NATO) vs. screw-on.
- 【Wide Compatibility】 This NEEWER universal camera cage for handheld shooting is widely compatible with Canon 5D Mark II 5D Mark III 600D 700D Nikon 7200D Sony Fujifilm Pentax and other DSLR...
- 【Compatible with Fujifilm X-S20】 Only Compatible with Fujifilm X-S20 camera, this formfitting cage gives full access to buttons, ports, LCD screen, battery door, and the integrated pop up flash....
- Camera cage kit which including camera cage, follow focus and matte box.
Meet the SMALLRIG NATO Top Handle 3766
The SMALLRIG NATO Top Handle 3766 is a sleek, lightweight camera grip designed to attach rapidly via a NATO clamp to any standard NATO rail. Its core promise is to provide enhanced handling for low-angle shots and reduce arm strain, all while offering a wealth of options for mounting accessories. When you purchase the SmallRig 3766, you get the handle itself and typically an Allen wrench for tightening the clamp screw. What’s important to note is that the NATO rail required to attach this handle is *not* included and must be purchased separately.
Compared to a handle that might bolt directly onto a cage, the SMALLRIG 3766 excels in speed and flexibility due to the quick-release NATO system. It’s designated as a “Lite” version, suggesting it might be streamlined compared to heavier-duty SmallRig top handle options, though it still boasts a robust 10kg maximum weight recommendation.
This specific handle is perfect for users who need a compact, yet highly functional top handle with rapid attachment/detachment capabilities. It’s not for someone who doesn’t use a cage or NATO rail, or perhaps someone building an extremely heavy, cinema-grade rig that might demand an even more substantial handle (though 10kg is ample for most DSLR/mirrorless setups).
Here’s a quick look at its pros and cons:
Pros:
- Extremely quick and easy attachment/detachment via NATO clamp
- Very lightweight (only 124g) thanks to hollow design
- Numerous mounting points (5 cold shoes, multiple 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 threads)
- Solid and comfortable grip with silicone
- Supports a significant weight load (up to 10kg)
Cons:
- NATO rail is required but not included
- The “Lite” designation might deter those building the absolute heaviest setups
- The placement of mounting points might not be ideal for every conceivable accessory combination
A Deep Dive into Features and Benefits
Having used the SMALLRIG NATO Top Handle 3766 extensively, I can confidently say its design and features significantly impact workflow and usability. Let’s break down what makes this video rig handle such a valuable addition to a camera setup.
Quick Release NATO Clamp System
One of the most impactful features of the SmallRig 3766 is its quick-release NATO clamp. This isn’t just a convenience; it’s a fundamental shift in how quickly you can adapt your rig. Instead of needing to meticulously screw a handle onto your cage every time, you simply slide the handle onto a NATO rail and flip a lever. Attaching and detaching takes mere seconds. Why is this important? Imagine you’re shooting a scene that requires a quick transition from a handheld, low-angle shot using the top handle to a tripod shot where the handle might interfere, or maybe you need to swap the top handle for a side handle. With the NATO clamp handle, this transition is seamless, allowing you to maintain momentum on set. It locks firmly into place, feeling incredibly secure once tightened, so you never worry about your camera rig becoming unstable. The benefit is undeniable: maximum flexibility and efficiency in rig configuration.
Remarkably Lightweight Construction
Weighing in at a mere 124 grams, the SMALLRIG NATO Top Handle 3766 lives up to its “Lite” designation without compromising strength. This low weight is achieved through a clever hollowed-out design and the use of high-quality aluminum alloy. When you’re building a full video rig with a camera, cage, lens, monitor, microphone, and battery, every gram adds up. A heavy handle on top can make the whole setup top-heavy and fatiguing during long shoots. The lightweight nature of this SmallRig handle minimizes added bulk, keeping the overall rig weight manageable and balanced. This directly translates to less strain on your arms and shoulders, allowing you to shoot for longer periods comfortably, especially during dynamic handheld movements or when holding the camera low to the ground using the top handle.
An Abundance of Cold Shoe Mounts
Accessory mounting is one of the primary reasons to use a camera cage handle, and the SmallRig 3766 delivers generously with five built-in cold shoe mounts. You get three on the front face of the handle and two more towards the rear. This layout is incredibly practical, allowing you to simultaneously attach multiple accessories without needing external adapters or bulky extensions. I often have a microphone receiver in one, an LED light in another, and still have shoes free for perhaps a small monitor adapter or even just parking an accessory when not in use. The benefit here is clear: maximum versatility for equipping your rig. You’re no longer limited by the single hot shoe on your camera body or cage. These cold shoe mounts are sturdy and hold accessories securely, which is crucial when you’re moving around.
Comprehensive Threaded Mounting Points
Beyond the cold shoes, the SMALLRIG NATO Top Handle 3766 is riddled with threaded holes, offering even more possibilities. It features multiple 1/4″-20 threads and several larger 3/8″-16 threads, including dedicated 3/8″-16 locating holes for ARRI standard accessories. These threads are essential for mounting items like monitor mounts (like the SmallRig 2903 or 2348) or magic arms (like SmallRig 2070) that require a more secure, threaded connection than a cold shoe can provide. The ARRI locating holes prevent accessories from twisting once mounted, adding an extra layer of security for heavier items like monitors. The inclusion of an Allen wrench that stores neatly on the handle itself is a thoughtful touch, making it easy to tighten or loosen these accessories on the go. These mounting points offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to configure your rig exactly how you need it for different shooting scenarios.
Comfortable and Durable Build Quality
The construction of the SMALLRIG NATO Top Handle 3766 is exactly what you’d expect from SmallRig – solid and well-finished. Mostly made of aluminum alloy, it feels sturdy and capable in the hand. The grip section is covered in anti-slip and anti-freeze silicone, which is a small detail that makes a big difference. It provides a comfortable, secure hold even during long shoots or in colder conditions. The handle feels substantial without being heavy, and the machining on the NATO clamp and mounting threads is precise. While it’s a “Lite” version, it doesn’t feel flimsy at all; it feels like a professional piece of gear capable of handling the stated 10kg weight recommendation. This combination of durable materials and ergonomic design ensures the handle performs reliably and remains comfortable to use over extended periods, reducing hand fatigue and increasing confidence in your rig.
Limitations and Considerations
While the SmallRig 3766 is excellent, it’s not without minor points to consider. The most obvious, as mentioned, is that the NATO rail needed to mount it isn’t included. This isn’t a flaw in the handle itself, but something potential buyers absolutely need to be aware of and budget for separately. Also, while the 10kg capacity is high for most mirrorless/DSLR rigs, someone building a very heavy cinema camera setup with cine lenses and large batteries might lean towards a more robust, non-lite handle if maximum load bearing is their absolute top priority, although the 3766 is likely sufficient for most. Finally, while there are plenty of mounting points, the fixed positions of the cold shoes might occasionally conflict with oversized accessories depending on your specific combination, though this is a minor and situational limitation.
What Users Are Saying
Looking around online, it’s clear that my positive experience with the SMALLRIG NATO Top Handle 3766 is widely shared. Many users praise its quick-release mechanism, finding it incredibly convenient for rapidly changing their setups. People frequently comment on how sturdy the handle feels despite its light weight, appreciating the quality SmallRig is known for. The multitude of cold shoe mounts and threads is a consistent highlight, allowing users to easily attach multiple accessories like lights, mics, and monitors without clutter. Several reviews specifically mention the comfort of the grip, even for those with larger hands, and its effectiveness on lighter handheld rigs like the Canon M50 setup, highlighting its versatility.
Final Thoughts on the SMALLRIG 3766
Dealing with awkward handling and limited accessory mounting on a camera rig can severely hinder your creative process and physical comfort during shoots. The SMALLRIG NATO Top Handle 3766 directly addresses these problems, offering a lightweight, versatile, and incredibly convenient solution. Its rapid NATO clamp attachment saves valuable time, the generous number of mounting points accommodates multiple accessories, and the comfortable, sturdy build quality makes it a pleasure to use. If you’re looking to enhance the ergonomics and expand the capabilities of your caged camera setup quickly and effectively, this top handle is a fantastic choice. To check it out for yourself, click here!
Last update on 2025-07-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API