SmallRig Snap-on Quick Lock NATO Top Handle Review

NATO Rails and clamps are quickly becoming staples in the camera industry, although their original design dates back to the mid-’90s for military applications. Today, they are particularly prominent in the burgeoning sector of small mirrorless video rigs, which is convenient as I have two different rigs within easy reach!

This top handle showcases a unique quick-lock feature that locks securely onto any standard NATO rail. This makes attaching and detaching both simple and highly secure.

Understanding that everyone’s needs are different, the handle can be adjusted at the outset with two bolts that can be unscrewed, enabling the handle to move forward or backwards to suit your needs. As is common with all cages and rigs, the handle features multiple accessory mounts, such as a 1/4-inch threaded hole, ARRI 3/8-inch hole, and two cold shoe mounts.

The SmallRig Snap-on Quick Lock NATO Top Handle is designed not just for convenience but also to facilitate better camera movement. With a more robust grip on the camera, it helps to stabilise low-angle shots. All in all, it’s a rather handy handle.

The SmallRig Snap-on Quick Lock NATO Top Handle is an impressively crafted piece of gear that embodies the robustness and reliability SmallRig is known for. The handle, machined from aluminium alloy, perfectly balances solidness and lightness, making it ideal for lengthy shooting sessions.

The professional appeal of this handle is heightened by its black anodised finish, with the meticulous machining not only contributing to its durability but also paving the way for additional mounting options.

It’s designed to clip onto standard NATO rails, making it widely compatible with many camera cages. If your cage doesn’t already have a NATO rail, there’s one included in the box that can be swiftly bolted into place.

The handle’s unique snap-on design incorporates a lever lock mechanism that ensures it stays firmly in place once mounted, greatly enhancing the safety of your setup.

Further increasing its utility, the SmallRig top handle features various mounting options, including five 1/4″-20 threaded holes, two ARRI 3/8″-16 locating holes, and a pair of cold shoe mounts. This variety offers ample flexibility to accommodate various accessories, such as monitors, LED lights, and microphones.

The handle’s unique snap-on design incorporates a lever lock mechanism that ensures it stays firmly in place once mounted, greatly enhancing the safety of your setup.

Further increasing its utility, the SmallRig top handle features various mounting options, including five 1/4″-20 threaded holes, two ARRI 3/8″-16 locating holes, and a pair of cold shoe mounts. This variety offers ample flexibility to accommodate various accessories, such as monitors, LED lights, and microphones. Once in place. This lock is a feature that significantly enhances the safety of the setup.

The SmallRig top handle features a selection of mounting options, including 5 1/4″-20 threaded holes, two ARRI 3/8″-16 locating holes, and two cold shoe mounts. This range of options provides additional flexibility to accommodate a variety of accessories such as monitors, LED lights, or microphones.

Regarding performance, the SmallRig Snap-on Quick Lock NATO Top Handle fulfils exactly what you’d expect from a handle; it significantly enhances the handling of the camera. Once in place, it provides a secure grip on your camera rig, which is highly beneficial when attached to a fully laden Canon R5 C rig, which can become incredibly heavy.

The snap-on NATO clamp secures easily in place, with the lever designed to make accidental release very unlikely. This feature facilitates quick setup and removal when necessary, proving highly useful when mounting the camera on a gimbal or packing up after a long day of shooting.

The handle’s forward-to-back adjustment feature is beneficial for fine-tuning the rig’s balance, making a significant difference to its overall feel, especially if you’re fortunate enough to own an EasyRig or similar.

The handle performed impressively with various setups, including the Canon EOS R5 C and the Sony A7 III. Its secure attachment to the SmallRig cages and the ability to adjust the handle’s position contributed to a far better hold than without it, facilitating better stabilised low-angle shots.

The accessory mounts on top add flexibility and versatility for attaching various accessories like monitors, LED lights, or microphones, allowing you to customise your rig as needed. The built-in magnetic Allen Wrench proved to be a handy feature, integrating all necessary tools for adjustment into the handle itself.

The primary job of the SmallRig Snap-on Quick Lock NATO Top Handle 4175 is simple: to function as a camera handle and improve the overall handling of the camera. Whether carrying it around between shoots or capturing low-angled or tricky shots, the handle excels in its performance. You need a top handle if you own a cage for your camera. Why not this one? The easy attachment and removal give it an edge over other handles in the market.

The SmallRig Snap-on Quick Lock NATO Top Handle 4175 is an essential accessory for all videographers aiming to enhance their gear’s ergonomics and versatility. It effectively elevates handling, enabling more confident, steady shots, especially when shooting from low angles or managing a fully loaded rig.

The NATO clamp system simplifies attaching and detaching the handle, with the added lock providing an extra layer of security.

The top handle also benefits your rig by allowing for the attachment of additional accessories, enabling substantial customisation according to your shooting requirements.

Far from being merely a ‘nice-to-have’, the SmallRig Snap-on Quick Lock NATO Top Handle 4175 significantly improves the handling ease of your camera rig. If you’re using a cage for your camera and don’t yet have a top handle, the quick-release feature of this one makes it a standout choice.