This SmallRig camera clamp review looks at a mounting kit for creators who need to secure a camera or accessory to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod.
SmallRig 1138 Review Summary
The quick verdict
8,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSmallRig 1138
A flexible clamp and dual ball head for mounting compact cameras, lights, and accessories to rods, tables, and frames.
- Supports up to 1.5 kg, giving buyers a clear payload ceiling for selecting a camera or accessory.
- Uses a clamp with a dual ball head and a locking knob for positioning and securing the rig.
- The 1/4-inch-20 screw is compatible with cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.
- Mounting options include rods, tubes, tables, frames, and tripods, with no drilling required.
Pros
- Combines a clamp, dual ball head, and action-camera adapter in one kit.
- Works with several common camera and creator accessories through a 1/4-inch-20 screw.
Consider before buying
- The 1.5 kg capacity makes this a poor fit for heavier cameras or accessories.
- For moving or otherwise dynamic setups, plan to attach a safety rope as an additional precaution.
Read the full review summary
The SmallRig clamp combines a super clamp, dual ball head, and action camera mount.
Its 1/4-inch-20 screw can mount cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, or action cameras, making it useful for positioning gear around a desk or filming rig.
It is best suited to lightweight gear and setups where an adjustable clamp is more useful than a dedicated tripod.
The stated load capacity is up to 1.5 kg, and the package includes a safety-rope reminder for dynamic use, so buyers should account for both the payload and how securely they can tether the device.
The buying factors
SmallRig 1138 Scorecard
Editorial scores reflect listed features and buyer fit; they are not laboratory measurements or customer ratings.
Mounting flexibility
The clamp can attach to rods, tubes, tables, and frames, with a dual ball head for positioning the mounted gear.
Accessory compatibility
A 1/4-inch-20 screw supports several common creator accessories, and the included action-camera adapter broadens the setup options.
Load guidance
The clamp has a stated maximum capacity of 1.5 kg, a useful limit for choosing compatible lightweight equipment.
Construction materials
Aluminum and stainless steel construction is a practical fit for a reusable camera-rig accessory.
Dynamic-use precautions
The safety-rope instruction is a sensible reminder for moving setups, though it adds a step whenever the rig is used dynamically.
Key Features and Specifications of SmallRig 1138
- Supports up to 1.5 kg, giving buyers a clear payload ceiling for selecting a camera or accessory.
- Uses a clamp with a dual ball head and a locking knob for positioning and securing the rig.
- The 1/4-inch-20 screw is compatible with cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.
- Mounting options include rods, tubes, tables, frames, and tripods, with no drilling required.
- The package includes a super clamp and an action-camera mount adapter.
- The clamp uses aluminum and stainless steel construction.
Pros and Cons of SmallRig 1138
Pros
- Combines a clamp, dual ball head, and action-camera adapter in one kit.
- Works with several common camera and creator accessories through a 1/4-inch-20 screw.
- Clamps to multiple surfaces and support types without drilling.
- Provides a stated 1.5 kg maximum capacity to help guide gear selection.
Consider before buying
- The 1.5 kg capacity makes this a poor fit for heavier cameras or accessories.
- For moving or otherwise dynamic setups, plan to attach a safety rope as an additional precaution.
- Check that the clamp's contact points fit the support surface and that the mounted gear can be positioned securely before relying on the rig.
Who Should Buy SmallRig 1138?
Good fit
Choose this SmallRig clamp if you want one mount for a camera, webcam, monitor, light, microphone, or action camera, and expect to secure it to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod.
It makes sense for creators who value an adjustable dual-ball-head mount and need the included action-camera adapter. Keep the intended payload within 1.5 kg and plan a safety rope for dynamic use.
Who should skip it
Skip it if your camera or accessory exceeds the 1.5 kg maximum capacity, or if your setup requires a mount with a higher stated payload.
Look elsewhere if your working method cannot accommodate a safety rope during dynamic use, since the product guidance calls for one to prevent accidental drops.
SmallRig 1138: Fit for Flexible Camera Mounting
Clamp Placement and Adjustment
This clamp can attach to rods, tubes, tables, frames, or tripods. A locking knob secures it in place, while the double ball adapter lets you adjust the mounted gear's orientation for a compact shooting position.
Choosing Compatible Gear
The 1/4-inch-20 connection is aimed at common filming accessories, including cameras, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras. The included action-camera adapter gives the kit another mounting route, but the total payload still needs to remain within 1.5 kg.
Planning for Dynamic Setups
A clamp can free up a tabletop or attach to a support already present in a rig, but movement increases the importance of a backup tether.
Follow the safety-rope instruction for dynamic use and check that the clamp is locked before placing gear overhead or near people.
Alternatives to SmallRig 1138
Camera Mounts & Clamps alternative
2,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSMALLRIG 9.8 Inches Magic Arm Clamp Kit
Choose the 2732 kit if you specifically need a longer articulating arm and both thread sizes; choose the 1138 if the included action-camera mount and its 1.5 kg capacity better fit your setup.
- The 2732 kit includes a 9.8-inch articulating arm, a super clamp, and 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch threads.
- The 1138 pairs a super clamp and dual ball head with an action-camera mount, and its clamp supports up to 1.5 kg.
Camera Mounts & Clamps alternative
2,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSMALLRIG Super Clamp with 1/4 and 3/8 Thread
Choose this Super Clamp if you need a clamp with both thread sizes and a defined 15 to 40 mm jaw range; choose the 1138 if you want the dual ball head and action-camera adapter in the same package.
- The Super Clamp has 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch threaded holes and accepts surfaces from 15 to 40 mm thick.
- The 1138 includes a dual ball head and an action-camera mount alongside its clamp, with a stated 1.5 kg maximum capacity.
Is SmallRig 1138 Worth It?
The SmallRig clamp is worth considering if you need an adjustable mount for cameras or creator accessories and want a dual ball head plus an action camera mount in the package.
Its 1/4-inch-20 connection and options for securing it to rods, tubes, tables, frames, or tripods suit a range of desk and rig setups.
Keep the payload at or below 1.5 kg, and attach a safety rope in dynamic scenarios to help prevent accidental drops.
If those constraints fit your setup, the included components make this a practical way to add an adjustable mounting point without drilling.
Your review at a glance
8,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSmallRig 1138
A flexible clamp and dual ball head for mounting compact cameras, lights, and accessories to rods, tables, and frames.
- Supports up to 1.5 kg, giving buyers a clear payload ceiling for selecting a camera or accessory.
- Uses a clamp with a dual ball head and a locking knob for positioning and securing the rig.
- The 1/4-inch-20 screw is compatible with cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.
- Mounting options include rods, tubes, tables, frames, and tripods, with no drilling required.