Top Cage System Accessories for Sony, Canon, and Blackmagic Cameras

Camera cage systems have become essential for filmmakers, videographers, and content creators who want to enhance stability, expand mounting options, and protect their gear during intense production work. Whether you film with Sony, Canon, or Blackmagic cameras, the right accessories can completely transform your setup, enabling smoother workflows and more creative possibilities. This guide explores the top cage system accessories every shooter should consider, helping you build a more professional and functional rig.

Camera cage systems are designed to support various tools such as monitors, microphones, lights, handles, and stabilizers. If you want to explore premium-quality options, you can check industry-standard accessories on platforms like Camera Holders through camera holders & mounts, which provide a foundation for building efficient and flexible rigs.

What Makes a Good Camera Cage System?

A good cage system should be durable, lightweight, adaptable, and compatible with your camera body. It must also include mounting points such as NATO rails, ARRI-style mounts, cold shoes, and multiple 1/4″-20 & 3/8″-16 threads.

Key qualities to look for:

• Strong material such as aluminum alloy
• Secure form-fitting design
• Multiple mounting threads
• Comfortable grip options
• Expandability with additional accessories
• Easy access to camera ports and controls

With these fundamentals in mind, let’s explore the top accessories that elevate your Sony, Canon, or Blackmagic cage setup.

Top Handle and Side Handle Options

Handles are among the most important accessories for cage systems, enabling better grip and smoother handheld shots.

Top Handles for Stability

Top handles make low-angle and tracking shots significantly easier. They also create an additional mounting point for small monitors and microphones.

Features to look for in top handles:

• Quick-release mount
• Wooden or rubber grip for comfort
• Anti-twist secure locking
• Cold shoe mounts for microphones or lights

Top handles are especially useful for compact mirrorless bodies such as:

• Sony A7S III
• Canon R5/R6
• Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K/6K

Side Handles for Better Control

Side handles improve balance and ergonomics when shooting handheld. Wooden handles are preferred for long shoots due to their comfort, while aluminum handles provide added durability.

Side handles allow:

• Vertical shooting stability
• Reduced fatigue
• Additional mounting threads for accessories

Baseplates and Rod Support Systems

Rod systems are essential for mounting follow-focus units, matte boxes, lens supports, and battery plates. These are especially important for cinema-style setups.

Baseplates

A solid baseplate connects your cage to 15mm rods and provides stability between the camera and tripod.

Good baseplates should include:

• Quick-release plate compatibility
• Height adjustment
• Firm locking mechanisms

Rod Support Systems

A pair of 15mm rods extends your rig’s capabilities by allowing secure mounting of additional accessories.

Rod systems are ideal for:

• Matte boxes
• Follow focus systems
• External battery packs
• Lens supports for heavy cine lenses

These accessories create a more balanced and professional-grade rig suitable for both studio and field production.

Monitor Mounts and EVF Brackets

Monitoring accessories are essential for accurate framing and focus, especially when shooting in bright outdoor environments or at challenging angles.

Adjustable Monitor Mounts

Monitor mounts allow flexible positioning of external screens without loosening multiple screws.

Key features in good monitor mounts:

• 360-degree rotation
• Lightweight yet strong material
• Secure locking mechanism

These mounts benefit filmmakers using cameras with limited screen articulation, such as:

• Sony FX3
• Canon EOS R5C
• Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras

EVF Brackets for Precision Shooting

Electronic viewfinders offer clear visibility in bright conditions and allow more stable eye-level shooting.

EVF brackets provide:

• Adjustable positioning for comfort
• Secure support for cinema-style EVFs
• Better balance for shoulder-mounted rigs

Cold Shoe Mounts and Extension Arms

Cold shoe mounts expand your rig’s accessory capacity without taking up too much space.

Cold Shoe Mounts

Cold shoe attachments allow quick mounting of:

• Microphones
• Wireless transmitters
• On-camera lights

Look for anti-twist cold shoes that secure accessories firmly during movement.

Extension Arms

NATO rails or magic arms add flexibility and allow you to adjust accessories such as monitors or lights at various angles.

Benefits include:

• Greater creative positioning
• Quick adjustments in run-and-gun shoots
• Strong locking mechanisms to prevent sagging

Lens Support and Follow Focus Systems

For filmmakers using heavy zoom or cine lenses, lens support and follow focus tools are crucial.

Lens Support

Lens support brackets prevent stress on the lens mount and improve stability.

They are especially important for cameras like:

• Blackmagic Pocket 6K with cinema lenses
• Canon R5 paired with RF telephoto lenses
• Sony A7R IV with large G Master lenses

Follow Focus Systems

A follow focus ensures smooth and accurate focus pulls. Manual follow focus wheels or wireless systems can be mounted easily when using a cage and rod setup.

Follow focus benefits include:

• Precise focusing for cinematic shots
• Better control during movement
• Reduced camera shake

Power Solutions: Battery Plates and Dummy Batteries

Long shoots require consistent power sources. Cage systems allow easy mounting of power accessories.

V-Mount and Gold Mount Battery Plates

These battery plates attach to your rods or cage and provide long-lasting power.

Benefits:

• Powers camera, monitor, and accessories simultaneously
• Reduces downtime during production
• Ideal for filmmaking rigs

Dummy Batteries

Using a dummy battery ensures continuous power without overheating the internal battery.

Recommended for:

• Interviews
• Long event coverage
• Studio productions

Matte Boxes and Filter Trays

Matte boxes block unwanted light and allow precise use of ND and diffusion filters. They are a professional upgrade for creators looking to enhance visual quality.

Advantages:

• Reduces lens flares
• Holds multiple filters
• Easy filter swapping

Good matte boxes fit seamlessly with rod systems and larger cage builds for Sony, Canon, and Blackmagic cameras.

Best Cage Accessories for Travel and Outdoor Filmmakers

If you shoot outdoors or while traveling, lightweight and portable accessories matter most.

Recommended accessories include:

• Compact top handle
• Mini side handle
• Lightweight monitor mount
• Quick-release plate
• Portable rod system

These setups are perfect for hybrid shooters who switch between photography and videography.

For more premium equipment, explore accessories on the official Camera Holder website, especially in categories like tripods and stabilizers through tripods & stabilizers for building a complete and reliable shooting setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What accessories do I need for a camera cage?

A basic cage setup should include a top handle, side handle, baseplate, monitor mount, and rod support. Additional accessories like follow focus systems and matte boxes depend on your shooting style.

Are camera cage systems worth it?

Yes, cage systems significantly improve stability, expand mounting options, and protect your camera, making them essential for professional filmmaking.

Can I use the same cage accessories for Sony, Canon, and Blackmagic cameras?

Many accessories such as handles, rods, monitor mounts, and cold shoe attachments are universal. However, the cage itself must be camera-specific.

What is the best cage accessory for handheld shooting?

A top handle and a comfortable wooden side handle provide excellent stability for handheld filmmaking.

Do cage accessories affect camera weight?

Yes, adding accessories increases overall weight, but they also improve balance and usability, especially for professional setups.