How to Select a Camera Shoulder Rig

As the filmmaking industry continues to grow for video professionals and content vloggers, manufacturers (and creative DIY filmmakers) are creating more and more equipment, devices, and gadgets for filming enthusiasts to choose from. In this article, we will take a deep look at camera shoulder rig, an important piece of equipment for anyone interested in video production.

Generally speaking, there are four factors to consider when shopping for a camera shoulder rig:

  1. a reasonable price.
  2. the compatibility of a camera shoulder rig.
  3. the reliability of a shoulder kit brand.
  4. the versatility and operability of a shoulder rig.

 

A Reasonable Price

The price of mainstream shoulder rigs ranges from $150 to $500. However, many individual photographers and small studios tend to have a limited budget, especially with the economic disruptions caused by the COVID pandemic. Luckily, for shoulder rigs, higher prices don’t always equate with better quality. Some pretty cool budget shoulder rigs can be found on the market under $150, including SmallRig, NEEWER and NICEYRIG.

 

 

The Compatibility of A Camera Shoulder Rig

It is considered as one of the most important factors for a shoulder rig. While this may sound obvious to some industry professionals, it's a point to be easily overlooked. It is essential to note that some shoulder rigs do fit certain camera models better than others. Fortunately, reliable retailers are usually aware of which cameras their shoulder rigs are compatible with, which is normally clarified in the specifications.

 

Making sure a shoulder rig is compatible with your camera first is a simple step to help you avoid investing in the wrong shoulder rig. If you are struggling to understand which equipment is compatible with any given piece of gear, contact the supplier or manufacturer for more information. However, as you will learn below, you need to explore your shoulder rig thoroughly.

 

 

The NEEWER Universal Camera Shoulder Mount has a wide compatibility. It is a shoulder-mounted kit designed to stabilize your camera that offers you comfort for lengthy filmmaking sessions. Compatible with Canon EOS series, Sony Alpha series, Nikon Z series, Blackmagic pocket series and other DSLR mirrorless cameras.

( Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09P9MTDK1 )

 

 

The Versatility and Operability of the Shoulder Rig

Before you realize how to choose the best shoulder rig, you probably already know that the device is perfect for carrying a camera on the shoulder for stable camera movement. So it goes without saying that it triumphs a regular tripod with regard to mobility and flexibility, but its stability is equally excellent as a tripod because in many ways the operator acts as the tripod base. The versatility and compact size of the shoulder rig makes it indispensable for long-hour video shooting.

 

The NEEWER shoulder rig features 15mm-diameter rods with 60mm rail gauge allow you to customize your rig with LED lights, field monitors, microphones, follow focuses, and let you adjust their positions as needed.

 

  

 

The baseplate features multiple 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 holes to let you attach various accessories. 

 

The ergonomic shoulder pad with an elastic sponge cushion molds to your should for a comfortable shooting experience. It can move 65mm to the right allowing you to be always facing forward and looking directly at the camera LCD screen. 

 


Two silicone-coated handles with 360 degree rotation will give you a firm grip and help you find a comfortable posture for shooting. Connected by the 15mm front rod, the spacing between these two handles can be adjusted to your needs.

 


The camera mounting plate can rise by 36mm and create space for installing
several accessories without restriction.


The quick-release plate swiftly mounts your camera via the 1/4" and 3/8" screws. 

     

The Reliability of A Shoulder Rig Brand

Any shoulder rig will have a recognizable reputation, whether it's good, bad or somewhere in between. So, just as you would do when looking for a reliable contractor, do a background check on any camera shoulder rig. For example, look at their brands and find out if they have a strong reputation in the industry. Not only should you check how many years they have been around, but you should also check their product quality record.


Founded in 2011, NEEWER is a multinational company integrating design, R&D, manufacturing and sales. Its headquarters is based in Shenzhen, China, with branches and subsidiaries established in the United Kingdom, Germany, and mainland China (Shenzhen, Chengdu and Hefei). The company was accredited as a national high-tech enterprise in 2020.