Product Reviews

SmallRig 1138 Review: A Versatile Camera Clamp for Flexible Rigs

A practical fit for creators who want a clamp, dual ball head, and action-camera adapter in one mount.

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This SmallRig camera clamp review looks at a flexible mount for securing cameras and accessories to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod.

SmallRig 1138 Review Summary

The quick verdict

SmallRig 1138
4.6/5

8,000+ ratings

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SmallRig 1138

A practical fit for creators who want a clamp, dual ball head, and action-camera adapter in one mount.

  • Supports up to 1.5 kg without loosening.
  • Includes a super clamp and action-camera mount adapter.
  • Uses a 1/4"-20 screw for cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.
  • Clamps to rods, tubes, tables, frames, and tripods without drilling.

Pros

  • Combines a super clamp, dual ball head, and action-camera adapter.
  • Attaches to several common rig surfaces without drilling.

Consider before buying

  • The 1.5 kg capacity limits its suitability for heavier equipment.
  • Dynamic setups need a safety rope as an added precaution against accidental drops.
Read the full review summary

The SmallRig clamp combines a dual ball head, a 1/4"-20 screw, and an action-camera adapter. It can mount cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras, making it a versatile option for compact camera setups.

Its appeal is strongest for tabletop, vehicle, or rig setups where a clamp can attach without drilling.

The 1.5 kg support limit calls for matching the mounted gear to the stated capacity, while dynamic use needs a safety rope to help guard against accidental drops.

The buying factors

SmallRig 1138 Scorecard

Editorial scores reflect listed features and buyer fit; they are not laboratory measurements or customer ratings.

9/10

Mounting versatility

The clamp can attach to rods, tubes, tables, frames, and tripods, giving it several useful rigging roles.

8/10

Accessory compatibility

The 1/4"-20 screw supports a broad set of camera and production accessories, including monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.

7/10

Load capacity

The stated limit of up to 1.5 kg suits lighter setups, but it requires care when choosing heavier gear.

8/10

Build materials

Aluminum and stainless steel provide a metal construction suited to regular rig use.

8/10

Setup flexibility

A clamp-based attachment avoids drilling and can move between several mounting surfaces.

6/10

Dynamic-use precautions

The guidance to attach a safety rope during dynamic use adds a practical extra step for moving setups.

Key Features and Specifications of SmallRig 1138

  • Supports up to 1.5 kg without loosening.
  • Includes a super clamp and action-camera mount adapter.
  • Uses a 1/4"-20 screw for cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.
  • Clamps to rods, tubes, tables, frames, and tripods without drilling.
  • Constructed from aluminum and stainless steel.
  • Includes a 2-year manufacturer warranty.

Pros and Cons of SmallRig 1138

Pros

  • Combines a super clamp, dual ball head, and action-camera adapter.
  • Attaches to several common rig surfaces without drilling.
  • Accommodates several types of camera and production gear through its 1/4"-20 screw.
  • Uses aluminum and stainless steel construction.

Consider before buying

  • The 1.5 kg capacity limits its suitability for heavier equipment.
  • Dynamic setups need a safety rope as an added precaution against accidental drops.
  • Plan the mounting arrangement around a clamp attachment to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod.

Who Should Buy SmallRig 1138?

Good fit

Choose it if you want one clamp-based mount for a small camera rig with an action-camera adapter and a range of accessory options. The 1/4"-20 screw accommodates cameras, monitors, lights, and microphones.

It also suits creators who need temporary, drill-free attachment to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod. Keep the total mounted setup within the 1.5 kg limit.

Who should skip it

Skip it for gear that exceeds the 1.5 kg support limit or for a moving setup where you cannot attach the recommended safety rope.

Look elsewhere if your mounting plan does not use a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod clamp point.

SmallRig 1138 Camera Clamp Analysis

A compact mount for varied rigs

The SmallRig clamp attaches to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod without drilling. That suits changing desk and production layouts, as long as a suitable clamping surface is available.

Capacity sets the gear boundary

The stated support limit is up to 1.5 kg, so weigh the complete mounted setup, including accessories, before relying on the clamp.

This keeps the choice grounded in the mount's stated capacity rather than the size of any single component.

The included adapter broadens use

An action-camera adapter comes with the super clamp, while the 1/4"-20 screw is intended for cameras and accessories such as monitors, lights, and microphones.

That combination makes the kit more useful when a setup mixes camera mounting with accessory positioning.

Moving rigs call for a tether

For a car or other dynamic setup, attach a safety rope as advised. This extra step matters when the camera or accessory could be exposed to movement, and the clamp's capacity still needs to match the full load.

Alternatives to SmallRig 1138

Camera Mounts & Clamps alternative

SMALLRIG 9.8 Inches Magic Arm Clamp Kit
4.6/5

2,000+ ratings

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SMALLRIG 9.8 Inches Magic Arm Clamp Kit

Choose the 9.8-inch kit if you want an articulating arm with 1/4" and 3/8" threads; choose the SmallRig clamp if its dual ball head and included action-camera mount better suit your setup.

  • The 9.8-inch kit includes a super clamp and articulating arm with 1/4" and 3/8" threads, plus 360-degree ball-head adjustment.
  • The SmallRig clamp pairs a dual ball head with a super clamp and an action-camera mount adapter, and supports up to 1.5 kg.

Camera Mounts & Clamps alternative

SMALLRIG Super Clamp with 1/4 and 3/8 Thread
4.7/5

2,000+ ratings

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SMALLRIG Super Clamp with 1/4 and 3/8 Thread

Choose the Super Clamp if you need 1/4" and 3/8" threaded holes and a jaw range from 15 mm to about 40 mm; choose the SmallRig clamp if you want a dual ball head and action-camera mount adapter as part of the setup.

  • This Super Clamp has 1/4" and 3/8" threaded holes and a jaw range from 15 mm to about 40 mm.
  • The SmallRig clamp combines a dual ball head with a super clamp and action-camera mount adapter, and supports up to 1.5 kg.

Is SmallRig 1138 Worth It?

Consider this SmallRig clamp if you want a versatile mount with an action-camera adapter and 1/4"-20 accessory support.

Its rod, tube, table, frame, and tripod attachment options suit flexible desk and rig setups, while its aluminum and stainless steel construction is suited to repeated use.

Buy it when the complete rig fits within the 1.5 kg limit and you can tether it during dynamic use.

If you need an articulating arm of a specified length or a clamp with a specified jaw range, compare those requirements before deciding.

Your review at a glance

SmallRig 1138
4.6/5

8,000+ ratings

Read Amazon Reviews

SmallRig 1138

A practical fit for creators who want a clamp, dual ball head, and action-camera adapter in one mount.

  • Supports up to 1.5 kg without loosening.
  • Includes a super clamp and action-camera mount adapter.
  • Uses a 1/4"-20 screw for cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.
  • Clamps to rods, tubes, tables, frames, and tripods without drilling.

Written by

margaretjacobsen.com Editorial Team

Editorial team

Independent editorial coverage of creative life & connection.

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SmallRig 1138

SmallRig 1138

A practical fit for creators who want a clamp, dual ball head, and action-camera adapter in one mount.

  • Supports up to 1.5 kg without loosening.
  • Includes a super clamp and action-camera mount adapter.
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