This SmallRig 1138 camera clamp review looks at a compact mounting kit for creators who want to position cameras, lights, microphones, or monitors on a rod, tube, table, or frame.
SmallRig 1138 Review Summary
The quick verdict
8,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSmallRig 1138
A clamp and dual ball-head mount for creators who need to attach compact gear to a rod, table, or frame.
- Maximum supported load: 1.5 kg.
- Mounting points include a 1/4-inch-20 screw for cameras and accessories.
- Clamp can secure to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod using the locking knob.
- The dual ball-head mount supports adjustable positioning.
Pros
- Combines a super clamp with a dual ball-head adapter.
- The 1/4-inch-20 screw supports several common camera and production accessories.
Consider before buying
- The 1.5 kg maximum calls for checking the total weight of the attached gear before use.
- For dynamic setups, plan to attach a separate safety rope as an added retention measure.
Read the full review summary
The 1138 combines a super clamp and dual ball-head adapter, with a 1/4-inch-20 screw for mounting gear such as cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, and microphones.
That bundled arrangement can reduce the number of separate parts needed for a small rig, while its locking knob secures the clamp to a rod, tube, table, or frame.
It suits creators building a desk, vehicle, or small production setup who value adjustable placement and broad gear compatibility in one clamp assembly.
The stated maximum load is 1.5 kg, so buyers should match the complete mounted rig to that limit and use the safety rope in dynamic setups.
The buying factors
SmallRig 1138 Scorecard
Editorial scores reflect listed features and buyer fit; they are not laboratory measurements or customer ratings.
Mounting versatility
The clamp can attach to several common structures, and its 1/4-inch-20 screw supports a range of camera and accessory types.
Positioning flexibility
The dual ball-head arrangement is useful when a fixed clamp point still needs an adjustable viewing or lighting angle.
Load guidance
A stated maximum load of 1.5 kg gives buyers a concrete limit for matching the mounted gear.
Build materials
Aluminum and stainless steel are specified for the assembly, which may appeal to buyers prioritizing metal construction.
Dynamic-use precautions
Dynamic setups need an additional safety rope, which adds a step to rigging and should be planned for before mounting.
Package utility
The box includes both the super camera clamp and an action-camera mount adapter, making it a more complete starting point for compatible gear.
Key Features and Specifications of SmallRig 1138
- Maximum supported load: 1.5 kg.
- Mounting points include a 1/4-inch-20 screw for cameras and accessories.
- Clamp can secure to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod using the locking knob.
- The dual ball-head mount supports adjustable positioning.
- Made with aluminum and stainless steel.
- Package includes a super camera clamp and an action-camera mount adapter.
- A safety rope is advised for dynamic setups.
Pros and Cons of SmallRig 1138
Pros
- Combines a super clamp with a dual ball-head adapter.
- The 1/4-inch-20 screw supports several common camera and production accessories.
- Can attach to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod without drilling.
- Aluminum and stainless-steel construction.
- Includes an action-camera mount adapter as well as the clamp.
Consider before buying
- The 1.5 kg maximum calls for checking the total weight of the attached gear before use.
- For dynamic setups, plan to attach a separate safety rope as an added retention measure.
- Buyers who need a longer articulated reach should check whether the compact dual ball-head layout offers enough extension for their setup.
Who Should Buy SmallRig 1138?
Good fit
Choose this clamp if your rig needs to grip a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod and hold a camera or production accessory with a 1/4-inch-20 screw. The locking knob secures it to the mounting surface without drilling.
It is a practical fit for desk recording, compact video rigs, or vehicle mounting where the included action-camera adapter and dual ball-head positioner can simplify the setup.
Keep the full mounted load within 1.5 kg and secure a safety rope for dynamic use.
Who should skip it
Skip this clamp if your intended rig weighs more than 1.5 kg; that exceeds its stated maximum capacity.
If your mounting plan depends on an exposed or moving setup and you cannot attach a safety rope, choose a mounting approach that fits your retention requirements.
SmallRig 1138 Review: Fit, Reach, and Rigging
A clamp-and-ball-head setup
The 1138's main appeal is combining a super clamp and dual ball-head adapter, so users can anchor a compatible device to a nearby structure and adjust its placement.
The 1/4-inch-20 screw covers many common cameras and accessories, while the included action-camera adapter broadens the mounting options.
Check the load and attachment point
The maximum load is 1.5 kg, so consider the combined weight of the mounted device and any attached accessories.
The clamp is intended for rods, tubes, tables, frames, and tripods; select a suitable attachment point and tighten the locking knob before positioning the gear.
Plan for dynamic setups
A mounted camera can shift or fall if a rig moves or is bumped, so SmallRig advises attaching a safety rope in dynamic scenarios.
That extra retention step matters for vehicle or moving-camera use and should be part of the setup plan.
Metal construction for routine rigging
Aluminum and stainless steel give the clamp assembly a metal construction, and the adjustable design is intended for changing device position between setups.
If your workflow involves frequent repositioning, check that the clamp's range and ball-head reach suit the exact placement you have in mind.
Alternatives to SmallRig 1138
Camera Mounts & Clamps alternative
2,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSMALLRIG 9.8 Inches Magic Arm Clamp Kit
Prefer the 2732 if you need an articulating arm with a defined 9.8-inch reach and both thread sizes; keep the 1138 in mind if its clamp-and-ball-head assembly and 1.5 kg capacity match your compact rig.
- The 2732 kit adds a 9.8-inch articulating arm, with 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch threads on its super clamp.
- The 1138 pairs a super clamp with a dual ball-head adapter and supports a maximum load of 1.5 kg, making it suited to compact accessory positioning where a short integrated assembly is preferred.
Camera Mounts & Clamps alternative
2,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSMALLRIG Super Clamp with 1/4 and 3/8 Thread
Choose the standalone Super Clamp if you want a clamp with both thread sizes and a stated 15–40 mm jaw range; choose the 1138 if the integrated dual ball-head adapter and action-camera mount are more useful for your rig.
- This standalone super clamp offers 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch threaded holes and opens from 15 mm to about 40 mm.
- The 1138 includes a dual ball-head adapter and action-camera mount adapter alongside its super clamp, for buyers who want those pieces in one package.
Is SmallRig 1138 Worth It?
The SmallRig 1138 is worth considering if you need an all-in-one clamp and dual ball-head mount for a compact camera or accessory rig.
Its 1/4-inch-20 screw, action-camera adapter, adjustable mounting, and compatibility with rods, tubes, tables, frames, or tripods make it a flexible choice for desk and small production setups.
Check the 1.5 kg load limit against your complete rig, and attach a safety rope for dynamic use. If those conditions fit your setup, this clamp combines adjustable positioning with a ballhead mount and action-camera adapter.
Your review at a glance
8,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSmallRig 1138
A clamp and dual ball-head mount for creators who need to attach compact gear to a rod, table, or frame.
- Maximum supported load: 1.5 kg.
- Mounting points include a 1/4-inch-20 screw for cameras and accessories.
- Clamp can secure to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod using the locking knob.
- The dual ball-head mount supports adjustable positioning.