While sliding out the left end of the L bracket will give you some handling benefits for video as you mentioned, the purpose of having the ability to slide the vertical portion of the bracket is to allow access to the ports on the camera without having to remove the L-bracket. Often times it's difficult to open the covers when an L-bracket is installed.
@@jbairdexp My apologies Julian. I didn't catch the text box mentioning the access to the ports that popped up at the bottom of the screen @3:57. My comment was based on your verbal descriptions, which were centered on using it as a grab handle during video. Guess I need to pay closer attention :). BTW, RRS and Kirk Photo L-plates have the same feature, but they are a lot more expensive than the Small Rig stuff. I have not seen the ability to slide out the vertical portion on 3Legged Thing L-plates.
@@Robert-R No need to apologise Robert! I expect I've done the same thing when leaving comments on others videos! lol Sometimes I forget to say things so I supplement the verbal with some text. :-) 3LT have just announced their Z8 bracket - £109!!! Yikes!
Brilliant info! While I already purchased the Smallrig cage for my Z8, your video prompted me to look at the model that supports the MB12 battery grip to keep from removing it when attaching the cage. Plus it come with the L bracket capability of the side mounted Arca Swiss. So, here I am with a body only cage, yet I’m really liking the cage of the body/grip, mount one and done cage, yet also like the streamline more portability of the body only L bracket. Given the video, I assume you own both the L bracket and body only cage?
Hi, yes, I have both the standard l-bracket and cage as I don't have the battery grip. I use the l-bracket almost all the time (as I do more stills work with the Z8 than video at the moment).
Hi, thanks for watching. I think most photographers leave them on once attached. I will definitely be leaving this Z8 bracket on for a better grip as you have found on your Z5. :-)
I have the L bracket on my Z7II it never comes off the camera and is certainly the best I have owned. Again it's custom made for the camera. It does not have the battery gate thingy which makes changing the battery just a little more difficult as its deeper down, but hey I can live with that.
Thanks Julian, yes I've got my eye on an L-bracket for my Nikon Z8, just waiting on my Z 180-600 lease which I pre-ordered then I'll purchase one ASAP.
Just had my Z8 SmallRig L Bracket delivered today. Very, very nice item and very, very well made. Well worth it to give the Z8 more protection from accidental drops & knocks. Mine was only £39 on Amazon.
They both look nice, well-designed, and built to last. I'd opt for the L-bracket for the reasons you mentioned. I use a Really Right Stuff L-bracket for one of my cameras, and while it's beautifully engineered, has been attached to the camera for the past 3 years, and has served me really well, it was definitely pricey, what with the shipping from the US, the import fee and the VAT. I ultimately found myself paying double the retail price... So, I'd definitely look in the direction of Small Rig next time around.
Yeah, importing stuff can be very hit and miss. At least with Smallrig, you can purchase most of their items via Amazon UK, which I think avoids that issue.
I bought the large SmallRig cage for use with the battery grip and love it! Although I primarily shoot photos and not video, I just like the extra protection the full cage provides for the camera. Also, I added a side handle to the left side which really helps to steady the camera and I have a top handle as well.
Hi Peter, you're not the only one in the comments that have said they prefer the cage because of the additional protection it offers. Thanks for sharing - it's something I hadn't considered :-)
Yes, but given the cage is a video centric product, and the 10-pin is mostly used in stills photography, I feel this this probably isn't a problem. There's no issue with the Smallrig l-bracket (a better option for stills photographers) and the 10 pin connector.
I use the cage on both my Z6 & Z7ii. I find the cage is good for protection of the body, as it is dragged in and out of the camera bag, and placed on rough surfaces while setting up. And it also gives better gripping points when carrying it around. I'm a landscaper, and don't do much video. But it's the cage for me.
@@jbairdexp No, it does not allow for vertical photos. I use my ball head and base leveller to do that, as I don't have to remove the camera from the tripod. The base leveller is brilliant for panoramas, as you don't have to adjust the tripod legs to get the head level. You should try one out. You'll find there is a lot less playing around with the tripod on uneven ground. It's a Neewer Aluminium Alloy Tripod Levelling Base.
I have the L bracket and was disappointed my remote shutter release Nikon MC-30 would not work in the vertical format. After sleeping on it I tried again, this time I moved the side panel out and now the MC-30 works.
I have both of them already, the L bracket and the gage. I even don't have my Z8 delivered yet 😁. I have the L-bracket on my Z6, it is fantastic. I also have the SmallRig bracket/grip for my Zfc. SmallRig makes great products.
The L-Bracket is usefull to change de lens. Hold the camera using the right hand, with the thumb press the release button on the camera and with left hand remove the lens.
I’m glad this popped up today. Ive been wondering how to steady the Z8 or Z6 for that matter when i take more “serious” hahaha video. I like how the L bracket moves out so you’ve convinced me to grab the L bracket. If i get more into vid ill move up to the cage. Thanks so much. - tim
Three-Legged Things is currently manufacturing a dedicated Z8 bracket. Just received a notification today. I just bought their universal L bracket on the Z8, for now, to bring with me to Iceland in three weeks. It does not allow you access to the HDMI and audio ports. Since I am going to use the camera mainly for stills, it is okay for me. But, I'll eventually get a dedicated Z8 L bracket.
I got an email about that earlier as well. It does look a little on the expensive side compared to the SmallRig l-bracket though. However, I'm sure someone will compare them so it will be interesting to see if there is any extra value with buying a TLT version. Until I got the SmallRig version, I was also using the the TLT universal bracket. Did the job, but much happier with the SmallRig version. Anyway....have a great time in Iceland with the Z8....not jealous at all!!! :-)
I always use an L-bracket. It is far superior to a regular Arca-Swiss plate because it will not rotate and it will not come loose. While the L part of the bracket helps it stay in place, it also has a stub which goes into a socket in the camera specifically to prevent rotation. While the SmallRig L-brackets are good, the ones from Really Right Stuff are better, though significantly more expensive, if the camera will be used a lot in vertical orientation. The RRS bracket has the edges rounded just enough that it does not 'bite' into the palm. For me, the SmallRig base is sharper enough to be uncomfortable. After spending $3k on a camera, I didn't want to save $100 and have it be uncomfortable to hold.
Can't say I've found that any of the L-brackets I've used over the years have had edges that have made the camera feel uncomfortable. But the main thing is that you have a product that suits you. That's why it's good to have options. :-)
@@jbairdexp Yes. American markets have almost nothing regarding L Brackets short of the ridiculously expensive 3 Legged Thing bracket for nearly twice the price and doesn't extend. I was able to pay a premium of about $15 USD (shipping and currency exchange) to buy it from the Amazon UK store and I checked the Smallrig site and it's listed as discontinued. So I bought a discontinued item apparently Everything else is full cage, often considerable cheaper cages than the previously mentioned bracket. Why WAS there L-Brackets for the Z8 but now there are fewer options? Odd, but at least I found this one for an OK price.
For photography i know L bracket is the most suitable. I want your opinion. I heard that 2 z8 had a fail on anchor that holds the strap and had a fall. I dont want to face this issue so i consider buying on bracket. I like more the cage but i dont know if feels ok for photography. I dont mind being a bit akwars but i dont know. If i buy L bracket i eant to attach the strap peak design only on bracket.. is it possible?
I had to Google this reported issue because I haven't heard of it before. I'm not worried about it and I'll continue to use a normal camera strap. If you want to use a Peak Design strap though (like I do) you'll need to use the eyelets on the Z8 regardless of if you use a l-bracket or cage.
If the depth detection and autofocus difference between the Canon R8 and the Z8 is going to ruin your photography, that difference is your second biggest problem.
@@UnconventionalReasoning actually it’s going to save me $3500usd. Also I am going to get more photos in focus that I can’t with Nikon unless I manual focus :). Win win in my book!
🎞 Watch my other Nikon Z8 related videos - th-cam.com/video/b6_ZUyAF1n0/w-d-xo.html
While sliding out the left end of the L bracket will give you some handling benefits for video as you mentioned, the purpose of having the ability to slide the vertical portion of the bracket is to allow access to the ports on the camera without having to remove the L-bracket. Often times it's difficult to open the covers when an L-bracket is installed.
I think that is pretty well what I said on screen at 03:37 :-)
@@jbairdexp My apologies Julian. I didn't catch the text box mentioning the access to the ports that popped up at the bottom of the screen @3:57. My comment was based on your verbal descriptions, which were centered on using it as a grab handle during video. Guess I need to pay closer attention :). BTW, RRS and Kirk Photo L-plates have the same feature, but they are a lot more expensive than the Small Rig stuff. I have not seen the ability to slide out the vertical portion on 3Legged Thing L-plates.
@@Robert-R No need to apologise Robert! I expect I've done the same thing when leaving comments on others videos! lol Sometimes I forget to say things so I supplement the verbal with some text. :-) 3LT have just announced their Z8 bracket - £109!!! Yikes!
Thanks for the review. Does the L-bracket hinder the tilt screen when using the camera in vertical mode?
Hi, thanks for watching. No, the title on the screen works fine even in vertical mode (which I use a lot).
Thank you ☺️
You forgot to mention that generally Smallrig products are a lot cheaper than Kirk & RRS? Very informative video,
I didn't forget, because I didn't know! lol ;-) But yes, good to know. :-)
Brilliant info! While I already purchased the Smallrig cage for my Z8, your video prompted me to look at the model that supports the MB12 battery grip to keep from removing it when attaching the cage. Plus it come with the L bracket capability of the side mounted Arca Swiss. So, here I am with a body only cage, yet I’m really liking the cage of the body/grip, mount one and done cage, yet also like the streamline more portability of the body only L bracket. Given the video, I assume you own both the L bracket and body only cage?
Hi, yes, I have both the standard l-bracket and cage as I don't have the battery grip. I use the l-bracket almost all the time (as I do more stills work with the Z8 than video at the moment).
Is the handle the wrong way around?
Yes, well spotted ;-)
Have you tried Sunway foto L Bracket? I’m about to receive it in the mail today. I used one on my Z7ii and it’s a champ of an L Bracket.
Can't say I have but I own two of Sunwayfoto's geared heads and they are ace. :-)
No other video I've seen so far shows the L bracket extension, thanks
Thanks for watching! :-)
Hi Julian, I've got a SmallRig L bracket on my Nikon Z5. I leave it on all the time, as I find it gives the camera a better grip.
Hi, thanks for watching. I think most photographers leave them on once attached. I will definitely be leaving this Z8 bracket on for a better grip as you have found on your Z5. :-)
I have the L bracket on my Z7II it never comes off the camera and is certainly the best I have owned. Again it's custom made for the camera. It does not have the battery gate thingy which makes changing the battery just a little more difficult as its deeper down, but hey I can live with that.
Good to read. Maybe the battery gate thingy is something they've learnt from feedback from owners such as yourself. :-)
Thanks Julian, yes I've got my eye on an L-bracket for my Nikon Z8, just waiting on my Z 180-600 lease which I pre-ordered then I'll purchase one ASAP.
The 180-600 should be a cracking lens. :-)
Many will find this video very useful. For me, L-bracket for photography, cage for video work. Smallrig make great products at a very reasonable cost.
Couldn't agree more. :-) Thanks for watching mate.
Just had my Z8 SmallRig L Bracket delivered today. Very, very nice item and very, very well made. Well worth it to give the Z8 more protection from accidental drops & knocks. Mine was only £39 on Amazon.
That's a good price and as you say, it's very well made. Happy shooting!
They both look nice, well-designed, and built to last. I'd opt for the L-bracket for the reasons you mentioned. I use a Really Right Stuff L-bracket for one of my cameras, and while it's beautifully engineered, has been attached to the camera for the past 3 years, and has served me really well, it was definitely pricey, what with the shipping from the US, the import fee and the VAT. I ultimately found myself paying double the retail price... So, I'd definitely look in the direction of Small Rig next time around.
Yeah, importing stuff can be very hit and miss. At least with Smallrig, you can purchase most of their items via Amazon UK, which I think avoids that issue.
It's tough when the retail price gets double as an import. If you use the camera in portrait orientation a lot, it might still be worth it.
I bought the large SmallRig cage for use with the battery grip and love it! Although I primarily shoot photos and not video, I just like the extra protection the full cage provides for the camera. Also, I added a side handle to the left side which really helps to steady the camera and I have a top handle as well.
Hi Peter, you're not the only one in the comments that have said they prefer the cage because of the additional protection it offers. Thanks for sharing - it's something I hadn't considered :-)
Julian, thank you for the great explanation and breakdown of both products and their use cases.
My pleasure Craig, thanks as always for watching. :-)
Have you discovered the 10 pin remote cable will not fit on the Z8 with Smallrig cage mounted on the Z8?
Yes, but given the cage is a video centric product, and the 10-pin is mostly used in stills photography, I feel this this probably isn't a problem. There's no issue with the Smallrig l-bracket (a better option for stills photographers) and the 10 pin connector.
I use the cage on both my Z6 & Z7ii. I find the cage is good for protection of the body, as it is dragged in and out of the camera bag, and placed on rough surfaces while setting up. And it also gives better gripping points when carrying it around. I'm a landscaper, and don't do much video. But it's the cage for me.
Thank you for sharing your experience and that your choice is to go with the cage. :-) Do the cages you use allow you to mount the camera vertically?
@@jbairdexp No, it does not allow for vertical photos. I use my ball head and base leveller to do that, as I don't have to remove the camera from the tripod. The base leveller is brilliant for panoramas, as you don't have to adjust the tripod legs to get the head level. You should try one out. You'll find there is a lot less playing around with the tripod on uneven ground. It's a Neewer Aluminium Alloy Tripod Levelling Base.
@@stillsandvideos7908 I used to have a Neewer levelling base but I switched to my Sunwayfoto GH-PROII geared head and it has one built in. Very handy!
I have the L bracket and was disappointed my remote shutter release Nikon MC-30 would not work in the vertical format. After sleeping on it I tried again, this time I moved the side panel out and now the MC-30 works.
Top tip for MC-30 users. Thanks :-)
I have both of them already, the L bracket and the gage. I even don't have my Z8 delivered yet 😁. I have the L-bracket on my Z6, it is fantastic. I also have the SmallRig bracket/grip for my Zfc. SmallRig makes great products.
I've also got the grip for the Z fc. I agree, SmallRig make great products. Thanks for watching. :-)
The L-Bracket is usefull to change de lens. Hold the camera using the right hand, with the thumb press the release button on the camera and with left hand remove the lens.
Good tip! :-)
Thanks for the comparison Julian , I’ve used Smallrig L brackets for awhile now, as you say, a well engineered bit of kit.
And thank you for watching. :-)
I’m glad this popped up today. Ive been wondering how to steady the Z8 or Z6 for that matter when i take more “serious” hahaha video. I like how the L bracket moves out so you’ve convinced me to grab the L bracket. If i get more into vid ill move up to the cage. Thanks so much. - tim
Perfect timing then Tim! Glad the video was useful and that it's helped you make a decision. That's why I made the video! :-)
Three-Legged Things is currently manufacturing a dedicated Z8 bracket. Just received a notification today. I just bought their universal L bracket on the Z8, for now, to bring with me to Iceland in three weeks. It does not allow you access to the HDMI and audio ports. Since I am going to use the camera mainly for stills, it is okay for me. But, I'll eventually get a dedicated Z8 L bracket.
I got an email about that earlier as well. It does look a little on the expensive side compared to the SmallRig l-bracket though. However, I'm sure someone will compare them so it will be interesting to see if there is any extra value with buying a TLT version. Until I got the SmallRig version, I was also using the the TLT universal bracket. Did the job, but much happier with the SmallRig version. Anyway....have a great time in Iceland with the Z8....not jealous at all!!! :-)
the only issue with the SmallRig one is that I can't stuck the Peak Design Bracket to use it with the Peak Design Capture which I use a lot@@jbairdexp
Smallrig should make an adapter that we could add to the cage to shoot portrait pictures on a tripod.
I guess that's why they have l-bracket as well?
@jbairdexp not convenient for those who make video and photography as I do. Peak Design arca swiss I think will be my solution.
I have the L bracket ,extended the side on putting it on. I even ordered it while still in design. Love it.
It's a great bit of kit isn't it! :-)
A very very well explained review on those products.
Definitely a good piece of kit for your Z 8.
Cheers Tim, I always appreciate reading a comment from yourself. :-)
I always use an L-bracket. It is far superior to a regular Arca-Swiss plate because it will not rotate and it will not come loose. While the L part of the bracket helps it stay in place, it also has a stub which goes into a socket in the camera specifically to prevent rotation.
While the SmallRig L-brackets are good, the ones from Really Right Stuff are better, though significantly more expensive, if the camera will be used a lot in vertical orientation. The RRS bracket has the edges rounded just enough that it does not 'bite' into the palm. For me, the SmallRig base is sharper enough to be uncomfortable. After spending $3k on a camera, I didn't want to save $100 and have it be uncomfortable to hold.
Can't say I've found that any of the L-brackets I've used over the years have had edges that have made the camera feel uncomfortable. But the main thing is that you have a product that suits you. That's why it's good to have options. :-)
Not available in the U.S.?
Have you tried Amazon?
@@jbairdexp Yes. American markets have almost nothing regarding L Brackets short of the ridiculously expensive 3 Legged Thing bracket for nearly twice the price and doesn't extend.
I was able to pay a premium of about $15 USD (shipping and currency exchange) to buy it from the Amazon UK store and I checked the Smallrig site and it's listed as discontinued. So I bought a discontinued item apparently
Everything else is full cage, often considerable cheaper cages than the previously mentioned bracket. Why WAS there L-Brackets for the Z8 but now there are fewer options? Odd, but at least I found this one for an OK price.
For photography i know L bracket is the most suitable. I want your opinion. I heard that 2 z8 had a fail on anchor that holds the strap and had a fall. I dont want to face this issue so i consider buying on bracket. I like more the cage but i dont know if feels ok for photography. I dont mind being a bit akwars but i dont know. If i buy L bracket i eant to attach the strap peak design only on bracket.. is it possible?
I had to Google this reported issue because I haven't heard of it before. I'm not worried about it and I'll continue to use a normal camera strap. If you want to use a Peak Design strap though (like I do) you'll need to use the eyelets on the Z8 regardless of if you use a l-bracket or cage.
I’m definitely getting that L bracket.
It's a good one. :-)
@@jbairdexp your link is for the U.K. it looks like they’re not available yet in the States.
@@Joseph-iu6ip Yes it is and it's not listed on SmallRig website either. Not sure why!
The Canon R8 has better depth detection and autofocus than this Z8 so sad.
Thank you for a relevant and considered comment. :-)
Let's hope you know how to use it then!
If the depth detection and autofocus difference between the Canon R8 and the Z8 is going to ruin your photography, that difference is your second biggest problem.
@@UnconventionalReasoning actually it’s going to save me $3500usd. Also I am going to get more photos in focus that I can’t with Nikon unless I manual focus :). Win win in my book!
@@lewcehjitl3282 I'm sorry your photography capabilities are so weak that you think the camera will save you.