Rigging and support equipment can be some of the smallest and cheapest pieces in your kit. They can also make the biggest difference in your life by making the little things that much better – but they have to work well. One critical component is your monitor mount. Considering how commonplace (and costly) an external monitor is for modern video production, the piece you use to secure it is important.
Whether you are looking for an articulating arm, a compact shoe mount, or perhaps something in the middle you will want to find solid performance at an affordable price. If you want some recommendations, Harv Video/Audio Stuff has a few for you.
To start, it is worth mentioning all those cheap, small ball heads that come packaged with a lot of accessories. These things can be fine, but for the most part, they will be lacking in something and you’ll want to pick up something a bit better.
The first specific product on the list is an upgraded take on the basic ball head, the SmallRig Swivel/Tilt Monitor Mount. Apparently, there were some comments claiming that wasn’t the best, spurring on this video. The other contenders are the ANDYCINE Field Monitor Mount, 5.5” and 9.5” Articulating Arms from SmallRig, and a SHINEWEE Ball Head as a stand in for the affordable option.
Rating on build quality, the SmallRig products appear to take the lead, following closely by ANDYCINE. ANDYCINE has some odd things about it, especially how it includes a bunch of random stuff that is completely useless. And then the big ball head is decent and the small ball head is, as expected, not great.
Image Credit: Andycine
For user experience, Harv used a 7” monitor to test with. The big ball head actually tended to work well, though it could be a little more compact. ANDYCINE has an issue with getting tight enough and there was always potential for it to pop off.
SmallRig has the ability to tighten down with a hex key that will secure it super well. The arms are a different thing since it screws directly into cages and the like if you need the distance and maneuverability, but still good.
Image Credit: SmallRig
How about value? The SmallRig Articulating Arm wins as it clearly won all the other categories. As for the more compact mounts, the large ball head actually comes in second because it will get the job done and is very inexpensive. SmallRig comes in right after as it is more expensive, but also very good. And then comes the ANDYCINE with its issues even though it is relatively affordable.
It seems like SmallRig is the brand if you are looking for great value with your rigging and support equipment. I support that as Ive tried out a few of their cages and been very happy.
Do you have a favorite monitor mount?
[source: Harv Video/Audio Stuff]
Order Links:
- SmallRig Swivel/Tilt Monitor Mount (B&H, Amazon)
- SmallRig 5.5” Articulating Arm (B&H, Amazon)
- SmallRig 9.5” Articulating Arm (B&H, Amazon)
- SmallRig Mini Ball Head with Removable Cold Shoe Mount (B&H, Amazon)
- ANDYCINE Field Monitor Mount (B&H, Amazon)
- SHINEWEE Ball Head with Cold Shoe Mount (Amazon)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
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