This SmallRig 1138 camera clamp review looks at a double ball adapter mount for attaching cameras and accessories to rods, tubes, tables, or frames.
SmallRig 1138 Clamp Review Summary
The quick verdict
8,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSmallRig 1138 Camera Clamp
A compact mounting option for creators who need to attach cameras, lights, or microphones to rods, tubes, tables, or frames.
- Dual ball head clamp with a 1/4"-20 screw for cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.
- Locks onto rods, tubes, tables, frames, or tripods using a locking knob; no drilling is required.
- Supports up to 1.5 kg.
- Made with aluminum and stainless steel.
Pros
- A dual ball head and 1/4"-20 screw support a broad range of creator accessories.
- Can clamp to common rigging surfaces including rods, tubes, tables, frames, and tripods without drilling.
Consider before buying
- The 1.5 kg maximum capacity narrows its fit to setups that stay within that load.
- For moving or dynamic setups, plan to add a safety rope to help prevent accidental drops.
Read the full review summary
The SmallRig clamp pairs a dual ball head with a 1/4"-20 screw for mounting cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, or action cameras. Clamp it to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod to position gear without drilling.
It is best suited to lightweight setups within its stated 1.5 kg capacity and to users who value a metal clamp body.
For dynamic shooting, plan to attach the recommended safety rope; this mount is a positioning aid, so the available surface and rigging method still matter to the setup.
The buying factors
SmallRig 1138 Clamp Scorecard
Editorial scores reflect listed features and buyer fit; they are not laboratory measurements or customer ratings.
Mounting versatility
The clamp locks onto rods, tubes, tables, frames, or tripods without drilling, and its 1/4"-20 screw mounts cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, or action cameras.
Articulation
The dual ball head design provides angle adjustment, a useful feature when framing equipment mounted away from a standard tripod position.
Load suitability
Its stated capacity is up to 1.5 kg, which makes checking the combined weight of the camera and attached accessories essential before buying.
Construction materials
Aluminum and stainless steel construction is a practical fit for repeated rigging and repositioning.
Included mounting adapter
The package includes an action camera mount adapter, extending the clamp's use to compatible action camera setups.
Key Features and Specifications of SmallRig 1138 Clamp
- Dual ball head clamp with a 1/4"-20 screw for cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.
- Locks onto rods, tubes, tables, frames, or tripods using a locking knob; no drilling is required.
- Supports up to 1.5 kg.
- Made with aluminum and stainless steel.
- Includes a super camera clamp mount and action camera mount adapter.
- For dynamic scenarios, the package guidance recommends attaching a safety rope.
Pros and Cons of SmallRig 1138 Clamp
Pros
- A dual ball head and 1/4"-20 screw support a broad range of creator accessories.
- Can clamp to common rigging surfaces including rods, tubes, tables, frames, and tripods without drilling.
- Aluminum and stainless steel construction suits a reusable mounting accessory.
- An action camera mount adapter is included in the package.
Consider before buying
- The 1.5 kg maximum capacity narrows its fit to setups that stay within that load.
- For moving or dynamic setups, plan to add a safety rope to help prevent accidental drops.
- Confirm that the intended mounting surface and accessory connection suit your rig before purchase.
Who Should Buy SmallRig 1138 Clamp?
Good fit
Choose the SmallRig clamp if you want to mount cameras or creator accessories to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod and adjust their position with a dual ball head.
The 1/4"-20 screw supports cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras, and an action camera mount adapter is included.
It also makes sense for creators who prefer a metal clamp body and can keep their equipment within the stated 1.5 kg capacity.
For filming with motion, include a safety rope in the setup and check that the mount is secured to an appropriate surface.
Who should skip it
Skip it if your rig exceeds 1.5 kg or requires a mounting arrangement outside the listed rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod options.
Confirm that the available clamp points and 1/4"-20 connection match your equipment before committing to this setup.
It is also a poor fit for dynamic shooting if you do not intend to use the recommended safety rope to help guard against accidental equipment drops.
SmallRig 1138 Clamp: Mounting Flexibility and Load Limits
Positioning gear on a clamp point
The 1138 combines clamping with a dual ball head, so it can attach gear to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod while allowing angle adjustment.
That makes it relevant when a regular tripod position is unavailable, but the rig still depends on having a suitable clamp point.
Match the accessory connection
The 1/4"-20 screw covers common camera and creator accessories, including lights, monitors, microphones, and action cameras. Check the connection on the gear you plan to mount, especially if you are building a setup around multiple accessories.
Keep the total load in range
A maximum load of 1.5 kg gives a useful boundary for deciding whether the clamp suits a camera and its attachments.
Add the weight of the full mounted setup when judging fit, and use the safety rope for dynamic scenarios as recommended.
Alternatives to SmallRig 1138 Clamp
Camera Mounts & Clamps alternative
2,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSMALLRIG 9.8 Inches Magic Arm Clamp Kit
Choose the Magic Arm Clamp Kit if you need the articulating arm and both thread sizes; choose the 1138 if its double ball adapter clamp and up to 1.5 kg capacity better suit your mounting needs.
- The Magic Arm Clamp Kit pairs a super clamp with an articulating arm, has 1/4" and 3/8" threads, and opens to a maximum of 54mm.
- The 1138 is a double ball adapter clamp for mounting gear to rods, tubes, tables, frames, or tripods, with capacity up to 1.5 kg.
Camera Mounts & Clamps alternative
2,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSMALLRIG Super Clamp with 1/4 and 3/8 Thread
Choose the Super Clamp if you need threaded 1/4" and 3/8" accessory holes and a jaw range from 15 mm to 40 mm.
Choose the 1138 if you want a dual ball head with a 1/4"-20 screw for mounting camera and creator gear.
- The Super Clamp has 1/4" and 3/8" threaded holes and a jaw range from 15 mm to 40 mm.
- The 1138 combines a dual ball head and 1/4"-20 screw for mounting cameras and creator accessories, with support for up to 1.5 kg.
Is SmallRig 1138 Clamp Worth It?
Consider the SmallRig clamp if you want to position cameras or creator accessories on a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod.
Its dual ball head, 1/4"-20 screw, aluminum and stainless steel construction, and included action camera mount adapter suit a flexible camera rig.
Buy it when your complete setup stays within its 1.5 kg capacity and you can secure the clamp appropriately.
For dynamic use, factor in the recommended safety rope; if your rig needs a different connection or exceeds the capacity, this model is not the right fit.
Your review at a glance
8,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSmallRig 1138 Camera Clamp
A compact mounting option for creators who need to attach cameras, lights, or microphones to rods, tubes, tables, or frames.
- Dual ball head clamp with a 1/4"-20 screw for cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.
- Locks onto rods, tubes, tables, frames, or tripods using a locking knob; no drilling is required.
- Supports up to 1.5 kg.
- Made with aluminum and stainless steel.