Opteka CXS-500 X-Cage Pro with Handgrip and Rail System for all DSLR cameras

There must be more designs for DSLR video rigs than there are fireflies on a summer evening in Texas. Many are more than the cost of the camera, and many are 'me-too' copies of those high-dollar, high-quality video rigs. The Opteka CXS-500 has a very down-to-earth price, and surprising quality and versatility. A DSLR cage is a building block, a scaffold on which to attach some (or most) of the 'add-ons' which transform a DSLR designed primarily for still photography into a system that can overcome many of the DSLRs short-comings, and enable the user to shoot video in a professional and productive manner.

A cage's primary role in life is to provide a solid, lightweight, adaptable anchor point for items like follow-focuses, video lights, video monitors, microphones, sound recorders, HDMI splitters, wireless receivers, and other small accessories that can be attached by either 1/4"-20 bolt, or cold shoe. There are thirty-four (!) 1/4"-20 holes spread out on all surfaces of this lightweight cage, and they are all threaded and the threads neatly chased.

The holes are both its greatest asset, and the only disappointment. The box proclaims "numerous 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 mounting holes." But the model I received had only 1/4"-20 holes. A few 3/8"-16 holes would be most helpful, specifically for mounting microphones which often have 3/8"-16 holes in their shock mounts. One tip for using the holes to their best advantage; if you have any extra screws of the kind that come on Manfrotto mounting plates, they can be threaded through one of the holes on the rig and then they can turn freely to make mounting an accessory easy to get tightened down snugly.

Overall, the build quality is very good for an item in this price range, the versatility excellent,and the possibilities in constructing your own customized video rig are extremely broad.

The included handle is a nice touch, though the choice of blue rubber on an otherwise all black rig is questionable. The handle can both be reversed and mounted on the front or the back of the cage, though the rear location is slightly off-center. The handle is very firmly mounted, and the rig seems to be balanced well from the front mounting.

Hex wrenches are included for the hex head bolts, a nice touch.

Remember when buying an item like this, that you need to also budget for the many other parts that you will need, or want, once you have the cage. A cage usually is incorporated into a bigger rig, perhaps with front handles, a shoulder brace or shoulder mount, or other means to stabilize the whole rig. You may find you need a follow focus, a matte box, video monitor the list goes on and on. And don't get so caught up in the equipment that you forget why you got all this stuff it's the stories, silly! Go use this wonderful piece of equipment to tell stories, to make us laugh or cry or ask why.

As other posters have noted, the short 15mm rods are a welcome addition for those just starting out, though for those of us adapting this cage into an existing rig, they may become useful extras or back-ups.

47th Street Camera has the best price on this cage, and it was both shipped quickly, trackable, and delivered on time. I am already a repeat customer because of their combination of price and good customer service, and will certainly buy from them again.

The product has a nice finish and it's very robust. The problem is that I have a Canon T4i and I am not abe to remove the battery from the camera without having to unmount the camera from the cage. Also, I can't flip out the LCD screen from the camera as it bangs against the frame. As a solution to this I had to cut out this part of the cage so I can use it with my camera. I am still trying to find a way to fix the battery removal issue. So I guess they should change the description to Not for all DSLR cameras.

Buy Opteka CXS-500 X-Cage Pro with Handgrip and Rail System for all DSLR cameras Now

I have been using this cage since Sept. Out of the box it was a great product. Well built and priced right.

Until yesterday. Both screw holes for the rail mounts decided to strip out. Maybe I overtightened? Don't know. No tighter than before. Disappointing that such a well built item, would have such a weak point.

Still using it as a base on my tripod rig. For hand held action cammy type stuff, I'm going to find a different solution.

Read Best Reviews of Opteka CXS-500 X-Cage Pro with Handgrip and Rail System for all DSLR cameras Here

I just received my Opteka CXS-500 X-Cage Pro from 47th Street Photo to use with my 7D.

The Cage is made of sturdy aluminum and is built very well. All metal is smooth, burr free, and everything has a tight fit. With a price of just $99 bucks you really get a lot of bang for your buck with this rig! The rods and mount are also built well and look great. The mount has both large and small threads for your tripod quick release plate. Easy access to everything on your dslr.

My only concern with this rig is related to the access of the battery door on my 7d. When opening the door, it hits the adjustment knob used for the the rod below it. You can squeeze the battery out, but it is really tight. So be careful. I will just find a smaller knob or hex bolt to solve this issue.

Opteka, if you are reading this, please check this out with a 7D, and maybe just ship this awesome rig with smaller adjustment knobs and all will be good.

I have given 5 stars because this really is a great rig for the price. I have recently purchased other gear from Opteka and I am very happy with everything so far. Just great film making products at reasonable prices.

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Well you may be thinking, woah $100 for a metal rectangle, some poles and a handle, right? Well if you're interested in videography with DSLR cameras this is a must have. With this cage you have limitless possibilities for when it comes to rig arrangements. Once I got this I realized I made a great investment. This is the key item if you're ever thinking of getting a follow focus or matte box. Without it you have a mess of a camera and you'll a have mediocre look for when you go in for that video gig. We obviously know you don't need a huge rig to shoot amazing video, but the customer you're shooting for does not know that. There are tons of people now a days that shoot with a DSLR and its getting less rare with each passing day, so why look like everyone else? You'll never be able to get a decent gig if you have just a DSLR and say you shoot great video, you must look the part. I know it doesn't seem that way, but try it, show up with a small consumer camera like the t3i, I'm pretty sure they'd be like, "Man, I could have hired my 15 year old nephew for half the price, he got one of those cameras for x-mas..." Then try showing up with a huge dslr rig (matte box, follow focus, lcd monitor, microphone, and so on) you look the part and have the proper equipment to do the part. I hate saying this but it really does take money to make money, I have been slowly investing into my camera equipment and it has paid off. You will not regret making this purchase!

Thank you for reading-

MiamiFilmerGuy

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