While reading about a couple of new GoPro Hero cages recently, it occurred to me that we have built quite the collection of like-minded products over the last few months.
The compact, no fuss, shock proof, low price factors of the GoPro Hero 3+ make it a very popular platform for filmmaking. The Hero camera has a plethora of grip support from both GoPro themselves and other companies.
In order to make the GoPro compatible for use in the professional field, adaption to 3/8″ and 1/4″ holes are a must; the industry is built on having this compatibility with grip equipment. Many companies have worked hard at creating what they consider the answer to this professional adaptability, most of which incorporated into a cage design which not only gives the GoPro a wide variety of mounting options, but increases the durability of the product.
Another popular feature it seems is the inclusion of a front filter thread. Whilst this won’t elude the automatic exposure or fixed wide angle lens, it will give you a little bit of control in terms of reducing the shutter speed with an ND (for a more filmic look) or eliminate blue hue from a deep sea dive for example.
I’ve structured this list with a simple specification system, which clearly highlights what each cage has to offers. If I’ve missed any out, please do let me know.
Product Name: RRS modular GoPro Cage System
Manufacture: Really Right Stuff
Hero 3 compatibility: Yes with slim casing
Hero 3+ compatibility: Yes
Mounting Options: 24X 1/4″ screws
Front Filter: No
Compatible without Housing: No
Price: $180
Other Features: Modular system (can by parts separately) Replaces original trap door meaning you can slide GoPro out of cage to quickly replace card/battery. Bi-directional dovetail compatibility.
Product Name: Genus GoPro Cage
Manufacture: Genus
Hero 3 compatibility: Yes
Hero 3+ compatibility: Yes, with original housing
Mounting Options: 30X 1/4″, 6X 3/8″
Front Filter: Yes, 52mm
Compatible without Housing: Yes using shims.
Other Features: 360-degree protection, maintaining all buttons and outputs. Available in Black and Champagne
Price: $109 at B&H
Product Name: Cobalt Cage
Manufacture: RedRock
Hero 3 compatibility: Yes
Hero 3+ compatibility: Naked or with original housing
Mounting Options: 18X 1/4″, 4X 3/8″
Front Filter: 55mm with adapter
Compatible without Housing: Yes with bracket
Other Features: Hero and Hero 2 cages available also. Power plate external battery due soon.
Price: Starting at $99 at B&H
Product Name: Combat Cage
Manufacture: Wide Open Cameras
Hero 3 compatibility: Yes
Hero 3+ compatibility: Yes, with original housing
Mounting Options: 11X 1/4″, 3X 3/8″
Front Filter: No
Compatible without Housing: No
Other Features: Retains access to side ports, slotted side of cage for mic cable.
Price: $99
Product Name: CineShark GoPro Cage
Manufacture: CineShark
Hero 3 compatibility: Yes
Hero 3+ compatibility: Yes
Mounting Options: 10X 1/4″, 8X 3/8″
Front Filter: No
Compatible without Housing: No
Other Features: Compatible with Hero and Hero 2, 1/2″ thread on side for 15mm rod support
Price: $59
Product Name: CagePro
Manufacture: Tehkron
Hero 3 compatibility: Yes
Hero 3+ compatibility: Yes with original housing
Mounting Options: Approx 30X 1/4″, 10 3/8″
Front Filter: Yes, 62mm
Compatible without Housing: No
Other Features: Battery compartment for use with LP-E6 batteries, Top handle
Price: $180 with top handle at B&H
Product Name: Hollywood Impact Cage
Manufacture: Alan Gordan Enterprises
Hero 3 compatibility: Yes
Hero 3+ compatibility: Yes with original housing
Mounting Options: Approx 30X 1/4″
Front Filter: No
Compatible without Housing: No
Other Features: Made from military grade Aluminium
Price: $155.95
