SmallRig has announced new cages for the recently introduced Nikon Z 8. Available in configurations for use with and without a battery grip, these three new SmallRig cages offer whole-body protection with a lightweight design that doesn’t block access to any ports. They are available for preorder now, priced between $69.90 and $119.
Announced in early May 2023, the feature-rich Nikon Z 8 packs many fantastic video recording capabilities from the larger Nikon Z 9 into a smaller, more affordable form factor.
Check out our article Nikon Z 8 Announced – More Compact but Just as Powerful as Nikon Z9 to learn more about the Nikon Z 8.
RED Digital Cinema had previously taken legal action against Nikon over issues with their compressed RAW patent. However, since Nikon and RED have settled their legal dispute, the Z 8 can also now shoot 12-bit, 8.3K 60p N-RAW, and 4.1K 60p ProRes RAW internally, just like its big brother, the Nikon Z 9.
The Nikon Z 8 lists for $3,996.95. It is currently available for preorder, and will be released soon.
SmallRig’s new cages for the Nikon Z 8 come in 3 different configurations: a basic full camera cage, a full cage with a top handle and port protector, and a full cage for use with a battery grip attachment.
All three cages are made from aluminum alloy and feature integrated arca-swiss mounts compatible with the DJI RS stabilizers. This also means they’re compatible with SmallRig Compact and Advanced V-Mount Battery Mounting Systems for longer runtimes and rigging expandability.
SmallRig cage for Nikon Z 8 (3940)
- A full cage protects the camera without blocking buttons.
- Locks camera via one 1/4″-20 screw at the bottom, one locating screw and one side lock adapter on the right.
- 1/4″-20 threaded hole, 3/8″-16 threaded hole, ARRI 3/8″-16 locating hole, cold shoe mount, NATO rail, QD mount, strap slot.
- Arca-Swiss quick-release plate for Arca-type tripods or DJI RS 2 / RSC 2 / RS 3 / RS 3 Pro gimbals.
| Includes | 1 Cage, User Manual |
| Product Dimensions | 159.1 × 56.8 × 131.0mm / 6.3 × 2.2 × 5.2in |
| Product Weight | 203.0 # 5.0g / 7.2 ‡ 0,20z |
| Price | $69.90 |
SmallRig cage kit for Nikon Z 8 (3941)
- Portable, dedicated handheld cage kit for Nikon Z 8.
- Ergonomic handle for comfortable and stable shooting.
- Thumb-screw HDMI & USB-C clamp protects camera ports and ensures stable signal transmission.
- Multiple mounting points：1/4″-20 threaded hole, 3/8″-16 threaded hole, ARRI 3/8″-16 locating hole, NATO rail, cold shoe mount, for brilliant expandability.
- Arca Swiss quick-release plate for Arca-type tripods and DJI RS 2 / RSC 2 / RS 3 / RS 3 Pro gimbals.
| Includes | 1 Cage, 1 HDMI & USB-C Cable Clamp, 1 Top Handle, User Manual |
| Product Dimensions | 182.0 × 135.0 × 195.8mm / 7.2 × 5.3 × 7.7in |
| Product Weight | 379.0 # 5.0g / 9.8 $ 0,202 |
| Price | $129.00 |
SmallRig cage for Nikon Z 8 with MB-N12 battery grip (3982)
- An all-in-one full cage protects the camera.
- Locks camera via one bottom 1/4″-20 screw and one M2.5 screw on both sides.
- Arca-Swiss quick-release bottom plate and side plate for quick switch between horizontal and vertical shooting.
- Multiple mounting points: 1/4″-20 threaded hole, 3/8″-16 threaded hole, ARRI 3/8″-16 locating hole, QD mount, cold shoe mount, for brilliant expandability.
- Arca-Swiss quick-release plate for Arca-type tripods or DJI RS 2 / RSC 2 / RS 3 / RS 3 Pro gimbals.
| Includes | 1 Cage, User Manual |
| Product Dimensions | 160.1 × 70.3 × 183.5mm / 6.3 × 2.8 × 7.2in |
| Product Weight | 262.0 = 5.0g / 9.2 # 0,20z |
| Price | $119.00 |
Price and availability
The SmallRig cages (models 3940, 3941, and 3982) for the Nikon Z 8 are available for preorder now on SmallRig’s website. They are currently for sale at an introductory discount of $59.90 for the 3940 model, $109.90 for the 3941 model, and $102.90 for the 3982 model.
These first-batch introductory discounts are only available while supplies last, so hurry and claim yours immediately!
Do you use SmallRig’s cages for your mirrorless cameras? How do you think they hold up against the other offerings on the market? Let us know in the comments down below!
