SmallRig 1138 Camera Clamp Review

This SmallRig 1138 camera clamp review looks at a compact mounting kit for creators who need to secure gear to a rod, tube, table, or frame.

Its super clamp, dual ball head, and action-camera adapter make it suited to flexible camera and accessory setups.

SmallRig 1138 Review Summary

The quick verdict

SmallRig 1138

A flexible clamp and dual ball head for creators mounting compact cameras, lights, microphones, or monitors to rods, tubes, tables, and frames.

• Clamp capacity: supports up to 1.5kg.
• Mounting interface: dual ball head and 1/4"-20 screw.
• Attachment points: designed for rods, tubes, tables, frames, and tripods; the locking knob secures it without drilling.
• Compatible gear includes cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.

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✓ Pros

• One clamp-based setup can attach to rods, tubes, tables, frames, or tripods without drilling.
• The 1/4"-20 screw supports a useful spread of camera and creator accessories.

− Consider before buying

• The 1.5kg maximum limits its suitability for heavier camera and accessory combinations.
• For moving or otherwise dynamic setups, plan to use a safety rope to reduce the risk of an accidental drop.

Read the full review summary

The SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm pairs a super clamp with a dual ball head and an action camera mount.

Its 1/4-inch-20 screw mounts cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras; the locking knob secures it to rods, tubes, tables, frames, or tripods without drilling.

It is a practical fit for creators who want one clamp-based mount across desk, vehicle, or rig setups and whose attached equipment stays within the 1.5kg capacity.

The clamp uses non-slip threads and an anti-twist structure, but SmallRig advises attaching a safety rope in dynamic scenarios, so a bouncing or moving rig calls for extra restraint.

Editorial scores reflect listed features and buyer fit; they are not laboratory measurements or customer ratings.

Key Features and Specifications of SmallRig 1138

• Clamp capacity: supports up to 1.5kg.
• Mounting interface: dual ball head and 1/4"-20 screw.
• Attachment points: designed for rods, tubes, tables, frames, and tripods; the locking knob secures it without drilling.
• Compatible gear includes cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.
• Construction: aluminum and stainless steel.
• The package includes a super clamp and an action-camera mount adapter.

Pros and Cons of SmallRig 1138

Who Should Buy SmallRig 1138?

Good fit

Choose the SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm for a clamp and dual ball head in one mount.

Its locking knob secures it to rods, tubes, tables, frames, or tripods, and its 1/4-inch-20 screw mounts cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, and microphones.

It suits creators who value an action-camera option alongside a general clamp mount and can keep their complete setup within the 1.5kg limit.

For a vehicle or other moving installation, include a safety rope as part of the mounting plan.

Who should skip it

Skip it if your planned camera and accessories exceed 1.5kg, since that is above the stated supported load.

It is also a poor fit if you need a setup that can be left unsecured in a dynamic environment; a safety rope is advised for that use.

SmallRig 1138 Mounting Flexibility and Load Limits

A versatile clamp for creator rigs

The combination of a super clamp, dual ball head, and 1/4"-20 screw is useful when one mounting point needs to serve different compact accessories.

Its stated attachment range spans rods, tubes, tables, frames, and tripods, giving desk and rig builders several ways to place gear without drilling.

Keep the whole setup within capacity

Treat the 1.5kg figure as the ceiling for the mounted load, including the device and attached accessories.

A compact camera or light may fit the intended role, while a heavier assembled rig should use a mount rated for more weight.

Add a tether when the mount moves

The clamp's non-slip threads and anti-twist structure are aimed at reducing unwanted movement, but SmallRig calls for a safety rope in dynamic scenarios.

That makes a tether a sensible part of vehicle or moving-rig use, rather than relying on the clamp alone to catch a device if it shifts.

Consider the materials and included adapter

The aluminum and stainless steel construction is paired with a super clamp and action-camera mount adapter.

This combination makes the package relevant to creators who want both a general-purpose attachment point and a compatible action-camera option in one purchase.

Alternatives to SmallRig 1138

Camera Mounts & Clamps alternative

SMALLRIG 9.8 Inches Magic Arm Clamp Kit

Choose the SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm when you want a dual ball-head clamp with an action camera mount and a maximum load of 1.5 kg.

Choose the 2732 when an articulating arm with 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch threads and a 9.8-inch reach better fits your setup.

• The 2732 kit pairs a super clamp with an articulating arm measuring 9.8 inches/25 cm, and offers 1/4" and 3/8" threads.
• That added arm reach is useful when the accessory needs more positioning distance from the clamp.
• The 1138 combines a super clamp and dual ball head with an action-camera mount, and supports up to 1.5kg.
• That makes it a compact choice when you want a clamp-based mounting kit for light creator gear.

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Camera Mounts & Clamps alternative

SMALLRIG Super Clamp with 1/4 and 3/8 Thread

Choose the SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm when its dual ball-head setup and action camera mount suit your needs; keep the load at or below its 1.5 kg maximum.

Choose the standalone Super Clamp when its 15–40 mm jaw range and 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch threaded holes fit your mounting needs.

• This option is a standalone super clamp with 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch threaded holes, and its jaw range is 15–40mm.
• It is suited to buyers who want a simpler clamp and do not need an included arm or action-camera adapter.
• The 1138 is the more complete package here, combining its clamp and dual ball head with an action-camera mount adapter and supporting up to 1.5kg.

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Is SmallRig 1138 Worth It?

The SmallRig 1138 is worth considering if you need a flexible clamp, dual ball head, and action-camera mount for a compact creator rig.

Its broad attachment points and 1/4"-20 screw support cameras and common accessories, while the 1.5kg capacity sets a clear boundary for the complete load.

Buy it for light-duty placement flexibility, and plan on a safety rope for dynamic setups.

If your gear exceeds its supported load or your mounting situation calls for an articulated arm with more reach, compare the alternatives to find a closer fit.

Your review at a glance

SmallRig 1138

A flexible clamp and dual ball head for creators mounting compact cameras, lights, microphones, or monitors to rods, tubes, tables, and frames.

• Clamp capacity: supports up to 1.5kg.
• Mounting interface: dual ball head and 1/4"-20 screw.
• Attachment points: designed for rods, tubes, tables, frames, and tripods; the locking knob secures it without drilling.
• Compatible gear includes cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.

Check Price on Amazon