SMALLRIG Universal Metal Cage for iPad, Tripod Mount Adapter Monitor Fits for iPad Pro 12.9, Air, Mini and More, with 1/4"-20, 3/8"-16 Holes, Cold Shoe Mount - MD5059

After spending time with multiple tablet mounting solutions, I ultimately returned a more expensive, “higher-end” tablet cage in favor of the SmallRig tablet cage—and I’m glad I did. From the moment I started using it, the difference in ease of use and overall practicality was obvious. The SmallRig cage strikes an excellent balance between solid build quality and thoughtful design. Setup is quick and intuitive, with smooth adjustments that don’t require fighting stiff clamps or awkward locking mechanisms. It feels secure without being overengineered, which makes a big difference when you’re frequently repositioning a tablet during a shoot or studio session. One of the standout features for me is how well it handles the Apple Pencil. Unlike the pricier cage I returned, this one allows me to keep track of the Pencil without needing an extra holder or worrying about where I set it down. That small detail has been a huge quality-of-life improvement, especially when moving quickly between tasks. Mounting options are where this cage really shines. With multiple 1/4”-20 threads and versatile attachment points, it’s incredibly adaptable. I’ve used it as a standalone tablet stand, mounted it to tripods and arms, and integrated it directly into my video and photography setups. Whether it’s serving as a monitor, a teleprompter screen, or a control hub in the studio, it just works. Overall, the SmallRig tablet cage proved that higher price doesn’t always mean better functionality. Its ease of use, smart Apple Pencil accommodation, and wide range of mounting options make it a perfect tool for video production and photography studio work. It’s practical, reliable, and well thought out—and easily the better choice over more expensive alternatives.

This enabled me to mount my ipad on a tripod for monitoring my other cameras when filming. It is solid and designed to holdyour ipad safe, easy to setup. Having the extra cold shoe mounts was an added bonus I did not realize, but it let me put a light and a microphone above it.

Solid and Extremely useful - I have been looking for a cage for the iPad like this one for a while, and I was considering purchasing another one I saw that was expensive than this one, but didn't offer and sun hood and Alsop wasn't as easier to mount like the Small Rig one. Love all the mounting options.

I’ve had the other cage type for the iPad that would adjust in size to fit the version you have. Too many screws had to be used and even with loctite it would be a little rickety. The Small Rig cage might be big based on your iPad but it will be sturdy. It’s also alot quicker to take the iPad in and out. My iPad Pro 13” (7th gen) is confirmed to fit which I couldn’t find expressly stated. Since the iPad would move in the frame some, I added rivets and 1/4-20 furniture levelers to really lock it in. It’s locked now and awesome!

Solid construction, a real value for the money. All the mounting points you'll ever need, large for me I have an A16, but like it nonetheless, and having a large size future proofs it!

This cage is great for my iPad. it helped keep it safe on set and easier to see out side with the sun hood.

Honestly, I don’t NEED a tablet holder that can do everything. But I did want one! And this just works for me: as a makeshift teleprompter, mini film studio, and (my primary use) for video calls when I mount it to a tripod (tripod not included). The build quality in this is as good as anything I’ve found, subjectively I feel it’s slightly more flimsy than what o think it should be (given that it is a premium product), but certainly fairly within the premium range. I imagined it will get scuffed up wuote easily, but it is metal so, I’m not too concerned! It’s fairly easy to use once you realize how versatile and adjustable it, making it likely able to adjust to most sizes of tablets (though in terms of “phone hold,” I mean…it’s not meant for phones so..I don’t know why that’s listed as a question!) You adjust it using tension clamps, and there’s padding at all edges for a tablet. In my case, it did the fairly thin iPad Pro 11 (2024 M4) that I had, and even though I wa once red that there would be wiggle room to cause it to wobble, the clamps, adjusted properly, do hold it in. I’d be concerned about over-tightening, but I haven’t had issues. The top compartment can hold an Apple Pencil and even has a magnetic strip in there for that purpose. Unfortueatly, if you use and type of “grip” it won’t fit, ias it’s precisely designed for just the pencil (the pencil pro). I wish that there was a moveable lever in the bottom because you are forced to rest the iPad there and can’t move it to, say, the center of the cane. In other words, once it’s clamped in position there is no adjustment you can do other than physically moving the cage Ultimately, what’s great about this is the versatility of the thing, and that it just works well. You have all the options you need: a NATO rail and standard screw attachment points. Yo I even get a kick stand and a visor to wrap in to it. I use it with one of my many tripods and I have no issue attaching it. Bonus: if you have a thin panel light it might work for that, though check the dimensions. There’s a spot in the back to attach a battery to the cage which makes this usable for longer recording or video conferences. Overall, it’s a decent value for the money, around $100 USD at time of posting. I think it’s a little high, but then again, it’s quite full features so I guess this is what these cost these days. Hope this helps!

I bought this cage to give my iPad extra stability and protection while filming, and overall it does the job really well. The build is solid metal and feels very durable compared to cheaper options I’ve tried before. It holds the iPad securely in place and makes it much easier to attach accessories like a tripod, microphone, or light. Setup was straightforward, though it does add some bulk and weight to the iPad—which is expected with a metal cage. Once mounted, everything feels stable and professional, and I love how it makes filming less shaky. One thing to note: depending on your iPad size, it can be a tight fit at first, but after adjusting the screws it worked fine. It’s definitely more of a filmmaker/photographer tool than something for casual everyday use, but if you need stability and accessory mounting, it’s worth it.