SmallRig recently announced its new ImageGrip Series, which they state is a line of professional-grade side handles built for creators.
There are three different versions available:
- ✅ Eagle Handle – Lightweight and futuristic, with a left-side NATO clamp design and finger groove ergonomics for fast-moving setups.
- ✅ Liquid Handle – Featuring an ARRI Rosette mount and curved shape for fluid, organic movement — perfect for gimbal and shoulder rig use.
- ✅ Wooden Handle – Classic meets modern with a warm, ergonomic wooden grip and NATO compatibility. A favorite for long shoots and hybrid shooters.
Handles are nothing new, and we have seen countless different options over the years that have been made in a variety of different materials and shapes.
Handles can be used in a variety of different ways and with a wide array of cameras, monitors, etc. What works well for one person won’t work well for another. That certainly makes them hard to review, but I will do my best to give you my own personal appraisal.
The handles are available in several different versions, including NATO Rail and ARRI Rosette. For this review, I am going to be looking at the ARRI Rosette versions; however, the actual handles are identical regardless of the mounting method.
ImageGrip Series Wooden Handle with ARRI Rosette ($93.49 USD)
Having a handle that utilizes an ARRI rosette attachment is arguably the most versatile mounting solution; however, that won’t work for everyone. With larger cameras, the ARRI rosette is going to be easier to mount than, say, a NATO attachment.
Build Quality
The ImageGrip Series Wooden Handle with ARRI Rosette is claimed to be made from premium solid wood, and it supports up to 15kg / 33lb.
The handle is solidly made, although I did find it a little difficult to tighten because the tightening knob is a little hard to access and turn. It weighs in at 248g / 8.7 oz.
Comfort
This is arguably the most important facet of any handle. Is it comfortable to hold onto? Again, everyone has different-sized hands, so what may be comfortable for one person might not be comfortable for another.
I personally found the handle to be pretty comfortable to hold onto. I have been using a Vocas wooden handle for more than 15 years, and while I wouldn’t go as far as to say that this was just as comfortable to hold onto, it was pretty good.
As a comparison, above you can see what it looks like next to that Vocas handle.
On the negative side, it is quite heavy, and some users might find it a little bulky.
I am maybe a little unusual, as I actually prefer to rotate my handles and hold them horizontally instead of vertically. I do this because when I am shoulder mounting a larger camera, I find it provides me with more of a servo grip style ergonomic.
The closest competition arguably comes from something like the Tilta Advanced Right-Side Wooden Handle (ARRI Rosette, Black) $129 USD.
Other options around the same price include the 8Sinn Wooden Grip with ARRI Rosette ($139 USD).
As I mentioned earlier, the SmallRig handles are also available in NATO versions.
The ImageGrip Series Wooden Handle with NATO Clamp is $110.49 USD.
The ImageGrip Series Wooden Handle with NATO Clamp features a contoured fit for a comfortable hold.
It allows for stepless 360° adjustment.
It includes a patented. HawkLock NATO rail for rapid slide-in locking and secure attachment to various compatible rigs.
ImageGrip Series Liquid Handle with ARRI Rosette ($93.49 USD)
The ImageGrip Series Liquid Handle with ARRI Rosette has a fairly unusual design as it features a hollow aesthetic.
Build Quality
The handle is made from Aluminum Alloy, and it supports up to 15kg / 33lb. It weighs 132g / 4.6oz, which is around 116g / 4.1 oz lighter than the Wooden Handle.
Just like the Wooden Handle, it is solidly made, and I didn’t come across anything that concerned me. The tightening mechanism on the Rosette is easier to adjust than the one on the wooden handle.
Comfort
I personally didn’t find the Liquid Handle to be as comfortable as the Wooden Handle. Because it is made out of Aluminum Alloy, I found that part of the handle tends to dig into the area between your thumb and first finger.
I would have liked to have seen SmallRig put some sort of softer material around this area to make it more comfortable to hold.
Now, in saying that, I got someone with a smaller hand to try it, and they found it comfortable to hold.
What we both agreed on was that the finger grooves on the front are nice to hold onto.
With the Aluminum Alloy construction, it is going to get hot if it is left in the sun, and it will get cold in wintery conditions.
I also found that if it gets wet or your hand gets sweaty, it becomes hard to grip as it gets slippery.
As I previously mentioned, this handle is also available in a NATO version.
The ImageGrip Series Liquid Handle with NATO Clamp is $129.99 USD.
The ImageGrip Series Liquid Handle with NATO Clamp features a distinctive hollow design.
It offers stepless 360° adjustment and a contoured fit to ensure a comfortable hold.
It includes a standard NATO rail for compatibility with various cages.
US orders are expected to begin shipping on July 25; Other regions will start shipping on July 4th.
There is also the rather distinctive ImageGrip Series Eagle Handle.
ImageGrip Series Eagle Handle with NATO Clamp (Left Side) $110 USD
The ImageGrip Series Eagle Handle with NATO Clamp features a distinctive eagle-inspired styling that SmallRig states makes a bold visual statement.
The handle enables One-Touch 360° Rotation with smooth, stepless adjustments.
The custom-fit handle offers a full and comfortable hold, even for larger hands, and it includes a standard NATO rail for compatibility with various accessories and cages. It supports a 15kg (33lb) load-bearing for stability and durability.
The expected shipping date is the 28th of July.
