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Best Camera Mounts: 9 Picks for Live Music and Video Rigs in 2026

Compare camera clamps, articulating arms, monitor holders, and cage mounts for building a live music or video rig around your gear.

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The best camera mounts for live music and video work depend on what you need to attach, where it must sit, and how quickly you need to reposition it. These picks range from compact monitor holders to table clamps and camera specific cages, so match the mount to your camera, support point, and intended setup.

Quick Top Products

Flexible Reach for Studio Setups

SmallRig 9.8-Inch Magic Arm Clamp Kit

SmallRig 9.8-Inch Magic Arm Clamp Kit
  • The kit includes a 9.8-inch articulating arm and a super clamp.
  • The double ball heads rotate 360 degrees for angle adjustment.
  • The clamp opens from 15mm to 54mm.

Best For: Creators who need an articulating arm to place a monitor, light, or microphone near a camera rig.

Compact Clamp with Action Camera Adapter

SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm Clamp 1138

SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm Clamp 1138
  • The clamp supports up to 1.5kg.
  • The double ballhead adapter provides a 1/4-20 screw and an action camera adapter.
  • The clamp uses a locking knob to secure gear to a support.

Best For: Creators who want a compact clamp and ballhead mount for a camera, action camera, light, or microphone.

Cold Shoe Monitor Holder

SmallRig Field Monitor Mount BSE2346

SmallRig Field Monitor Mount BSE2346
  • The holder is designed for 5-inch and 7-inch monitors.
  • It swivels 360 degrees and tilts 140 degrees.
  • Its maximum weight recommendation is 1.2kg.

Best For: Video shooters mounting a 5-inch or 7-inch field monitor directly to a camera cold shoe.

ARRI Locating Mount for Field Monitors

SmallRig Monitor Mount EVF Holder 2174

SmallRig Monitor Mount EVF Holder 2174
  • It mounts through a 3/8-inch threaded hole for ARRI standard.
  • It supports 5-inch or 7-inch monitors up to 1.5kg.
  • The rotation axis adjusts up to 146 degrees by hand.

Best For: Video crews with an ARRI locating hole who need a hand-adjustable mount for a 5-inch or 7-inch monitor.

Short Reach Arm for Compact Rigs

SmallRig 7-Inch Magic Arm Clamp 5310

SmallRig 7-Inch Magic Arm Clamp 5310
  • The 7-inch arm ends in a 1/4-20 screw with retractable pins.
  • The clamp fits tubes and supports from 15mm to 40mm in diameter.
  • The maximum payload is 1.5kg.

Best For: Action camera and small accessory users who want an articulating clamp arm with a compact reach.

Long Reach Arm for Flexible Positioning

SmallRig 11-Inch Magic Arm Clamp 5311

SmallRig 11-Inch Magic Arm Clamp 5311
  • The kit includes an 11-inch magic arm and crab-shaped clamp.
  • Retractable pins help prevent mounted devices from twisting.
  • The clamp fits support diameters from 15mm to 40mm.

Best For: Creators who need more reach from a clamp-mounted action camera, monitor, light, or microphone.

Handlebar Mount with Motion Limits

SmallRig GoPro Motorcycle and Bike Clamp 4102B

SmallRig GoPro Motorcycle and Bike Clamp 4102B
  • The removable adapter supports action camera mounting.
  • The ball head rotates 360 degrees for portrait and landscape positioning.
  • For motion, the guidance sets a 350g device limit, calls for a safety cord, and specifies below 50 km/h.

Best For: Action camera users mounting a camera to a bicycle or motorcycle handlebar within the stated motion limits.

Adjustable Desktop Camera Stand

SmallRig 15-to-35-Inch Desk Clamp Stand

SmallRig 15-to-35-Inch Desk Clamp Stand
  • The notes give an adjustment range of 19 to 39 inches including the ball head and clamp.
  • The desk clamp fits tables up to 1.85 inches thick.
  • The ball head rotates 360 degrees and tilts -90 to +45 degrees.

Best For: Musicians, streamers, and interview setups that need an elevated camera or light mounted to a desk.

Anti-Deflection Clamp Kit for Small Gear

SmallRig Magic Arm Clamp Kit with Super Clamp

SmallRig Magic Arm Clamp Kit with Super Clamp
  • The kit includes a magic arm clamp kit and an action camera mount.
  • Its rotating friction block is designed for table edges and round tubes.
  • The recommended load capacity is 1.5kg.

Best For: Creators mounting a compact camera, monitor, or light to a table edge, tube, or tripod.

Flexible Reach for Studio Setups

SMALLRIG 9.8 Inches Magic Arm Clamp Kit with 1/4" and 3/8" Threaded Holes

SmallRig 9.8-Inch Magic Arm Clamp Kit
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This kit pairs a super clamp with a 9.8-inch articulating arm, giving you more reach than a direct clamp mount. Its dual ball heads rotate through 360 degrees, so you can adjust the accessory angle around a camera, tripod, monitor, or microphone setup.

The clamp has 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch threads and opens from 15mm to 54mm. Rubber cushions help protect the clamped surface and hold accessories in place.

It suits a fixed studio or stage-side rig where flexible placement matters. The kit is not magnetic and is not corrosion-resistant, so keep those limits in mind when choosing a mounting surface or location.

Best For: Creators who need an articulating arm to place a monitor, light, or microphone near a camera rig.

Pros Cons
  • The arm and clamp provide more placement flexibility than a fixed mount.
  • Rubber cushions help protect surfaces and hold accessories tighter.
  • The clamp includes both 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch threads.
  • It is not magnetic and cannot be used in seawater.

Choose this kit when an accessory needs to sit away from the clamp point and angle adjustment is useful. The 9.8-inch arm and 15mm-to-54mm jaw range suit many camera rig supports, but the clamped surface still has to fit that opening.

Its lack of corrosion resistance makes seawater use a poor fit, and the record gives no load rating, so check the intended accessory weight before mounting.

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Compact Clamp with Action Camera Adapter

SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm Super Camera Clamp Mount Double Ball Adapter, Fence Desk Table Mount for Ronin-M for Insta360, for Gopro - 1138

SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm Clamp 1138
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The SmallRig 1138 combines a super clamp with a double ball adapter, letting you attach gear to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod without drilling. It supports up to 1.5kg and uses non-slip threads and an anti-twist structure to help keep the mount in position.

The package includes an action camera adapter, while the 1/4-20 screw supports other compatible equipment such as a small camera, monitor, light, or microphone. Its compact format is useful when a full arm kit would take up too much space.

For dynamic shooting, use a safety rope as advised for this mount.

Best For: Creators who want a compact clamp and ballhead mount for a camera, action camera, light, or microphone.

Pros Cons
  • The stated 1.5kg capacity and anti-twist structure suit compact rig accessories.
  • The included action camera adapter broadens the mounting options.
  • The locking knob secures the clamp to a support.
  • For dynamic scenarios, the product notes call for a safety rope to prevent accidental drops.

Pick the 1138 for a small accessory that can mount directly to a clamp point, especially when the action camera adapter is useful. Its 1.5kg capacity is lower than some larger double clamp options in this roundup, so verify the weight of the mounted gear and the fit of the support surface.

The safety rope advice matters for moving setups; a stationary table or rig presents a different use case.

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Cold Shoe Monitor Holder

SmallRig Field Monitor Mount Holder with Cold Shoe and 1/4" Inch Screw for 5 Inch and 7 Inch Monitor, with 360 Degree Swivel and 140 Degree Tilt, Rubber Cushion, Aluminum Alloy Build - BSE2346

SmallRig Field Monitor Mount BSE2346
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This monitor holder attaches to a camera or support system through a cold shoe and secures the display with a bottom 1/4-20 screw. It is designed for 5-inch and 7-inch monitors, with 360-degree horizontal swivel and 140-degree vertical tilt for adjusting the viewing position.

Rubber cushions add contact protection, and the CNC-machined aluminum mount supports monitors weighing up to 1.2kg. The included hex spanner allows additional tightening.

This is a focused choice for a monitor rather than a general purpose clamp: confirm that your monitor has a suitable connection and that your camera or support has a cold shoe available.

Best For: Video shooters mounting a 5-inch or 7-inch field monitor directly to a camera cold shoe.

Pros Cons
  • Cold shoe attachment avoids a separate clamp for compatible camera setups.
  • The swivel and tilt range supports flexible monitor positioning.
  • Rubber cushions protect the monitor contact surface from scratches.
  • It is intended for 5-inch or 7-inch monitors, so other display sizes are not confirmed.

This holder makes sense when the monitor is the main accessory and your camera provides a cold shoe. It gives a defined monitor size range and a 1.2kg limit, which makes compatibility easier to check than with a generic arm.

Consider the tilt range if you need a portrait or steep angle; another mount in this guide explicitly supports horizontal and vertical monitor installation.

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ARRI Locating Mount for Field Monitors

SMALLRIG Monitor Mount EVF Holder Support with Locating Pins for ARRI Standard - 2174

SmallRig Monitor Mount EVF Holder 2174
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The 2174 attaches to a cage or handle through a 3/8-inch threaded hole for ARRI standard. It is designed for 5-inch and 7-inch monitors and supports up to 1.5kg.

Its rotation axis allows up to 146 degrees of positioning, and the thumbscrew tightens by hand for tool-free adjustment. If your cage lacks ARRI locating holes, the notes describe using optional Mini Plate 2171 with two 1/4-inch threaded holes.

That extra interface is a compatibility detail to plan for. This mount is best suited to rigs already built around ARRI locating points or a compatible plate.

Best For: Video crews with an ARRI locating hole who need a hand-adjustable mount for a 5-inch or 7-inch monitor.

Pros Cons
  • The hand-tightened thumbscrew supports tool-free attachment and release.
  • The 1.5kg support limit covers compatible monitor setups within that rating.
  • It fits compatible ARRI locating holes on cages and handles.
  • A cage without ARRI locating holes requires an optional Mini Plate 2171 for the described alternative setup.

This is a good fit for a rig that already has a 3/8-inch ARRI locating connection and a 5-inch or 7-inch monitor. Its hand-tightened attachment is convenient, but rotation is limited to the described 146-degree range rather than a full swivel.

Check the cage or handle interface first; adding the optional plate changes what else you need to buy.

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Short Reach Arm for Compact Rigs

SMALLRIG 7 Inches Magic Arm Clamp, with 1/4 Screw & Anti-Deflection Pin

SmallRig 7-Inch Magic Arm Clamp 5310
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The 5310 combines a 7-inch magic arm with a crab-shaped clamp and a 1/4-20 screw with retractable pins. Its clamp fits tubes, tables, tripod legs, or stabilizer rings from 15mm to 40mm in diameter, while anti-slip pads help protect the surface.

The arm joints loosen together with a wingnut, making it possible to reposition the attached camera, monitor, light, or microphone before locking the joints again. The maximum payload is 1.5kg.

The shorter arm suits setups where a more compact reach is useful.

Best For: Action camera and small accessory users who want an articulating clamp arm with a compact reach.

Pros Cons
  • The arm and clamp provide adjustable positioning for compatible accessories.
  • Anti-slip pads help protect the clamped surface.
  • The wingnut loosens all joints for repositioning.
  • The 1.5kg payload limit calls for checking accessory weight before mounting.

Pick the 5310 when its arm length gives enough reach and you want a clamp that fits tubes, table edges, or tripod legs within its stated range. It supports up to 1.5kg, so keep the camera and accessory combination within that limit.

The arm's compact reach can suit setups where you want the accessory positioned close to the clamp.

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Long Reach Arm for Flexible Positioning

SMALLRIG 11" Magic Arm Clamp with 1/4"-20 Screw & Retractable Pins

SmallRig 11-Inch Magic Arm Clamp 5311
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The 5311 pairs an 11-inch magic arm with a crab-shaped clamp, giving a camera or accessory more distance from the support point than a short arm. A 1/4-20 screw with retractable pins connects compatible devices and helps prevent twisting.

The clamp fits tubes, tables, tripod legs, or stabilizer rings from 15mm to 40mm, and the joints loosen together with a wingnut for repositioning. Its maximum payload is 1.5kg.

The longer arm suits setups where a monitor or light needs to sit around other equipment, but it also creates more reach to manage when packing or working in a tight space.

Best For: Creators who need more reach from a clamp-mounted action camera, monitor, light, or microphone.

Pros Cons
  • The longer arm offers more placement distance from the clamp point.
  • The thumb screw and wingnut support tool-free adjustment and locking.
  • The 1.5kg payload is specified for checking accessory fit.
  • Its stated 1.5kg maximum payload limits the weight of the mounted setup.

Choose this model when extra reach matters more than keeping the setup very compact. Its mounting connection and clamp range resemble the shorter option, so the key choice is arm length and the space available around the rig.

Keep the combined mounted equipment within the 1.5kg limit, and check that the clamp can grip the intended tube, table edge, or support ring.

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Handlebar Mount with Motion Limits

SMALLRIG Camera Mount Clamp, Gopro Motorcycle and Bike Handlebar Mount Kit

SmallRig GoPro Motorcycle and Bike Clamp 4102B
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This crab-shaped clamp is built for support points such as bike and motorcycle handlebars, tables, tripods, and stabilizer rings. It includes a removable action camera adapter, along with 1/4-20 and 3/8-16 threaded holes for other compatible accessories.

The ball head rotates through 360 degrees for portrait or landscape positioning. Although its maximum load at rest is 3.5kg, the motion guidance is much lower: keep the device at or below 350g, avoid rough terrain, use a safety cord, and stay below 50 km/h.

Those conditions are central to deciding whether this is an appropriate camera mount for moving footage.

Best For: Action camera users mounting a camera to a bicycle or motorcycle handlebar within the stated motion limits.

Pros Cons
  • The clamp fits supports such as handlebars, tripods, and tables.
  • Threaded holes support several compatible accessories.
  • The ball head supports portrait and landscape angles.
  • For motion, the maximum device weight is 350g, with a safety cord and speed limit below 50 km/h.

This mount is a category-specific choice for action camera footage from a bicycle or motorcycle. Do not base a moving setup on the 3.5kg at-rest figure: the motion instructions set a 350g device maximum and add terrain, safety cord, and speed conditions.

Check your camera and adapter weight together, along with the handlebar diameter and mounting position, before using it on a moving vehicle.

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Adjustable Desktop Camera Stand

SMALLRIG Camera Mount C Stand, 15"-35" Adjustable Desk Clamp Table Tripod

SmallRig 15-to-35-Inch Desk Clamp Stand
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This table stand uses a desk clamp and three extending pole sections to position a camera, phone, or ring light above a work surface. Its notes give a height adjustment range of 19 to 39 inches with the ball head and C-clamp, and the 1/4-inch ball head supports 360-degree rotation plus front tilt.

The clamp accommodates desks up to 1.85 inches thick. A rated capacity of 3kg covers compatible devices within that limit, while the aluminum construction and 430g weight make the stand portable.

There is a title and detail mismatch about the height range, so verify the desired working height and table fit before purchasing.

Best For: Musicians, streamers, and interview setups that need an elevated camera or light mounted to a desk.

Pros Cons
  • The three-section pole adjusts height for desk-based camera and lighting setups.
  • The stand includes both a 1/4-inch ball head and ring light adapter.
  • The 3kg capacity is specified for compatible mounted equipment.
  • The title gives a 15"–35" range, while the notes give 19"–39" with the ball head and C-clamp; check the stand's actual height with those parts before buying.

Choose this stand for a desk or table setup where raising a camera or light above the surface is useful. It differs from a small clamp because the extending pole adds height adjustment, and the 3kg capacity provides a clear equipment limit.

The title and notes give different height ranges, so confirm the actual height you need; also measure desk thickness against the 1.85-inch maximum.

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Anti-Deflection Clamp Kit for Small Gear

SMALLRIG Magic Arm Clamp Kit, Camera Mount Friction Arm with Super Clamp

SmallRig Magic Arm Clamp Kit with Super Clamp
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This kit pairs a super clamp with a friction arm and action camera adapter for mounting small accessories around a camera setup. The clamp has a rotating triangular prism friction block intended to improve grip on flat surfaces while also fitting round tubes and tripods.

An integrated anti-deflection connection and five cushions add support and surface protection. The arm position adjusts with one knob, and the recommended load capacity is 1.5kg.

That rating makes it a better match for small cameras, monitors, lights, webcams, action cameras, and microphones than heavier rig equipment. Check the device weight and clamp position before mounting.

Best For: Creators mounting a compact camera, monitor, or light to a table edge, tube, or tripod.

Pros Cons
  • The one-knob adjustment makes it straightforward to reposition the accessory.
  • Cushions help increase friction and protect the clamp area and equipment.
  • The clamp design serves flat edges and round supports.
  • The recommended 1.5kg load capacity limits heavier camera accessories.

Pick this option for compact equipment when you need the clamp to grip either a table edge or a round support. Its one-knob adjustment and action camera mount suit a quick setup, while the 1.5kg recommendation defines the practical weight ceiling.

Compared with the longer dedicated magic arms, this record does not give an arm length or clamp jaw range, so check fit against the exact support point before buying.

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How to Choose Camera Mounts

How We Picked Camera Mounts for Music and Video

For a live music and nightlife audience, useful camera mounts need to address familiar setup choices: attaching a monitor or light to a camera cage, clamping an action camera to a support, or raising a camera above a desk for streaming and interviews. The selected products serve distinct jobs, from a shoe-mounted monitor holder to longer articulating arms and a height-adjustable desktop stand.

Compatibility and limits matter as much as the mounting style. The picks identify the connection where possible, such as a cold shoe, 1/4-20 screw, 3/8-inch ARRI locating interface, or a clamp jaw range.

Where the product details give a weight limit or usage conditions, those details help narrow the right fit.

Comparing Camera Mount Types and Connections

A direct monitor holder keeps the rig compact. The BSE2346 uses a cold shoe and supports a 5-inch or 7-inch display up to 1.2kg, while the 6313 adds cold shoe or hot shoe attachment and portrait positioning but does not give a maximum monitor weight.

The 2174 is aimed at a different rig: it uses an ARRI locating interface and supports up to 1.5kg, with an optional plate needed for cages without locating holes.

Articulating clamp arms add distance and let you move an accessory around a camera or support. The 9.8-inch kit offers a threaded super clamp with 360-degree ball heads; the 7-inch and 11-inch models use crab clamps and support up to 1.5kg.

Choose arm length based on the space around your rig, and match the clamp's stated diameter range to the support. A desktop stand is a separate solution when elevation from a table matters more than a compact rig attachment.

ProductStandout featuresBest for
SmallRig 9.8-Inch Magic Arm Clamp KitCheck Price
  • The kit includes a 9.8-inch articulating arm and a super clamp.
  • The double ball heads rotate 360 degrees for angle adjustment.
Creators who need an articulating arm to place a monitor, light, or microphone near a camera rig.
SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm Clamp 1138Check Price
  • The clamp supports up to 1.5kg.
  • The double ballhead adapter provides a 1/4-20 screw and an action camera adapter.
Creators who want a compact clamp and ballhead mount for a camera, action camera, light, or microphone.
SmallRig Field Monitor Mount BSE2346Check Price
  • The holder is designed for 5-inch and 7-inch monitors.
  • It swivels 360 degrees and tilts 140 degrees.
Video shooters mounting a 5-inch or 7-inch field monitor directly to a camera cold shoe.
SmallRig Monitor Mount EVF Holder 2174Check Price
  • It mounts through a 3/8-inch threaded hole for ARRI standard.
  • It supports 5-inch or 7-inch monitors up to 1.5kg.
Video crews with an ARRI locating hole who need a hand-adjustable mount for a 5-inch or 7-inch monitor.
SmallRig 7-Inch Magic Arm Clamp 5310Check Price
  • The 7-inch arm ends in a 1/4-20 screw with retractable pins.
  • The clamp fits tubes and supports from 15mm to 40mm in diameter.
Action camera and small accessory users who want an articulating clamp arm with a compact reach.
SmallRig 11-Inch Magic Arm Clamp 5311Check Price
  • The kit includes an 11-inch magic arm and crab-shaped clamp.
  • Retractable pins help prevent mounted devices from twisting.
Creators who need more reach from a clamp-mounted action camera, monitor, light, or microphone.
SmallRig GoPro Motorcycle and Bike Clamp 4102BCheck Price
  • The removable adapter supports action camera mounting.
  • The ball head rotates 360 degrees for portrait and landscape positioning.
Action camera users mounting a camera to a bicycle or motorcycle handlebar within the stated motion limits.
SmallRig 15-to-35-Inch Desk Clamp StandCheck Price
  • The notes give an adjustment range of 19 to 39 inches including the ball head and clamp.
  • The desk clamp fits tables up to 1.85 inches thick.
Musicians, streamers, and interview setups that need an elevated camera or light mounted to a desk.
SmallRig Magic Arm Clamp Kit with Super ClampCheck Price
  • The kit includes a magic arm clamp kit and an action camera mount.
  • Its rotating friction block is designed for table edges and round tubes.
Creators mounting a compact camera, monitor, or light to a table edge, tube, or tripod.

Choosing a Camera Clamp for a Concert or Studio Rig

For a camera clamp used on a stand, table, or handlebar, check the support shape and thickness first. Some jaws take a defined diameter range, while the desk stand has a 1.85-inch table thickness limit.

Cushioned jaws can help protect the surface, but a clamp still needs a secure, compatible place to grip.

Moving footage needs extra care. The 4102B gives a 3.5kg at-rest figure, but its motion guidance lowers the device maximum to 350g and specifies a safety cord, smooth terrain, and staying below 50 km/h.

Treat those moving-use conditions as the relevant limit if mounting an action camera to a bike or motorcycle.

Which Monitor Mount Fits a Video Camera Setup?

Start with the connection on both ends: the camera side may be a cold shoe, hot shoe, threaded hole, or ARRI locating interface, while the monitor side may need a 1/4-20 screw or locating pins. Then check the screen size and weight against the mount's stated limits.

This helps avoid buying a monitor bracket that cannot attach to the cage or support you already use.

Consider how you frame during a set or interview. A mount with swivel and tilt can reposition a display around a crowded camera rig, while portrait support can suit vertical video.

A longer clamp arm adds more freedom to move the monitor but also extends farther from its support point.

Who Should Buy Which Camera Mount?

Choose a cold shoe monitor holder if you want a compact display attachment and your camera has the right shoe. Choose an ARRI mount when your cage or handle already has the locating connection and your display fits the stated size and weight limit.

For lights, microphones, or action cameras attached off-axis, pick an articulating arm whose payload and clamp range fit the gear and support.

For bike footage, the handlebar clamp is the specific option here, provided the camera setup meets its motion guidance. For streaming, interviews, or desk-based music content, the adjustable table stand raises a camera or light without using a floor tripod.

The right camera mount is the one whose connection, working reach, and limits suit the exact rig.

Written by

deepsouththebar.com Editorial Team

Editorial team

Independent editorial coverage of live music & nightlife.

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SmallRig Monitor Mount EVF Holder 2174

SmallRig Monitor Mount EVF Holder 2174

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Best for: Video crews with an ARRI locating hole who need a hand-adjustable mount for a 5-inch or 7-inch monitor.

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