A side handle gives a firmer grip when you film handheld, and a top handle makes the rig easy to carry and to film low with. Some handles have a record button that controls the camera. Check how the handle attaches, with a NATO clamp, ARRI screw, standard thread or cold shoe, and that your cage has a matching spot.
Read more about handles & grips
A camera handle is the rig part that does the most for the least money. The camera shakes less, you can hold it longer, and you reach angles that are awkward with just the body in your hands. The question is which handle, and where it goes.
Three kinds of handle
| Type | Where it sits | Most useful for |
|---|---|---|
| Top handle | On top of the cage or in the hot shoe | Low shots, carrying the rig and walking with the camera |
| Side handle | On the right or left side of the cage | Two-handed handheld filming and quick pans |
| Grip | Directly on the camera, underneath or at the side | Stills with small cameras and heavy lenses |
People who film a lot handheld often end up with both a top handle and a side handle. Start with one. You will soon notice which one you miss.
For action cameras there are small handles that also fold out into a mini tripod. You will find those among the action camera accessories.
The top handle
With the camera hanging from a top handle you can film close to the ground without lying down, and the rig is easy to lift between takes. It is also a good spot for a monitor and a microphone, since many top handles have their own threads and cold shoes.
A rotating top handle can be angled relative to the camera. That helps when you want to carry the rig facing forward but film slightly to the side. There are also top handles with a monitor mount built in, so you skip an extra arm.
On cages with HawkLock, the handle clicks on and comes off in one movement. That saves time if you switch between handheld and tripod a lot.
Side handles and record buttons
A side handle gives your right hand a solid grip and frees the left for focus or zoom. Some side handles rotate and lock in several positions, so your wrist stays at a natural angle with the rig held high or low.
Two handles help most when you use them well. Keep your elbows against your body and let the rig rest close to your chest. Your body then becomes part of the stabilisation, and the picture shakes far less than with your arms stretched out.
Handles with a record button let you start and stop recording without letting go. Some control the camera by cable, others wirelessly. The product description lists which cameras work, and that list is worth reading carefully. If your camera is not on it, the button is just a handle.
Wooden handles and handles with a silicone cover are kinder in the cold than bare aluminium. That sounds like a detail until you have filmed outdoors on a February morning.
Grips for photographers
Many small mirrorless cameras have almost no grip. With a heavier lens they get uncomfortable, and your little finger ends up under the camera. An L-shaped grip screws on underneath and builds out the grip at the front. They come in wood, aluminium and silicone and are made for specific camera models, so the battery door and buttons stay clear. Most of the ones here fit cameras from Fujifilm, Sony and Nikon.
Many L grips have an Arca profile underneath. Then they double as a quick release plate for the tripod.
A thumb grip slides into the hot shoe and gives your thumb something to rest against. It is small, but on a compact camera carried in your hand all day it makes a difference.
The mount decides how the handle sits
A handle held by a single 1/4" screw can twist when you put force on it, especially a side handle where your hand pulls the same way all the time. It works, but expect to tighten it now and then.
The ARRI locating screw has pins that stop the handle from turning. It suits handles that stay on for a long time. A NATO clamp is the usual choice when the handle comes on and off often, and it holds its angle well as long as the rail is straight. Check which mounts your cage has before you buy. It is the most common reason a handle gets returned.
Handles for gimbals are built differently and belong with the gimbal accessories.
Common mistakes
Many side handles come in left and right versions. They are mirrored, and the wrong one does not sit well on the other side. Check which side you want the handle on.
A handle mounted too high or too far out sometimes covers the flip screen or a button. Try where it ends up on your camera before you tighten everything.
Do not forget the weight. Every handle adds some, and on a camera you also shoot stills with, a big top handle can feel like too much. A small handle that comes off in one movement is often a better compromise than a large one that stays on all day.
Frequently asked questions about handles & grips
Which camera handle should I choose?
If you film low or walk with the camera a lot, a top handle is usually the first one to buy. For two-handed handheld filming a side handle suits better. If you mostly shoot stills and want a more comfortable camera, an L grip is the right choice.
What is the difference between a top handle and a side handle?
A top handle sits on top of the camera and is used to carry the rig and to shoot low. A side handle sits at the side and gives a steadier hold when you use both hands. Many people use both together.
Can I start recording from the handle?
Yes, with a handle that has a record button. It controls the camera by cable or wirelessly, depending on the model. Check that your camera is among the supported ones.
How does a camera handle attach?
The most common mounts are a NATO clamp, ARRI locating screw, 1/4" screw, cold shoe and the HawkLock quick release. The mount on the handle has to match what the cage offers. NATO and ARRI hold their angle better than a single screw.
What is an L grip for a camera?
An L grip screws on under the camera and builds out the grip at the front, so the camera is easier to hold. It is made for a specific camera model. Many L grips have an Arca profile and work as a tripod plate too.