SmallRig V-Lock Mount Battery Plate with Dual 15mm Rod Clamp (3016)
Product description
What it is and what problem it solves
The SmallRig V-Lock Mount Battery Plate with Dual 15mm Rod Clamp (3016) is a mounting solution rather than a power distributor. It offers a standard V-mount interface to attach a battery to a camera rig and provides a sturdy, mountable platform for batteries that have their own power outputs. If you’re building a compact rig and need reliable battery support without extra electronics on the plate, this model is designed to help keep cables tidy and the weight balanced.
How it’s laid out on the rig
This plate is designed to attach to standard 15mm LWS rods via a dual 15mm rod clamp, allowing straightforward integration into existing rod-based rigs. The body includes multiple mounting options—1/4"-20 countersinks, M3 and M4 countersinks and threaded holes—so you can position the plate precisely for your setup. There’s also a locating hole for ARRI-style accessories, enabling additional modules like a second rod clamp or a magic arm if your configuration requires it.
What stands out on the page
On the paper spec, the plate emphasises versatility and rigidity. It features two stoppers to prevent battery twist and is compatible with Blackmagic URSA Mini, broadening the potential use cases. Importantly, this plate does not include a V-Lock electronics block, it’s purely a mounting solution. If your battery has external power outputs, you can supply power to your gear through those, but you shouldn’t expect the plate itself to manage power delivery.
Strengths in real-world use
If you prioritise a clean, modular rig, this plate helps keep weight distributed and cables out of the way. The absence of integrated electronics can be a plus if you want to avoid extra heat or potential failure points on the plate itself. The dual rod clamp provides a stable anchor on 15mm rods, which is useful for keeping the battery aligned with the rest of the rig. The broad array of mounting holes offers flexibility to tailor the setup for different cameras and accessories.
Limitations and caveats
It’s not compatible with PAGlink V-mount batteries or Patona Premium Battery for BP-190WS, so check your battery brand before purchasing. Since there are no power ports on the plate, you’ll rely entirely on the battery’s own outputs for powering gear. If you require integrated power management or charging features on the plate, this model won’t provide them. Also, note that the plate does not come with the actual V-Lock component (the male portion), you’re mounting a battery that has its own power outputs.
Who it’s for
This plate suits camera operators and rig-builders who already have V-mount batteries and want a straightforward, non-electronic mounting solution on a 15mm rod-based rig. It’s particularly useful when you want to keep a compact form factor and rely on external battery outputs rather than on-board plate electronics. If your setup calls for tight integration with power ports or you’re using formats outside the 15mm rod ecosystem, you may want to consider alternatives.
Who it isn’t ideal for
If you need a plate with integrated power handling or a unit designed to manage charging and distribution, this model won’t meet those requirements. It’s also not suitable for batteries outside the supported V-mount family or for setups where space is at a premium and every millimetre matters beyond standard 15mm rod rigs.
When it makes sense to buy
Consider this plate when you’re assembling or upgrading a camera rig that already uses V-mount batteries and 15mm rods, and you want a reliable mounting point with multiple attachment options and decent rigidity without added electronics. It’s a practical choice for keeping your rig modular and serviceable, especially if you value a straightforward, “no-fuss” mounting solution that complements your existing components.
What to check before buying
- Confirm your battery is a V-mount type supported by the plate’s mounting interface.
- Verify your rig uses 15mm LWS rods and lacks sufficient mounting points elsewhere.
- Ensure you don’t require built-in charging or power distribution on the plate itself.
- Check that you have a compatible ARRI-style accessory or plan to use the locating hole for a supplementary mount if needed.
Practical use example
Imagine you’re filming a handheld scene with a compact cinema camera. You attach this plate to your 15mm rod rig, mount a V-mount battery, and rely on the battery’s own outputs to power the camera and monitor. With the dual rod clamp, the battery stays level and secure even as you move. The extra mounting holes let you add a small magic arm for a monitor or a light, keeping everything reachable but tidy.
FAQ (quick answers)
- Does the plate power my gear directly? No. It’s a mounting solution, power comes from the battery itself.
- Is it compatible with all V-mount batteries? It fits most V-mount batteries but excludes PAGlink and Patona Premium BP-190WS in the stated limitations.
- Do I get a V-Lock male component with the plate? No, the plate does not include the V-Lock male part, you mount a battery that has its own outputs.
Should you buy it? Final thoughts
Is it worth it? Worth considering if your rig is built around 15mm rods and you want a stable, flexible mounting point for a V-mount battery, without extra electronics. If your needs include integrated power management on the plate or compatibility with the excluded battery lines, you may want to look for alternatives. For a simple, durable mounting solution that keeps your rig tidy and adaptable, this SmallRig plate offers a practical balance of flexibility and restraint.
Final buying verdict
If your priority is a straightforward mounting solution for a V-mount battery on a 15mm rod system, and you’re comfortable sourcing a compatible battery separately, this plate is a sensible add-on. It won’t be the best pick if you expect built-in power features or universal battery compatibility beyond the stated exclusions.
Meta note
If you’re comparing options, consider how the plate’s mounting versatility aligns with your current rig configuration and whether you value modularity over integrated electronics.