XLCS Designs has started shipping its new camera cage designed specifically for the Nikon ZR. Available in black, red, brass, and silver finishes, the cage nicely wraps around the camera, offering multiple mounting points, NATO rails, and overall protection. Pricing starts at around $200.
Back in September, the Nikon ZR caused quite a stir in the industry, being the company’s first cinema-oriented mirrorless camera following its acquisition of RED. We have reported extensively on the camera with our initial coverage, first hands-on impressions, IBC Talk, Lab Test, and Johnnie’s ever-present review and mini doc.
While users are on the fence for the first firmware update that is expected to fix known issues and bring new features, accessory manufacturers have already started producing third-party add-ons for the camera. Talking about cages, we’ve already seen options from SmallRig, Tilta, and MID49, with more alternatives coming soon from Kondor Blue and MUTINY. Now, XLCS Designs joins the list — so let’s take a look!
XLCS Designs cage for Nikon ZR. Image credit: XLCS DesignsOverview
While physical specifications, including weight, are not available, the XLCS Designs cage for Nikon ZR seems to provide a robust starting point to rig up your camera. Particularly, the cage appears to be pretty thick, especially at the bottom, where we can also find a cut-out hole that grants access to the media/battery slot.
XLCS Designs cage for Nikon ZR. Image credit: XLCS Designs
The cage seems to leave all commands and I/O ports easily accessible, while being populated with 1/4”-20 and 3/8”-16 mounting holes for mounting accessories as well as side/top NATO rails. By the way, the cage is available in two versions — with a standard top NATO rail or with a larger NATO top cheese plate.
XLCS Designs cage for Nikon ZR (NATO Top Plate). Image credit: XLCS Designs
Since the camera essentially lacks a proper grip, XLCS Designs has added one to the front of the cage, which also serves as a front cheese plate. Additionally, they produce a walnut wooden handle, originally designed for the SIGMA FP, that is also part of their Nikon ZR collection of accessories, as well as 15mm rods that can be screwed to the front of the cage, right below the lens mount.
XLCS Designs cage for Nikon ZR (Standard NATO). Image credit: XLCS Designs
Lastly, the cage comes in 4 color variants: black, silver, red, and brass. The black version is available in both Standard NATO and NATO Top Plate variants, while the silver, red, and brass finishes only come with the NATO Top Plate option.
Price and availability
The XLCS Designs cage for Nikon ZR is now available to order from the manufacturer’s website. The black and silver versions are shipping now. The Standard Nato version retails for $199.99 (plus shipping), while the Top Plate model is priced at $224.99 (plus shipping).
For more information, please visit XLCS Designs’ website here.
Have you made the switch to the Nikon ZR? What are your go-to accessories to rig this camera? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!