Rig building guide
Matte box
A matte box is an essential tool for any serious filmmaker, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits. While it might look impressive on a camera rig, its purpose goes beyond just appearances. A matte box attaches to the front of your lens and serves two primary purposes: reducing unwanted glare and providing a system for mounting various filters. By blocking light from hitting the lens at unwanted angles, a matte box prevents lens flares that can compromise image quality, especially when shooting in bright conditions or outdoors. The flags or barn doors attached to the matte box allow you to control and shape the light hitting the lens, enhancing contrast and ensuring a cleaner, more controlled shot. Another key feature is the ability to insert and swap out filters, such as neutral density (ND) filters, polarizers, or diffusion filters. Instead of screwing filters directly onto your lens, the matte box allows you to slide in different filter sizes and types into dedicated slots, making it easier to adjust settings on the fly without slowing down production. This also keeps your filters safe from scratches or damage during shooting. Moreover, using square or rectangular filters offers more flexibility than traditional circular ones, allowing for advanced filter stacking or using filters that might not fit directly onto your lens. Ultimately, a matte box not only helps protect your shots from unwanted light interference but also adds versatility to your setup by making filter management far more efficient. This combination of practical benefits and professional aesthetics makes it an indispensable part of any serious camera rig.
Matte box
Traditional Matte box
A traditional matte box is a straightforward piece of camera equipment designed primarily to block stray light from hitting the lens and causing unwanted glare or lens flares. It usually mounts to the front of the camera and provides slots where you can insert square or rectangular filters to adjust for different lighting conditions or effects. Traditional matte boxes are simpler than more modern, modular systems, often offering fewer features like VND or rotating filters, but they serve the essential purpose of improving image contrast and clarity by controlling light.
Standard Matte Box
The SmallRig Mini Matte Box 3575 lite is a cost-effective and lightweight solution, ideal for run-and-gun shooters who want to reduce glare and control lens flares without the bulk of larger matte boxes. Its lightweight nature means it doesn’t need a 15mm rod support, even though it lacks a 1/4 thread on the bottom for such a mount. This makes it practical for filmmakers who prefer a more portable setup. Standard size of 95mm. Comes with a built-in 4 x 5.65" filter tray, enabling you to use standard filters. This is particularly useful for adding ND filters or polarizers to control exposure and reflections. Included in the package: 1 x mini matte box lite 1 x Φ67-95/72-95/77-95/82-95 mm adapter rings 1 x built-in filter tray 1 x storage pouch It’s recommended to purchase an additional kit of adapter rings to ensure compatibility with all of your lenses, as that provides more flexibility for different shooting setups. The SmallRig 3575 is an excellent choice for filmmakers looking for an affordable and efficient matte box solution without the bulk and weight of larger options.
Standard Matte Box
The Neewer PG002 matte box offers solid functionality, with an important distinction between two versions—one with a single filter tray and another with two stackable trays. It is recommended to go for the version with two trays since it only costs a few dollars more and provides additional flexibility if one tray breaks or you need to stack filters for more advanced setups. Like the SmallRig Mini Matte Box, it uses standard 4"x5.65" filters, specifically for ND (neutral density) or other types of professional filters. The PG002 is only compatible with ø95mm lenses, which is a static design that minimizes the risk of breaking. This makes it more durable but limits flexibility compared to adjustable options. The box comes with 95-67mm, 95-72mm, 95-77mm, and 95-82mm step-down rings to adapt to different lens sizes. As always, it’s recommended to buy a full kit of step-up rings for more versatility, and if your lens isn’t included in that range, purchase a specific ring for your lens size. Weighing in at around three times heavier than the SmallRig Mini Matte Box, it’s still light enough to mount directly on the lens but is better suited for being mounted on a rail for increased stability, especially in longer shoots or more rugged conditions. It comes with a 1/4 thread to easily mount on a 15mm rod support system, which provides greater balance and weight distribution during filming. Overall, the Neewer PG002 offers solid performance at an affordable price point, with the two-filter tray setup being the smarter buy for future-proofing your gear.
Standard Matte Box
The K&F Matte Box serves as an excellent middle ground between more affordable options like the Neewer matte box and the more advanced SmallRig models. Weighing around 340g, it's on the heavier side, but this is mitigated by the inclusion of a bottom 1/4" thread for mounting support. This is particularly useful to prevent strain on your lens or camera when using heavier setups. The K&F matte box comes with two filter trays, allowing you to insert up to two filters simultaneously, giving flexibility in combining ND, UV, or effect filters. It features a standard 95mm thread and includes step rings in sizes 67-95mm, 72-95mm, 77-95mm, and 82-95mm, making it compatible with a wide range of lenses. Overall, this matte box is a solid choice for filmmakers looking for something comparable to the Neewer and SmallRig mini matte boxes, balancing affordability and functionality well.
Standard Matte Box
The SmallRig 3196 is an upgraded version of the Mini 3575 matte box, retaining compatibility with standard 4"x5.65" filter trays and support for round filters as well, which is common across the matte boxes mentioned. Designed to fit 95mm lenses, it also comes with step-down rings for adapting to smaller lens sizes: Φ67-95mm, Φ72-95mm, Φ77-95mm, and Φ82-95mm lenses, making it highly versatile for various setups. Though it weighs slightly more than the Mini 3575, the additional weight is minimal. It includes a 1/4 thread to mount on a 15mm rod support system, which is ideal for heavier rigs where multiple accessories may be attached to the end of the camera. The flexibility to either mount it directly on the lens for run-and-gun shoots or secure it with a rod support for more stable setups makes this matte box a strong choice for both light and more robust filming configurations. In short, the SmallRig 3196 offers more stability and mounting options than its lighter counterpart without a significant increase in weight, making it a solid upgrade for filmmakers looking to balance direct mounting and accessory support.
Standard Matte Box
The SmallRig 3680 Pro Mini Matte Box is designed for filmmakers who want more than just basic light control, offering advanced features while remaining compact. This matte box is significantly heavier than the Mini 3196, coming in at over three times its weight. While you can still mount it directly onto a lens, it's highly recommended to use a 15mm rod support system when using heavier ND filters to maintain balance and reduce strain on the lens. One of its key advantages is its three barn doors, allowing you to effectively block unwanted light from entering the lens from multiple angles. While highly beneficial for precision, the multiple doors can also be somewhat cumbersome when not in use. It's positioned as a versatile option between run-and-gun shooting and a fully rigged setup. The Standard 4"x5.65" filter trays remain compatible with both rectangular and circular filters, giving you flexibility in filter choices. The matte box also features a 1/4" thread for mounting to rod supports, increasing its adaptability. It fits standard 95mm lenses and comes with step-down rings for 67-95mm, 72-95mm, 77-95mm, and 82-95mm lenses. Additionally, it comes with two filter trays, an added bonus compared to some other models. Overall, the SmallRig 3680 is ideal for filmmakers seeking more control over lighting and filters, while still retaining some of the compactness associated with smaller rigs. If you're comfortable with the extra weight and appreciate the additional barn doors, it's an excellent choice. Do note you can remove the barn doors.
Standard Matte Box
Neewer filter trays are surprisingly expensive compared to SmallRig, costing nearly double the price for a single tray. Unfortunately, if you’re working with Neewer's matte box system, you don’t have much of an alternative, as their trays are proprietary, leaving you no choice but to go with Neewer's option. This makes the SmallRig system more attractive for those seeking flexibility and affordability in building their setups.
Standard Matte Box
The 4x5.65 filter trays are essential for use in standard matte boxes, allowing filmmakers to easily insert and swap square filters. Some matte boxes can accommodate two trays at once, giving the flexibility to stack multiple filters for greater control. However, having additional trays ready with pre-loaded filters allows for quick changes during shoots, saving valuable time. There are also square 4x4 trays available, but we recommend sticking with the 4x5.65 trays. They are the same price and provide greater versatility, ensuring that you won’t run into issues like seeing the edges of the glass or vignetting when using wide lenses.
Standard Matte Box
The SmallRig filter trays stand out because, although only one is included in the kit, it still offers the same overall value as matte boxes from Neewer and K&F, which include two trays. This is especially useful for filmmakers who may not need two trays, as it gives them the option to save money by not being obligated to purchase an additional one. If you do require two filters, however, you can simply buy an additional tray without feeling forced to pay upfront for an extra one you might not need. This flexibility makes the SmallRig matte box kit a solid, customizable choice for different workflow needs.
Matte box
Hybrid
A hybrid matte box combines two key elements: a variable ND (VND) modular system and a traditional matte box setup. This design allows for the flexibility of using a fully operational VND system for precise exposure control, while also offering the benefits of barn doors to block unwanted light and maintain contrast. Additionally, it retains the option to use square or rectangular filters for added control over your image. This setup is highly versatile, giving filmmakers the option to easily switch between VND adjustments and traditional filter applications without needing to swap out equipment.
Matte Box
While not a matte box, this Filter Kit with Adjustable Clamp makes a strong case as a viable alternative to traditional matte boxes for those seeking a compact, versatile solution. The kit features a design similar to a professional matte box setup but in a circular filter format, which is both lightweight and easier to handle for run-and-gun scenarios. Key components include a variable ND filter ranging from 2-5 stops, allowing for flexible light reduction, and a CPL (circular polarizer) filter that can be smoothly adjusted via the included gear wheel—providing precise control over reflections and glare without the risk of unwanted camera shake. The kit also comes with a 1/4 black diffusion filter, perfect for adding subtle softness to your image, making it ideal for portraits or achieving a more cinematic look. A dust cover is also included, adding an extra layer of protection when the filters are not in use. This kit is compatible with lenses ranging from 67mm to 82mm in diameter, making it adaptable for most standard lenses, and offering a good range of coverage for different shooting setups. If you're looking for a more portable and budget-friendly alternative to a matte box, this filter kit offers a solid balance of professional-level control and convenience, especially for shoots where quick adjustments and compact setups are prioritized. It has a 1/4 thread at the bottom for rod support.
Matte Box
The SmallRig Matte & Filter Kit sits perfectly between professional-grade matte box systems and compact filter kits. It combines the versatility of a filter kit with the added benefits of a matte box, making it a hybrid option for filmmakers looking to streamline their setups. The matte box features a unique single-filter tray system that eliminates the need for separate trays for each filter. Instead, you insert filters directly into the single tray, simplifying the process and reducing the need for extra gear. This setup is a great option for those who want the flexibility of using various filters without needing to buy dedicated trays for each one. It also includes a 1/4" thread, allowing you to mount it onto a rod system for added stability and support. This versatility makes it adaptable for a wide range of setups, from smaller rigs to more professional systems where rod support is essential. While there is a cheaper, more straightforward design available, it features a very thin matte box that won't provide significant light control and does not include a VND kit. If you plan on acquiring the VND kit afterward, it will end up costing you more. The whole point of this matte box is to accommodate the special VNDs, so if that's not your intention, it would be better to opt for a standard matte box and use a basic screw-in ND filter. Overall, the SmallRig Matte & Filter Kit is a solid choice for filmmakers who want a more organized and efficient way to work with filters while still benefiting from the light-blocking capabilities of a matte box. It strikes a balance between filter kits and pro-level matte boxes, offering the best of both worlds without compromising on quality or functionality. Many filmmakers will appreciate this balanced option for its practicality and thoughtful design.
Matte box
Conclusion
When deciding between a standard matte box and a hybrid matte box, each brings its own set of advantages depending on your filmmaking needs. A standard matte box is a more traditional and professional solution. It offers simplicity, efficiency, and reliability, often featuring one or more barn doors for light control and multiple filter trays. Each tray holds a single filter, such as ND, UV, or other effect filters, with precise results. This setup ensures maximum accuracy in filtering since square filters are static and have no moving parts, making them less prone to errors and more suitable for professional setups where reliability is key. The main strength of the standard matte box is its professionalism in delivering consistent and high-quality image control with little room for error, but it can be bulkier and requires more time to swap filters. On the other hand, a hybrid matte box brings versatility and efficiency to the table. Combining circular filters with the option to add a single 4x5.65 square filter, it allows for quick adjustments and flexibility in fast-paced shooting environments. The circular filters—such as variable ND—can be adjusted dynamically, which can save time on set. However, because circular filters introduce movement during adjustments, they are slightly less accurate than square filters, potentially affecting image quality when precise filtering is necessary. The hybrid setup shines in situations where time and convenience are more important than the absolute precision of a standard matte box. It's especially useful for indie filmmakers or those working with smaller rigs who value modularity and speed over ultimate professionalism. In conclusion, if you’re aiming for a straightforward, professional, and highly controlled setup, the standard matte box is the best choice. It’s ideal for situations where accuracy and stability are non-negotiable. However, if you prioritize efficiency, flexibility, and don’t mind a slight trade-off in precision, the hybrid matte box offers a more adaptable solution, especially for fast-paced environments and indie projects. Both have their place, but the decision should ultimately depend on your production's specific needs.
Hybrid Matte box
Circular filters
These circular filters are specifically designed for use with the hybrid matte box and VND kit. Each filter starts with a base Circular Polarizer (CPL) that features a gear mechanism, allowing for exterior rotation from the matte box. This setup enables filmmakers to combine additional CPL filters to achieve variable neutral density (VND) effects, as well as to utilize ND filters for lowering light exposure or other effect filters. By integrating these circular filters into a matte box system, indie filmmakers can streamline their workflow without the hefty investment of $2,500 typically required for a high-end matte box. This modular approach allows them to combine their favorite square filters with other filters, all in a compact and affordable package. This versatility is essential for those looking to maintain quality and creativity in their cinematography while keeping costs manageable.
Circular Filters
In the event that you break, lose, or want a backup for the VND kit, this replacement option is available. It includes three circular polarizers (CPLs) that can be combined to achieve a variable ND effect. The first CPL features a gear mechanism for smooth rotation, while the second and third CPLs can be mounted for varying ND stops. When using CPL 2, you’ll achieve a variable ND range of 2-5 stops, which is a common range for most shooting scenarios. In contrast, mounting CPL 3 provides a darker look, offering a range of 6-9 stops for situations requiring more light reduction. Overall, while variable ND filters may not offer the same level of light control as square filters, the quality of these CPLs is sufficient for many applications. Their ability to rotate smoothly via a follow focus system compensates for some of the drawbacks. Additionally, you can experiment by using only CPL 1 in combination with a square ND filter or just the CPL alone to observe how it affects your image. This flexibility allows for creative experimentation while maintaining control over lighting conditions.
Circular Filters
The ND kit (neutral density) consists of static stop reduction filters designed to lower overall light levels entering the camera. These filters provide a precise, non-variable option, making them an effective choice for filmmakers seeking to limit light inaccuracies. They bridge the gap between square filters and variable ND filters, allowing for more controlled exposure settings. Typically, ND filters come in various stops: 3-stop, 6-stop, and 10-stop options. The 3-stop and 6-stop filters are suitable for most shooting scenarios, as they cover the majority of lighting conditions encountered in standard film production. The 10-stop filter serves as an excellent bonus for particularly bright environments, offering additional flexibility when shooting in harsh lighting situations. These ND filters can also be paired with other filters, allowing you to achieve desired brightness levels while maintaining creative control over your shots. By using ND filters as a baseline, you can create a more balanced exposure without the complications associated with variable filters. For more detailed insights on the benefits of ND filters and their applications in filmmaking, you can refer to resources such as B&H Photo or Film Riot, which provide excellent overviews on filter types and their uses in cinematography.
Circular Filters
The White Diffusion Filter Kit from SmallRig is specifically designed for use with mini matte boxes (models 4409, 4411, and 4412). This kit effectively reduces highlights and slightly lowers overall contrast, creating a soft, cinematic look. It includes four grades of diffusion filters: Grade 1/8 offers a subtle effect, providing minimal highlight reduction and softening the image slightly. Grade 1/4 enhances this softness further, making details appear more gentle without losing clarity. Grade 1/2 significantly increases the diffusion, resulting in a more pronounced softening effect, while Grade 1 delivers the strongest diffusion, creating a dreamy, ethereal quality by substantially softening highlights and reducing contrast. The filters utilize a magnetic design for easy installation and stacking within the matte box, which enhances convenience during production. These filters are particularly beneficial for softening facial wrinkles and blemishes, making them a popular choice in fashion and beauty applications. Unlike traditional diffusion or soft focus filters, white diffusion filters minimize detail loss, maintaining image clarity while softening the light. This allows for various levels of highlight reduction and contrast adjustment, providing filmmakers with creative flexibility without compromising overall image quality.
Circular Filters
The Black Diffusion Filter Kit from SmallRig is specifically designed for use with their mini matte boxes (models 4409, 4411, and 4412). These filters create a unique halo effect that softens highlights while slightly reducing overall contrast, giving the image a gentle, ethereal quality. The kit includes four grades of black diffusion filters: Grade 1/8 offers the mildest effect, providing subtle softness and minimal highlight reduction. Grade 1/4 increases the intensity, softening details more noticeably while still preserving some sharpness. Grade 1/2 significantly enhances the diffusion effect, resulting in a more pronounced halo and softer highlights. Finally, Grade 1 delivers the strongest diffusion, creating a dreamy, vintage film look by substantially softening the image and reducing contrast. These filters are particularly effective for smoothing out facial imperfections, making them ideal for fashion and beauty applications, as well as cinematic projects seeking a classic aesthetic. The magnetic design of the filters allows for easy installation and stacking within the matte box, enhancing convenience during shoots. Overall, the Black Diffusion Filter Kit provides filmmakers with a versatile tool for achieving a desired soft focus effect without sacrificing image detail.
Matte box
Step up/down rings
You will most likely need step-up or step-down rings for your matte box, either now or when you acquire new lenses. Step rings allow you to adapt the filter threads of smaller or larger lenses to fit the matte box's standard diameter. For example, if your matte box came with an adapter from 95mm to 82mm, but your lens has a 77mm thread, you would use a 77-82mm step-up ring in addition to the 82-95mm adapter ring to complete the attachment. It is preferred to always use the step rings provided with the matte box to ensure perfect compatibility, as using rings from different sources may cause light leaks or issues with stability.
Circular Filters
The Neewer step-up and step-down ring set offers excellent value, providing a comprehensive range of sizes for both step-up and step-down adjustments. The set includes nine step-up ring filter adapters: 37-49mm, 49-52mm, 52-55mm, 55-58mm, 58-62mm, 62-67mm, 67-72mm, 72-77mm, and 77-82mm, as well as nine step-down adapters: 49-37mm, 52-49mm, 55-52mm, 58-55mm, 62-58mm, 67-62mm, 72-67mm, 77-72mm, and 82-77mm. This variety of options allows you to fit a wide range of lenses and filters, making it a versatile choice for filmmakers and photographers alike.
Circular Filters
The K&F step-up and step-down ring set is a slightly more expensive option, offering the same nine pieces for each set as the Neewer kit. The step-up rings include 37-49mm, 49-52mm, 52-55mm, 55-58mm, 58-62mm, 62-67mm, 67-72mm, 72-77mm, and 77-82mm, while the step-down rings feature 49-37mm, 52-49mm, 55-52mm, 58-55mm, 62-58mm, 67-62mm, 72-67mm, 77-72mm, and 82-77mm. Despite the slight price increase, the K&F set still offers a wide range of filter and lens compatibility, making it a solid choice for users who value durable and reliable ring adapters.
Circular Filters
For roughly the same price as the K&F kit, Neewer offers a more comprehensive collection by including an extra two rings in the set. The Neewer Stepping Adapter Ring Kit provides 10 pieces of step-up rings (26-30mm, 30-37mm, 37-43mm, 43-52mm, 52-55mm, 55-62mm, 62-67mm, 67-72mm, 72-77mm, and 77-82mm) and 10 pieces of step-down rings (82-77mm, 77-72mm, 72-67mm, 67-62mm, 62-55mm, 55-52mm, 52-43mm, 43-37mm, 37-30mm, and 30-26mm). This expanded range makes it an appealing option for those looking for the most adaptable kit, especially if they anticipate needing those additional smaller sizes.
Matte box
Matte box Support
Matte box support becomes crucial as the weight of the matte box and accessories increases. As a general rule, any matte box setup weighing over 400g absolutely requires support to avoid putting too much strain on your camera lens mount, which can lead to long-term damage. In the grey area between 300g and 400g, it is possible to mount the matte box directly to the lens without support, but there is a risk of strain or potential damage, especially with heavier lenses or if your camera isn’t designed to handle such weight. Best practices suggest that you should support the matte box whenever possible, even in the 300-400g range, to prevent any gradual wear on your equipment. For setups weighing less than 300g, support isn't strictly necessary, but it is still recommended for better stability and to distribute the weight more evenly across your rig. More support is always beneficial as it provides extra security and balance, ensuring that your gear remains stable and safe, no matter the situation.
Matte Box Support
When using a matte box with a bottom 1/4" thread, it's highly recommended to invest in a 15mm LWS Rod Support. Even though a lightweight matte box can technically be mounted directly to the lens without support, using a rod system will help distribute the weight evenly and significantly reduce wear and tear on your lens. This is especially important if you plan on attaching additional accessories like filters or flags to your matte box. For around $40, a 15mm rod support is a long-lasting investment that will provide years of stability and protection. If you're using a heavier matte box or plan on upgrading your rig over time, getting this support is essential. Otherwise, if you're sticking to lighter setups, it might be better to opt for the SmallRig Mini Lite or continue using circular filters that don't require additional support.
Matte Box Support
For those prioritizing stability and not planning to frequently remove the matte box, a design with fewer moving parts would be ideal, as it offers better stability. Conversely, if the ability to remove the matte box is important—for instance, to capture side lens flares—this option provides that flexibility. However, it is slightly less compact due to the side arm, which may create an imbalance when pushed aside, making it less suitable for gimbal setups where stability is crucial. Overall, filmmakers should weigh their priorities between stability and flexibility when choosing a matte box support system.
Matte Box
4 x 5.65 filters are rectangular filters specifically designed to fit in matte boxes, commonly used in professional film and video production. These filters include a variety of types, such as neutral density (ND) filters, which reduce the amount of light entering the lens without affecting color, UV filters to block ultraviolet light, and effect filters that modify the image in creative ways (such as adding diffusion or color effects). Each of these filters serves a distinct purpose in controlling the light and visual quality of your shots. They are widely used due to their larger size, ensuring consistent coverage and precision across wide lenses, minimizing issues like vignetting.