Looking for a compact cage recommendation for the Sigma fp camera.

Question

So I’ve been shooting with the Sigma fp for about a year now and honestly love the sensor, but I’ve run into a bit of a wall. I just got hired for a fast-paced doc project in Tokyo and I’m leaving this coming Monday, so I’m in a total rush to get my rig finalized. Usually I just use the fp stripped down for street photography or as a tiny B-cam but for this trip I need to mount a monitor and maybe a Ninja V for ProRes RAW. Every cage I’ve looked at lately seems to double the size of the camera which totally defeats the purpose of why I bought this tiny full-frame beast in the first place.

I tried the basic SmallRig one a buddy lent me but it feels way too clunky and the ergonomics are just off. I’m looking for something super low profile, almost like an exo-skeleton that doesn't add an inch of width to the sides. I really need something that has a built-in cold shoe or at least some solid mounting points on the top left because I’m gonna be running a wireless lav receiver too. My main priorities are:

must be ultra-lightweight so I can stay mobile

needs a rock solid cable clamp for the micro HDMI because that port is flimsy

cant block the battery door or the dummy battery cable path

The cable situation is also stressing me out—if any of you know a compact cage that has a really reliable HDMI cable clamp that won’t block the dummy battery cable let me know. Budget isn't a huge deal, maybe up to $150 or $200 if it's perfect, but I need to be able to get it delivered to Seattle by Friday at the latest. Glazer's is out of stock of almost everything Sigma related right now so I'm stuck ordering online.

Has anyone tried the 8Sinn cage or maybe that one from Dark Power Lab? I’ve heard the DPL one is the most form-fitting but I’m worried about how it handles heat since the fp can get pretty toasty when recording externally. I’m also worried about the weight distribution for my RS3 Mini—if the cage is too lopsided it’s gonna be a nightmare to balance with my 45mm i-series lens. Does a truly minimalist cage even exist for this thing or am I gonna have to settle for something bulky...

QuantumQuiver · Accepted Answer

Ngl I had a pretty frustrating experience with the Dark Power Lab Sigma fp Cage. It looks sleek, but the heat management was honestly a joke. It basically turned the fp into a hand warmer during long takes... super disappointing given the price. If the SmallRig one you tried felt clunky, you probably had the old version. The newer SmallRig Cage for Sigma fp Series 3211 is way slimmer and doesnt feel like a tank. It has the mounting points you need for a wireless lav on the top left. I usually pair it with the SmallRig HDMI and USB-C Cable Clamp 3164. It's not perfect and the battery door clearance is still tight, but it's the best compromise Ive found for staying mobile on a DJI RS 3 Mini Gimbal Stabilizer without the rig feeling lopsided. Sucks that options are so limited for this camera.

RadiantBit · Answer

Im super happy with the 8Sinn Sigma fp Cage with HDMI Cable Clamp. It only weighs 130g and works well for handheld stuff, honestly no complaints on the port clearance.

PixelPioneer · Answer

I love that cage too! Its honestly fantastic!doesnt block the dummy battery pathhandles heat better than others Its perfect for balancing on the DJI RS 3 Mini too!