SmallRig SR-RG2 review: mini-tripod, selfie-stick, camera grip and remote control in one

The SmallRig SR-RG2 Multifunctional Wireless Shooting Grip is a versatile camera support that turns from a handheld grip into both a selfie stick and a tabletop tripod. A Bluetooth control in the handle can be used to control basic shooting functions in camera grip and selfie stick mode, and detaches for remote stills and video shooting in tripod mode.

SmallRig SR-RG2: Specifications

SmallRig SR-RG2: Price

The SmallRig SR-RG2 has a list price of $69.99 / £67.90 / AU$112.90, which isn't bad value on the face of it, considering the multifunctional nature of the product, saving you from purchasing a tabletop tripod, selfie stick, grip and camera remote seperately. However, the proof of the pudding is in how well it performs each of these functions, as I will explore below.

SmallRig SR-RG2: Design & Handling

The SR-RG2 is about six inches long, with a set of simple camera controls on the top, while the underside is contoured and has a rubberized surface for comfortable holding. One end features a standard tripod screw for attaching to your camera's tripod mount socket, atop a head that can be tilted and panned by pressing a lock-release switches.

In grip mode, it offers a comfortable way to hold and operate your camera single-handedly, with the basic functions of stills shooting and video recording sitting under the thumb, as well as a lens zoom and customizable button. This control module is magnetically attached to the base unit and can be detached and used as a remote, with a 10m (33ft) range.

The end of the grip pulls out for a modest extension that increases the length of the grip to approximately double its stowed size. It's not the longest selfie stick in the world, but it does offer a view that's a little wider than would otherwise be possible. There are also a pair of flip-out legs on the underside of the device to form a mini-tripod.

SmallRig SR-RG2: Performance

To use the controller with your camera, you will first have to pair it via Bluetooth, and it thus only supports certain models. It is compatible with an extensive range of Sony cameras, a fair range of Canon models, but only lists one Nikon camera, the Z50 II. However, I found it also worked out-of-the-box with the Nikon Z5 II, which I had for testing at the same time prior to the camera's release.

Pairing the controller involves delving into the host camera's network settings and pressing a couple of buttons on the remote, and is straightforward enough. It can be recharged via a USB-C socket.

The controls are fairly basic, but are still more flexible than many standalone remote shutter releases. At the top is a thumb-operated wide/telephoto rocker switch for zooming with compatible motorized zoom lenses. There's a two-stage shutter release button, so a half-press is used to focus the image and a full-press takes the shot. There's a separate rec button for recording video (or set to another function in stills mode if your camera allows), and a further 'Custom' button, which mirrors the host camera's Fn1 setting, so to customize what this button does, you will have to change the corresponding function on the camera.

The selfie stick offers a small but potentially useful extension of around a foot (30cm) for squeezing more people into group shots, but dedicated selfie sticks will go much further.

Flipping down two small legs on the underside of the grip transforms it into a mini-tripod. It's a bit of a lop-sided affair, with the distance between the splayed legs not nearly as wide as between the legs and the base of the unit. Cameras need to be positioned with care, with the lens pointing over the main unit to keep it balanced. The tilt-head needs to be adjusted to provide a level base for the camera, and the height cannot be extended with the pull-out stick as it comes out at around a 45º angle, which would send the whole thing toppling over. As a result, you're limited to the relatively low shooting height of about four inches (100cm) when it's used as a tripod.

SmallRig SR-RG2: Verdict

The SmallRig SR-RG2 offers several ways to support your camera in one handy device, but it doesn't excel in any of them. The selfie stick length is limited, only adding around a foot of extension. The tripod height is also quite low and cannot be adjusted, as it cannot be used in conjunction with the selfie stick extension to raise the shooting height. It also feels a bit flimsy in tripod mode, and I wouldn't go much heavier than a mirrorless camera with a lightweight kit lens.

I found the Bluetooth control to be very good, though. It's easy to set up and responsive, and while it only offers a limited set of functionality, it's more versatile than many dedicated remote shutter releases, which serve only to fire the shutter. The two-stage shutter is a nice touch, and the addition of a zoom control, Rec button and custom control enables it to be configured to suit the way you shoot. I can see vloggers, in particular, finding this a really handy all-in-one solution for straight-to-camera presentations.

In a nutshell, then, it won't replace a dedicated selfie stick or mini tripod, but does offer the basics of both in one handy package.

Alternatives

Andoer 59-inch selfie stick
If the 12 inches of the SmallRig stick isn't enough for you, this one extends to a whopping 59 inches, has stabilizing feet, and comes with a Bluetooth remote. It's only suitable for small payloads, though, and its 16.5in stowing size is hardly compact.

Benro Tabletop Flex
The Benro Tabletop Flex is a much more versatile mini-tripod, with both solid and flexible legs enabling it to extend to relatively lofty heights. Its 3kg load rating is double that of the SmallRig too, though you'll need to splash out sepately on a selfie stick and camera remote.