Matte boxes can be prohibitively expensive, running into the thousands but are really a necessity for many filmmakers, as they offer both control over incoming light and a method for attaching filters.
They can be large and heavy, often needing rod supports to mount them to your rig, making for a larger setup. For some shoots this is fine but for single operators, more confined locations, or where handheld is the order of the day that just doesn’t cut it.
That’s where the boom in mirrorless and more compact cinema cameras comes in. It has meant companies like Smallrig have developed small, lightweight versions of these key shooting accessories, usually at a much lower price point.
Smallrig’s matte box mini is one such example, with key features aimed at filmmakers of all types.
SmallRig Mini Matte Box: Specifications
SmallRig Mini Matte Box: Price
At $99 / £89, the SmallRig Mini Matte Box compares similarly to its main rival, the Tilta matte box mini. They vary slightly in features but come out fairly evenly.
SmallRig Mini Matte Box: Design & Handling
The matte box mini is constructed from very nicely laid carbon fiber for the top flag and box itself, with the rest of the components crafted from good quality plastics and metal.
The box is small and light enough to mount directly to a lens, up to 95mm wide, via screw-on adapter rings. In the box, you get a number of these but check your lenses as not all are included, although they are available separately. These rings are metal with good threads that are smooth and accurate. Each has the size on it so you can easily match it to your lenses if not left on.
Also included is a single filter tray and a soft storage pouch. The filter trays are plastic and attach via a sliding system, then lock into place with a simple tab, more on that later.
The all-round build quality is very good. No fraying at the edges of the flag, which I have seen elsewhere, even though it is a single sheet of carbon cut to shape. The carbon is finished in a nice satin too, which looks and feels good but probably prevents glare too.
The matte box setup attaches to the adapter rings, or 95mm lens by means of a clamp, tightened by a knurled knob that faces upwards on an extension for ease of access.
SmallRig Mini Matte Box: Performance
Attaching the box to a lens feels good. The connection is nice and smooth and is rock solid once it is on, which takes seconds. The top lever locks the flag in place and again has a smooth action, securing with a quick twist. That flag does a good job in most situations, however, it lacks side flags, so it can’t control extraneous light from all directions. I think that is a fair trade-off for what is on offer. I have a much larger setup that I’ve used for years, with controls for adjusting the positioning, top and side flags, rod attachments, and bellows. If I can get away with it I now always choose the Smallrig for its simplicity and weight. It can stack filter trays so I’m not losing out on what filters can be used. In fact it has one bonus trick up its sleeve and that is that the adapter rings allow the use of standard circular filters attached to the front of a lens. If you are a fan of Variable NDs and polarisers, this is the matte box for you, as not many offer this.
Back to the filter trays. Slide one side of a 4 x 5.65 filter under one side, pull back on the little handle, drop the filter under it, then release and your filter is held firmly in place. It’s a simple system that works really well. I would highly recommend having a tray for each filter regularly used and having a case dedicated to them, with soft padded inserts. It’s a good way to stay organized and make the most of the system.
With the filter in place, you slide the tray onto the front of the matte box. There’s a label to show which direction, which is helpful, as the mechanism is shallow and fiddly in darker locations. This slides in nicely but care is needed to engage it fully. There is a little clip that pops over the end to hold it in place. Twice I hadn’t realized this wasn’t quite closed and my tray started to slide when holding the camera by the handle, at my side. Luckily it didn’t slide all the way off and no damage was done but I learned to check, saving myself from buying expensive new filters.
There are times when it can be useful to use more than one filter. For example, if you need an ND and a mist filter. Well, the design of the tray means you can stack them and this works really well. The same mechanism is used, just slide on additional filters and have at it. The only downside to this is that the way the top flag is mounted means it can’t be closed when there is more than one filter attached. This is a shame, as I like to close the flag to protect the glass when not shooting. It’s not a deal breaker but worthy of consideration. Of course, if you are using one square and a circular filter this isn’t an issue and most users will only use one at a time.
Once set up and attached the matte box mini functions perfectly. It weighs only 125g so is barely noticeable and does a fine job. The biggest question is which filters to use but that’s better left to a different article.
SmallRig Mini Matte Box: Verdict
The Matte Box Mini impresses with high-quality carbon fiber and metal construction, a lightweight design, and versatile filter compatibility, including stacked filters and standard circular filters for ND and polarizers. While lacking side flags, its compact build, ease of setup, and secure connection make it ideal for simplicity and lightweight setups. A fantastic tool for filmmakers, and at a very affordable price.
✅ Buy it...
- You want a good quality square filter holder with a flag
- You switch lenses a lot and need a fast solution to your matte box needs
🚫 Don't buy it...
- You prefer a rod-supported matte box
- You need side flags.
