A shoulder mount rig is a camera support that rests on your shoulder to give handheld footage a smoother, more controlled look. It usually combines a padded shoulder base, front grips, 15 mm rods, and mounting points for follow focus, matte box, audio, and power. Balanced correctly, it shifts weight from your wrists to the core and reduces fatigue during long takes. Documentary, corporate, and event shooters value its fast setup and mobility. This guide to Top 10 Shoulder Mount Rig Brands in the World highlights trusted makers and explains how their designs improve balance, comfort, expandability, and precision for serious video work.
ARRI
ARRI builds professional shoulder solutions that prioritize balance, durability, and speed on set. Their Pro Camera Accessories include the CSP shoulder pad, VCT plates, and rosette handgrips that lock with solid metal interfaces. Designs follow 15 mm and 19 mm standards, so you can integrate matte boxes, follow focus units, and battery plates without adapters. Smart geometry keeps the optical center low, which helps handheld stability and reduces roll. Tool free adjustments, integrated safety stops, and dovetail compatibility make repositioning quick between tripod and shoulder work. Although premium in price, ARRI rigs are known for long service life and global service support.
Zacuto
Zacuto is widely associated with comfortable, ergonomic shoulder rigs that assemble quickly. Their Z-Finder ecosystem, recoil baseplates, and rosette handles encourage a neutral balance that places weight over the shoulder rather than in front. The soft, contoured pad and quick extendable rods support changing lens lengths and accessories in seconds. Zacuto grips feature push button design for angle changes without tools, and the brand embraces standard 15 mm LWS for broad compatibility. Integrated NATO rails and quick release plates allow fast swaps to gimbals or tripods. The company backs rigs with strong warranties, and many shooters appreciate the modular kits tailored to camera families.
Shape
Shape from Canada focuses on robust, field ready rigs with clever adjustment mechanisms. The trademark Push Button technology lets operators reposition handgrips instantly while keeping both hands on the camera. Baseplates with rod clamps, VCT interfaces, and sliding shoulder pads help operators tune front to back balance as accessories change. The foam padding is dense yet breathable for day long comfort, and the handles articulate for low or high angle shooting. Shape designs respect ARRI rosette and 15 mm standards, easing cross brand mixing. The company also offers bundle kits for popular cinema cameras, which simplifies purchasing and guarantees fit.
Tilta
Tilta combines industrial design with affordability, producing shoulder kits that look and feel professional. Unified baseplates, quick release shoulder pads, and extendable handgrips connect to the brand cages and power solutions. NATO clamps and ARRI rosettes give fast, repeatable adjustments, while 15 mm rods carry follow focus and matte boxes securely. Tilta often integrates battery plates and cable management into the rig, reducing clutter and strain on ports. Many kits support VCT or Arca type interfaces for quick moves between support modes. Operators value the thoughtful finishes, rugged materials, and the deep accessory catalog that keeps rigs expandable over time.
SmallRig
SmallRig is known for modular parts and budget friendly kits that scale from DSLRs to compact cinema bodies. Their shoulder solutions include comfortable pads, universal baseplates, and telescopic handles that lock positively with rosettes. Numerous NATO rails, cold shoes, and 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch mounts make accessory placement easy. SmallRig carbon fiber rods save weight without sacrificing stiffness, and the company publishes clear compatibility notes. You can start with a simple base kit and add counterweights, EVF mounts, or battery plates as your setup grows. The price to performance ratio is attractive for creators who want reliable hardware without overspending.
Wooden Camera
Wooden Camera focuses on cinema grade components with precise machining and studio friendly standards. The Unified Shoulder Pad and baseplate system centers the camera while offering fore and aft travel to perfect balance. ARRI style rosettes, NATO options, and 15 mm or 19 mm rods support heavy lensing and onboard power. Their dovetail plates and quick release mechanisms let crews move from tripod to shoulder in one motion. Accessory arms and EVF mounts are rigid, which preserves focus marks and framing during long takes. Build quality and spare part availability make Wooden Camera a dependable choice for rental and owner operators.
Vocas
Vocas from the Netherlands builds light yet sturdy shoulder rigs favored in broadcast and documentary work. Their sliding shoulder baseplates allow fine balancing and integrate soft pads that distribute pressure comfortably. Vocas grips are adjustable with secure rosette locks, and smart cable guides reduce snags during run and gun shooting. Systems are compatible with 15 mm and 19 mm rods, VCT plates, and common broadcast accessories. The Top Cheese Plates and EVF brackets are drilled generously for mounting monitors, audio, and wireless. Attention to weight, fit, and finish results in rigs that feel refined and remain reliable in harsh environments.
Chrosziel
Chrosziel offers German engineered shoulder solutions that focus on precision and repeatability. The Slide enable shoulder support and lightweight support kits keep the camera centered while allowing quick balancing adjustments. High grade alloys and refined padding improve durability and all day comfort. Chrosziel integrates accessory standards like ARRI rosettes, 15 mm rods, and VCT plates, making the rigs easy to adapt. The brand matte boxes and follow focus units pair seamlessly, reducing chance of flex and misalignment. Operators who value exacting build quality and stable optical alignment often select Chrosziel for demanding narrative or commercial work.
Proaim
Proaim delivers cost effective shoulder rigs with an emphasis on adjustability and broad compatibility. Their baseplates include vertical and horizontal travel to set proper lens height for matte boxes and follow focus. Padded shoulder mounts and counterweight options help achieve neutral balance with larger lenses or battery plates. Multiple rosette points and telescopic handles allow comfortable grip positions for operators of different sizes. Proaim kits often include hard cases and tool kits, offering value for new crews building out equipment lists. While affordable, the rigs hold alignment well and integrate with standard 15 mm accessories owned by many shooters.
LanParte
LanParte provides modular shoulder rigs that are popular among independent filmmakers for reliability and price. Comfortable silicone shoulder pads, quick release baseplates, and solid rosette grips form the core of the system. Height adjustable rod blocks set the optical center correctly for matte boxes, and optional counterweights improve handling. LanParte offers battery pinch units with power distribution, simplifying cable runs and reducing strain on camera ports. The hardware uses familiar standards like 15 mm LWS, NATO rails, and VCT plates, so mixing with other brands is straightforward. Overall, LanParte rigs strike a balance between flexibility, comfort, and longevity for daily production use.
