Nitze Lil Stinger Handle with QR NATO Clamp

I bought this Stinger Top Handle along with my Nitze Cage for the A7SIII, and I am sure glad I did! I got the variant with the NATO rail, which makes it super quick to remove the handle when wanting to attach my camera to a gimbal. I've always been a gimbal-primary shooter, and getting a good cage setup has allowed me to achieve some excellent handheld footage. This top handle makes low angle shots a breeze to capture. The handle is super comfortable, even for my big hands. I was afraid it would not be a comfortable fit, but it's EXTREMELY comfortable. Nitze does appear to make a larger top handle if this is a primary concern for you. Another huge benefit of the handle is the VAST amount of 1/4" and 3/8" mounting holes, as well as Arri Style locating pin holes. I was able to find a great spot to mount my Ninja V monitor that kept the balance of the rig centered. The top handle also comes with a coldshoe adapter, which was an awesome surprise! The quick release lever is simple to release, but there are two push-down pins on the edge of the NATO rail to prevent you from accidentally releasing the quick release, and then the camera falling. These pins will hold the handle on until you push one down and slide the handle off in the same action. Top Handle Pros - NATO Rail configuration allows for super quick release, and is secure - Grip is much more secure to hold than standard round/square style cage handles - SO MANY 1/4 and 3/8" mounting points, plus locator pins - The coldshoe adapter is an excellent touch - Works great facing either direction Top Handle Cons The only con I could potentially find, was that a few of the 1/4" threaded holes were missing a bit of powder coating, and were shiny silver in small places. This is purely cosmetic, and does not affect functionality. It was like 2 holes out of the billion that are on the handle. In summary, If you are looking for a top handle that is ergonomic, comfortable, and has the ability to be removed super fast, then I HIGHLY recommend this Mini Stinger Top Handle from Nitze. It is WAY more comfortable than the traditional square/round top handles that SmallRig makes, and would make a great addition to any rig. This top handle will work with any cage on the market, so grab one, you won't regret it!

The Nitze Lil Stinger Handle is such a great handle for my camera rigs, I would highly recommend! After purchasing one i quickly purchased another to have two on hand for two camera setups. The best part is that the handle already comes with a quick release base so it easily cuts out extra cage rigging parts, all is needed is a nato rail to slide onto. Also like that fact that the handle is a beefy lil rig and fits awesome with my Nitze camera cages. Was delivered quickly and packaged with care.

I used this with my Smallrig cage for my sony a7c. It's very well designed and beautifully machined. For this size camera it's great. The finger groove makes it very secure in use. Very durable finish. Quick release is a huge plus. I love the nitze brand...they are as good as small rig or better in design and quality.

This is the best top handle I’ve ever used. The clamp for the nato rail is really quick to set up and break down and does not sacrifice security. I haven’t felt anything budge once locked in. The size is perfect for my hands. The larger version looks nice for really big hands or for use with gloves. But don’t be afraid of this one, it’s perfect

This is a great and study to handle, love that it has so many mounting points on it and it’s solid quality. It’s the thing closest to the discontinued small rig red top handle but looks nicer imo.

Paired perfectly with my Nitze Panasonic Lumix S5 cage. Very adaptable and sturdy.

Doesn't work well with smallrig Nato rails. Not machined in a way that allows a smallrig nato rail to easily slide through the nato locking mechanism on the handle.

Update: Dropped from 5 stars to 4. Got the Nitze Monitor Holder Mount (1/4”-20 Screw with Locating Pins) with NATO Mount and Rail and the NATO clamp on that monitor mount does not lock on the NATO rail that came with this top handle. When closed completely, it slides back and forth; you can see a gap if you looked at it closely. It pretty much renders the rail useless for me. Never thought I would have to worry about that when using clamps and rails from the same manufacturer. I still love the handle. Just be aware. Original review: I have a few cages, top handles, and accessories from SmallRig, Camvate, NiceyRig, and others for a few cameras. My main "go-to" top handle has been the SmallRig MD2393 since it was small and had an Arri 3/8" hole for quickly attaching a monitor. It's tiny and ergonomically designed compared to all the other round and square top handles I have. Two things that I didn't like was it didn't have a NATO clamp (uses 1/4"-20 screws) and the Arri 3/8" hole was on one side, so the handle was limited which way to use it. Even if I wanted to change the direction, I had to break out the allen key; it's actually slotted in the handle which was slick, but still takes time to change it up. SmallRig came out with a NATO version, but the Arri 3/8" hole was still on one side though the did add one on the top, but that would get in the way of holding it. Then SmallRig announced the 2950, which has a rosette type connection to spin the handle 360 degrees. Great! It may work and it's a little long and the big problem is it doesn't come out until the end of October 2020... maybe. Then I see this on Amazon, the Nitze Mini Stinger Handle. Arri 3/8" holes on both sides and two on the top; NATO quick release that doesn't have a spring screw (which slows you down), lots of 1/4"-20 holes, and it's small. Sold! It's a lot bigger than the MD2393,, but who cares. This handle works! And it works well. My hand conforms to the grip either way. I can mount a monitor on either side. Bonus that it came with a cold shoe mount and NATO rail. I have a few SmallRig 2172 mini NATO rails on my cages and the NATO clamp of this handle sits flush with those rails. Looks solid! With the Nitze NATO rails, it stays, but the handle base is raised. It doesn't affect the functionality; just how it looks. I connect a monitor using a Smallrig 2903 monitor mount with Arri pins and I'm good to go. For run and gun situations, this top handle is perfect for me. Set up and break down is a breeze and quick. I can't stop gushing over it. I was looking at other Nitze products, more specifically a monitor cage, but prices went up about 33% in a matter of days, so I immediately ordered another one just in case they jack up the price. For $60, this top handle is definitely worth it. 5 stars for sure!

Out of all the handles I've tested, this one stands out as the clear winner. It feels exceptionally sturdy in the hands and includes a NATO rail and an Cold Shoe Adapter, adding to its versatility. With numerous mounts for other accessories, this handle is an excellent choice for your FX3, offering both durability and functionality to enhance your setup.

This handle is great! Ergonomic and high quality machining. Note you cannot use low profile nato rails. IT does include one that works great so it isn't a problem.

Nice chunky handle with lots of 3/8 mounting points. Gave it 4 out of 5 as I wish it was slightly bigger. Nice and compact. Feels solid. The quick release lock also feels solid.