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Dress your Nikon Z5 II to impress with SmallRig “Night Eagle” Cage

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Rig yer system! SmallRig launches Nikon Z5 II “Night Eagle” Cage for Nikon’s latest little bundle of video goodness and other Z-Series cameras

Two side-by-side promotional images of SmallRig “Night Eagle” Cage for Nikon Z5 II, one with eagle in background and one on a brown gradient
The SmallRig "Night Eagle" series has a cool name and a cool look (Image credit: SmallRig)

Creating your own rig is a right of passage for videographers and now all those lucky Nikon Z5 II owners can do just that – and in style, too – thanks to the release of the SmallRig “Night Eagle” Cage for the newly-announced Nikon Z5 II. In fact, this stylish-looking cage is compatible with a wealth of Z cameras, the original Nikon Z5, the Nikon Z6, Nikon Z7, Nikon Z6 II, and Nikon Z7 II.

And just like the existing Night Eagle cages for the Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z6 III, this new model looks the business. Not only does its alloy frame boast sleek curving lines, embellished with gold accents, but the grip side features that classic Nikon leatherette look and even Giorgetto Giugiaro’s famous red stripe.

SmallRig “Night Eagle” Cage for Nikon Z5 II (right) and SmallRig Cage for Nikon Z5 II (left)

You can choose between the super slick SmallRig “Night Eagle” Cage for Nikon Z5 II and the slightly more affordable standard SmallRig Cage for Nikon Z5 II (Image credit: SmallRig)

You can choose from the standard cage, which has an RRP of $99.99 / £97.90 / AU$162.90 or the cage kit, which’ll set you back $169.99 / £165.90 / AU$276.90. The former comes with the cage and a cold-shoe mount, while the latter comes with the cage, cold-shoe mount, HDMI & USB-C cable clamp, and handle.

The “Night Eagle” Cage itself features silicone padding on its interior for a little extra cushioning, an Arca-Swiss quick-release plate, H21 “HawkLock” Quick Release NATO Rail, three-point locking system (so the cage fits securely to the camera), two strap-mounting options via a strap slot and QD (quick detach) socket. Plus, a wealth of mounting holes, with 1/4-inch-20 threaded and locating holes, ARRI 3/8-inch-16 locating holes, and 3/8-inch-16 threaded holes.

Annotated diagram of SmallRig “Night Eagle” Cage for Nikon Z5 II from four different perspectives

Like any good rig, the "Night Eagle" boasts plenty of provision for video accessories (Image credit: SmallRig)

If you opt for the kit with a handle, you’ll find what SmallRig calls “Eagle-Wings”. This is because silicon grips pop out either side of the handle – like a pair of wings – to reveal provision for a single 1/4-inch-20 and 3/8-inch-16 screw, and two M2.5 screws.

And if the “Night Eagle” doesn’t quite fit your budget or you want a more utilitarian-looking alternative, SmallRig also offers the standard Cage for Nikon Z5II, which retails for $69.99 / £67.90 / AU$113.90. The cages are available to pre-order now, with an expected shipping date of May 15.

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Mike Harris
Mike Harris
How To Editor

Mike studied photography at college, honing his Adobe Photoshop skills and learning to work in the studio and darkroom. After a few years writing for various publications, he headed to the ‘Big Smoke’ to work on Wex Photo Video’s award-winning content team, before transitioning back to print as Technique Editor (later Deputy Editor) on N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine.

With bylines in Digital Camera, PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, Practical Photography, Digital Photographer, iMore, and TechRadar, he’s a fountain of photography and consumer tech knowledge, making him a top tutor for techniques on cameras, lenses, tripods, filters, and more. His expertise extends to everything from portraits and landscapes to abstracts and architecture to wildlife and, yes, fast things going around race tracks...

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