How to build a camera rig (and check it fits before you buy)
A good camera rig is balanced, light enough for how you shoot, and made of parts that actually connect. This guide walks through each piece — and shows how to plan the whole thing in 3D with RigLab so you buy the right gear the first time.
1. Start with the camera and lens
Your camera body sets the lens mount (Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X, L-Mount, Micro Four Thirds) and where the hot shoe and tripod socket are. Pick the lens next: its weight and length decide how front-heavy the rig will be. Browse cameras and lenses.
2. Add a cage or baseplate for mounting points
A camera cage wraps the body and adds rows of 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 threads, cold shoes and NATO rails. Everything else attaches to it, so choose one made for your exact camera.
3. Monitoring and audio
An on-camera monitor usually goes on a magic arm or the cage's top rail. A shotgun mic or wireless receiver slides into a cold shoe. Keep heavy items close to the centre so the rig stays balanced.
4. Power and lighting
NP-F or V-mount batteries can power the monitor and light, and add counter-weight at the back. A small LED on a shoe mount fills faces for run-and-gun work.
5. Choose your support
Gimbals, tripods and monopods have payload limits. Add up the rig's total weight and check it against the support you want to use.
6. Check balance, weight and cost
In RigLab the total weight, centre of gravity and build cost update live as you add parts, so you can compare a budget setup with a dream rig before spending anything.
Camera rig FAQ
What is a camera rig?
A camera rig is everything you attach to a camera body to make it easier to shoot with: a cage or baseplate, handles, a monitor, a microphone, lights, power and a support such as a gimbal or tripod. Each part screws or slides onto a standard mount — usually 1/4"-20 or 3/8"-16 threads, cold shoes, NATO rails or 15 mm rods.
How do I build a camera rig?
Start with the camera and lens, then add a cage or plate that gives you mounting points. Add a monitor, microphone and light where they balance well, choose power, and finish with the support (gimbal, tripod or shoulder rig). In RigLab you do this in 3D: pick parts and click the glowing mount where each one should go.
How do I know if a cage or accessory fits my camera?
Check the mounts on both parts. RigLab models every part with its real mount points, so it only lets parts connect where they physically fit — a lens needs the matching lens mount, a shoe accessory needs a free cold shoe, and a cage screws into the camera's tripod socket.
How much does a camera rig cost?
It depends on the camera and accessories. A phone vlogging rig can be around $1,000 including the phone, a mirrorless creator rig on a gimbal around $3,000–$4,000, and a cinema-style kit with a monitor $5,000 or more. RigLab adds up the price of every part as you build.
Will my rig be too heavy for my gimbal?
RigLab shows the total weight of everything on the rig and where the centre of gravity sits, so you can compare it with your gimbal's payload limit before you buy.
Is RigLab free?
Yes. RigLab runs in your browser with no download, and all 896 parts are free to build with. You can save 3 rigs for free; RigLab Pro saves unlimited rigs for a one-time $4.99.
Where can I buy the parts?
Every part links to B&H, Amazon and Adorama so you can buy exactly what you built.