SmallRig R6 II Hawklock Camera Cage Kit for Canon R6 Mark II
Quick take
This full cage kit is designed specifically for the Canon R6 Mark II, adding a top handle, a cable clamp for HDMI and USB-C, and multiple mounting points for microphones, lights, monitors, and more. Buyers tend to highlight the solid build and useful accessory ecosystem, but the main catch is ensuring you have the right camera model, plus being ready for a brief learning curve when locking the Hawklock system into place.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Customized fit for Canon R6 Mark II, with access to the buttons, card slot, screen, and battery door.
- Hawklock approach aims to make accessory attachment and removal faster.
- Top handle and multiple mounting points (including NATO rail and cold-shoe mounts) support common rig builds.
- Cable clamp helps keep HDMI and USB-C cables routed and secured.
Cons
- Not compatible with Canon R6 Mark III, and the fit issues can affect access to the memory card door.
- Some buyers report the side locks can be temperamental, requiring careful camera positioning to engage properly.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence points to a couple of consistent themes: the cage feels solid and well-built, and it adds a more secure, professional rigging experience for the Canon R6 Mark II. Many mentions also focus on the practicality of the Hawklock system and the value of having a top handle plus cable management when running external accessories. On the downside, compatibility for the correct camera model comes up clearly, and there is limited-but-relevant feedback that dialing in the side locks may take a few tries during setup.
Key features that matter for real shooting
Built for Canon R6 Mark II, not a generic cage
This kit is intended for the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, securing the camera through a bottom 1/4”-20 screw and side lock adapter(s). It also keeps key access open, including the button area, the card slot, the screen, and the battery door, so you are not fighting the cage every time you power down or swap media.
Accessory flexibility without giving up core access
The cage and top handle include expansion interfaces aimed at common video and hybrid setups. You get multiple 1/4”-20 threaded mounting points for accessories like monitor mounts, multiple cold shoe mounts for items such as microphones and lights, plus built-in 3/8”-16 locating holes for ARRI-style mounting (useful if you already own ARRI-compatible gear). There is also a NATO rail on the left side for NATO clamp accessories, like certain side handles.
Top handle for carrying and low-angle work
The included top handle attaches to the cage using 3/8”-16 locating holes for ARRI, and it is positioned to make the rig easier to grip and carry. It is also designed to support low-angle shooting styles where you want a stable hold while operating handheld or semi-mounted.
Cable clamp for HDMI and USB-C
To reduce stress on ports during movement, the kit includes a cable clamp on the left side of the cage for HDMI and USB-C connections. It uses M3 screws to secure the clamp, which can help prevent cable deflection while you are filming.
Retractable Arca-style base for tripods and gimbals
The kit includes a quick release plate compatible with Arca-Swiss style tripods. It is also described as compatible with DJI RS 2, RSC 2, RS 3, RS 3 Pro, RS 4, and RS 4 Pro stabilizers, which matters if you want to move between handheld rigging and gimbal work.
Pros and cons: is this the right cage kit?
Best for
- Canon R6 Mark II owners building a cage with accessories like monitors, microphones, and lights.
- Video and hybrid shooters who want practical cable management for HDMI and USB-C.
- Creators who frequently switch between rig configurations and benefit from a locking accessory approach.
- Users who want an Arca-style quick release base for tripods and specified DJI RS gimbals.
Who should avoid it
- Anyone with a Canon R6 Mark III. Reported fit problems include interference around the memory card door.
- Buyers who want a cage that locks flawlessly out of the box without any positioning adjustments. Some buyers report the side locks may require careful camera placement to engage smoothly.
Compatibility and setup notes
- Camera body fit: Confirm you have the Canon R6 Mark II. This kit is not meant for the R6 Mark III.
- Locking workflow: Expect some setup time. If the side locks do not line up, you may need to reposition the camera to get both locks fully seated.
- Port access: The kit is intended to preserve access to key controls and compartments, but cable routing through the clamp is part of the expected workflow.
Price and availability
Pricing can vary by retailer and may not always match list price. If you want the fastest way to confirm current cost, stock, and shipping options for your region, check the live listing before ordering.
Alternatives to consider
If you are comparing cage kits, focus less on the brand and more on whether the cage is tailored to your exact camera model, how well it preserves access to the card door and battery compartment, and how easy it is to add your specific accessories (monitors, microphones, lights, and side handles). If your priority is gimbal-only use, you may also want to compare how seamlessly the base plate integrates with your stabilizer system before choosing a full cage build.
Verdict
The SmallRig R6 II Hawklock Camera Cage Kit is a feature-rich full cage for the Canon R6 Mark II, built for accessory expansion and practical cable routing. It looks like a good match for creators who regularly mount external gear and want a sturdier, more configurable rig, with the key caution being strict compatibility (especially versus the R6 Mark III) and being willing to spend a few minutes getting the Hawklock side locks properly seated.
FAQs
Q: Is the SmallRig R6 II Hawklock cage kit compatible with the Canon R6 Mark III?
A: No. Buyers report it does not fit the R6 Mark III, including interference that can prevent full opening of the memory card door.
Q: Does this cage allow access to the Canon R6 Mark II battery and card slot?
A: Yes. It is designed to maintain access to the card slot and battery door, along with key button areas and the screen.
Q: What mounting options come with the cage?
A: You get multiple 1/4”-20 threaded holes, cold-shoe mounts, built-in 3/8”-16 ARRI-style locating holes, and a NATO rail on the left side for NATO clamp accessories.
Q: Does it include cable management for HDMI and USB-C?
A: Yes. It includes a cable clamp on the left side that secures HDMI and USB-C cables with M3 screws to reduce cable deflection.
Q: Is the base compatible with tripods or stabilizers?
A: The kit includes a quick release Arca-Swiss style plate and is described as compatible with multiple DJI RS stabilizers, including RS 2, RSC 2, RS 3/RS 3 Pro, and RS 4/RS 4 Pro.
Specifications
| Product Title | SmallRig R6 II Hawklock Camera Cage Kit for Canon R6 Mark II, Full Cage with Top Handle and Cable Clamp, Buit-in Cold Shoes and NATO Rails -5197 |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Camera & Photo > Accessories > Accessory Bundles |
| Brand | SMALLRIG |
| Manufacturer | SmallRig |
| Model Name | R6 II |
| Model Number | 5197 |
| Video Capture Resolution | 4K (3840 x 2160) |
| Color | silver |
| Item Weight | 340 Grams |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 12115 |
| Built-In Media | Cage x 1; Top Handle x 1; Cable Clamp x 1; User Manual x 1 |
| Warranty Description | 2 |
| Folded Size | 167.0mm (l) x 157.5mm (w) x 86.0mm (h) |
| Compatible Devices | Camera |
| Iso Range | 100-40000 |
| Video Capture Format | MP4 |
| Audio Recording | Yes |
| Light Sensitivity | 100-40000 |
| Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/8000 segundos |
| Exposure Control Type | Manual (M) |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| File Format | MP4 |
| Media Type | EnhancedContent |
| Viewfinder Type | Electronic viewfinder |
| Number of Packs | 1 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
Available variants
Style
- R6 Mark II Cage
- Camera Cage Kit
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