SmallRigMatte Box, Star-Trail Lightweight Multifunctional Modular VND Kit, with 95mm VND Filter Kit, Filter Frame, 15MM LWS Support, for DSLR Mirrorless Cameras - 3645

First note: as mentioned in other reviews, the VND _is_ stiff. It's hard to manually move it in a smooth way. However, regarding the not reaching the ends, it also got me at first - it's likely just not aligned. There are marking that aren't obvious if you don't know what they're for, but once you notice them, it's quite obvious, and it's easy to align it with the frame. It's still stiff, but solves any irregularity while adjusting as well as being unable to reach the ends.Now, for the review itself:The first obvious disappointment is the inability to use the VND and the 4*5.65 tray at the same time. It's either one or the other. If you want to use both at once, you'll need another item (SmallRig 3649). That's another A$129. I feel like bundling this rather than the 15mm clamp would make much more sense to keep a similar price point. The other main issue with this is that the VND is two slots thick - but the base rig only is one slot thick. It's not a problem, except when you want to swap the VND out for another filter (or the other way around) - you have to remove the matte box from the holder.Other than that, the matte box is fairly well build, very light and a bit flimsy feeling but actually not fragile. The magnetic clamps on the side holding the box itself don't inspire much confidence (they move _very_ easily and don't lock in position), but they do fall back into place on their own immediately when released - I don't really see this being an issue in practice. It clamps on easily, is extensible (as much as I complain about having to get a 3649 tray holder, you can stack as many as you want, which I guess can be useful?)... it's pretty good.Also, the case is a nice touch, but... it doesn't really have any way to store the VND and its tray. Which is really a stupid thing - surely SmallRig can do better than keeping a VND in a cardboard box...If you can live with the issues mentioned above, it's probably a good choice. Most of the issues can be addressed by getting a 3649, but that makes it a more expensive solution.

Struggled with a matte box for professional shoots. Needed something portable, functional and lightweight. Landed on the Smallrig after debating the PolarPro setups but ultimately I think the versatility of this matte box wins. Accepts filters from all brands and has 4x4 adapter you can add to it. The VND seems to work great and excited to put this to use.

Comes with adaptor set up rings and there is no vignetting when using VND

Everything about the matte box in how it quickly connects stages is perfect. Seems well built. Problem is with the magnetic nd filter. The magnetic nd filter insert is extremely difficult to rotate and times. Very stiff and rough movements. Sometimes unable to reach its min and max setting. It is really unusable to use to make a smooth adjustment live while recording. Hopefully they see this as a design flaw and replace.

This matte box definitely needs up my presence on set in front of clients. But more importantly the variable bud with the matte box is amazing. I live in an extremely bright place so it is so helpful.