Review Of The Neewer ST200 Overhead Camera Mount Rig

Throughout my photographic career, product photography has been the dominant form of photography I do.  Whether I’m doing product photography for a magazine, a review on this website, or a video review for the ThruMyLens YouTube channel, having a good set up for your camera, lights, and background is critical for the work I do.  The Neewer ST200 Overhead Camera Mount Rig is a practical, economical solution designed to meet the needs of photographers and videographers who require a stable, adjustable, and versatile mount for product photography and video.

DESIGN AND BUILD QUALITY

Let me start off by saying that this is not exactly a unique product and that there are a few others in the marketplace, which are similar.  The Neewer ST200 Overhead Camera Mount Rig boasts a sleek and functional design that is both visually appealing and functionally superior to its competitors.  Constructed from high-quality steel alloy, the rig is lightweight yet robust, ensuring durability and stability during use. The matte black finish adds a professional touch, making it an attractive addition to any studio setup.  You definitely won’t feel like you have to tear it down and set it back up every time you want to use it because of how it looks.

The rig features a modular design, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly. I assembled it in about 15 minutes and could probably take it down in five minutes if needed.  This makes it highly portable and convenient for photographers and videographers who need to shoot on location. The various components fit together seamlessly, and the rig can be quickly adjusted to accommodate different shooting angles and setups. The adjustable arms and joints are sturdy and secure, providing a stable platform for mounting cameras and other equipment.

FEATURES

The Neewer ST200 Overhead Camera Mount Rig is packed with features that enhance its versatility and usability. One of the key features is its adjustable height and angle, allowing users to position their camera precisely where needed. The telescoping arms can be extended or retracted to achieve the desired height, while the joints can be adjusted to change the angle of the camera. This level of flexibility is crucial for capturing unique perspectives and creating dynamic shots.

The rig also includes multiple mounting points, providing ample options for attaching additional accessories such as lights, microphones, or monitors (though I do not recommend attaching small LED lights as your primary light source – more on that below). This makes it a versatile tool for a wide range of shooting scenarios, from product photography and unboxing videos to cooking tutorials and overhead art demonstrations. The included quick-release plate system is useful for mounting a camera over head on the horizontal mounting bar.  The problem is, it’s not Arca Swiss plate compatible and appears to be proprietary.  Fans of  ThruMyLens know that I make extensive use of the Ulanzi Falcam F38 quick release system.  The F38 quick release plates are Arca Swiss compatible, but not compatible with the Neewer mount included in this kit.  “No problem” I thought – “I’ll just mount an F38 quick release mount onto the ST200 using the included Neewer mounting screw.”  This was initially a no-go because the mounting screw came through the F38 mount too far, which prevented a quick release plate from fitting inside the mount.  This problem was easily overcome by ordering a three dollar pack of 1/4 by .049 inch washers on Amazon.  Installing a washer onto the mounting screw, then inserting it into the body of the rig took up enough slack so that the screw was nice and tight, and fit flush in the F38 plate mount.  Now I was able to use the same F38 quick release plates that I use throughout my studio.

USAGE

I purchased the Neewer ST200 Overhead Camera Mount Rig primarily for two reasons,  Firstly, I wanted to be able to mount backgrounds.  Secondly, I wanted to be able to mount my camera for top down shots on a background.  I had been using a C stand for a top down camera mount for several years.  That solution worked quite well, but takes up a lot of space.  The ST200 fits quite nicely on the surface of the Husky workbench that I use for product photography.  Mounting a camera on the crossbar of the ST200 and eliminating the need for the C stand is exactly what I wanted.  It also works great to mount various types of backgrounds.  Previous to the ST200. I had purchased a generic, cheap background stand with clips and it came with several paper backgrounds…which I hate.  You store the paper backgrounds rolled up, which means you have to roll them in the opposite direction and set them aside for a few minutes before you can hang them without the paper curling back up.  Vinyl backgrounds are much easier to work with.  In the long run they are cheaper too because the paper backgrounds will eventually get creases and tears  while vinyl backgrounds last practically forever.

The ST200 is capable of supporting cameras and equipment weighing up to 11 pounds (5 kilograms), making it suitable for a wide range of DSLR and mirrorless cameras, as well as smaller camcorders. This versatility allows users to switch between different camera setups without worrying about the rig’s ability to handle the weight.  The steel used in the construction of the ST200 means that you can use magnetic mounts all over the legs and crossbar.  I have a couple of super sturdy magnetic camera mounts designed to use on a car that are perfect for mounting a second camera.  I also have some small multicolor LEDs that can be magnetically mounted for some interesting creative effects.  If you’re thinking that you can mount small LED lights to the rig as your primary lights for product photography or video as is shown in some of the Neewer’s promotional materials let me discourage that thought.  It’s just not going to work well as compared to using larger, more professional  stand-mounted constant or flash lighting.  There are also similarly designed camera rigs out there that have an LED light built into the top crossbar which is nearly useless so definitely avoid.  The output is not strong enough to be useful and a light source that is directly overhead of your product and cannot be moved will likely cause glares and reflections on any glass or reflective surfaces.  Here’s a couple of examples of the kind of photos you can get using this rig, assuming you have the right lighting:

VALUE

When it comes to value for money, the Neewer ST200 Overhead Camera Mount Rig is pretty darn good.  The rig is competitively priced ($130-$150 depending on the Amazon sale price at the time), offering a range of features and performance that rival more expensive solutions. The high-quality construction and durable materials ensure that the rig will provide reliable service for years to come, making it a cost-effective choice for photographers.

Whether you are shooting product photography, cooking tutorials, or creative art demonstrations, the Neewer ST200 provides the stability and adjustability needed to capture professional-quality overhead shots. Its combination of affordability, performance, and versatility make it a standout choice in the market of overhead camera mount rigs, offering a comprehensive solution for photographers and videographers looking to elevate their work.