In the fast-paced world of production, efficiency isn’t just a luxury—it’s a requirement. Grips and cinematographers have long relied on a quiver of fixed-length 5/8″ rods to solve mounting challenges, often carrying excessive weight and bulk to ensure they have the right length for the job. Matthews Studio Equipment is changing that dynamic with the launch of the 5/8″ Grip Rail, a fully adjustable, telescoping solution designed to streamline workflows and conquer confined spaces.
One Tool, Infinite Reach
The core innovation of the 5/8″ Grip Rail lies in its telescoping design. While a standard grip arm forces you to manage its full length regardless of the task, the Grip Rail offers a surgical approach to rigging. It retracts to a compact 24″ (61cm), making it easy to transport and ideal for tight quarters like car interiors or small bathrooms where a traditional arm would be obstructed. When the shot requires more distance, it smoothly extends to 42.5″ (108cm). This “use only what you need” philosophy eliminates the safety hazards and logistical headaches of excess hardware protruding into the frame or the workspace.
For those requiring precision, the rail features integrated hash marks and flat spots every 2 inches. This allows for repeatable positioning and ensures the anti-roll locking mechanism keeps the gear exactly where it was intended.
Built for the Rigors of the Set
Despite its light 2 lb weight, the Grip Rail is built for professional payloads. The inner rod is crafted from solid stainless steel to prevent bowing or bending under load. It is rated to support up to 10 lbs horizontally and 22 lbs vertically, making it as suitable for a heavy podcast microphone as it is for a professional lighting fixture.
Safety and versatility are integrated directly into the hardware. The baby pin features a knurled undercut to prevent fixtures from slipping if they become loose, along with a dedicated safety hole for cotter or lynch pins. For additional mounting options, a female 1/4″–20 thread—which converts to male with the included set screw—provides a seamless interface for cameras and smaller accessories.
A Modular Ecosystem
The 5/8″ Grip Rail is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing production gear. Whether secured in a Matthews BabySitt’r for low-profile floor mounting or paired with a standard 2.5″ Hollywood Grip Head, the Rail adapts to the environment rather than forcing the environment to adapt to it.
For mobile creators, the utility extends even further. When used alongside tools like the White Dinkum FlexiMount, the Grip Rail becomes a foundational element for overhead shots, recipe videos, and behind-the-scenes documentation where traditional, bulky mounts simply won’t fit.
Availability
The 5/8″ Grip Rail is available now through authorized MSE dealers like Filmtools on dedicated product pages and at MSEGRIP.COM. By replacing multiple fixed rods with a single, adjustable tool, Matthews continues its tradition of helping crews work lighter, faster, and smarter.