Kirk SGH-4 carrying handle "Super Grip Handle"

Kirk SGH-4 Super Grip Handle carrying handle for heavy telephoto lenses

With the Kirk SGH-4 Super Grip Handle you add a carrying handle to your camera gear that really shines when things get serious: heavy telephoto lenses, long distances, and little desire to fiddle with the tripod head. Instead of somehow grabbing the lens barrel, you simply take hold of the closed, rubberized handle and have everything much more securely under control.

The SGH-4 is designed to make transporting large telephoto lenses with an already mounted quick-release plate or replacement foot in 38 mm dovetail design significantly more relaxed. You lift the setup by the handle, guide it in a controlled way, and reduce the risk of the camera and telephoto lens combination slipping awkwardly out of your hand. Especially with expensive super-telephoto lenses, this is a point you don’t want to argue about for long.

Arca-style compatible for 38 mm dovetail systems

The integrated 38 mm dovetail clamp of the Kirk SGH-4 accepts, according to the manufacturer, Arca-style compatible 38 mm dovetail profiles. This means for you: you can attach the handle directly to quick-release plates and lens feet that follow the common ARCA standard. This way, the handle integrates seamlessly into existing Arca-style setups with plates, L-brackets and rails, without the need for special solutions or adapters.

The clamp grips, among others, profiles from manufacturers such as Kirk, ReallyRightStuff, Novoflex, Berlebach, Jobu, Buzynski, Benro, Sirui and ProMediaGear as well as other ARCA-oriented systems. So if you are already using an ARCA-based tripod system, you can usually integrate the SGH-4 directly and use it as a flexible auxiliary handle.

Made in the USA with robust materials

The Kirk SGH-4 Super Grip Handle is made in the USA and relies on a very solid combination of materials. The main body is made of 6061-T6 aluminum, a proven, high-strength aluminum alloy that has been established in photography for many years. This is complemented by stainless steel components that provide additional stability and durability at highly stressed points.

The actual handle is made of thermoplastic with soft-touch rubber, giving you a pleasant, non-slip feel. Even if your hands are cold, slightly damp or somewhat strained from outdoor use, the handle sits securely in your hand. The locking knob is also made of aluminum and allows secure tightening of the integrated clamp.

Ergonomic carrying handle with rubberized grip section

The closed, rubberized handle of the SGH-4 is ergonomically shaped and designed for longer carrying distances. The soft-touch rubber surface creates a firm but not uncomfortably hard contact point for your fingers. You can carry the setup close to your body, which is a real advantage especially with long focal lengths and uneven terrain.

The free length of the handle is 14.7 cm, so even larger hands have plenty of space. The distance between the handle and the clamp, i.e. the clear opening, is 4 cm. This ensures that your fingers do not bump against the clamp and that you can grip the handle well even when wearing gloves. The closed shape of the grip section also conveys a feeling of security, as your hand cannot slip off sideways.

Versatile use: auxiliary handle for camera and L-bracket

In addition to using it on telephoto lenses, you can also use the Kirk SGH-4 as an auxiliary handle on your camera with L-brackets. If your camera already has an L-bracket in 38 mm dovetail design mounted, the SGH-4 can be attached directly to its profile. This creates an additional, stable holding point that makes handling the camera easier during transport or when moving between different positions.

Especially with mirrorless system cameras with larger lenses or with DSLR setups with a battery grip, an external carrying handle can significantly increase comfort. You don’t have to constantly grab the camera by small control elements or the lens barrel, but instead have a clearly defined, robust gripping point.

Precise dimensions for practical handling

The Kirk SGH-4 Super Grip Handle weighs about 284 g, making it sturdy without being unnecessarily bulky. The width of the handle is 8.53 cm, and the height is 8.0 cm. These dimensions are chosen so that the handle remains compact on the one hand, but on the other hand offers enough surface area to safely guide even heavier setups.

The length of the clamp is 6.6 cm, which ensures reliable clamping on common 38 mm dovetail profiles. The combination of handle height, free handle length of 14.7 cm and the 4 cm clear opening between handle and clamp results in a coherent overall package that is pleasant to use in practice.

Integrated 38 mm dovetail clamp for quick-release plates

The integrated 38 mm dovetail clamp is a central element of the SGH-4. It allows you to attach the handle directly to quick-release plates or replacement feet with a 38 mm dovetail profile. The aluminum locking knob allows the clamp to be tightened sensitively so that the mounted lens or camera is held securely.

The clamp is dimensioned so that it is oriented towards the common profiles of the manufacturers mentioned above and clamps them reliably. This makes the SGH-4 a universally usable carrying handle within an ARCA-based system, without forcing you to commit to a single manufacturer.

Stable construction for daily use in the field

Thanks to the combination of 6061-T6 aluminum, stainless steel and thermoplastic with soft-touch rubber, the Kirk SGH-4 is designed for regular outdoor use. Whether in the stadium, in the forest, at the lake or when traveling, the handle is prepared to be moved, carried and repositioned frequently. The materials are corrosion-resistant and designed for a long service life.

The solid construction really pays off with heavy telephoto lenses, where you depend on reliable handling. Instead of supporting the weight only with a camera strap or the lens barrel, you distribute the load via the handle and can guide the setup with more control.