Just bought the Zacuto Marksman Gunstock for the 7D

[powervideo]

Just pulled the trigger (!) and ordered the Marksman Gunstock mount for the 7D. Also ordered the rear Double Mount/Red Plate to fix a V-mount battery and Zoom. This will also act as a counterweight.

I do a lot of commercials and corporates so although many see this type of rig as too big, it will suit me. I like the way it can go from tripod to very stable handheld in seconds which will fit my Sachtler 18P well.

For me the feel and look of a "big" camera still helps, particular for certain clients who are looking to see where their money is going. Not that I agree with that, but it is a reality for some people. But even on the street filming docos, I find you have better access if you look "professional", rather than just a camera and a loupe. I find I can just about go anywhere in a crowd with my PRO50 2/3" rig. There are times when it would definitely suit going small and unobstrusive. Phil Bloom does great work this way, but I'd like the option of both worlds.

Anyway, just need the camera now....

Peter Corbett
Powerhouse Productions
www.php.com.au (http://www.php.com.au)

http://www.goldfm.com/images/Sharpshooter2.jpghttp://www.goldfm.com/images/Sharpshooter3.jpg

[mcgeedigital]

Good choice.

You only buy quality once.

I've been thinking about the exact same rig.

What will the battery be powering?

[powervideo]

Good choice.

You only buy quality once. I've been thinking about the exact same rig. What will the battery be powering?

Yes you're right. I still have my Sachtler 18P from ten years ago, and it's seen many cameras come and go. Matt, I've been looking at all the mount options from all the manufacturers for weeks before choosing this one. People say Zacuto is dear, but I know when the next FF DSLR's come out, I can easily flick the 7D off and stick with a great quality support platform.

Re batteries I have several Sony 60 and 90 lithium V-mounts, which should work fine. On top of the Zacuto Red Plate is a Manfrotto quick release screwed into the bottom of the Zoom H4n, so essentially you have the Zoom easily dismountable on top of the "counterweight", and the battery snug underneath. Or if you want to go more lightweight, remove the Double Mount and mattebox. The battery could power the H4n, Juicedlink (if the ML software comes out) or my Litepanels MicroPro LED.

I have a Chrosziel Follow Focus so will just need a matte box to make it complete. I do have a Vocas MB-450 which is a great production matte box but it's more suited to RED or Arri than this setup. The Genus seems good but it seems dear for what it is. I bought a Zacuto Zwing swing-away would will work nicely my stack of Zeiss Contax primes, so not having to remove and put the MB on the ground will be a saver.

[Kegan]

I bought the Zacuto Rapid Fire and I got to play around with it today. Absolutely love the construction and I like the ability to have both my hands on camera. My 7D should be here on Saturday, so then I can really test it out. So far, I just threw my XTi on there to get a feel for what a DSLR would feel like on it.

I'll post a follow-up once I use it more.

Kegan

[mcgeedigital]

Peter I have the Vocas MB-350 for my HPX-500 and it is WAY to big for the 7d.

I ended up getting the Genus, which is made very well and is the perfect size.

[NoahK]

Does it include the redhead?

Noah

[mcgeedigital]

That is extra.

I think my current RedHead isn't compatible with it either.