Pag Orbitor and Paglight Review

C

chessmasterscds

Member
Hello, I'm a 3d animator who decided to take a break and go with social events filmmaking. I bought the AG-DVX100BP and got some contracts right away because of the demonstrations I did for people about the effects I'm able to do with after effects, 3d studio max and a 180 degrees green screen studio I build a couple blocks from home.

I decided to buy some equipment with the money from those contracts and started to investigate about shoulder mount supports. I found the DV rig Pro and the new pag orbitor. I was able to find many good reviews about the DV rig pro and almost no reviews about the orbitor.

One of the 2 reviews I found from the orbitor was from this website. Some guy who was unlucky enough to get the only damaged unit from the warehouse I think because he said that in the moment he tried to set it up it broke right away and he returned it.

I thought PAG is a very serious company who don't play around with their bussiness. So I bought the orbitor and the Paglight C6

It took me about 15 minutes to set it up carefully reading instructions. and everithing worked like a charm. Movements are incredibly smooth. No bumps at all. It has a lot of adjustment possibilities to fit any individual who wants to use it.

The first time I was sooting with this I got a little tired on my back about 2 hours after I put it on. But with the practice I have now, I'm able to shoot for 5 hours straight with very little fatigue.

If you guys have any question about this device, feel free to ask me whatever you want, and I'll answer anything.

I'm also looking forward to buy the steddiepod in the near future.
 
tkt2rde said:
Have you used the MultiRigPro? Just wondering how it compares.
Click to expand...

The MultiRigPro rocks. It has all of the advantages of the DVRigPro, but it's cheaper, lighter and way more versatile.
 
It seems like everyone is very happy with the MultiRigPro... but looking at the information and photos on DVTec's website, it doesn't look nearly as comfortable with the round handle on the shoulder. Maybe they are not doing a good enough job of showing it off, but when you look at the animations on the DVRigPro page... I just don't see how the MultiRig could do the same fluid movements and be as balanced and comfortable. Why even make the DVRigPro if that's the case?

Maybe you guys can help if I explain what I'm doing...

I have to shoot an oral surgery in a crackerbox sized operating room. I will be positioned right next to the assistant. The patient is elevated and the surgeon works standing up opposite the camera. The surgery will last a little more than hour and will be a non-stop recording. I will need to be making constant vantage point adjustments as they work because of the tight space... but I obviously can't shoot just hand-held for over an hour straight... I have to be comfortable or it doesn't work.

I just ran across the PAG orbitor... and I wonder if it wouldn't be the best choice because of the panning capability. Imagine standing next to an operating table... your hips are pretty much parallel to the table length. I will be positioned near the patient's waist, but I have to shoot towards the mouth. With the orbitor I would be able to keep my hips and shoulders square and turn the camera towards the mouth. Problem is, it doesn't seem like anyone has first hand experience with both the DVRigPro and the PAG Orbitor. I won't have enough time to change my mind if one or the other isn't ideal. I have to decide now and order by tomorrow to even get it in time.

Any thoughts?
 
[SIZE=+0]you don't even need a full multirigpro for this...the two grip version with the support pod is ideal for shooting side ways. [/SIZE]
 
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I'm not sure I can pull it off with the MultiRigPro. The equipment I'll be using consists of an HVX200, FS-100, Century Optics W-angle Lens, and a Kino Flo Camio 6e with Anton Battery. It will be extremely front heavy with the Lens and Camio. Ideally, I would throw it on the Kessler Crane set up at 5.5ft, but the room is too small.

Keep in mind, I'll be shooting at or near Macro from 24-30" away and need to be able to make adjustments smoothly when the surgeon moves positions in the mouth. If my adjustments have to come from my body and not the rig... it will get ugly.

Has anyone used this type of rig on any of these shoulder mounts?
 
Hi, Sorry it took some time before I post back here but I got a little busy with shootings.

I haven't used the multi Rig Pro, However, before I bought the Pag Orbitor, It took me about 3 weeks of research to finally decide for it. I was comparing between the major companies and the orbitor was the one that convinced me.

I can't even imagine the possibilities of possitions you can assume wearing the orbitor without fatigue. It's very versatile, totally customizable and looks just extremelly professional. Everybody that looks me eith this ask me If they're going to appear on TV on thye news tonight. But besides that, you can go to any position, and tighten the screws to hold it and you don't need to use ytour hands anymore. It's like a professional tripod you carry in your shoulder all the time.
 
chessmasterscds said:
Hi, Sorry it took some time before I post back here but I got a little busy with shootings.

I haven't used the multi Rig Pro, However, before I bought the Pag Orbitor, It took me about 3 weeks of research to finally decide for it. I was comparing between the major companies and the orbitor was the one that convinced me.

I can't even imagine the possibilities of possitions you can assume wearing the orbitor without fatigue. It's very versatile, totally customizable and looks just extremelly professional. Everybody that looks me eith this ask me If they're going to appear on TV on thye news tonight. But besides that, you can go to any position, and tighten the screws to hold it and you don't need to use ytour hands anymore. It's like a professional tripod you carry in your shoulder all the time.
Click to expand...

Now I haven't shot with he Orbitor, but I have used both the DVRig Pro and Multi Rig.

I used to own a DVRig Pro until I got my DVMulti Rig, and have since sold it. The DVRig Pro worked great and like the Orbitor used it all day long (8-10 hour shoots) with no fatigue, and got very steady and smooth handheld shots.

The reason I sold teh DVRig was because teh Multi is so comact and versitile. When using teh DVRig, I was always confined to shoot shulder support mode. While the Multi lets me shoot multiple handheld modes (with or without support pod) as well as shoulder mode.
This being said, I no longer shoot in shoulder mode. This is because I get smoother steadier shots without the rig being attached to my body. Your body is always in perpetual motion. And as such vibrations are always being passed along from your body to the camera. Take away a connection point (your shoulder) and just use a 2 section support pod (absorbs extra vibration. DvRig Pro Orbitor and Multi Rig use this), and you ahve more freedom to reframe your picture and get steadier shots.

Now my setup was a VX2100, LANC remote (on handle), Pag C6 camera light (battery on back of DvRig Pro), shotgun mic, wireless. Now my config is VX2100 (or PD170), Pag C6 light (battery clipped to belt) (or NRG Varalux light and Power Pro + NiCd battery belt), LANC remote on handle, shotgun mic, wireless.
I don't have the front heavyness that you have. but you can add attachments to the Multi Rig at various points (besides ths shoulder back). You have mounting points on the handles (top and bottom) to mount firestore, lights, mics if needed. the shouder support is fairly comfortable (not as much as teh DvRig Pro or Orbitor I gather), but not unconfortable.

All of this being said though, if your camera configuration is that (front heavy) that you couldn't redistribute the weight mor evenly somehow, then I would recommend going with either a DvRig Pro or and Orbitor. As this setup would be more beneficial for someone with a VERY large filming setup to shoot all day long.

As Danny the creator of the DVRig Pro and DvMulti Rig said.
The DVRig Pro is a pickup truck, that you load everything onto (once) and shoot all day long.
The MultiRig is a convertible sports car that you can change up (thoughout the day) to suit your shooting situation. Hense the name "Multi Rig".
 
Thanks for the info, Vegas06... I think I'm going to try the MultRig. Danny offered a money back guarantee if it doesn't work out, so I figure that's good enough for me.

I was able to get the ballast for the Kino Flo located back over the eyepiece which puts the center of balance only one inch in front of the tripod screw. If I off-load the Anton Battery for the Kino Flo along with the FS-100 onto my belt, then the setup will only be 8lbs.-13oz. plus the weight of the MultiRig. Here is a pic. http://equipment.joemassad.com/downloads/HVX200_KINO_WDLENS.jpg

Wish me luck and thanks to all. I'll post how it turns out afterwards. The surgery is next Tuesday.
 
tkt2rde said:
Thanks for the info, Vegas06... I think I'm going to try the MultRig. Danny offered a money back guarantee if it doesn't work out, so I figure that's good enough for me.

I was able to get the ballast for the Kino Flo located back over the eyepiece which puts the center of balance only one inch in front of the tripod screw. If I off-load the Anton Battery for the Kino Flo along with the FS-100 onto my belt, then the setup will only be 8lbs.-13oz. plus the weight of the MultiRig. Here is a pic. http://equipment.joemassad.com/downloads/HVX200_KINO_WDLENS.jpg

Wish me luck and thanks to all. I'll post how it turns out afterwards. The surgery is next Tuesday.
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You should be able to fly this no problem at all. In fact if you wanted you could attach the FS-100 to the multirigs hotshoe adapter on one of the handles if you don't want it atatched to your belt.

But the belts a good place ofr it and alot of accessories. I think people get to hung up on attaching everything onto a rig and forget about atatching at the waist. As long as you have a good cable amangement system in place (velcros my friend), you should be fine.

I was already attaching the Multi's support pod holster to a belt (or using my old DVRig Pros belt with pouch sewn in). And clipping my PAG C6 battery to my belt as well. Then I realized, just how much more freedom I had to maneuver and shoot.

Since I switched my onboard light to the Varalux, I switched to a NiCd battery belt (only 5 lbs.) and just used the Multi's clip on support pod pouch. Now my rigs even more svelt.

I would highly recommend picking up a LANC remote control and mount it on one of the rigs grips. This way you won't have to touch your camera except for maybe exposure.

But all in all your setup isn't nearlyas big as I though it was. The Multi Rig can easily handle it. Just to guarantee yourself stable footage, use it in support pod mode. And either leave both sections locked, or I would recommend the top section locked and bottom section loose. The reason beng that the top section will keep your camera at a level height and the lower section pod wil aborb your breathing motions.

If you shoot with the handles down, then just adjust the handles to their comfortable. if you are usng the rig with the handles turned up then place the handles further forward (in a V shape) in front of you to balance your rig better.

Good luck,
Michael
 
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Thanks for the setup advice, Vegas06... I'm hoping it will be here by Friday so I'll have the weekend to play with it. I had already picked up a Varizoom PZFI to use with our Kessler Crane. I haven't used it yet, so this will be a good oportunity.

Thanks again for your help.
 
Let me know if you have any questions.
I think you'll find that it's real easy to setup and operate.

Good Luck,
Michael
 
Got the MultiRig and used it for the surgery shoot. The shooting position required specifically for this shoot made it a little tiresome, but I couldn't have done it without it. I can see why so many people love this rig, I'm excited about being able to use it for other things.

For the price tag, I do have one major complaint. The attachment points for the handles and accessories are made of plastic. Not cool. One problem I kept having while shooting was that in order to get some shots I was in an akward position and having to bear most of the weight of the camera because I was raising it beyond the point where the springs were helping. I guess this would be sort of like using it in it's "fig rig" configuration. Well... when lifting, the handles kept twisting loose, no way to lock them. When I tried to tighten them a little tighter, they stripped out on the female end... I couldn't believe it was plastic.

For this reason, I will probably end up sending mine back until this is somehow remedied. Otherwise, I'll have to superglue the handles in place, which I hate to do because then you are limited on the shoulder rig.

Danny, any fix for this?
 
tkt2rde said:
I'll have to superglue the handles in place, which I hate to do because then you are limited on the shoulder rig.

Danny, any fix for this?
Click to expand...

There is no need to screw or unscrew anything for switching shooting modes.
I have mailed you for clarifications and will come back here with answers.
 
Update...

Turns out I happened to receive a rig with a faulty arm joint. Danny has been great helping me to figure this out and is currently sending out the replacement part.

It is really nice to do business with a company that stands behind their products. I ultimately decided on the MultiRig because it seemed that Danny believed whole heartedly that he had a superior design and commitment to making it the best. I had a meeting scheduled at 2 p.m. where I was going to have to tell my associates that my decision on the MultiRig may have been a bad one and let them decide on whether or not to return it... and obviously would have lost some credibility in the process. To my surprise, I received an email from Danny prior to heading into the meeting letting me know that it was a faulty joint and that he was sending out the replacement part. What a relief. I was able to explain to my associates exactly what transpired and there was no need for a vote... we'll be keeping the MultiRig and minimally purchasing a second one in the next few weeks. Kudos to Danny for delivering on his promises and for making my choice look so good.
 
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