All whips created equal?

M

mikezip007

Active member
I am looking to buy a whip and a speed crank. I have doing a lot of ACing and decided I want to own my own whip and speed crank. I want standard mounts, not micro of indie-specific whips. What makes some whips/SCs so expensive (see: arri and zacuto)? Is it just the name? Do they reall have an advantage? Should I steer clear of an indiefocus whip and SC?
 
ARRI is just expensive because they can be. - Zacuto, no clue.
But to turn cinema lenses requires a-lot of torque due to the 90 degree arrangement, so obviously the 15" variants are going to be built a bit weaker than their 35mm Cine counterparts.
 
I forget the brand .... But I had just recently been introduced to some indie low-budget rig, and the focus whip looked and felt like garbage... you'd be surprised how someone can take such a simple mechanical device and screw it all to hell.

For the most part a whip is a whip, but occasionally you'll find a substitute that just doesn't cut the jello... I'd take careful consideration when purchasing. Some have a nice amount of flexibility, yet just enough resistance to make the 1st feel that he/she has control. It's not rocket science but some fail to achieve that balance.
 
mikezip007 said:
What makes some whips/SCs so expensive (see: arri and zacuto)? Is it just the name? Do they reall have an advantage? Should I steer clear of an indiefocus whip and SC?
Click to expand...

I can't speak for the zacuto, but Arri gear is expensive in part, because it lasts forever. Their 13.5" whip is fantastic, if just a hair stiffer than I prefer.

If looking for a decent low budget option, you might try the Redrock Micro whip. I seem to recall it being pretty decent for the price. Steer clear of the IndiFocus stuff. Unless they've changed it significantly in the last couple years, their whip is pretty much unusable.

As far as speed cranks go, there used to be a guy on Ebay who sold a nice carbon fiber one for about $30. Not sure if he's still around, but I know several people who own them, and have been quite pleased with their performance.
 
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