dslr rig comparison

J

jamesc

Well-known member
After trying to shoot handheld with the GH1, it's time to get some support for it. There was some previous discussion in this thread.

My original purpose for this thread was to show all the available options that could support a follow focus/mattebox. But due to a poorly chosen a title, I decided to post all the available options I could find. The ability to suppport follow focus/mattebox should be evident from the pictures. Zacuto and RedRock have multiple configuration for their kits, but so the sake of price, I've included each configuration separately. I've also updated each description with it's weight when available.

This is just a list of I compiled for my research. If you've had any experience with these or know their rough weights, please let me know (tried to include some existing threads if I saw them). Sorted by price ascending.

Agonic - Steadi-stock
31MqBblubTL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

Price: $22

Spiderbrace 1 & 2
sb2finaltween2.gif

Price: $55 (Mini Rig), $70 - $80 (Spiderbrace 1 & 2)

  • Weight: n/a
  • PVC
Varizoom - VZ 1 Shooter
1shooter_03.jpg

Price: $129.95

  • Weight: 1 lb
  • Both height and forward/backward position of camcorder platform can be adjusted
  • Adjust the angle of the handle for a comfortable grip
  • Bendable shoulder bracket can be shaped to fit the preference of the operator
  • ‘Bottom ‘C’ bracket provides additional support for your camcorder while resting on a flat surface

indisystem - indiRailspro DSLR sm
product_indirailsprodslrsm.jpg

Price: $369.00


DVtec - MultiRig Pro
SH102881_1_560.jpg.w300h250.jpg

Price: $485.00

  • Weight: n/a
  • Shoulder Bar (comfortable?)
  • Acc. Plate, acc. shoe mount, acc. 3/8" mic mount
  • Shock absorbing support pod
  • folds pretty small

Cavision - DSLR Shoulder Mount Set
Package%20for%205DII-8.jpg

Price: $493.50 (bhphoto)

  • Weight:
  • 15mm rods
  • shoulder support
  • LCD Viewfinder
  • dual handgrips
Zacuto - DSLR Rapid Fire
RapidFireNewlogo1.jpg

Price: $551

  • Weight: 1.38 lbs
  • Manfrotto Low Profile Quick Release adapter
  • Zicromount III with camera mounting pin
  • Z-mount II
  • 6.5" Female/Female Rod
  • 4.5" Female/Female Rod
  • Gunstock with 1/2" thread

Redrock Micro - eyeSpy Standard DSLR Rig
eyespy_bundle_lg.jpg

Price: $545.00

  • Weight: n/a
  • 18" 15mm stainless steel rods
  • padded shoulderpad with rod clamp
  • rod offset kit (for centering the camera for viewfinder use)
  • 1x microHandGrip
  • DSLR baseplate
  • microFinder loupe accessory for optical viewfinder (just a connector, not an actual loupe)

Redrock Micro - shoulder mount + DSLR baseplate (optional)
microSM_v2_lg.jpg

Price: $395 + $195 = $590.00

  • Weight: n/a
  • DSLR baseplate (optional, but recommended)
    The Manfrotto Low Profile Quick Release adapter ($50) may be another option.
  • Patent pending shoulderpad with integrated tripod plate
  • 2 rod clamps (one for mounting shoulder pad to rods, second for optional mounting of camera to rods separate from shoulder pad)
  • 2 rubberized handgrips
  • handlebar clamp
  • 1x 4” handlebar rod
  • 1x 8” handlebar rod
  • 18” 15mm stainless steel iris rods

Zacuto - DSLR Quick Draw
Quickdraw1logo.jpg

Price: $680

  • Weight: 1.19lbs
  • Manfrotto Low Profile Quick Release adapter
  • Zicromount III with camera mounting pin
  • Zgrip Z-Mount II
  • 8" Female/Female Rod
  • Z-Mount II

Cinevate - DSLR Shoot Right
New_DSLR_rig.jpg

Price: $883.00

  • WEIGHT: n/a
  • CF rods
  • Offset shoulder pad
  • Hand grips

Zacuto - DSLR Tactical Shooter
tactical001logo.jpg

Price: $1,117
  • Weight: 2.4lbs
  • Manfrotto Low Profile Quick Release adapter
  • Zicromount III with camera mounting pin
  • (3) Z-mount II
  • Zgrip Handle
  • (2) 4.5" Female/Female Rod
  • Gunstock with 1/2" thread
  • 6.5" Female/Female Rod
  • 8" Female/Female Rod


Zacuto - DSLR Starter Shooter
Z-DSLR-GSS-01.jpg

Price: $1432.90

  • Weight: 6.00 lbs
  • Mini Baseplate with 6" rod and 8" rod
  • Quick Release Adapter
  • Zgrip Z-Mount
  • Shoulder Pad with 12" rod and 8" rod
  • Studio 15mm Minimount
  • Minimount
  • Z-Finder
  • Strap
 
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If I didn't already have my Varizoom DV Media Rig that I got a long time ago I would be buying the Cinevate DSLR Rig.

I'm still waiting for parts for my new rig, which will be a custom contraption made of the Varizoom rig, IndiRAILSpro, RedRockMicro handles, Rycote shoe extension, some quick release mounts, and I'm still deciding between the RedrockMicro microFF and the Cinevate Durus FF. Total cost without the FF would be $1,100 and would give me a shoulder mount and a form of RedrockMicro's "Captain Stubling". I'll post pics when I get everything and put it all together, but that might be a week or two still.

EDIT: I'm also looking at going with the Cinevate handles instead of the RedrockMicro handles too.
 
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I'm probably going with the Cinevate DSLR Rig.

I'm not sure which FF I should buy though. I just don't have another 1000 bucks to spend on a Durus...
 
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I'm in the same position. $600 vs. $1100 (thinking shipping). Is the Durus $500 better than the microFF? i'm guessing from feedback and reviews that it is, and I figure I'd probably keep the FF for a long time since it will work with any camera and lens packages I'll have in the future. I think I just talked myself into the Durus. :thumbsup:
 
I guess it's better too, and I'm pretty sure it's a long lasting piece of equipment. Which I can't afford. So I think I have a look at the redrock.
 
Got a indifocus bas and rods, redrock grips. Indifocus feels ok, but it sure ain't Chrosziel let alone a Letus base. Don't want shoulder support as it's way too much "stuff". Looking for a gunstock and found Zacuto's, which is costly, or that Bogen monopod stock that screws into the base. Any decent overhand solutions out there?
 
What would you guys go for between the "indiRailspro DSLRsm" and the "Redrock Micro Shoulder Mount + DSLR baseplate"?

Do you guys think the Redrock gear is worth the extra money?

And what is the point of the "DSLR baseplate"? The GH1 won't sit on the Redrock Micro Shoulder Mount without the DSLR baseplate?
 
I just ordered the Redrock Micro Shoulder mount yesterday. Didn't get the dslr baseplate but now you've got me worried, Jean. I was going to go for the Indifocus setup but the RR looks better made (as to be expected because of the price dif.) and although Ben B seems relatively happy with certain parts, I wasn't convinced it was the rig for me...still considering their FF...but can be talked out of it.
 
I think the whole idea of shoulder mount is overkill for a light camera as GH1. Shoulder mount was born out of necessity, ie; film and video cameras that were so heavy that no normal person can hold them for any workable time with just the hands. But with light cameras such as GH1 or even 5DmkII a chest stabilizer makes more sense. Also the weight is so forward distributed with a small camera on a shoulder mount that you for most practical purposes need a counterweight behind your shoulder or the pad will just lift off from it.

One problem with the Redrock baseplate is that it will cover the battery lid so you'll have to unscrew it every time you need to change battery.
 
I chose the RR rig specifically because it looks easy to convert into a chest level held rig. Actually I was eyeing the captain stubling but the price put me off and the shoulder rig seems to be able to kill 2 birds with one stone as it were at a couple hundred less. Will see if the plan works out...
 
Yeah I am usually using my DSLRsm without the shoulder piece....I'm putting the two handles up on either side and either just hand-holding it or putting it into my chest (with a folder up T-Shirt or something.)

I've actually gotten the shoulder mount working pretty well, but yes, it is somewhat unwieldy and if you're not careful it can bounce a bit on movement.

Martii I agree completely with you that shoulder is sometimes overkill...but the advantage I see is that while the shoulder mount (at least what I've got) might be unecessary for handheld work, for static shots it can get you very very close to the stability of a tripod, without having to deal with the tripod. Great for static-shots on location. Next time I have an on location shoot for a narrative I'll probably just leave the tripod packed up most of the time...you can get really stable just sanding there with shoulder mount.
 
I know the Zacuto Tactical Shooter wasn't on the original poster's list, but I picked one up last week, and I have to say it's the dog's bollocks. It's well-designed, infinitely adjustable and the quality of the components just can't be beat. I had my GH1 on it, and a friend was using his 5D on it. I'm pretty sure he's ordering one this week, it's that good.

Another thing I love about it is the ability to take it apart and pack it away for travel. It really collapses to just about nothing and yet can be assembled and ready to shoot in under a minute. This, for me, is one of the most important considerations. Much of my shooting happens on the road, in unpredictable situations, so a rig like this is perfect.

The addition of the Z-Finder is going to make this the absolute perfect stable, handheld GH1 kit for me, regardless of price.

Again, Zacuto gear isn't cheap, but it's also built tough and has a lifetime warranty. And the design means that just about any camera released in the near future is going to work with it.
 
I used to consider Zacuto stuff overpriced but now I'm realizing it's not overpriced...it's just expensive, but perfectly worth it, if you have the money.
 
Agreed, Ben.

And I'm with Killer Klown on this one… As a former HVX, HPX and current EX1 owner, to me the beauty of the GH1 is in its size and image quality combination. If you're going to add matte boxes and follow focus and that stuff, then sure, a full-on shoulder (or similar) rig is probably a necessity. But for pure stability, using something like the Zacuto Tactical Shooter creates multiple points of contact between your body and the camera, giving you a very solid shooting base, without sacrificing mobility.

I can say as a past owner of a DVTec Multi Rig Pro, it's awesome, but complete overkill for the GH1. Same for the RedRock Shoulder Mount (which I currently own). A great rig, but too much if all you're looking for is stability. The RR EyeSpy looks nice, but again, my vote goes with Zacuto, simply for the versatility of their rig and the number of options it provides.

For example, if you take the camera base off the Tactical Shooter, you can attach it directly to the handgrip support rod, giving you a "super-8" style of handheld shooting. You're not locked into one setup, but can configure the rig in a number of ways, depending on your shooting style/needs.

--SM
 
Part of the reason I went GH1 was also affordability not just size...so dropping as much as the camera on Zacuto accessories..not so much ;)
 
As a lucky coincidence I just got delivery of a Manfrotto 361 which is intended as a shoulder / chest brace for monopods but it works very well on it's own with the GH1. I simply prop it against the shoulder and the camera is much more steady at once. The circular plate spins and the front part tilts so it's very flexible to both position and quick to pan / tilt with. Quality feels good enough and price is low so if I wear it out I won't be sorry to buy another.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...Bogen_Imaging_361_361_Shoulder_Brace_for.html
 

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