Go-to rigs for longs days of handheld work?

QuickHitRecord

QuickHitRecord

Veteran
I'm operating a C70, which weighs about 7lb with lens, battery, and shotgun mic. I currently have a couple of improvised solutions that are great for controlled situations where I can periodically take the thing off and give my shoulder a break. But for continuous shooting, I'm pretty sure I'd be hating life by lunchtime. Some options, like Zacuto, that involve placing the camera on one's shoulder are not workable for me because of my height (6'4"). I'm also a little leery of the added height of the EasyRig for this very reason. I'd get stuck in every doorway. What are others are using with smaller cameras (C70/BlackMagic Pocket/FX6/etc) for extended periods of time?
 
Another vote for a monopod. Really under rated, simple and relatively cheap bit of kit. Not perfect for some types of shot - but in seconds you can take the cam off and go back to handheld.
 
I have the ErgoRig and SteadyGum(which I used a lot last week doing handheld on one of the real estate shows), both of which are mainly for shoulder use. I hate the EasyRig, BUT I shot a few days on a reality show last summer and their cameras were C300/II's in a handheld configuration with 18-80 and 70-200 compact servo's and it would have been impossible for the "standing around talking" situations without them. I was actually still in pain even with them. But there was no reason on God's green Earth that the producer should have let them go for several hours sitting and talking while you had three camera guys standing and shooting. That was piss poor producing. 2nd rant of the day over...

Anyway...

Monopods aren't bad, depending on how quick and agile you need to be. And like a few other said, they're relatively cheap.

Just looking, SteadyGum actually has two new rigs for smaller cameras and one looks like it's for small handycams, so it could work with your set-up. But, it's not cheap... This new, smaller version is a little over $1K. But hey, I paid like $1900 for my big boy version a few years ago and I don't regret it(they've knocked like $400 off since then).

https://steadygum.com
https://steadygum.com/producto/eng-l/
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/products/Hand-Shoulder-Waist-Stabilizers/ci/3925?filters=fct_brand_name%3Asteadygum
 
I'll have to jump in on the monopod bandwagon. I actually used a really cheap one I found lying around on my last shoot and it was really helpful getting those quick run and gun shots (Blackmagic 6k Pro). Didn't have any fancy features like a swivel and I just hard mounted with a Manfrotto QR baseplate but it really helped steady my hand after doing some gimbal work!
 
Thanks for all of the great responses so far. I have a Benro monopod with a swivel base and it performs well enough. Definitely transfers the weight. I've shot two weddings in my life and the monopod got me through both. The one thing I don't like is being able to make smooth move laterally without the camera dipping. And they don't "wander" like the shoulder rigs do. That's really the only reason I'm still looking for/hoping to find a true handheld solution.

I've still never used an EasyRig. I have a feeling that I would probably love it. I just don't like how much attention that they draw.

The SteadyGum is new to me, but very shoulder-oriented (EDIT: I see now that the ENG-L is for smaller cameras). I wish I'd had one of those in my Varicam 2700 days. It does make me wonder if the Steady Stick, which can now be found for peanuts on eBay, is worth a try. It would get the camera out in front of me. Or the old monopod in a tool pouch would be even more versatile. Thinking out loud.

Has anyone used a Dougmon?
 
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QuickHitRecord said:
I've still never used an EasyRig. I have a feeling that I would probably love it. I just don't like how much attention that they draw.

The SteadyGum is new to me, but very shoulder-oriented (EDIT: I see now that the ENG-L is for smaller cameras). I'd had one of those in my Varicam 2700 days. It does make me wonder if the Steady Stick, which can now be found for peanuts on eBay, is worth a try. It would get the camera out in front of me. Or the old monopod in a tool pouch would be even more versatile. Thinking out loud.
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If you've never used an easyrig, I recommend renting the minimax asap. It adds about 6 inches above my head. I'm sure you would easily develop a system to duck through doorways. If you mean doorways you don't see while shooting, if you'd hit it being 6'10", chances are you'd still hit it being 6'4". Even with the camera attached, when walking (not shooting), I always hold one hand at the end of the bar for easier navigation. Or for extended walks when not shooting, you can fold it down and tuck it across your chest with the chest strap holding it in place. If you're shooting and need to track someone walking and don't want the bounce you just unhook it from the camera and hold the camera in your hand for that shot, then hook back in and continue shooting.

Easyrig is amazing for instant height adjustments from extremely low to the highest position the rig will allow, I'm a huge fan. Also, it frees up your hands for other things e.g. buying a train ticket or quickly drinking water etc.

The steadygum looks great IMO.

Another option is a cinesaddle and you wear it like a messenger bag then the camera rests there. While this takes the weight out of your hands, your neck can be sore after staring straight down for a long time.

If by attention you mean it's compromising a shoot where you need to be discreet then fair enough but if it's a vanity thing I would say get over it and also what are you talking about it looks awesome.

EDIT - I don't mean get over it in an aggressive way but more that it's a small detail if it's contributing to preserving your back/neck. I find even holding a c-series camera draws attention, so at that point adding an easyrig is not much different.
 
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QuickHitRecord said:
Thanks for all of the great responses so far. I have a Benro monopod with a swivel base and it performs well enough. Definitely transfers the weight. I've shot two weddings in my life and the monopod got me through both. The one thing I don't like is being able to make smooth move laterally without the camera dipping. And they don't "wander" like the shoulder rigs do. That's really the only reason I'm still looking for/hoping to find a true handheld solution.

I've still never used an EasyRig. I have a feeling that I would probably love it. I just don't like how much attention that they draw.

The SteadyGum is new to me, but very shoulder-oriented. I wish I'd had one of those in my Varicam 2700 days. It does make me wonder if the Steady Stick, which can now be found for peanuts on eBay, is worth a try. It would get the camera out in front of me. Or the old monopod in a tool pouch would be even more versatile. Thinking out loud.

Has anyone used a Dougmon?
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Yeah, I wish the SteadyGum would have been introduced around 2007 when I was doing ludicrous amounts of handheld work. Have you ever shot a "group interview session"(to be politically correct) with your subject standing above you and going for sometimes upwards of 20+ minutes? I would have bought one in a heartbeat back then.

The Steady Stick looks to be the same basic idea, but without the super-duper elastic band to allow for some shock absorption and movement.

I remember seeing the Dougmon or similar things years ago. I'm not sure how much it would really do for increasing long-term shooting stamina. You're still going to have the weight on your bicep and shoulder. It only looks like it reduces strain on your wrist.

The Easyrig is probably the most un-cool shooting support system ever created. I rented one and tried it for a week to give it a fair shake and it was nothing but in my way for the way I usually shoot, but it does take the weight. I think it's best use is for those that shoot a lot around hip height.
 
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Andy9 said:
This is like the Cinesaddle but with shoulder straps and velcro straps on the back. In practice, the weight is distributed between shoulders and lower back / hips.
https://www.amazon.com/OPENMOON-Camera-Chest-Supporting-Grey/dp/B079QX23SC
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Sweet Baby Jesus... There IS something that looks more ridiculous than an Easyrig.

It’s like an inner tube/pool float with shoulder straps. I’m having flashbacks of cartoons with hillbillies wearing barrels with shoulder straps/suspenders.

51NZzKvtlGL._AC_.jpg
 
Run&Gun said:
Sweet Baby Jesus... There IS something that looks more ridiculous than an Easyrig.

It’s like an inner tube/pool float with shoulder straps. I’m having flashbacks of cartoons with hillbillies wearing barrels with shoulder straps/suspenders.
Click to expand...

That's one of the best product photos I've ever seen. I would for sure try the openmoon d bag.
 
So, another vote for the EasyRig. Fair enough. And it doesn't look like I could cheap out on the Flowline either. I came across a review that showed specifically how it doesn't work for taller people -- because the pole height is not adjustable, either the weight-bearing hip strap ends up across your stomach, or you're bumping your head on the top bar. Not to mention other potential quality issues. I need to rent one (an EasyRig) and get a sense of it firsthand. I watched a few reviews of the MiniMax and noticed some odd movement in the roll-axis in some of the footage. Another thing to look out for.

Do people usually use the CineSaddle as their primary handheld instrument? I always thought it was for getting low to the ground or car rigging. But if throwing the strap over your shoulder can get decent result (albeit a stiff neck), it is an intriguing option because I doubt anyone would pay any mind when shooting in a public area.

I don't know if I could bring myself to use the OpenMoon. I think I can grasp the relief offered by the design but add to this my production regular knee pads and a light meter dangling from my neck, and I'd be an SNL skit.

As I recall, DVTec and Varizoom offered shoulder rigs with a spring-loaded pole that was loaded into a belt strap for hands-free operation. I never got to use one and I haven't heard of anyone using those products in a decade. Do these designs still have anything to offer?
 
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The eternal conundrum!

I think you really need to break down your requirements in extreme and nerdy detail.

-eyeline
-how much rolling
-how much hanging out.
-how much sun

Firstly Im 6.5 and would not wear an easy rig in public place. I would consider it as part of planned narrative. I tried it on a doco (when there were crowds and pubs and drunk people and low doors) and it was a pure danger.

So.. lots of rolling? mono pod
lots of hanging out ? shoulder rig and put the camera down when possible.

A proper balanced shoulder rig is not a thing many have tried - they can be extremely good.. but with a C70 you will need 50cm rods and vlock at the back and probably an EVF.

Shoulder rig eyeline? You could have the rig rods as the top of the camera to move the lens down 5in but is pretty unconventional.

There is also a tripod! Something like my miller solo can almost be dragged through a crowd as simply as a mono pod as the legs flap in.
 
"I don't know if I could bring myself to use the OpenMoon. I think I can grasp the relief offered by the design but add to this my production regular knee pads and a light meter dangling from my neck, and I'd be an SNL skit." The guy in the (comedy) picture must be tiny - it's not that conspicuous. It's certainly not as conspicuous (or as ridiculous-looking) as the EasyRig. Although relative hilarity is a judgement call.

I'm also too tall for shoulder mount. The OpenMoon means I can switch between low chest height (camera resting on support) to just below eye level (elbows resting on support).
 
I've had one of these for a number of years now and for those interminable on your feet for ages meet and greet pre-drinks at gala-type events it works great. Pretty flexible. Very configurable for height, left to right, tilt etc. Has a spring-loaded post which is pretty simple and quick to adjust and use locked or unlocked. Just make sure the weight is carried on the hips and you can move pretty smoothly. Too high and you will see a bit of rise and fall as you breathe in and out. In the pits at motorsport events where you are doing numerous PTCs and it's too cluttered underfoot for sticks and even a monopod at times because of cables, air hoses, and general trip over road cases and stuff on the floor type things it's been my go-to support. Mine dates back to EX3 days but I've used it with everything from EX3s, X70/Z90s, A7's, and even a stripped-down FS7. The testament is everyone who's used mine loves it and it's been borrowed a number of times. People say "Why don't we see more of these around?" I have no answer to that but for me it just works. BTW it will sit down on a table or on the deck quite securely sitting on its handles (when locked) and the should arch support. If it's balanced correctly you can do low POV walking shots by holding your camera handle and it won't rock-n-roll on its longitudinal axis too much.

Chris Young

https://www.varizoom.com/product/vzdvmediarig/

These videos date back some eight years but it's a reasonable overview of what you can do with one.


 
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patrickbaldwin said:
Maybe this:
https://dependableexpendables.com/products/hipshot
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The HipShot is great for certain uses and situations. I have one and have used it over the years(also a lot of reality shooters used it and I believe the DP on Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown really loved it for their style of work), but it was originally designed for large ENG cameras and using it with a small camera like a C70 would probably be a little tough unless it’s built-up into a long shoulder rig.
 
QuickHitRecord said:
So, another vote for the EasyRig. Fair enough. And it doesn't look like I could cheap out on the Flowline either. I came across a review that showed specifically how it doesn't work for taller people -- because the pole height is not adjustable, either the weight-bearing hip strap ends up across your stomach, or you're bumping your head on the top bar. Not to mention other potential quality issues. I need to rent one (an EasyRig) and get a sense of it firsthand. I watched a few reviews of the MiniMax and noticed some odd movement in the roll-axis in some of the footage. Another thing to look out for.

Do people usually use the CineSaddle as their primary handheld instrument? I always thought it was for getting low to the ground or car rigging. But if throwing the strap over your shoulder can get decent result (albeit a stiff neck), it is an intriguing option because I doubt anyone would pay any mind when shooting in a public area.

I don't know if I could bring myself to use the OpenMoon. I think I can grasp the relief offered by the design but add to this my production regular knee pads and a light meter dangling from my neck, and I'd be an SNL skit.

As I recall, DVTec and Varizoom offered shoulder rigs with a spring-loaded pole that was loaded into a belt strap for hands-free operation. I never got to use one and I haven't heard of anyone using those products in a decade. Do these designs still have anything to offer?
Click to expand...

If you keep going back to the EasyRig, I’d rent one for a week(that’s what I did) from somewhere like Lens Rentals and really evaluate if it’s something that can work for you and WITH you. The smaller ones, like what was used with the C300/II’s on the reality show I operated on for a few days, aren’t as bad as the big boy models. I demo’d the largest Vario they make, because I shoot mostly with large, heavy cameras. My problems with the big Vario was it was just big and clumsy feeling on me and made it tough getting around, especially in tight or tighter spaces(and I’m only 5’ 7”), I kept whacking the camera into the pole when I’d try to shoot “on the shoulder” and when I’d actually try to shoot on the shoulder, the camera would never sit there, no matter how I adjusted the tension. At that height, it always kept trying to lift the camera off my shoulder.
 
morgan_moore said:
The eternal conundrum!

I think you really need to break down your requirements in extreme and nerdy detail.

-eyeline
-how much rolling
-how much hanging out.
-how much sun
Click to expand...

Good breakdown! Scores more points for the monopod.

morgan_moore said:
Firstly Im 6.5 and would not wear an easy rig in public place. I would consider it as part of planned narrative. I tried it on a doco (when there were crowds and pubs and drunk people and low doors) and it was a pure danger.
Click to expand...

See, this is what I'd be concerned about. It's already hard enough to get around as it is.

morgan_moore said:
There is also a tripod! Something like my miller solo can almost be dragged through a crowd as simply as a mono pod as the legs flap in.
Click to expand...

My favorite and always my first choice. Throw it on the ultradolly for some movement. But sometimes clients want something else.

cyvideo said:
I've had one of these for a number of years now and for those interminable on your feet for ages meet and greet pre-drinks at gala-type events it works great. Pretty flexible. Very configurable for height, left to right, tilt etc. Has a spring-loaded post which is pretty simple and quick to adjust and use locked or unlocked.
Click to expand...

Wow, this is a glowing review. It always looked like a clever design. I guess I was always wondering what the catch was. Is the shoulder arch support rigid, or does it have some give so that it can be shaped to one's individual shoulder more? And can the connecting rod be pointed in a more downward direction to the put the camera at solar plexus height?

Run&Gun said:
The smaller ones, like what was used with the C300/II’s on the reality show I operated on for a few days, aren’t as bad as the big boy models.
Click to expand...

At my height, I'd only ever consider the MiniMax, which rents pretty inexpensively. People always think it's great to be tall but the world was not designed for us. Beds, countertops, most passenger cars, and handheld camera equipment all pose problems.
 
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