How important is a counter weight?

M

markinhifi

Well-known member
For shoulder rigs, how important is a counter weight with a 7D in general?

I'm on a tight budget at the moment and was thinking of going for this Cavision rig
http://www.cavision.com/rods/dslrsets/RS5DM2SET-F.htm

B&H sells it for $850, and i'm strongly considering going for it. However, I realize it's missing a counterweight. For a shoulder mount like this, is it really necessary?

I've worked with a HD-2000 Glidecam with the 7D and it was a killer on my forearm. The arm positioning with something like this seems to be a bit different, but I wonder if it would make any real difference.

Thoughts? Anybody know of a cheap setup JUST like this, but with a counterweight? Only thing I can seem to find is the Redrock eyeSpy Deluxe Bundle which is a whopping $1500 and only has one handle, not two. I'd prefer two as I don't want to keep my other hand on the FF.

The follow focus is necessary, as well as some extra room on the rails for a matte box... Bonus points if I can throw a juicedlink adapter on it as well.
 
I can shoot endlessly with my shoulder mount. It has a counterweight, and is balanced more than anything. In this case, I think the wrap around on the shoulder could help make up for the lack of weight on the back. For shoulder mounts in general, the positioning saves you muscles. It's a more natural position, so the muscles in use will be better developed, and you can brace against your body.
 
The counterweight is absolutely priceless if you plan to shoot for more than a half hour. If you have 800 to spend on the rig I'm sure you could find something with a counterweight.
 
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