GH2 I have finally seen the light and now I have questions.

refocusedmedia said:
I can't tell there, but do you use the tripod collar and mount the SB or is the camera mounted normally? Do you use a rail lens support? How comfortable are you walking around and holding it like a normal DSLR and lens without any attached gear?
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It's mounted to the tripod plate via the SB tripod foot to take pressure off the camera mount. For quick guerrilla grab shots, I attach an R-strap to the GH4 and shoot handheld without any gear, just with the Rode mic. I don't use the follow focus you see here, it's only for show.

I balance and focus the camera with my left hand under the Sigma and my left elbow braced against my front body. My right hand support the camera on the handgrip. This works well for me when I need to move fast. The weight of the camera with the Sigma attached feels like a much larger camera. When not at eye level, I can comfortably carry the whole thing in one hand, which I do at the aperture ring to distribute the weight evenly. I let it hang on the strap if I need to free my hand momentarily.

For extended handheld shooting, e.g. events, I use the Zacuto DSLR Recoil, the best designed rig ever for small DSLRs.
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Thanks! I think I'm going to head to my local photography store and see if I can handle one in person. Someone elsewhere mentioned that the Sigma 18-35 is nearly identical in size and weight to the Rokinon Cine 35 I'm considering, which means I wouldn't be doing myself any favors by getting it over the optically superior Sigma. Also, I've come to realize it's pretty similar in size and weight to the Canon 17-55 2.8 I used all the time on my 60D. Though I must admit, one of the reasons I liked switching to the GH series was to have a lighter kit.
 
So I just went and handled the Olympus 12-40 at my local photography store and I didn't really like it. Also handled the Panasonic 12-35 and reaffirmed my ruling it out. The Olympus 12-40 has such a large barrel that if you mount it the GH4 on a baseplate, the zoom ring will rub up against it. I'm sure I could add a spacer or something, or get a cage and mount the cage to the baseplate, but honestly that threw me off. Also the rings were too slick and had little grip to the touch.


Then I tried the Sigma 18-35 with Metabones and I loved it. Yes, it's heavier and longer, but it feels solid and the rings were fantastic. I didn't notice any strain on the GH4's mount (even tried applying some direction pressure on the Sigma's barrel). Perhaps over time it could become fatigued, but it seemed solid there. I got to test out the focus peaking with the lens and it worked great. I can tell it will take some getting used to for photography, but at least I know it's possible. Plus, someone showed me this and I can't believe I didn't think of it sooner. Definitely something I'll be picking up. http://www.amazon.com/Long-Lens-Support-Heigh-adjustable-telephoto/dp/B00CDFUDLQ/
 
Any good reason *not* to jump on a deal on the regular Speedbooster version (BM1) & instead pay full price for the "S" version (BM2)?

I couldn't take it anymore, so I ordered it. $100 off for a new unit is too good to pass up, and I don't think there's any real difference.
 
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I believe the only difference with the "S" is that it has one edge rounded off to clear the "prism hump" on the Olympus EM1. Which you're not using so no reason to pay the extra.
 
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