GH2 Ikan Shoulder Stock Rig - Any Good?

It's a bit weird with that one grip... looks unbalanced. I mean, I like the idea of a single grip, because you can use the other hand for other things, like focusing, but why is it sitting on one rail instead of in the middle? Of course, I don't know how it works in practice since I don't have one, I'm just looking at the pictures in the link.
 
There are som many other good rigs out there. this one seems weird to me.
Again, the rule for rigs is to try it.

I presonally rock my Express35 run n gun trio and am loving it.
 
What a poorly designed rig.
Now, this is only by looking at their pics, but the straight config means you pretty much have to keep the rig perpendicular to your body or else your camera will be tilted.
And the camera even won't be eye level nor right in front of you, so unless you have flip out LCD screen, or find a way to mount the camera higher or offset it, this'll take a toll on your neck :D
 
What a poorly designed rig.
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i thought the same thing when i first looked at it...

BUT -

ive used that rig. in fact ive used a LOT of the ikan elements stuff. i shot nearly all of the new photos of the rigs on their website. and even set up a few of the example configurations myself.

i had my hands on every rig on their website. and i can tell you that as far as bang for buck and adaptability, their stuff is REALLY hard to beat. yeah, some of the configurations LOOK kind of janky at first glance. but when you get them in hand, it makes more sense. and its all pretty adaptable. like this one:
http://www.ikancorp.com/productInfo.php?id=183&FamilyID=70&CategoryID=93
the primary photo looks kinda "eh." but when you look at the other pics (especially the 4th, 5th and 6th pics) where they show other configurations of it, it makes more sense.
my favorite configuration for that rig is the one where its upside down, with the underslung monitor arm.

AS A SIDE NOTE. there are a TON of misconceptions about rigs out there. primary one being that you need two grips. the reality of the discussion is that unless you're on a full crew and have a second person running focus and controlling the camera, it's often better to use a single grip setup. with that one grip as victor said, as near the center of the rigs weight as possible.

however, having used this specific ikan rig. i can tell you that having the grip an inch or two off center is of little consequence. especially when you'll likely have your other hand on the camera. if that were important to you though, ikan has a variety of ways to get the grip centered. one is by simply flipping the grip mount, you get a bout 3/4" closer to center. or with additional mounting parts. look at the two following kits:
http://www.ikancorp.com/productInfo.php?id=268
and
http://www.ikancorp.com/productInfo.php?id=269&FamilyID=70&CategoryID=93
in some of the extra photos (click those grey dots under the price) you'll see setups with a grip centered. i set those configurations up specifically to illustrate this point. and all of those rigs work surprisingly well.

ive said it before on the forum. ive owned a number of rigs, from the sub $100 cb-105 to a nearly $4000 zacuto rig and a variety of stuff in the middle (fig rigs, mono-pods and some diy stuff). and NONE of them is perfect for all uses. but if i were asked what was the best rig gear to address the widest range of uses. id definitely look into the ikan elements stuff.

and no. i dont get kickbacks from them ; )
 
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Thanks WGZN for the in depth info, very helpful. What I'd like to achieve with a rig is to recreate how a pro camcorder (like a digibeta/XDCAM etc) sits on your shoulder and operates. These cameras have the lens in a straight line from your shoulder with the viewfinder being offset. I'm looking at using a SmallHD DP4 with viewfinder and then put together a rig that can be bought with just the bits I want (such as the Ikan system). Are there any other systems anyone has used that might also do this?
 
not to keep pimping the ikan stufff - but i really consider it that good.
yes, you can find way sexier stuff. and you can also probably find cheaper stuff. but for gear that works reliably at a good price. its very hard to beat.

to answer your ENG style need eggmedia, ikan has what they call the stealth shoulder mount:
http://www.ikancorp.com/productInfo.php?id=401&FamilyID=70&CategoryID=93

again here. i think its true value is in its adaptability. for your needs (and i have done this with it. so i know it works) you can flip the offset mount and push the rods backward, leaving the camera more on your shoulder than out in front of you. then with a couple adapters, you can rig a forward mounted control/ monitor mount and maybe even a rear counter balance.

and again, having owned zacuto and used redrock and a variety of other shoulder mounts. i can confidently say that the ikan stealth is every bit as comfortable (or even more so) than any of them...
 
Thanks wgzn, that Ikan rig looks like a good option. However the Edelkrone Modula 3 is probably the way I'll go. Hadn't seen this rig before. It's more expensive as you have to buy an EVF but in the long run its exactly what I'm looking for. Have to save up the pennies for it now :laugh: Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions.
 
eggmedia said:
Thanks wgzn, that Ikan rig looks like a good option. However the Edelkrone Modula 3 is probably the way I'll go. Hadn't seen this rig before. It's more expensive as you have to buy an EVF but in the long run its exactly what I'm looking for. Have to save up the pennies for it now :laugh: Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions.
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Good call! It's great for handheld work. Seriously, I don't think I would fathom of changing rigs for a long time. That said, I only use it for handheld shoots. I've got another rig strictly for tripod/studio setup.
 
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