Mattebox: Cinevate Titan vs. Redrock Micro??

dariomik

dariomik

Active member
Hi all,

I couldn't find this comparison through the search function, so:

I'm in the market for a swing-away MB for the 7d and am considering both the Cinevate Titan and Redrock Micro MB. Both in similar price point of $1k.

Has any of you guys and gals used both of them and could shed me some advice on which one to choose?

From what I saw and read,

the Titan:

- has adjustable height - I like versatility
- has the nice frame for extra stuff/handle
- is 4x4 (cheaper and lighter filters but less future-proof???)
- weighs 1.1kg = circa 2 pounds

What I'm not sure about is its performance and quality - and I must say I've had some issues with Cinevate's rail system - grip handle got loose in its housing and these base plate clamps never seem to get totally sturdy at some angles..


Now, the RR MB:

- looks like better quality (?)
- looks sturdier (?)
- but has only 10mm height adjustment
- less "mountability" (is there such a word in English?) for extra stuff - 2 rails on one side
- 4x5.65 filters - more versatile and future-proof but more costly and heavier
- looks (too) heavy (?) - no info on RR site
- is it a bit overkill for a DSLR?

I have RR follow focus and it's great quality and rock-solid.

Any help, anyone? Any other good options in this price point?

Cheers,

Derek
 
Hmm, I'm leaning towards the Cinevate - mainly because I think it's more versatile for use with a dslr, like the adjustable height that might come in handy when a battery grip is added to the dslr.

Could anybody who's used it shed some light?

Good? Bad?
 
If I had to go with either, i'd go with the RedRock Micro. But save yourself the hassle and just buy a second hand Chrosziel 450 series, they're near bullet proof and lighter than both the RedRock and Cinevate.
 
I have not found the limited height adjustments of the RRM mattebox to be a hinderance at all. I have shot with a wide range of cameras including a 7d both with and without a battery grip and had no issues with height. Also about the filters, it can take up to 4x5.65 but it can also use 4x4 filters. In fact all of the filters I have for mine are currently 4x4. The stages have a little matte that goes around the smaller filter to keep light out, works great.

Never weighed mine but I do think it might be a bit more weight than a Cinevate (have not used one so I'm not sure) but it has never been an issue.
 
Ciaran and Sunshine Video, thank you very much for your opinions. I've looked into these options again and one question that came to my mind is whether or not a matte box restricts the use of zoom lenses - like too little "breathing space" in the MB for a zoom to prevent the lens hitting the filters?

Have you had any problems with that?

And what if it's a super wide lens - isn't it going to be too short in length for a follow focus + MB to be installed?

This led me to research more and I came across sunshades - they're usually lighter and less bulky and are clamped onto the lens so - as long as they mount sturdily - they don't restrict the use of zooms, right?

Here's a link to a Chrosziel DSLR sunshade:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...l_AC_R20_72_AC_R20_72_hdSLR_Sunshade_Kit.html

What do you guys think?
 
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