GH2 Most recommended stabilising rig

Mj882

Mj882

Well-known member
What would you guys recommend as the best rig for having stabilised shots?

I want to be able to have stable shots when tracking - and also avoid the jello/jitter effect when holding handheld.

Cheers guys
 
In order from stable to not stable.

-tripod
-slider
-dolly
-jib
-steadycam
-shoulder mount
-hand grip


Of course, you also have the fact that each rig has a different use. You don't use a jib as a slider or a steady cam as a tripod.
 
Phenixone said:
In order from stable to not stable.

-tripod
-slider
-dolly
-jib
-steadycam
-shoulder mount
-hand grip


Of course, you also have the fact that each rig has a different use. You don't use a jib as a slider or a steady cam as a tripod.
Click to expand...

I want to shoot some work without the use of a tripod, to get that authentic handheld look without the jitter/jello effect you get without a rig of some sort.

Shoulder mount or fig rig is what I'm after. I'll be using it for tracking shots, as well as still ones. Any recommendations?
 
Last edited:
Cheers for the responses. Do you have both have any examples of work, where you've combined the GH2 and your recommended rigs?
 
That's a nice rig from the Jag35 but on the pricey end. I put together a rig with pistol grips, rods, cheeseplate, quick release mount and the Portabrace shoulder pad for probably 150 bucks. It's not as modular but it's quick and simple and does what I need.... and it's cheap. It was all parts together from different manufacturers.
 
Another option to consider is the spiderbrace. I have friends that love it and it's cool but the problem that i have is that I'm far sighted so I need to be able to move things around and you don't get much options for that.. It's kind of like the Cowboy rig in that respect. I do like that rig too, but only if you are a smaller guy. If you have broad big shoulders like I do, then it's a very snug uncomfortable fit!

http://www.spiderbrace.com/
 
http://www.victorlazaro.com/#1899855/Emily-Vasquez-Slow-Motion shot with the express35.

But the most important is to match the rig to what you feel the most comfortable. For example, I mostly use the Run n Gun as a chest plate instead of extending the shoulder pad entirely. This makes a smaller rig easy to maneuver. you can also chose to add weight to the rig and turn it into a full shoulder mount. If you have the opportunity, try to try a couple of rigs before you buy. I a lot of rigs before my Express35.

Doesn't mean it's the best, it only means it is the most fitted for my needs and the way I film.
 
I think these days, that kind of question really relates to your budget. There are now simple DSLR rigs as low as US$80 (Zacuto Crossfire type) ranging to exorbitant Redrock prices.
 
i think that people tend to get drunk on the concept of shoulder rigs. ive owned about 4 different rigs from ultra low to ultra high end. and found ALL of them lacking from a usability standpoint to one degree or another... when you spend $100 on it. thats ok. but when you drop $3500. thats kind of a buzzkill.

how about a monopod? i find that in say 75% of situations its as or more effective than a shoulder rig.
biggest (or really only) drawback is when you have to look up and down or change positions extremely quickly.

but if you get one with a head and leave it open, you can circumvent most of that...
 
Cheers for the suggestions fellas.

So the Express35 seems pretty good so far. It seems smaller than most other shoulder rigs but does what they do. I need something relatively small so I can use it in a variety of situation, without having an overkill large equipment.

That's an interesting comment from wgzn. I'm really not sure on the monopod, haven't heard much feedback on it in general. Also tilting and changing position inefficiency could become a problem. So Shoulder rig's are overrated?
 
A shoulder rig ain't no steadycam.
Shoulder rigs help. A lot.
I have the spiderbrace and I use it all the time on run-and-gun stuff.
Here's a piece I did that is ALL shot with a shoulder rig.
http://vimeo.com/13044980
It's still wobbly, but better than straight hand-held.
Mono-pods are really a great low-cost tool too. do you know about the twine stabilizer trick? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af3aJ2kviJ4&feature=player_embedded
Yes, the stupid STRING trick really works!

~Cheers
 
DPStewart said:
A shoulder rig ain't no steadycam.
Shoulder rigs help. A lot.
I have the spiderbrace and I use it all the time on run-and-gun stuff.
Here's a piece I did that is ALL shot with a shoulder rig.
http://vimeo.com/13044980
It's still wobbly, but better than straight hand-held.
Mono-pods are really a great low-cost tool too. do you know about the twine stabilizer trick? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af3aJ2kviJ4&feature=player_embedded
Yes, the stupid STRING trick really works!

~Cheers
Click to expand...

Yeah I'm looking for something to help a lot with steadying and tracking shots - not looking for super smooth steadycam style shots.

Haha the string I never heard of before, I can imagine it working but think I'd probably purchase a shoulder rig instead. Still not sure which one to go for the GH2.
 
So Shoulder rig's are overrated?
Click to expand...
no. not over rated. but i think people are drunk on the concept because they think they're supposed to use them. personally, i consider a lot about the modern shoulder rig approach ergonomically flawed. but thats a whole other discussion.

back to the concept of monopods. the idea of a shoulder rig is to put weight on your shoulder to ease fatigue and stabilize your shot. so what if you could take ALL the weight off of your body and put it on a very mobile stick?

when using a basic camera rig, there are maybe three moves that you can do with a shoulder rig that you cant as easily achieve with a monopod.
however, one of those is walking. so it depends on what youre shooting ; )
 
For shoulder rigs, look at the famous Gini rigs. http://stores.ebay.com/ginirigshdslrrigs I bought a really nice modular 15mm rig system (all aluminum) from them for 159 a couple of weeks ago. The designs and prices seem to change frequently (different handle designs, shoulder pads, setups, etc), so watch them for a while if you don't find what you want.

As for the string, here's a review of a commercial version of it that looks a little bit less ghetto: http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/003120.php

You could also grab one of these and come up with your own strap system: http://www.blackrapid.com/product/hardware/fastenr3/
 
wgzn said:
no. not over rated. but i think people are drunk on the concept because they think they're supposed to use them. personally, i consider a lot about the modern shoulder rig approach ergonomically flawed. but thats a whole other discussion.

back to the concept of monopods. the idea of a shoulder rig is to put weight on your shoulder to ease fatigue and stabilize your shot. so what if you could take ALL the weight off of your body and put it on a very mobile stick?

when using a basic camera rig, there are maybe three moves that you can do with a shoulder rig that you cant as easily achieve with a monopod.
however, one of those is walking. so it depends on what youre shooting ; )
Click to expand...

There will certainly be walking with a rig I'm after.

I'm basically after some sort of stabiliser that can keep a still shot reasonably steady, as well steadying tracking shots to a reasonable level too - I'm not after super smooth steadycam style tracking shots. It needs to be something I can carry around with me, so something that isn't too big.

The string is out question, since I want tracking shots. Monopod also seems to have constraints on walking shots. I think what I may be after is a fig rig?

What you reckon guys?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top