FrameFarmMedia
Veteran
I'm in the market for a sub $150 shoulder stabilizer. I do a lot of run and gun work, some weddings and some doc stuff. Not a lot of studio shoots so having a rig that can break down small for travel or not be as imposing on subjects is important to me. Also I shoot with a GH2 but so(only for 1 client).
I've pretty much settled on 2 rig options that fit my needs in the sub $150 shipped category. Each has its pluses and minuses and I'm always up for feedback on my thoughts here.
http://opteka.com/csx1.aspx
The Opteka CSX-1 -
Pro: This rig has some nice looking contruction. The shoulder mount itself looks very solid. I could easily drill and tap some holes to mount gear and easy way to add a counterweight. It really seems like a great way to add shoulder support but not a lot of bulk.
Con: I would probably have to buy a riser to get in line with my eye or if I wanted to add a follow focus later on. I like the appeal of dual handles but am unsure how often I will have my hands on lens and how often I would have hands on both handles. Right now I always have a hand on the lens for stability.
http://opteka.com/optekacxs-100videographersdualrigwithshouldersupportfordigitalslrandcamcorders.aspx
The Opteka CSX-100 (many cheaper Chinese resellers)
Pro: Probably the best value as you get dual handles, a riser and rails. The ability to fold the handles up and ditch the shoulder mount in order to do hand held action shots is a nice bonus. The ability to rent a follow focus or try a few cheap ones without adding more parts is nice. I would have to spend another $60-80 for a riser to get the same thing on the CSX-1.
Con: The shoulder mount and rod connecting it look really flimsy compared to the CSX-1 and looks like it wouldn't counter balance as well with weight. The thumb screws are made of plastic so I am not sure how well they will fair in the field.
I've pretty much settled on 2 rig options that fit my needs in the sub $150 shipped category. Each has its pluses and minuses and I'm always up for feedback on my thoughts here.
http://opteka.com/csx1.aspx
The Opteka CSX-1 -
Pro: This rig has some nice looking contruction. The shoulder mount itself looks very solid. I could easily drill and tap some holes to mount gear and easy way to add a counterweight. It really seems like a great way to add shoulder support but not a lot of bulk.
Con: I would probably have to buy a riser to get in line with my eye or if I wanted to add a follow focus later on. I like the appeal of dual handles but am unsure how often I will have my hands on lens and how often I would have hands on both handles. Right now I always have a hand on the lens for stability.
http://opteka.com/optekacxs-100videographersdualrigwithshouldersupportfordigitalslrandcamcorders.aspx
The Opteka CSX-100 (many cheaper Chinese resellers)
Pro: Probably the best value as you get dual handles, a riser and rails. The ability to fold the handles up and ditch the shoulder mount in order to do hand held action shots is a nice bonus. The ability to rent a follow focus or try a few cheap ones without adding more parts is nice. I would have to spend another $60-80 for a riser to get the same thing on the CSX-1.
Con: The shoulder mount and rod connecting it look really flimsy compared to the CSX-1 and looks like it wouldn't counter balance as well with weight. The thumb screws are made of plastic so I am not sure how well they will fair in the field.