GH4 Sturdy Shoulder Rig

M

m_maamoun

Member
Hello everyone
Am after a shoulder rig for my gh4.I need it light and sturdy.also can be upgraded in the future with follow focus and other acc.
Right now am not a big fan of cage based solution too many pieces and things to look after.
My max budget is $400 so i found three rigs: Ikan lightweight rig and Manfrotto sympla lightweight and the zacuto enforcer.
I Hope you guys can recommend one of these or others in terms of portability and usability.
Thanks..
 
Well the Zacuto Enforcer seems to have no rail system at all so it would only be half your rig.
I've used one-handle supports before and I've never found them to be nearly as good as a full two-handle proper shoulder rig.
Both of the other rigs you listed seem nice and adjustable. Your exact geometry and size do make a difference (one size does not fit all) and those two seem to cover the user well in that area.
 
Many thanks for your recommendation. So the Ikan and manfrotto are better choices even if I will not use the other handle as its crirical for me to hold the lens for focusing.I wish that someone can recommend one rig over the other in terms of fine materials and ease of use.
Thanks
 
Not a fan of any of those shoulder rigs. The Ikan & Zacuto don't look great if you plan on adding a follow focus, while the Manfrotto's handles look heavy, which will throw off your balance unless using excessive counterweights.

Probably better to roll your own. SmallRig makes some good parts, especially considering their pricing. While I generally don't recommend Cavision's products, they do offer a set of dual handgrips that are lightweight, rotate & aren't much wider then LWS rails, which is great if your other hand is on the lens.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/442198-REG/Cavision_RHD1560_Dual_Handgrips_for_15mm.html

The major question is how do you plan on monitoring the GH4? I've all but given up on external EVFs/monitors due to the GH4's HDMI latency so built a lightweight rig that utilizes the cameras EVF & LCD. My triggered handgrips, or even just the shoulder pad, exceed your budget but most the rigs functionality can be had for much less without breaking the bank.

Whatever you do try to keep weight to a minimum, especially with such a small camera. While my rig is a bit front heavy it's not so much that I feel the need for counterweights, & if I add accessoriess they'll need power so just add a brick battery off the back.
 
To be as small as possible to use up a bunch of parts I had sitting around I attached a quick release to an Israeli arm to a swiss rod to a shoulder pad. I use the EVF 90% of the time, right hand on the camera body, left hand on the lens or when needed I add another arm to the left side as a handle. That makes 4 points of contact and a ton of 1/4 mounting options. I can also add a tripod plate to the bottom of the swiss rod and drop the whole thing on the sticks. A bit ghetto but it works very well. When I need to be even smaller I can pull off the gunstock/pad and just put a ball of tape on the end and lose the 2nd arm / handle... that way it is barely larger than the naked camera but still totally solid.
IMG_6549.jpgIMG_6550.jpg
 
Thank you Bern and Harry for your replies. you saved me from a lot of frustrations.
The major question is how do you plan on monitoring the GH4?
well mostly the lcd/evf . I would love to have an external EVF one day to suit any shooting scenario.

I can see that both solutions you provided are genius. Bern, the smallrig parts look excellent.

And yes Harry the articulating arm based rig is unique. just I don't recognize the quick release brand, and if you recommend a quick release with rod for this rig (for future FF ).
I assume that the articulating arm is 11'' long and that I will not need any special tools/bolts to get these pieces in one rig ?

It seems that I will make a rig based on a mix of the 2 solutions that Bern and Harry suggested.
Many thanks for your kindness.
Best Regards
Mohammad Maamoun


 
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