Zacuto Review

[aviddv1]

We recently purchased the Zacuto Studio/Handheld package from Steve at Zacuto. Last Friday was our first true test with the package and I have to say I was thoroughly impressed with its performance in the field. We did a full day run-and-gun shoot in NYC in 20˚ weather and it performed like a workhorse.

I shot handheld all day and although the setup has some weight to it, I was pleasantly surprised at how well balanced it was and how easy it was to maneuver.

I had the Marshall 7” mounted on the left handgrip with a Noga MG11043 and on the double mount rear plate I had one Switronix L90, a wireless receiver, and a Noga DG11043 with a Firestore.

I used the Varizoom Stealth mounted on the right handgrip and had no trouble manipulating the focus, iris, zoom or trigger.

Between locations I mounted the rig on a tripod without any additional modifications. The only hurdle we had to overcome was slipping the rig off the Bogen 526 head. Because the head is so large and the quick release slides in, I had to slide the shoulder pad back to fully release the wedge. A Sachtler head wouldn’t have had that problem because the wedge pops up instead of sliding forwards or backwards.

The pièce de résistance was the Storm IM-2975 case with the custom Panasonic Studio Foam Insert. The case fits everything including the kitchen sink. Had no problems rolling it around all day across the streets of New York.

I highly recommend the Zacuto setup to anyone looking for a solid, versatile rig that is easy to set up and comfortable when shooting handheld. Other than the HVX itself, I’d say it’s the best investment we’ve made.

Howie
Very Nice Industries
Veryniceindustries.com

 

[electricpig]

Totally agree. It makes me proud to own my Zacuto Rig, and it's versatility, design and build quality make it a beautifully engineered tool.
It's just been joined by a Sachtler SB6 and Miller Solo Leg combo, all sharing those qualities. They all help me to make shooting enjoyable, viewed on a Marshall.

Great tools.

 

[Abaddon]

How much did all that cost you?

 

[Joe Julian]

I can see the advantage of the Zacuto as a platform for all the
acc. when mounted on a tripod but I don't see how can you work hand held with all that back balance weight overhanging from your back, probably hitting people heads and doorways, it looks too cumbersome to be considered
a shoulder mount.

 

[electricpig]

It cost me a tidy packet, but I'm investing in the future here. I can't see myself changing any of this lot well into the future, and all these bits of kit will just keep on going judging by build quality. All well engineered.

I don't have the zacuto handles, so my setup isn't the full bundle, but for a studio/set setup I can strap anything to the camera and have this lovely modular setup which bolts on and off the tripod in one click, coupled with a Foxi and Zoe. This all rigs up beautifully on my Axis dolly too.

Joe Julian, for run and gun or handheld then I just use my FigRig, camera off the zacuto, and off I go (there's an extra Foxi and zoom controller on there). I would only want to use this zacuto rig shoulder mounted if I was in an organised setup with a crew, certainly not alone where I could understand your fears of knocking into stuff.