ePhoto Shoulder Rig Stabilizer with Follow Focus
A few weeks ago I posted an article about a small DSLR Rig with a counter weighted shoulder pad and follow focus system. There were some questions and comments, so I decided to try it out. A setup like this can be very helpful ff you are shooting with a light weight camera and very little accessories. If you plan on using anything heavier or require mounting additional accessories, this rig will fall short. You can find the more expensive version with a Follow Focus on Amazon (here).
ePhoto Shoulder Rig Follow Focus Counter Weight
The Dual Hand Grip version without a Follow Focus is much cheaper and lists for just under $100 dollars found here
ePhoto Dual Grip DSLR Camera Rig Stabilizer 15mm Rod
Dang Olivia you are FINE! Awesome review too!
I used a 7D w/ Sigma 30mm and added the $35 Matte Box and it worked like a charm. Least expensive option I’ve found in rigs and expanded out nicely. Downside, with the plastic knobs, you REALLY have to wrench down on the adjustments for the handles if you don’t want them to move. Going to add my Polaroid LED on top of 7D hot shoe and run my Xoom up there too next,
Olivia, would this rig support the Sony VG20 plus the kit lens? Or would that setup be too heavy?
dural78, I would suggest something a bit stronger. I should be able to show a new rig next week that would work for you.
hi olivia, i own a eos 7d an an 24-70mm sigma… setup is about 1.5kg… what do you think, a way to go with this rig? thanks in advance
andre, I will have another rig to show next week also which is a bit more expensive but could be another option to consider before making a purchase.
im interested in that for coming review as well – Thank you Olivia
For a standard dual rod setup, a great option for a shoulder mount/counterweight is utilizing one of these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vertical-Mount-Cheese-Plate-Base-Rod-Clamp-fr-15mm-Rod-Support-DSLR-Rig-Rail-V2-/181012262490?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a252bee5a
You can get a second plate & block to mount on top of the rods and hook onto the vertical mount one which will create a ton of space for screw in mountings of batteries, recording units, etc.
Hey Olivia, what rig would be best for a Sony Nex-5N?
Something small and light weight like this ePhoto rig would counter the weight of the NEX-5N really well. You can also look into a cage, however you will not have the ability to carry the weight of your setup on your shoulders.
There are tons of styles of rigs. Fig rigs, shoulder rigs, and steadi-cams. Could you maybe make a review on pros and cons of each style of rig? and perhaps what the best shooting scenario works best for each rig?
Keep up the great and informative work!
@Patrick I have a video coming out from Manfrotto at their booth last week at PhotoPlus where I took a look at the Fig Rig. Wayne does an excellent job at detailing its best uses. A shoulder rig is mainly for panning and tilting where a steadi-cam style stabilizer is aimed towards steadying shots while walking or running. It depends on what you’re looking to shoot. The fig rig can get heavy if you have a large setup IMHO.
If you’re looking for more mounting options, why not grab a $35 swiss rod from Photography&Cinema. Emm over at http://www.cheesycam.com explains what they are and how they work.
@Steven I agree! Only thing is that there is no place on this rig to mount the Swiss Rod.
Can’t you replace the rod that goes from the shoulder pad to the base? You may need a 6inch extender to get the desired length depending on how you like to hold it.
@Steven Yes, you can put any length 15mm rod in place of what is provided to suit your setup.
Hi Olivia,
Will this rig with the follow focus work for my Mark II with Canon 50 mm 1.4 ? I’m more concren on the offered price point for this product.
You are awesome, by the way!
@Rio Pancake lenses can be tricky to use with Follow Focus systems. Some stand up just fine while others don’t work together AT ALL! This is a great point. I will need to check tomorrow and get back to you.
I am unsure about which rig of these two (links down below) will hold a heavier setup/more equipment. My setup will usually be a Nikon D3200 with the Bower/Rokinon 35mm Cine and a shotgun mic on the camera.
ePhoto DSLR Camcorder Steady Shoulder Support Rig Mount Cinema Kit w/ Follow Focus, Counter Weight WYRL02F
ePhoto DSLR Rig Chest Camera Stabilizer Mount Follow Focus Matte Box for 5D, 7D, 60D, T2i, T3i, 550D RL002FM
The basic difference is that one has a “matte box” (more like a sunblocker) and the other has a counter weight. Are the basic components the same? Like the follow focus?
Each is $150 but for the one lacking a “matte box” for $30 dollars you can get one from ePhoto, and the on lacking a weight, you can get it for $30 too. I think the better option is the one with the FF and Counter weight. Any suggestions? Thanks!
@Maximilian I’ve used both of these and for the setup you’re working with, I’d go with the WYRL02F. This is a sturdier rig (not the gun stock shoulder mount type like the RL002FM) and the counterweight really makes a huge difference in balancing. You can always order a matte box separate if you need one.