Gear Recommendations

[Phil Holland]

My rigs come into the 15-25 lbs range and I mostly use the Manfrotto 509HD/536 legs combo. It works for me and balances well.

[Mike Garrick]

Hey Phil

Most probably should post this on "Skully thread", but how is the manfrotto holding up ?

I ask because I'm thinking I want something "lighter" for "in the field" shoots & I'm thinking of the Manfrotto or the Gitzo. Having said that I've noticed the weight of the cam. creeping up especially with cine glass and wondering how "your head" performs under load.

P.S. i don't want to hijack this thread but I think the question may be of benefit to the OP.

P.S.S. Words of wisdom from Mark Phelan

[Liam Hall]

Mike, I have the carbon fibre Manfrrotto 536 legs. I really like them as they're versatile and strong. They go high, they go low, they're great on uneven ground - on stairs or out in the wild and they're great for travel, since they break down really small. They provide a good solid platform to work from and they don't twist when panning as other legs do. That said, they are not the best choice for everything. I still use my Saachtler Speed Lock legs for everyday situations as they are faster and more stable to deploy. The Manfrotto legs will get you shots that more traditional legs won't but the pay off is they need a little more care when setting up.

[Phil Holland]

Hey Phil

Most probably should post this on "Skully thread", but how is the manfrotto holding up ?

I'm actually pretty shocked how into the 509/536 I've been. The head is big enough to handle the weight and it balances well. However, the head/legs combo is light enough to lug around to strange far off lands. It's not the lightest, but I imagine it's the lightest quality combo out there from what I've seen. Sometimes I'll even bag the sticks to weigh them down more if I'm feeling a bit top heavy. I've been abusing them and really no issues at all.

[Mike Garrick]

Thanx Liam & Phil.

My trouble with this set of sticks...... is my old prejudices against the name after all its not a Miller, Statchler, or O'Connor. Maybe everyone should change that..... including me.

[Les C.]

... I want it to be stable with everything on

Do you think you'll want to use a slider, like the 3 or 5' CineSlider?

http://www.kesslercrane.com/product-p/100154.htm

Or, connect a Jib to your tripod - or use the tripod as a dolly?

Not sure that's anything you're interested in, but ... if so, that's a real game changer as far as the tripod.

So, how are you going to shoot? Are you run-n-gun with a rig, are you tripod mounted, are you after smoother camera motion ... how are you going to use the Scarlet 90% of the time?

If you are 90% shoulder mounted, then you're really going to want to spend money on the right rig.

If not, if you're climbing mountains with your tripod, and shooting eagles, you'd want a real light carbon fiber tripod ...

So, maybe some feedback on what you're going to be doing with the Scarlet?

You want to work backwards from the intended use, to determine what you need.

[Jason Ano]

I don't normally shoot handheld, so I'm currently debating on a minimalist shoulder rig vs. a video monopod. Im sure i can get some smooth shots between using my top handle, side and pod. Anybody here use a monopod for their Scarlet for quick run n gun work?