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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

dji Ronin (XL) Multi Test-Shoot/Review!

I am considering the Ronin. I am looking forward to the review. Thank you.
 
Awesome write-up Ketch! Maybe its speculation, but wanted to ask an expert like yourself since you have the rig. Do you think the longer lens from your xenons will help balance the camera any better than say a CP2 lens or a Canon CNE prime on that gimbal? I've read in other threads that the Epic+ Movi+ Xenon's seem to balance better than the same config but with shorter primes like CP2's or canon's glass...something about the length of the Schneiders helping to distribute the weight better.

As always, Thanks!
 
& PS Ketch...I get my Schneider case tomorrow (BIG THANKS TO HOT ROD CAMERA IN CALI!!! Awesome company). I will finally get to take these bad boys out of the box and get a chance to let them breath- pun unintended =)

For now, I'm looking to add to the collection, and a Gimbal is next on my list (which is why I asked the question above). So I might mix and match short-term and buy some CNE glass or Zeiss to fill the set out...but if the Schneiders seem to balance better vs. the other's I mentioned which are harder- and I already understand its better to have a matching set of glass across focus lengths- I might just wait it out for the 100 this summer and 25 this fall, and just move a heck of a lot more with whatever Gimbal I end up getting, to make due.
 
Rome Will said:
Awesome write-up Ketch! Maybe its speculation, but wanted to ask an expert like yourself since you have the rig. Do you think the longer lens from your xenons will help balance the camera any better than say a CP2 lens or a Canon CNE prime on that gimbal? I've read in other threads that the Epic+ Movi+ Xenon's seem to balance better than the same config but with shorter primes like CP2's or canon's glass...something about the length of the Schneiders helping to distribute the weight better.

As always, Thanks!
Click to expand...

This is just the beginning of what I expect to be a long series of posts and imagery of and with the Ronin... :)

Actually I have been the one writing about the Xenon or Summilux C primes, with the Movi, been an issue with balancing, at list it was back in September when we were one of the first to use the Movi, and the first to put the Summilux C primes on it.

The Gimbal simply refused to balance properly with the longer lens, and we had to limit the tilt.

Fast forward today, and I imagine the Movi is much better, but not sure, since I have not used since.

The Ronin, has the capacity in both the weight lifting thanks to the stronger Motors, and the built itself.

I have talked with Willis on making longer Arms and the XL mode came in, and that is what I have been playing with to see how it can help with the use of longer bigger camera set ups.

But also redesigning the way I rig up the camera, and see what I can do with the standard Ronin Arms, which of course are the sonly way to go for hand held, as the longer arms will forbid it's use without any support, as I have found out the hard way, not that I was surprised, it's just that I expected less weight gain by moving only 3" extra away form the body.

However as promise my reviews will be as with all my gear, Sponsored or not, honest and truthful to help fellow Filmmaker make proper decisions.

So I look forward to be presenting with set up pictures and final footage form Italy soon.
 
Rome Will said:
& PS Ketch...I get my Schneider case tomorrow (BIG THANKS TO HOT ROD CAMERA IN CALI!!! Awesome company). I will finally get to take these bad boys out of the box and get a chance to let them breath- pun unintended =)

For now, I'm looking to add to the collection, and a Gimbal is next on my list (which is why I asked the question above). So I might mix and match short-term and buy some CNE glass or Zeiss to fill the set out...but if the Schneiders seem to balance better vs. the other's I mentioned which are harder- and I already understand its better to have a matching set of glass across focus lengths- I might just wait it out for the 100 this summer and 25 this fall, and just move a heck of a lot more with whatever Gimbal I end up getting, to make due.
Click to expand...


You'll love the Xenon, and you'll be able to fly them on the Ronin NO problem!!

I'll be rigging up the DragonM8 with it and the Bright Tangerine Matte Box with two filters and a Circular 138mm 1/4 filter, plus the Redlink Bridge, and either the Side Handle with a Redvolt, or a V-Lock Battery plate with a 100HD Brick.

Plus any Lens Motor and wireless accessories and additional cabling accordingly.
 
Ketch,

We're on the same page...I have the exact same setup (minus the gimbal)...my BT VIV is awesome...just need a rig that can support all the weight, AND balance everything (including the heden motor I'll need to put on it somehow)...thats why I was considering the gimbal here:

http://www.xflysystems.com/products/innovacam-fisso-r1

It allows up to 18lbs...which is more than enough for a matte box, red brain, nice size prime, and lens motor/accessories (and comes with 15mm rails)...but I don't know if its as functional as the Ronin. I think Movi started something, and as more work/testing is done on the new gimbal entrants, the only differentiating factors will be their weight limits, ease of use to balance, and software...it could turn into something where gimbals receive commodity pricing, especially since the motors are the most important and they seem to be all based on their weight limit. So, if someone wants 5 lbs limit, you pay "X"...if you want 10 lbs you pay "X+1"...you want +15lbs, you pay "X+2", etc...

Just my thoughts.

Thanks again for your work on this sir!

PS- wonder how I can fit my 9' monitor on the hand bars?...O_o ha!
 
Rome,

actually the way it works for pricing is more based on the actual built components then the actual payload capacity.

The Ronin right now is mostly built in Metal, and that is what makes it very solid, and also on the heavy side at 9LB (with on board battery), but I like to think that DJI will bring a PRO version, which might be built off Carbon Fiber, Titanium or Magnesium as to reduce the overall weight as much as possible without reducing the actual Payload Capacity, in fact possibly making it even greater, but if such unit should come to be i the near future, then we would of course have to pay a lot more for it, but I am confident, again, should such a Ronin come to be, that it will still be way cheaper then say, the Movi... :)

So far preliminary tests down with the Ronin have shown NO problem at handling a fully built up Epic with the Xenon lenses, which are long and front heavy, similarly to the Summilux C Prime lenses, and come in at 2.3LB each, so I am happy so far.

While in Italy and other parts of that world across the pond... I'll see to put various lenses on it, including some zooms, and even the super heavy and BIG Master Primes and see what happens... :)

Ha ha, you can put the 9" on it no problem, I think I might do that as well just for the fun of it... But I know it will not be fun carrying the load of it... :)
 
So... In a small update, looks like I will be in Paris on the Thursday July/3 and looking to possibly take out the Ronin for a Spin... :)

Then on Sunday July/6 I'll be in Switzerland and we'll be most definitely taking the Ronin for a GOOD spin there with my fellow Reduser and friend Luigi Valtulini...

Then Back to Italy were a LOT is happening during the Summer... :)
 
KETCH ROSSi said:
So... In a small update, looks like I will be in Paris on the Thursday July/3 and looking to possibly take out the Ronin for a Spin... :)

Then on Sunday July/6 I'll be in Switzerland and we'll be most definitely taking the Ronin for a GOOD spin there with my fellow Reduser and friend Luigi Valtulini...

Then Back to Italy were a LOT is happening during the Summer... :)
Click to expand...

ohhh Yess ;9
If a friend reduser Swiss or Italian near Lugano wants to come on Sunday 6th I can write an email to
luigi.valtulini (at) gmail (dot) com
 
constantine Tirintzis said:
direct mount on a steadicam arm and vest will be problematic in just about everything . The only thing that will work well in that will be the perfect horizon.

Someone already discovered that and posted, but not many people actually paid any attention on his post. But lets see what you guys will discover, and its nothing to do with having 3 or 4th axis..or a better or worst arm and vest..if you look at steadicam mechanics its there and it makes perfect sense...being a steadicam op and a mechanic designer I know this from the very start.

the only thing that makes more sense is to mount it on a steadicam sled 1 or 2 axis or even 3, no matter what still limitations there for the total requirements needed .

But at least it works better , and though control of the camera moves arent as easy with the follow mode and this combination , its usable. But you will find out sooner or later as many are ready to give it a go.

No matter what have fun with it.
Click to expand...


Hi constantine,

this sure would be an interesting option for this Ronin test if the chance presents itself to Ketch (?).
I see inherent cg issues with placing a more than 1 axis gimbal on a steadicam sled, but could you please direct me/us to the post you mentioned about direct arm mount issues? At least from a physics standpoint I don't see an inherent problem here, but that may be just me not realizing it. I should mention, I have no intention of using follow mode in this setup at all. Very keen on hearing more about this!

Thanks =)
 
If I come across a Steady operator in Paris, Lugano or Italy I'll try and see to make it happen... No promises at this time, as I'll have my plate very full already with the proposed tests with the Ronin on a series of shoots were the Steady is last on my list... Nonetheless I again, will not turn away from the opportunity to do this set up and test it if it presented itself.
 
KETCH ROSSi said:
Rome,

actually the way it works for pricing is more based on the actual built components then the actual payload capacity.

The Ronin right now is mostly built in Metal, and that is what makes it very solid, and also on the heavy side at 9LB (with on board battery), but I like to think that DJI will bring a PRO version, which might be built off Carbon Fiber, Titanium or Magnesium as to reduce the overall weight as much as possible without reducing the actual Payload Capacity, in fact possibly making it even greater, but if such unit should come to be i the near future, then we would of course have to pay a lot more for it, but I am confident, again, should such a Ronin come to be, that it will still be way cheaper then say, the Movi... :)

So far preliminary tests down with the Ronin have shown NO problem at handling a fully built up Epic with the Xenon lenses, which are long and front heavy, similarly to the Summilux C Prime lenses, and come in at 2.3LB each, so I am happy so far.

While in Italy and other parts of that world across the pond... I'll see to put various lenses on it, including some zooms, and even the super heavy and BIG Master Primes and see what happens... :)

Ha ha, you can put the 9" on it no problem, I think I might do that as well just for the fun of it... But I know it will not be fun carrying the load of it... :)
Click to expand...

Ketch,

Understood. Thanks for breaking it down!!
 
My pleasure Rome, and there is of course more to it, I'll add when I can as I can... :)

But the BTS videos that will be forthcoming should give a very detailed and clear idea of what the Ronin is and what is not, what is good for and what and how it can be used for... Obviously with always more possibilities then I will be likely to use it with, but considering the plans I am confident that it will get more use then most could put it under or over... :)

PS: I fill weird calling you with the name of my country's Capital... :)
 
Confirmed small Test-Shoot-Workshop event... Thanks for having me Gigi... Also look forward to see your beautiful facilities in Lugano... :)

Some great BTS material should come out of this!!


1502836_1495044457398099_3048465927077890540_o.jpg
 
Frederic Sturm said:
Hi constantine,

this sure would be an interesting option for this Ronin test if the chance presents itself to Ketch (?).
I see inherent cg issues with placing a more than 1 axis gimbal on a steadicam sled, but could you please direct me/us to the post you mentioned about direct arm mount issues? At least from a physics standpoint I don't see an inherent problem here, but that may be just me not realizing it. I should mention, I have no intention of using follow mode in this setup at all. Very keen on hearing more about it
Kind regards

Thanks =)
Click to expand...

PM sent frederic. break out in 2 messages as it was too long for reduser message rules:emote_22_yikes:
please feel free to ask me any questions.
I will be glad to help and analyse.

kind regards
 
Just wanted to say that the Ronin and I arrived safe and sound to Italy, and that I'll take one day rest and then off to the Switzerland Test-Shoot-Workshop were together with some fellow Reduser and talented Filmmakers we'll put the Ronin to the test, and we'll share this first BTS pics and videos of it with you here.


Sorry about the blurry pic... My great friend Ron was tuck this one on the run... :)

10397137_10204141183269173_6603818190062095043_o.jpg
 
I'm looking into wireless follow focus these days which consisits of three core pieces of gear.

1) Mounted Wireless follow focus geared arm

2) Wireless follow focus controller

3) Wireless video monitor with focus assist options.

I'll have to look into héden and Bolt. Any others to keep an eye on?

What about REDs WMD? Any use this setup yet?


Björn Benckert said:
So to me the best possible setup is basically a naked epic with smallest remote focus (I love héden), small lenses (would personally picked my geared FD lenses) and then use a Bolt for wirless video
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
When you get an extra couple of seconds... could you please measure the space for the camera - left to right and front to back - both with standard arm configuration and XL? I have a Sony PMW-F3 and would like to know if it will fit.
 
Andrew Wilson said:
When you get an extra couple of seconds... could you please measure the space for the camera - left to right and front to back - both with standard arm configuration and XL? I have a Sony PMW-F3 and would like to know if it will fit.
Click to expand...

Yes we'll do.

Any one else has any requests? If you do post away as tonight 'I'll be driving my way to location on Switzerland for the Test-Shoot review and we'll try and give it a great spin but open to any requests, to see if we can make them happen.
 
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