DSMC2 Side Handle Vs Outrigger VS GDU Cowboy handle

[Arthur Woo]

I've been debating among the three the last couple of days since my Epic-W is up and running now. I like the fact that the outrigger and GDU are easily removable via the top screws which doesn't expose any of the inner parts of the camera. Mainly for switching quickly from a compact setup to gimbal. The side handle would take more screws as well as carrying around the additional side plate so the side isn't exposed to the elements. Also a question of where to store the side handle and not damage the leads during a hectic production. I do see many posts raving about how comfortable the new side handle is though. I had a sliding top handle that I used with a swat rail in multiple configurations on my previous Epic Dragon, but holding it from the side wasn't very comfortable. Any reviews on the comfort of outrigger vs side handle?

 

[Stacey Spears]

Also a question of where to store the side handle and not damage the leads during a hectic production.

You can protect both the side handle and the side kick with the side module cap. I have one myself.

I own both the new side handle and sidekick. I am going to try using a top plate with NATO railson the side. I will then attach the GDU Cowboy Handles to the NATO rosettes. This way I can re-position the handles anywhere along the side and I can easily remove w/o needing any tools. Here is the top plate with NATO rails and NATO rosettes.

Any reviews on the comfort of outrigger vs side handle?

What makes the side handle special are the electronic controls. If you have a Canon lens, for example, you can adjust the IRIS with one knob and focus with another. You also have four buttons you can assign to tasks such as exposure, edge focus, 1:1 mode, etc...

 

[Arthur Woo]

Such great info, thank you! The module cap looks like the way to go!

 

[Luka Jovanovic]

Does anyone know how is GDU Cowboy left mounted to Raven? I ordered first day but didnt bother to check mounting options
Its mounted via two screws and on Raven I have only one on top, hm...

 

[Spencer Weaver]

You can protect both the side handle and the side kick with the side module cap. I have one myself.

I own both the new side handle and side kick. I am going to try using a top plate with NATO rails on the side. I will then attach the GDU Cowboy Handles to the NATO Rosettes. This way I can re-position the handles anywhere along the side and I can easily remove w/o needing any tools. Here is the top plate with NATO rails and NATO rosettes.

What makes the side handle special are the electronic controls. If you have a Canon lens, for example, you can adjust the IRIS with one knob and focus with another. You also have four buttons you can assign to tasks such as exposure, edge focus, 1:1 mode, etc...[/COLOR]

Wow! Great ideas Stacey! That is going to be a great setup for the GDU cowboy handles!

 

[Jacob Ryan]

I pr fer the side handle to the outrigger handle. The sidehandle is more comfortable and seems to handle the weight netter. The outrigher is a bit awkward compared to the side handle. At least in my experience, with the outrigger, I felt all the weight of the camera, wjereas the side handle, it feels like the weight is distributed more evenly. I've nere tried The cowboy handle, mainly because I prefer to have my left hand free for focusing.

 

[Arthur Woo]

I've never used the outrigger myself, but I did have a makeshift one that I mentioned above using a swat rail on the side of the camera and a sliding top handle. Similar to what you describe Jacob, I did feel the full weight of the camera compared to using the dsmc1 side handle. Stacey sold it for me, getting side handle 2 plus the back cap.

 

[Tommaso Alvisi]

I am going to try using a top plate with NATO rails on the side. I will then attach the GDU Cowboy Handles to the NATO Rosettes. This way I can re-position the handles anywhere along the side and I can easily remove w/o needing any tools. Here is the top plate with NATO rails and NATO rosettes.

Nice setup Stacey but the GDU Cowboy Handles have RED Rosettes which are different to ARRI Rosettes and don't match to these...

 

[Stacey Spears]

Nice setup Stacey but the GDU Cowboy Handles have RED Rosettes which are different to ARRI Rosettes and don't match to these...

That is not a problem, just get the Red NATO Rosette in place of the WC version. I have gone ahead and updated my original post to point to the Red version.

 

[Tommaso Alvisi]

I know he he but I just wanted to help ya, on top of that...price is more than double!

 

[Tim Daust]

You can protect both the side handle and the side kick with the side module cap. I have one myself.

I own both the new side handle and side kick. I am going to try using a top plate with NATO railson the side. I will then attach the GDU Cowboy Handles to the NATO rosettes. This way I can re-position the handles anywhere along the side and I can easily remove w/o needing any tools. Here is the top plate with NATO rails and NATO rosettes.

What makes the side handle special are the electronic controls. If you have a Canon lens, for example, you can adjust the IRIS with one knob and focus with another. You also have four buttons you can assign to tasks such as exposure, edge focus, 1:1 mode, etc...

great idea/config

 

[Stacey Spears]

I know he he but I just wanted to help ya, on top of that...price is more than double!

I appreciate you pointing out the rosette difference, thank you. I can't control the cost, just offering up a solution.

This solution is what I am currently planning to use when the GDU handles arrive since I have a pair on order. I also have the current side handle and sidekick. Really not sure which direction to go yet. I like staying as light as possible, so I don't normally have a top plate. I like the idea of being able to quickly remove the side handles, hence the NATO rails.

 

[Patrick Kendall]

I've been debating among the three the last couple of days since my Epic-W is up and running now. I like the fact that the outrigger and GDU are easily removable via the top screws which doesn't expose any of the inner parts of the camera. Mainly for switching quickly from a compact setup to gimbal. The side handle would take more screws as well as carrying around the additional side plate so the side isn't exposed to the elements. Also a question of where to store the side handle and not damage the leads during a hectic production. I do see many posts raving about how comfortable the new side handle is though. I had a sliding top handle that I used with a swat rail in multiple configurations on my previous Epic Dragon, but holding it from the side wasn't very comfortable. Any reviews on the comfort of outrigger vs side handle?

Hey Arthur.. I really really like the dsmc2 sidehandle. all your camera and lense controls are right at your fingertips.. the handle and the record button feels nice.. the star button lets you mark your ftg. The ability to control focus of any AF lense is a game changer.. it is a chore to take off, so I just keep it on when store it. I keep my sidekick with the camera in a ziplock bag incase it's proper film shoot (and yes, I will buy the backcap) I've moded the foam in my nanuk case to allow it to live like this and it's great. Also you had mentioned having the old sliding handle.. well I use mine on a nato rail mounted sideways on a WC passthrough top plate and it works beautifully (see photos)

I think the GDU cowboy handles are cool, but they are dumb handles. and it covers up the pogo port on the top and takes up alot of real estate on top... you can't use the DSMC2 top handle, which I like to have on sometimes..

I prefer the double handle/bayhem method of shooting over a shoulder rig. It works really well with the sidehandle.

 

[Jarek Zabczynski]

Yep, I have a similar setup!

 

[Stacey Spears]

I think the GDU cowboy handles are cool, but they are dumb handles. and it covers up the pogo port on the top and takes up alot of real estate on top... you can't use the DSMC2 top handle, which I like to have on sometimes..

If you use the top plate, with pass through pins, along with side NATO rails and rosettes, you can use the top handle.

 

[Eddie Chai]

seems a lot of us here have an affinity towards multiple handles :lol:

I repurposed the universal handle for the left side. Works great for right now as an easy fix (and since I had the handle laying around).

As stated above, I think the dsmc2 sidehandle is great since it has so many customizable buttons in close proximity. Really allows you to make adjustments quickly.

 

[Jacob Ryan]

This has got to be the most egronomic Red Epic ever.

 

[Patrick Kendall]

If you use the top plate, with pass through pins, along with side NATO rails and rosettes, you can use the top handle.

It's a really good idea for the GDU handles. it is expensive though, about $400 in nato rails and rosettes depending on what you own. I like having the top handle available, though I think some would say it's not needed. I think it's smart to do some repurposing of the old stuff to the new DSMC2 body. That old Red sliding top handle I own, I use on other cameras and I keep finding new uses for it. I don't think I'll ever get rid of it. I would do rosette for the left side GDU handle.. keeping my DSCM2 sidehandle though.

 

[Curren Sheldon]

Hey Eddie - Are those the Wooden Camera top and bottom plates? that's what I'm looking to snag (along with the DSMC2 side handle). Curious if you like them. Thanks!

 

[Peter Lay]

Hey Arthur.. I really really like the dsmc2 sidehandle. all your camera and lense controls are right at your fingertips.. the handle and the record button feels nice.. the star button lets you mark your ftg. The ability to control focus of any AF lense is a game changer.. it is a chore to take off, so I just keep it on when store it. I keep my sidekick with the camera in a ziplock bag incase it's proper film shoot (and yes, I will buy the backcap) I've moded the foam in my nanuk case to allow it to live like this and it's great. Also you had mentioned having the old sliding handle.. well I use mine on a nato rail mounted sideways on a WC passthrough top plate and it works beautifully (see photos)

I think the GDU cowboy handles are cool, but they are dumb handles. and it covers up the pogo port on the top and takes up alot of real estate on top... you can't use the DSMC2 top handle, which I like to have on sometimes..

I prefer the double handle/bayhem method of shooting over a shoulder rig. It works really well with the sidehandle.

Neat setup Patrick! Thinking about doing the same with my Epic W. The side handle is great for all the reasons you've mentioned. What length is that WC Nato rail? Is this the RED handle you are using with the rail? Cheers

http://www.red.com/store/products/sliding-top-handle