Mantis or EasyRig 2

[Scott Miller]

I may be shooting a feature over July and August. It will call for primarily shoulder or loose shooting, and 8 weeks on my shoulder without a proper kit seems difficult.

So, Ivesco has a EasyRig 2, 50Lb setup for a deal and I also see the mantis being a popular rig.

Opinions? Anyone use the EasyRig and comment on how it is to shoot for a full day? Looks like it might take a bit of practice, but seems like the back brace would distribute the weight better over time.

But the Mantis, although seemingly well designed and flexible still rides on the shoulder and arms. The arms seem like a much better location being down towards the waist.

I realize they also probably have a different look when used. Opinions on that as well are welcome.

thx,

Scott

 

[michael zaletel]

Just some thoughts out loud here that might help. I've thought about modifying a set of football shoulder pads by taking off the harder outer shell and removing one side completely but leaving the harness in place to provide the shoulder padding on my shoulder distributed more evenly across the entire shoulder rather than depending upon the rig itself to provide the shoulder padding. I haven't tried out the EasyRig but I have tried out the Mantis and as ergonomic as it is, it would still put too much pressure on a concentrated area of my shoulder over time. 8 weeks on your shoulder might call for some creative thinking to distribute the pressure points. Nice thing about the mantis is how low it allows you to place the handles which is much more comfortable. I think modified football shoulder pads would give you a stable flat surface and better distribute the weight. Perhaps you could combine some sort of 75 degree connector with some short rods on the standard RED stuff to get the handles lower like the mantis? Anyone ever try that?

-michael zaletel

 

[Stephen Lovett]

I may be shooting a feature over July and August. It will call for primarily shoulder or loose shooting, and 8 weeks on my shoulder without a proper kit seems difficult.

So, Ivesco has a EasyRig 2, 50Lb setup for a deal and I also see the mantis being a popular rig.

Opinions? Anyone use the EasyRig and comment on how it is to shoot for a full day? Looks like it might take a bit of practice, but seems like the back brace would distribute the weight better over time.

But the Mantis, although seemingly well designed and flexible still rides on the shoulder and arms. The arms seem like a much better location being down towards the waist.

I realize they also probably have a different look when used. Opinions on that as well are welcome.

thx,

Scott

Hi Scott,

Sorry I was unable to get over to the studio last week for the wrap of Project Artemus. My middle daughter was graduating from High School.

I did get to meet some of the crew as they rented some grip and lighting gear from me.

I've got an EasyRig if you want to see it up close and personal.

I'm pretty booked this month, but I'll bet we can figure something out.

Cheers,

Steve

 

[Scott Miller]

I have never thought about a football based shoulder pad. Creative idea! I might swing by a used sporting goods store and check it out.

Steve,

Have you used your EasyRig much? How is it long term/hours? PM me your schedule or when you might be free or if you happen to be in the north country shooting at some point

Rental rates on the Easy Rig ?

 

[Julio Quintana]

The Easy Rig is pretty fantastic. It allows you to get some hand held looking shots that just aren't practical any other way. For example, you can let the camera dangle down by your waist no problem, a shot that is nearly impossible to hold without getting down on your knees or resting it on something. Every time I'm on a hand held shoot, it seems like everything is invariably shot at eye level because it's just too exhausting to hold any other angles.

 

[Shawn Booth]

Easy 3 allows use with most film cameras as well.

 

[Marc Berger]

I have never thought about a football based shoulder pad. Creative idea! I might swing by a used sporting goods store and check it out.

Steve,

Have you used your EasyRig much? How is it long term/hours? PM me your schedule or when you might be free or if you happen to be in the north country shooting at some point

Rental rates on the Easy Rig ?

Hi Scott,
the easyrig is probably the only solution to shoot handheld for hours. But You still need a good shoulder mount and handles to work with it properly.
The R1 feels with the easyrig like a HVX. I used it for 6 and more hours handheld work without a break and after I was still in a relaxed and good mood and well (I had a back operation two years ago).
Easyrig 3 or 4 is the best choice for R1.
You should try it.
Cheers,
Marc

 

[Tim Whitcomb]

BOTH!

Mantis and EZ RIg 3 is what we use ALL THE TIME- and with 8 weeks of handheld with a RED ONE- football shoulder pads are not going to cut it, sorry Shooter.

The EZ RIG disperses the weight so comfortably, you can shoot all day, no issues. The Mantis helps keep it all controllable and uber comfortable.

 

[Sanjin Jukic]

The best option is to have both together as a combo rig.

Those two really fit together and with that you would be able to gun&run for hours without taking your R1 down.

Btw I have them both Manits and Easy Rig 3 (700) and talking from my own experience.

 

[ericyoung]

If you can only buy one I'd go EasyRig, but make sure the Red set up is balanced as well as possible on your shoulder first, with enough weight far enough behind you to counterbalance all the lens and other weight on the front. If it's front heavy, it'll never be comfortable for any length of time even with the Easy Rig.