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RAVEN on the DJI Ronin M

mike zorger

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We all know the Epic sized bodies with cine lenses can be strapped on to the original ronin but what about putting the Ravin on the ronin M? The weight limit I believe is around 8lbs and if you have the Ravin Brain @ 3.5lbs, the jetpack expander with the beltclip with a canon 16-35. That should be no more than 5-5.5lbs and should be good to GO on the M, right?
 
Yes. If it's around 8lbs you'll be fine. I've even popped my Epic on it with a 40mm pancake and V-Lock belt clip. Mostly just A7S with lens and follow focus though.

BUT WAIT. I would HIGHLY suggest NOT using the Ronin-M.

Go with the FreeFly M5. Much better in terms of motor and software quality. I've used the Ronin-M on some agriculture projects and had some of my friends in production use it on shoots and it was nothing but problems. The motors can occasionally spazz out and quite frequently the footage will have visible motor "flicks". I would stay away from the Ronin-M until they get the bugs worked out. You loose the app funtionality with the M5 but man I've never had an issue with it. It's buttery smooth 100% of the time.
 
Thanks!! I own the M with no issues and I've rented the M10 when that was the only movi and I couldn't dislike it more. The price, exposed wires and price. Also, I like the software / app DJI provides. When I was using the Movi 10, the software was all windows based, I hope that has changed.
 
i am flying Epic on RoninM, handheld and on steadicam, since DJI fixed horizon problem couple FW builds ago - not a single problem, and i am running it up to 3 batteries, 8-10hrs a shoot;
 
Can only agree with the positive statements about the Ronin M. I haven't had issues with mine. I really like the build quality overall. Very smooth here.

The DJI support can certainly be rubbish, so I'm glad I don't have to use that. But as for the product itself, I feel it's the only one out there that has the right polish at the right price.
 
Have had some glitches with the Ronin M battery, but nothing with performance being bad.

However, weight isn't the big issue but shape and balance. A tall camera can be really hard to use. I use dSLRs and a C100 and the C100's lens and viewfinder hit the top of the cage so you don't have complete motion with it and you need to take it off to balance. You can use counterweights etc. but it's equally a matter of shape and weight.
 
Yeah I'm currently running Canon 5d mk3's on my ronin M but when the Raven comes in, different ball game.
 
Have the ronin m as well and no issues here...Been a worthy purchase so far. Have run the c100mkII(with extension arms) and 5DMKIII on it, and it's been butter for the most part. Assuming shouldn't have an issue with the raven as well.
 
I am ok satisfied with my Ronin-M and looking forward to use it with Raven. If I should buy a new stabilizer I would check out Letus Helix jr. Seems great and an American company (I am from Europe, so not a + for me)
 
I am ok satisfied with my Ronin-M and looking forward to use it with Raven. If I should buy a new stabilizer I would check out Letus Helix jr. Seems great and an American company (I am from Europe, so not a + for me)

I have no experience with Ronins but I own a helix jr. And recently had an Epic with a tokina 11-16 on it using the helix jr to power the camera. Worked like a charm although it gets heavy. I can't wait to put the scarlet-w on there.
 
I have no experience with Ronins but I own a helix jr. And recently had an Epic with a tokina 11-16 on it using the helix jr to power the camera. Worked like a charm although it gets heavy. I can't wait to put the scarlet-w on there.

Nice. Really like the fact that camera sits mucher higher up than on the Ronin.
 
I have no experience with Ronins but I own a helix jr. And recently had an Epic with a tokina 11-16 on it using the helix jr to power the camera. Worked like a charm although it gets heavy. I can't wait to put the scarlet-w on there.
How do you like the stabilization on the Helix jr ? Any complaint ?
 
How do you like the stabilization on the Helix jr ? Any complaint ?

None whatsoever. I primarily put a GH4 on there, but I've had an epic and c300 on there with no issues. The epic was slightly shaky if i was moving very fast, but honestly, I probably needed just a little more time to fine tune the roll axis, which we did not have the time.

I also have to commend LETUS. The company is incredible. They have sent me free of charge replacement screws when I called (not part of the helix, just holding screws for transport and on the battery cage) - and they shipped an order of mine overnight free of charge after I spoke with them to see if it was possible to get it in time for my shoot. Can't say enough about their service as well.
 
Nice. Really like the fact that camera sits mucher higher up than on the Ronin.

I think the design is incredible for my purposes. I shoot a lot of fast paced events, and being able to put it down, leave it, OR quickly remove the camera, and then put it back on when needed, is magical. I have also become pretty good at balancing cameras, and it really is a pretty easy, and tool less (unless you count a measuring tape, which you can even do without).

Plus, the crazy thing about the helix, is it works even if it is not properly balanced. Just have to be close. The only down side is it uses battery up quicker. But in a pinch, this can be a big deal.
 
I think the design is incredible for my purposes. I shoot a lot of fast paced events, and being able to put it down, leave it, OR quickly remove the camera, and then put it back on when needed, is magical. I have also become pretty good at balancing cameras, and it really is a pretty easy, and tool less (unless you count a measuring tape, which you can even do without).

Plus, the crazy thing about the helix, is it works even if it is not properly balanced. Just have to be close. The only down side is it uses battery up quicker. But in a pinch, this can be a big deal.

Being able to just put it down is alot more important than most people realize before buying a gimbal. Such a pain in the ... to carry around the Ronin-M stand
 
Being able to just put it down is alot more important than most people realize before buying a gimbal. Such a pain in the ... to carry around the Ronin-M stand

It's one of those things that you truly don't realize the value until you have it.

Just to follow up, I just found out the music video I was a gimbal cam op for was just released. The gimbal shots are all the moving shots walking on the dock, by the Roman style building (in both song parts) , and through the streets of Philly. I was just the cam op and this gives you a visual for how the helix handled the Epic dragon with a tokina 11-16, powering the cam off the helix. (Ps- not sure why there is no color grading on this but again it's not mine)

 
We all know the Epic sized bodies with cine lenses can be strapped on to the original ronin but what about putting the Ravin on the ronin M? The weight limit I believe is around 8lbs and if you have the Ravin Brain @ 3.5lbs, the jetpack expander with the beltclip with a canon 16-35. That should be no more than 5-5.5lbs and should be good to GO on the M, right?

Bought ronin M about 3 months ago and ever since my Dragon had only gone out on rental once (only once) without it. All my rental clients always ask for the dragon with ronin m. The choice lens on it is often rokinon 24 / 35. So certainly Raven will work well with it, especially if its on the canon or rokinon lens set except you thinking the xenons which have some weight. Its a very good combo.
 
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