RED carbon fibre rods - performance?

[Mike 'Fireman' Ross]

Folks,

Hope to tap into assembled wisdom & experience.

Has anyone used RED CF rods? Especially longer ones.... 24"? Most especially, with seriously heavy glass, e.g Arri Master Zoom or Angie 24-290mm?

What was your experience? In particular, how did they compare to conventional steel rods? DId they flex unacceptably?

(I have an order in for a pair of 24" rods, but it's been suggested I should think again as I'll be using some Heavy Glass with them.)

Thanks

Mike

 

[Finner]

Nothing against Red, in fact I don't trust any CF rods from any company. They really do not make the camera that much lighter. Rods take a lot of abuse with a lot of clamping force and pressure put on them daily. I use to mountain bike race a bunch and the guys riding CF frames would have to replace them at least once a year.

 

[Jeff Coatney]

Nothing but good things to say about them. Performance was exceptional.

 

[Shawn Booth]

I love the CF rods. They have performed flawlessly here in Hawaii. Jungles, sand, ocean areas... Just watch out for contact with sunscreen.

I wish they made the 6" versions but understand why they don't.

I have to disagree with Finner in regards to weight... A lot better than having steel. I'm always handheld with complete set up (body, lens, FF, MB20, drive, EVF/LCD, hotswap + 2 batteries). I like popping the camera off sticks and just throwing it on my shoulder. Don't like taking the time to switch from studio mode to HH. They are one in the same for me.

 

[Jeff Kilgroe]

I totally agree with Finner on this one, or at least in regards to most CF rods on the market. However, I do own RED Carbon-X rods in 18" and 24" length and they are as good as it gets as far as CF rods go, there are lots of different types and grades of CF tubing out there. I only use them occasionally. They work well with larger zooms like the Cooke 18-100, Optimo 12X (24-290), etc.. My favorite tripod legs also happen to be CF and I haven't had any of them fail yet... Miller HD 920 legs and their Solo carbon legs are both just plain awesome.

Repetitive clamping can take its toll on them. Also beware if you shoot outdoors for long hours in intense sunlight. Most CF resins are not UV resistant and will become brittle with prolonged UV exposure.

My favorite rods are still the ET Ultra Rods. They're an aluminum composite that is still quite rigid and strong and lighter than steel. They have a nice coating on them to allow components to slide when needed. CF can be a bit sticky and over time you can start scuffing it or pulling fibers.

 

[Stephen Pruitt]

We have the 18" RED CF rods and love 'em. They represent a very significant weight savings when every pound counts!

Stephen

 

[Julio Quintana]

I have the 12" RED CF rods on my top mounts, which are great, but I am seriously considering switching to aluminum because they don't slide very easy, which can be annoying. I definitely don't think I would risk going carbon fiber to support larger lenses since it will be on sticks anyways where the weight isn't really an issue.

 

[Mike 'Fireman' Ross]

Thanks for the replies, folks... opinion does seem to be divided.

I started this thread after a response in a PM conversation which basically said 'don't touch them with a bargepole; my 18" flex and put torque on the mount with a 12lb Cooke zoom'.

Since I was planning on using 24" carbon rods with a 25lb Cooke zoom, I think I'll err on the side of caution, save some money, cancel the order, and stick with steel rods. Weight isn't really critical for me; I'd prefer not to have to lug it around, but I have no plans to hand hold a 25lb zoom on a RED ONE! And I will be shooting quite a lot in intense sunlight, and exposing them corrosive atmospheres to boot...

Mike

 

[Ryan Lalonde]

I've never even seen CF rods as option at any rental house I've used but the redrock ones I have are awesome; super lightweight.

 

[Billy Summers]

There is zero flex when compared to aluminum rods...very stiff!

 

[Robert Knoll]

I moved from steel to 18" carbon and if you use four on your rig and do shoulder work the reduced weight is noticed. I have used carbon over the years and have not ever had one fail. Worth the cost and no concern over failure.

 

[Steve Sherrick]

right tool for right job, i.e. get both.

When I need lightweight rig with short to medium lenses, CF works great.

When it's a job where bigger lenses will be used and want/need piece of mind that the right amount of support will be in place, it's steel or ET Ultrarods. When you're on a tripod or dolly weight isn't the issue, good support is. So go with the best option in those situations.

 

[Ryan Nichols]

What about aluminum rods on a medium weight lens like the RPZ 18-85?