Red One - What do I need?

[Matthew Wooten]

I just did our RED package on a budget, too. This stuff is pretty bomb-proof, so I wouldn't worry about buying used if you can.

Check out all of the aftermarket monitors, and take a look at Ultralight Control Systems for arms. A much cheaper alternative, and very versatile. I would also get both top handles for carrying it around, and don't try to plop it on a tripod that isn't rated for the weight. All of your savings will be for naught if your rig takes a nose dive and you drive glass shards into your sensor.

Skip the case for now, unless you plan on traveling. If it's staying in the school, just keep it deep on a shelf.

MATT

ps. Oh, and I agree with the CF card reasoning. These files get big, quick. If your students are forced to keep the shots short and sweet, post work will be much less frustrating as they won't be stalling their computers with huge files. Plus the CF cards, while easier to loose, are cheaper to replace and maintenance free.

 

[Stephen Strangways]

Good call Matt, top handles are a must. If you're very tight on budget, at least get one top mount and the top handle. For the most secure setup, add a second top mount and the top handle extension to build a fully enclosed top handle bar that can't slip out of someone's hand forward or back.

 

[Denis Buhot]

as for a tripod..

as for a tripod..

I'm looking to put together a quote for my school in an attempt to get a Red One for student use.

a relatively "very" cheap 100m ball head is...manfrotto 526... it was advised to me by a renowned professional when I wanted to replace my good ol' sachtler... It fits any 100mm ball legs (manfrotto or other), it's an excellent buy and it provides excellent service. Even with lenses as heavy as 6 kgs. Not as sturdy as a sachtler for sure, but quite enough... but hushhh... NEVER confess it...

 

[ericyoung]

Good call Matt, top handles are a must. If you're very tight on budget, at least get one top mount and the top handle. For the most secure setup, add a second top mount and the top handle extension to build a fully enclosed top handle bar that can't slip out of someone's hand forward or back.

I'd second Stephen's suggestion of the top handle extension. In fact I think it's essential, as the single top handle exerts so much leverage on two bolts that I think it's a case of when it fails, not if, for all but the lightest setups.

 

[Leo Ticheli]

If you have advanced students and instructors and a very generous budget, not just for the camera body, but all the lenses, accessories, and support, the Red is matchless.

I'm putting on my Nomex suit to suggest that you are looking at the wrong camera. The Red requires very expensive accessories and heavier support gear; your budget doesn't support this choice nor do you require the superb image quality the Red delivers.

There is another large sensor camera that will be available at the end of next month that will serve you much better. You will be able to buy the camera, matte box, follow focus, and lenses, starting with the very versatile Red 17-50, and all the extras.

I think it's a better teaching tool considering your circumstances.

Good shooting and best regards,

Leo