2010Sled forum
Mounting a RED camera on an EFP Steadicam rig for music video production
16 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- An EFP rig with standard springs may approach its weight capacity when loaded with a RED camera and accessories totaling 12-13.5 kilograms
- The EFP vest can suffer durability issues, with chest pieces breaking and requiring replacement with thicker materials
- Dynamic balancing is more difficult with an EFP rig compared to alternatives
- A RED configuration with zoom lens, battery, bridge plate, and support equipment typically weighs closer to 12 kilograms or more, not the 9 kilograms initially estimated
- The GPI Pro rig offers superior arm quality and better handling of heavy payloads compared to the EFP system
- Avoiding a bridge plate and mounting focus motors from the top can help reduce overall system weight
- Using Compact Flash cards instead of hard drives can save weight on RED camera setups
- An EFP rig with blue spring arm can handle RED camera configurations in the 26-32 pound range, whereas the older red spring version has lower capacity
Depends on
- The EFP rig may not be ideal for weight loads at the upper end of the range without performance concerns
- Experience reported is specific to particular RED configurations and lens choices
- Budget constraints may force compromises in equipment selection
- The specific matte box choice for filter mounting was not definitively resolved in the discussion