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Mounting and using a heavy LED ring light on a Steadicam rig for music video production

22 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.

What the thread found

  • A large LED ring light weighing about 5-6 pounds mounted on a Steadicam can shift the center of gravity significantly forward, making the rig front-heavy and difficult to balance.
  • Front-heavy rigs with large objects act like a sail in wind, creating instability during long takes with strong wind conditions.
  • The Baerbel sled has screw mounting holes on both the front and back of the top stage, allowing the receiver to be repositioned backward to improve center of gravity when needed.
  • Lightweight LED light alternatives under 2 pounds exist but produce lower light output, requiring closer focus distances and higher ASA settings, making them less practical for moving shots.
  • Ring lights from manufacturers like Kamio (Kinoflo) can be mounted on Steadicam rigs and fly well with relative ease.

Depends on

  • The specific make and model of the large ring light used is not definitively identified in the discussion.
  • All weight and performance data for alternative lights comes from manufacturer specifications or single-user observations rather than comprehensive testing.
  • The experience describes one specific shooting scenario with particular atmospheric conditions that may not generalize to all productions.

Parts

Top Stage

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