Rigging a RED Komodo on Steadicam®: weight distribution, arm setup, and rig choice for a compact, lightweight camera.

2021From a Facebook group: Steadicam operators group

Rigging a RED Komodo on Steadicam®: weight distribution, arm setup, and rig choice for a compact, lightweight camera.

Note (as of October 2026)Curt O. Schaller, the developer of Artemis and Trinity, has no longer been with ARRI since the end of 2025. To our knowledge, ARRI currently has no dedicated team and no official contact persons for its stabilizer systems. In our view, the future of this line is uncertain. If you are buying new, get written confirmation from ARRI beforehand on how long service and spare parts are guaranteed. Have used rigs checked by the manufacturer before you buy.

DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.

What the thread found

With full accessories mounted (wireless transmitter, follow focus motors, battery on camera), the build remains manageable and flies well.
Weight must be added to the top stage: operators use tripod weights (approximately 600 g each, three typical) mounted at the rear of the plate, supplemented by small gimbal-side weights or specialized XL top weights from accessory makers.
The arm requires tuning to the light load: for example, an arm with four light spring canisters set with minimal preload can support a full 12-hour shoot day carrying rehoused K35 lenses and a heavy rear-mounted battery.
For Komodo payload capacity, a lightweight rig such as the Steadicam® Flyer or Aero 30 is advantageous; a larger rig is only necessary if boom range is required, in which case the plate itself should be weighted down.
One experienced operator advised keeping a lightweight rig because cameras continue to shrink: lightweight builds are future-proof and benefit from wind protection.
Light touch and minimal motion are essential; less is more when operating a compact configuration.

Depends on

The choice between a lightweight rig and a large rig weighted down depends on whether boom range is needed and the operator's prediction of future camera formats.
Arm spring setup depends on total load and preload preference.
Battery placement (on-camera versus rear-mounted on plate) affects balance and handling.