2015Operating forum
Reducing payload weight on a camera gimbal sled to stay within operating limits
What the thread found
- A gimbal with a stated 24-pound maximum should not exceed that weight, and exceeding it may cause mechanical failure.
- Removing unnecessary accessories like studio mattebox base plates, filters, and heavy rods can significantly reduce sled weight.
- A clip-on mattebox allows removal of base plates, reducing weight compared to a studio mattebox setup.
- Using 15mm aluminum or carbon fiber rods instead of 19mm steel rods reduces weight while maintaining support.
- The follow focus motor and transmitter can potentially be mounted to 15mm rods without needing a baseplate.
- Battery weight can be positioned on the camera body itself to counterbalance lens weight on the sled.
- A single rod mounted on top of the camera can substitute for full baseplate support in some configurations.
- The RED Epic camera uses a proprietary Lemo power connector that differs from standard plugs.
- Custom RED power cables can be sourced to allow powering the camera through the sled power distribution system.
Depends on
- The specific load capacity varies depending on gimbal model and condition.
- Custom rigging solutions may require specialized cables or modifications.
- Interior or overcast shooting conditions allow omitting heavy matte box and filter systems, but these cannot be removed in other scenarios.
- The exact positioning and balance method depends on the specific camera body and lens combination being used.
- Some solutions discussed were based on the speaker's personal experience with a particular sled model and may not apply universally.
Gear in this thread
Parts
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