What the thread found

• Payload capacity involves both the arm's weight limit and the sled's structural rigidity, not just one or the other.
• Full-sized rigs typically support 40-50 pounds of camera payload, though some support more and structural quality varies between models.
• Smaller sleds like the Archer 2 use smaller post diameters, smaller dovetails, and lightweight gimbals that limit payload capacity and risk vibration or gimbal failure if overloaded.
• Overloading compact rigs causes damage such as gimbal failure or bearing wear that requires repair or replacement.
• Some manufacturers define payload differently - it may refer to total weight on the sled, arm capacity alone, or just the camera weight.
• Sled weight distribution affects how far the post can extend; heavier sleds with the same camera payload extend less than lighter sleds, reducing vibration issues from post extension.
• Flying a heavy camera package on a rig at the upper limit of its useful range increases vibration problems, whereas using a more robust rig within its comfort zone reduces this risk.

Depends on

• Examples given are from 2019 and reflect those models' specifications at that time.
• Payload capacity specifications vary by manufacturer and are not always clearly defined or directly comparable across brands.
• The advice about vibration and gimbal failure is based on anecdotal experience rather than systematic testing.

Gear in this thread

Zephyrcatalog

Parts

Arm Post

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