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2013Cases/Carts/Stands and Transport forum

Choosing a mobile docking stand for Zephyr steadicam rig

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

What the thread found

  • The American Grip Steadicam Stand has a wider, more stable base than generic monitor stands and can support various steadicam rigs including the Zephyr.
  • Pneumatic wheel kits are available as add-on accessories for steadicam stands and work on both smooth and slightly rough surfaces.
  • Generic light stands with rolling casters are prone to tipping over and are unsuitable for steadicam use.
  • A cart remains more practical than a wheeled stand for transporting and building the rig, with the stand reserved for tight spaces where the cart cannot fit.
  • Wheeling a docked steadicam rig around creates safety risks if weight distribution becomes unbalanced or if someone accidentally bumps the stand.
  • American Grip stands feature pneumatic wheels with brakes and rotation locks that function reliably.
  • The stand should have a wide base by default to minimize the need for sandbags, reducing overall weight.

Depends on

  • The American Grip Steadicam Stand is expensive.
  • Some users modified the mentioned Avenger stand for steadicam use by addressing its insufficient height, narrow base, and small wheels, though it required significant customization.
  • The recommendation against using generic rolling stands applies primarily to uneven surfaces and transport scenarios.
  • Opinions exist against keeping wheels installed on stands even when available, preferring to remove them when not strictly necessary.

Gear in this thread

Zephyrcatalog

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