Flying RED cameras on EFP stabilizers with weight management strategies

Gear

ZephyrCan I fly my Alexa or RED on a Zephyr?389

Master SeriesIs a used Master Series rig worth buying as a first big rig?191

BFDHow do I power my BFD receiver from my camera or sled?186

VoltCan I retrofit a Volt onto my existing sled or gimbal?168

ArtemisHow do I power my camera and accessories from an Artemis sled?166

MDRWhere can I mount my Preston MDR on my rig?143

ModulusIs there a Modulus option for HD wireless video?141

G-70Will my G-70 fit my vest, gimbal or sled?126

FI+ZCan I control iris and zoom wirelessly, not just focus?60

HU3Where can I get my HU3 repaired, refurbished or repainted?60

CineLiveHow do I pack and case my CineLive rig for transport?54

G-70XHow does the G-70X compare to Pro Titan, Xarm and other arms?46

Trinity 2Is Trinity 2 SUP 3.0 firmware safe to install or buggy?46

Ultra VestWhich vest should I choose for my body size, comfort and operator type?39

2009General Discussion forum

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

RED cameras can be successfully mounted on EFP rigs when accessory weight is carefully controlled, typically resulting in payloads between 25-31 pounds.
The arm itself can support at least 25-30 pounds, but the limiting factor is often the vest center spar and gimbal, which may experience stress or failure in the 25-30 pound range.
Battery placement options exist either on-camera or at the sled base using v-mount to AB adaptor plates, with sled-based battery power capable of running the camera plus monitor, transmitter, drive, and focus control for approximately 40 minutes.
RED camera accessories such as rods, cradles, matte boxes, monitors, and drives add significant weight that must be minimized through lightweight options like clip-on components and CF cards.
Extended aluminum EFP posts used without a second stage gimbal support can dent under pressure and create susceptibility to vibration, requiring tighter gimbal tensioning.
A Decimator converter is recommended for better monitor and transmitter options compared to the RED camera's built-in monitor.
Preparation time before shoots and weight distribution testing are essential due to potential gimbal slippage and rig imbalance issues.
The original EFP arm capacity was rated at 38 pounds total or 26 pounds on the sled, with capacity potentially increasing when lighter sled components like modern batteries replace older NiCad systems.

Discussions reference older equipment standards including NiCad batteries and specific gimbal models that may not reflect current hardware.
Weight capacity claims vary between participants and appear dependent on specific gimbal models and individual rig configurations.
Some claims about powering RED systems from the sled are presented without comprehensive testing data across different battery types.
The thread does not provide definitive guidance on whether lighter modern components have changed the practical payload limits originally established for the EFP.