Lightweight Rig for docs... A Work in progress...

I travel and shoot docs in some remote places... so weight is key factor. I have shoulder rigs but never use them.

This is my current set up and I am mssing an evf or loupe solution. I like to mount a mic for ambient sound but for interviews I mic-record separately. I do have an Ikan and a Marshall monitor but dislike using them due to weight-bulk.

Here are my thoughts to improve this:
I could dispense with the rods altogether if I can mount the side handles direct to the cage?
Move the battery to the rear on the rods so I can mount a Rode microphone or add mic somewhere else?

Any thoughts?

Hey emptymind,

What's kind of runtime are you getting with that NP battery?

As to ditching your rails if you could mount the handles to the cage... Might not be exactly what you're looking for, but it would allow you to ditch the microforce clamp, both 90 degree clamps and one rod. Seems like a pretty good weight savings.



http://www.amazon.com/U-Clamp-15mm-Ligh ... r-mr-title

Better yet. Screw these to the sides of the cage. The only caveat being the length. They might not be long enough to provide adequate space for your fingers between the camera and the handles. If it's too short, you can always double up on them; the knurled locking rings are (obviously) removable...


http://www.amazon.com/Inch-Dlsr-15mm-Mi ... 24&sr=1-12

Just ordered the side rod- mounts thanks. I had the Berkey ones but the thread was too large for the cage.

cheers.

To reduce the rig's weight, you might replace the rods with carbon fiber ones. For a hand-held rig, every ounce makes a big difference.

Also, for the same reason, only use a cage if you really need one. Many times the BMCC's 3 top mount points are enough, or maybe add something like these:
http://store.redrockmicro.com/Catalog/f ... ema-camera
http://www.berkeysystem.com/store/black ... eeseplate/

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I agree about losing weight but the Viewfactor cage which I am using is super light and I do like the side mounted options for handles.
My next try is to lose the rods altogether and see how that works with handles and cage only plus a mic. For quick hand-helds I will use the ineternal battery then back to ext. battery for tripod work.