Do you think I should add lens support for the Panasonic 500? Mine camera should arrive in the next few days and I got the Fujion 17X 2X lens. It looks like a heavy lens to me. Your thoughts?

William

Unless the lens is heavier than about 2.5kg it should be fine. Usually standard zooms like that don't need a support. Having said that, if you're using the long end a lot a support is not a bad idea anyway as it just hold the assembly more firmly and stops a bit of the vibration caused by your hand on the lens.
Steve

No need for any support.

This isn't a prosumer camera to which you're adding non-OEM bits out front... this is designed to be bumped around, jostled, banged into things (well, to some degree)... all part of ENG work (though you may choose to create your next filmic masterpiece on it). This is the same lens mount untold thousands of shooters have used for years with no rods below.

Now, if you want to add follow focus, mattebox, and a beer bottle opener, well then, yeah, you need rails!

Take that money burning a hole in your pocket & spend every penny on the best fluid head you can get. It'll LONG outlast the 500. ;)

I would mount the beer bottle opener on the head itself as there is more stablilty and you do not have to reach as far :)

Ditto what Bob said with an addition: Spend your money on the best head *and* lenses you can afford. That way later on you can take that equipment to your next step-up (like the new P2 Varicams) when you're ready.

Cameras will come and go, but good lenses and heads never die.

I would mount the beer bottle opener on the head itself as there is more stablilty and you do not have to reach as far :)

That Tim... always thinking of the ergonomics....

Edit: wait one.... shouldn't the 1st AC be carrying the opener?? What was I *thinking*?