Hey guys I was hoping some of you could let me know your opinions on some of the gear I'm about to invest in, Here goes....

(I'm using a 5D Mk ii)

Some things that are essential to my rig is that it must have:

i. Dual Handgrips
ii. An Offset Shoulder Pad
iii. Ability to be mounted on a Tripod
iv. 15mm Diameter Rods
v. Cost no more than about $550

Following my own requirements- Here is what I've got:

-Priced at $90 -- I'm looking to getting RedRock micro's rods (http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl/c.472981/it.A/id.1203/.f?sc=2&category=2700), they look really comparable to Cinevate's CF rods (Which don't come in the length I want anyway!).

-I love Cinevate's offset shoulder pad
http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/4894/mimeattachment.png
but its $330! So I think the next best thing is Cavision's Shoulder Pad (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/335973-REG/Cavision_RS15SP3_RS15SP_3_Shoulder_Pad.html)

-As for the handles, again... I like Cinevate's for $210. (http://www.cinevate.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=140)

--RedRock has 2 Handles for $100 (http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl/c.472981/it.A/id.430/.f) and I would also get the extension rods
on both sides (http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl/c.472981/it.A/id.431/.f) to make them stick out from the rails more. So $170 all together from RedRock. Any opinions on the Cinevate handles vs the RedRocks??

-For a baseplate I guess I would buy the Cavision Reversed Baseplate which is about $100. (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/621718-REG/Cavision_RS_15IIMQR_RS_15IIMQR_Rod_Support_System.html) It includes tripod plate threads on the bottom too which is essential in my rig.


All together that would come out to roughly $520 for the setup with the Cinevate handles included. If I went with the RedRock Handles it would cost about $480.

There are tons of prepackaged kits out there although I haven't seen one that I really like in my price range though.

Let me know if you guys know of any that are similar to mine or have ANY suggestions.

Thanks everyone,
Ryan

There is a small company that makes less expensive rods, but I've lost the link. I thought it was something like Indie Systems. They also had a good price on a matte box.

For about $300 to $350 more you could have this thing (www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/637644-REG/Cavision_RS5DM2SET_F_RS5DM2SET_F_DSLR_Shoulder_Mount.html) complete with viewfinder and follow focus. I'm not sure about the hand grips on these, but that's a pretty good price for what you get compared to most if the DSLR "kit" rigs available.

They also have this (www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/637639-REG/Cavision_RS5DM2SET_S_RS5DM2SET_S_DSLR_Shoulder_Mount.html) for just under $500

I too, have been looking for a good complete rig, but have been trying to piece parts together to make a more affordable one. Redrock & Cinevate's look great, but I'm not sure I want to pay close to $2000 for them. The Cavision options seem to be at the right price point.