Shoulder bracket <$200
 

I need a shoulder bracket (or some kind of stabilizer) for under $200, can yu reccomend me one?
So far I've been looking at the Varizoom VZ-1SHOOTER
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=206346&is=REG

Do yourself a favor, Eric, and take a good hard look at the Spider Brace. I really don't know why you want to spend more money. www.spiderbrace.com.

Wayne Orr, SOC

"Wayne Orr > Do yourself a favor, Eric, and take a good hard look at the Spider Brace. I really don't know why you want to spend more money. www.spiderbrace.com."

Does that mean shoulder stabilizer is not worth it?

Anyone please? need to know if this sholder bracket would be of great help or any other suggestion to fight fatigue in shooting for wedding events? thanks in advance.

I think your just adding weight. Why not just use a mono pod?

I have this shoulder brace on order and it should be here tomorrow. I'll try it out this weekend and let you know how it works out.

Ok thanks shiela.
to Jun: you mean you prefer a monopod than a shoulder brace from varizoom?

Yes, I prefer monopod for a longer handheld shooting than any shoulder stabilizer. You just adding weight adding weight to you camcorder. I use monopod with 501 head. I once have a Varizoom shoulder brace but it's not easy to shoot overhead shots.

I like Wayne's suggestion on the Spiderbrace. You might also check out the Steady Stick. It's manufactured by Tiffen, but sold under the name Davis & Sanford at B&H. There are couple of reviews on the web.

Michael,

I've got a Steady-stick I use with my XL2 and am very pleased with its performance considering the price-point.

Isn't it ironic that the write-up on the B&H link you provided says, "...for Small Camcorders", and yet they show and XL in the photo?

Patrick,

Does the Steady-stick work well when using as a "steady-cam" type device, while walking, running, going up stairs, etc?

Leonardo,
Which camera support works best for you is as much a matter of personal preference as anything else. If you can get to a well-stocked camera or video shop where you can try out monopods, shoulder supports, etc, or rent or borrow the different types of supports, you will be in a better position to make a decision. Some wedding videographers use a monopod, others use a shoulder support, others use other items. Your own experience will enable you to decide what works best for you.

Pete,

I don't think the Steady-stick will replace a Steadicam type device. In fact I think you'd get worse footage from the Steady-stick than just arm-floating the cam if you were going to be walking. The Steady-stick is more for those times you might be using a shoulder mount for a series of stationary shots that change frequently, but want something besides your arms to support the weight.

Our DvRig Junior have all the recommended features.

Fluid Head, Hip Supported Mono Pod, and Walking shocks Damping.

Have a look: http://dvtec.tv/_wsn/page5.html

Danny Natovich
DvTec

Danny,

Doesn't the DvRig Junior go for about $250?

Eric specifically posted that he is looking for something under $200.

That's correct

I think most people are posting a general budget range and do not really mean the exact amount.

Danny.

Fair enough. Danny, I was noticing that the DV Rig Jr has a couple of features not on the Tiffen Steady-Stick which I have. I don't understand "Walking shocks Damping" feature you mentioned though, could you explain what it is or how it works?

It basically uses a spring loaded pole so that instead of just transferring all motion like a pole would, the spring compresses and absorbs the motion. People say it's pretty good, it's no Steadicam, but it's a very good shoulder rig.

Thats a fair description of the suspention pod used with all our supports.

The Junior rig is not a "shoulder brace" its a hip supported suspention pod
with a fluid head that makes a huge difference.

Danny.

thanks to all your reply, and probably i will try just about what all of you have said, but i'm really having a hard time looking for those kind of shops here in manila, philippines( i'm not used to going around) have to try them out shich one will best fir for my style. thanks folks.

I received the Varizoom VZ-1SHOOTER Friday and played around with it today. Maybe I don't have it adjusted properly, but it seems to make my arm more fatigued. The weight of the camera is still in the front and the shoulder brace is not doing much good. It needs a bit of weight on the back of it in my opinion, which I'm going to add to see if that stabalizes it a bit.

I'm still working with adjustments to see if I can get it more comfortable. I also have the Spider Brace on order and will compare the 2 when I get it. It all comes down to personal preference.