Directive Studios Blogs

Different support and stabilizer rigs we own.

JOBY GorillaPod 5K Kit

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JOBY GorillaPod 5K Kit. Professional Tripod 5K Stand and Ballhead 5K for DSLR Cameras or Mirrorless Camera with Lens up to 5K (11lbs). Black/Charcoal

Zacuto DSLR Recoil Rig

Zacuto DSLR Recoil Rig

While trying to control the camera on a shoulder rig, it can be very difficult to try and focus a DSLR. We recommend this shoulder rig that helps you with that focusing problem you might be running into. The Z-drive is a universal follow focus that can change your focus by a simple turn of a dial. The Zacuto DSLR Recoil Rig comes with the handgrip kit, dslr baseplate, the Z-Drive, and of course the shoulder pad for long term shooting comfort. Not very many shots can be focused while using a DSLR on a shoulder rig, however the Z-Drive and single hand grip allows you to have complete control over both the camera and the focus.  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1010705-REG/zacuto_z_drr_dslr_recoil.html

Auray Boompole Holder and Grip Head Kit

Auray Boompole Holder and Grip Head Kit

Because we travel a lot for our video service, we try to make our gear as portable as possible. We decided to get this Auray Boompole Holder with the grip head to use with our boom mic. Just like many filmmakers we don't have someone to hold the boom pole, especially just for interview style videos. We can simply attach the head to a C-stand, and easily use the holder for our boompole anywhere.  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/469810-REG/General_Brand_Boompole_Holder_and_Grip.html

Kessler Crane Parallax

Kessler Crane Parallax

It can be extremely difficult to try and run a lot of equipment without having enough hands. The Kessler Crane Parallax has automatic panning and fixed point capabilities for Kessler Sliders. The manual or motorized controlled system allows you to achieve panning for inward or outward shots on the CineSlider. A great tool that doesn't require specific measurement calibrations and will help you get the pan you need most!  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1088206-REG/kessler_crane_cs1064_parallax_for_3_cineslider.html

Cullman Mini Tripod

Cullman Mini Tripod

Supporting up to 2.5 pounds, this Magnesit Copter mini tripod is great for low camera support. It stands a tall 6.5 inches high when fully opened. It can be great for both a light camera or a place to attach your flash. This pocket size tripod has large rubber feet to prevent movement on any slippery surfaces it might be standing on. It's single knob can enable both the ball head positioning and also pan movement which gives you the customization you might need. A nice little piece of equipment that is reliable and extremely portable.   B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=799983&gclid=CNvBrKjiksgCFcOPHwodFEIL5w&is=REG&m=Y&A=details&Q=

BH-55 LR Ball Head

BH-55 LR Ball Head

With superior control and handling, you can now point your camera in any direction. We use this to handle our DSLRs for both video and photography when using a tripod. It's micrometer tension allows you to make easy, fast, and precise adjustments that you might need for your perfect shot. This very durable, solid aircraft aluminum and stainless steal device can hold up to 50 pounds! We highly recommend this if you are looking for something to give you complete control of your angles and leveling your camera is going to need! 

3-Axis Handheld Camera Gimbal

3-Axis Handheld Camera Gimbal

We're always excited when new toys come in for our cameras. This 3-Axis Handheld Camera Gimbal by Came-Tv is for stabilizing our DSLR. It's tilt, pan, and roll stabilization takes away any shaking, and sudden movements from our footage. It's built in joystick gives us complete control over the camera's pan and tilt while it is in motion. The 1/4 inch screw hole on the handle is great for attaching an arm to hold a display monitor or your phone for better view of what you are capturing. We're looking forward to capitalizing on what this Gimbal has to offer!  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1156787-REG/came_tv_single_dc112_cd6_came_single_3_axis_handheld_camera.html?gclid=COyRoZuvgcgCFYKQHwod8iMJWw

Manfrotto 501HDV Tripod

Manfrotto 501HDV Tripod

Supporting 11.9 pounds, this Manfrotto tripod holds our primary DSLR camera. It's easy access sliding plate allows you to securely attach your camera quick and easy, which can be critical if you are rushing to get the shot you need. The 501HDV pro rated head gives you the panning and tilting option you might be looking for out in the field. Weighing only 9 pounds, this tripod can breakdown to fit in it's soft carry bag so you can bring it to any location easily! B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/510207-REG/Manfrotto_501HDV_755XBK_501HDV_755XBK_Video_Tripod_Kit.html

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Zacuto Marauder Foldable Camera Rig

Zacuto Marauder Foldable Camera Rig

Being able to break down equipment to make it easy to carry is always a bonus. This foldable Zacuto shoulder rig does exactly that. It's gunstock design makes it easy to carry while a DSLR is on top of it, not to mention angle adjustments that allows you to personalize a fit just for you. The single articulating handgrip gives you a molded and comfortable grip for your hand, freeing your opposite hand for what ever tasks you might have to do, such as adjusting the focus, zoom, or even changing camera settings. A great tool to help hold your DSLR for whatever shot you need. B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/997526-REG/zacuto_z_dmr_dslr_marauder.html

Zacuto Half Cage

Zacuto Half Cage

Consider this half cage as our camera's back bone. We rely heavily on mounting several things onto this cage, including our monitor, handheld audio recorder, and of course can connect to our rail system that our Pad Prompter sits on. This hand fitting maple wood handle is easy and light when attached to your gear! You may have different cameras that vary in size. If that is the case, you can adjust the four screws to raise or lower the height of the handle to fit your camera. A must have tool when you need to carry around equipment that could be attached to the camera! B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1014498-REG/zacuto_z_hc_half_cage.html

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BH-55 LR Ball Head

BH-55 LR Ball Head

Get every angle and instinctive motion with this BH-55 LR BallHead. The stainless steel ball bearings allow for you to have complete, smooth control over any camera movement you need for your photography. Have no fear about your unwanted movement, the B2-AS-II quick-release clamp lets you lock and secure the ball within seconds. Sometimes the photographer isn't always on level ground. The highly-visible bulls-eye level tells us the exact adjustments we need, even in low light situations. 

Fat Gecko Triple Mount

Fat Gecko Triple Mount

Sometimes you have to put your equipment at risk to get the perfect shot, especially if it involves vehicles. With the Fat Gecko Triple Mount you can securely attach your DSLR to any smooth surface with it's three suction cup design. Of course no body likes to have their camera hanging out of a moving vehicle, however this Triple Mount allows you to do just that. B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/912694-REG/delkin_devices_ddmnt_triple_fat_gecko_camera_mount.html

Manfrotto 680B Monopod

Sometimes you don't have enough room for a tripod, or any other stabilization. That's where monopods come in handy! Having a monopod is an excellent backup of not being able to lug around a hefty tripod when you need some stability. With its adjustable leg and fluid head, it is a great reliable source on getting the stabilization you need.  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5535-REG/Manfrotto_680B_680B_Compact_Monopod_Black.html

DJI Ronin

DJI Ronin

Wondering how you're going to get that perfect shot of someone running or walking? We tend to go with the DJI Ronin. The Ronin is a 3-Axis camera stabilizer that will self-adjust to balance your video camera. We're looking forward to getting more familiar with ours!   Official DJI Website: http://www.dji.com/product/ronin B&H link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1137174-REG/dji_ronin_m_3_axis_handheld_stabilizer.html Check out what the DJI Ronin is good for!  

Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer System

Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer System

For any cameras from 4 to 10 pounds, the Glidecam HD4000 is a great walking and running stabilizer we have here at the studio. The quick release plate makes it nice and easy to put on and take off the camera. It's free floating, 360 degree pan and tilt really gives you the variety of angles needed for any running or walking shot. Simply counterbalance the weight of your camera with the adjustable weights on the system itself, and you're off to the races. Great for those unsturdy, quick shots. B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/579908-REG/Glidecam_HD_4000_HD4000_Stabilizer_System.html

Zacuto Half Cage

Zacuto Half Cage

The Zacuto Half Cage is one of my favorite pieces of kit from Zacuto. I love having the handle on the side and being able to mount additional pieces via the Z Rail bar on the top to mount things like the Zacuto QR Handle and the Zacuto Axis EVF Mount. I also purchased a Zacuto Z-Rail kit to mount a light or any other accessory. The Half Cage is universal and rail mounts to our DSLR Baseplate so when we want to use a different cameras it's going to work. I purchased this on the path of going to a "recoil" rig. Which moves the camera up on to my shoulder instead of in front of me as with the Zacuto Scorpion Rig. I love the Scorpion Rig but I think the recoil rig is where I'm going to end up. I may be selling the shoulder piece and counter weight on...

Kessler K-Pod Tripod System

Kessler K-Pod Tripod System

We use this in the studio mostly. It's pretty heavy and I wouldn't take it on a shoot unless we need the Kessler Pocket Jib PRO or maybe for some slider work. It supports 300lbs! The Kessler website describes it best: "The Kessler K-Pod System™ is a revolutionary tripod camera system designed to support camera cranes / jibs. The K-Pod™ has extremely rigid double strut legs with the patent pending incremental Posi-Lock System™, that friction locks the legs, as well as interlocks into incremental lock pockets. The lock pockets allow you to equally position the legs while providing a lock that can not slip down. The K-Pod™ was designed to be the best tripod system for your camera crane / jib, but it is also an excellent tripod to shoot from, when not using your crane." It's also a full blown Dolly system. You can lay track down and run the K-Pod on...

Really Right Stuff TVC-34L Versa Series 3 Tripod

Really Right Stuff TVC-34L Versa Series 3 Tripod

My old tripod was a lot smaller and couldn't hold very much weight and the center column on it could not be removed, which made it impossible to get shots close to the ground. This Really Right Stuff Tripod is one of the best I've ever seen/used. It's very adjustable for some of the weird situations I put it in and it's so easy to adjust the legs. I did buy the center column but I like that I can take it off and then the tripod can get all the way down to the ground when I want to.  I didn't actually weigh it but it feels like this tripod plus my Really Right Stuff BH-55 LR Full-sized ballhead is lighter than the old tripod without the ball head! The construction is amazing. I should be able to mount the Kessler Stealth Slider 40.5" on top of it without a second support. Manufacturers...

Really Right Stuff BH-55 LR Full-sized ballhead

Really Right Stuff  BH-55 LR Full-sized ballhead

This is the best ball head I have ever seen or used. I'm a really big fan of Really Right Stuff. I have their ballhead, tripod, L-Bracket and a few more pieces.  It's so solid and can handle 50lbs which means I can use my rails with full camera, follow focus, mic etc without worrying about stressing it out. It's not a video head for sure and I rarely use it for video unless it's a still shot for a testimonial or something. Manufactures Site: http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=BH-55-LR&type=3&eq=&desc=BH-55-LR%3a-Full-sized-ballhead-with-LR&key=it  

B2-FAB-F 38mm clamp with flat back

B2-FAB-F 38mm clamp with flat back

I purchased this clamp to use with my BlackRapid RS-4 Classic Camera Strap so I could very quickly connect it to my Really Right Stuff BGE11-L: L-Plate for BG-E11 Grip (5DMk3).  Manufacturers Link: http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=B2-FAB-F&type=0&eq=&desc=B2-FAB-F-38mm-clamp-with-flat-back&key=it Here's a few pics of it:  

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