I thought I would do a review on some Zacuto products I own. Universal BasePlate, two pair 7" rods, one pair 12" rods. shoulder mount, and two MiniMounts, and battery plate.
My first impression when opening the box was all "ooohs and ahhhs." Eye poppin' red and brushed aluminum just made me feel like I was looking at a 1964 1/2" mustang. When I picked it up I also felt that american muscle. It's weight was 7.0lbs.
The first thing I wanted to see was; How easy is this going to set up. I was shocked to see it came pre-assembled. I thought there would be a lot of assembly and screws, but nope, just a baggy with an allen wrench.
Rods: The rods appear to be high quality aluminum. No sharp edges and threads were tapped with such precision they easily screwed on and off with ease.
MiniMounts: At first glance I looked at these and thought there was no way these would be able to offset the weight of a monitor. Man was I wrong! Once you turn the locks down, it's not moving. Anywhere!!! Just amazing!!!!
Base Plate: With the base plate itself being able to adjust up and down, this was a major need with being able to work with Follow Focus' and Matte Boxes. BUT THEN you get MANY really cool features, One important feature is the top plate comes off with ease. Just loosen the allen screws and slide the top plate (which is connected to you camera) and slide it in either direction and you are ready to hand held. Back to tripod is just as easy. Slide on, and tighten screws and you are good to go.
Without the other proper gear I don't suggest trying to hand-held this without the other proper Zacuto shoulder support system, but if you are brave with hand-helding the weight of the camera and the base plate I say start working out. I found a way that was less strenuous on your body. As long as you dont plan on zooming, or focusing you are fine. You could also have a Focus puller do the job, but my solution was to grip the 15mm rods with my hands and seemed to work great, and a lot more stable that just doing hand held with the camera only. Zacuto really paid attention to detail with the products I own as well as all of their other products. The detail was down to the beveled edges, so I don't accidentally brush up and stab myself like I have with other products.
Battery Adapter: Whether you using this for handheld or on the tripod, this is defiantly a must for pure balance. If you have a follow focus and matte box on the front, you need to balance the back. Not just that but who doesn't want a longer batter life? With this adapter you get two options with a Sony adapter and a Anton Bauer adapter. That is only one side. The other side has almost endless functionality and add-on options. with arms, wireless plates etc..
The list can go on and on and it is the prefect combination for ANY and ALL users in any market. I don't think that Zacuto can make a product that doesn't preform better than your expectations. All I can say is, I can't wait to get more stuff from these guys.
My first impression when opening the box was all "ooohs and ahhhs." Eye poppin' red and brushed aluminum just made me feel like I was looking at a 1964 1/2" mustang. When I picked it up I also felt that american muscle. It's weight was 7.0lbs.
The first thing I wanted to see was; How easy is this going to set up. I was shocked to see it came pre-assembled. I thought there would be a lot of assembly and screws, but nope, just a baggy with an allen wrench.
Rods: The rods appear to be high quality aluminum. No sharp edges and threads were tapped with such precision they easily screwed on and off with ease.
MiniMounts: At first glance I looked at these and thought there was no way these would be able to offset the weight of a monitor. Man was I wrong! Once you turn the locks down, it's not moving. Anywhere!!! Just amazing!!!!
Base Plate: With the base plate itself being able to adjust up and down, this was a major need with being able to work with Follow Focus' and Matte Boxes. BUT THEN you get MANY really cool features, One important feature is the top plate comes off with ease. Just loosen the allen screws and slide the top plate (which is connected to you camera) and slide it in either direction and you are ready to hand held. Back to tripod is just as easy. Slide on, and tighten screws and you are good to go.
Without the other proper gear I don't suggest trying to hand-held this without the other proper Zacuto shoulder support system, but if you are brave with hand-helding the weight of the camera and the base plate I say start working out. I found a way that was less strenuous on your body. As long as you dont plan on zooming, or focusing you are fine. You could also have a Focus puller do the job, but my solution was to grip the 15mm rods with my hands and seemed to work great, and a lot more stable that just doing hand held with the camera only. Zacuto really paid attention to detail with the products I own as well as all of their other products. The detail was down to the beveled edges, so I don't accidentally brush up and stab myself like I have with other products.
Battery Adapter: Whether you using this for handheld or on the tripod, this is defiantly a must for pure balance. If you have a follow focus and matte box on the front, you need to balance the back. Not just that but who doesn't want a longer batter life? With this adapter you get two options with a Sony adapter and a Anton Bauer adapter. That is only one side. The other side has almost endless functionality and add-on options. with arms, wireless plates etc..
The list can go on and on and it is the prefect combination for ANY and ALL users in any market. I don't think that Zacuto can make a product that doesn't preform better than your expectations. All I can say is, I can't wait to get more stuff from these guys.
