Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Camera Stabilizer

Comments about Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Camera Stabilizer:

I purchased the Fig Rig after years of hearing about it. I remember when Mike Figgis made the first one for a film he Directed called "Hotel". I own a Steadicam Merlin as well and for the price, this has out performed the Merlin. It was quick to use right out of the box with any size lens. The Steadicam is smoother but has too much set up and too much of a "Tweaking" period. This is immediate. It won't replace the Steadicam by any means but the Fig Rig makes my Handheld Shots more "weighty" and my Tracking Shots more smooth than without.

Comments about Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Camera Stabilizer:

I shoot video with a Canon XH A1, which weighs about 2.25 kg (5 lbs).
I had been experimenting with hand held shots and just was not getting the smooth flowing hand held look I desired. I was aware of the fig rig for a few years and finally elected to buy one. I absolutely love the results I am getting while using the fig rig. It essentially allows you to use both hands to stabilize the camera in a manner that allows a great deal of movement, a wide range of motion, all while capturing smooth looking video. I have yet to find anything I dislike.

Comments about Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Camera Stabilizer:

I use this to shoot fashion and glamour and it is perfect. Its easy to set up and lets me get lots of low and high angles and dutch angles. I often set it on the ground or on a table or chair for a more stable shot. It is not meant to replace a Stedicam. If you need that type of shot then buy something else. If you want better hand held shots and a great creative tool this is perfect. You will need a remote camera controller as well to zoom/focus. And when someone asks what you are doing with a steering wheel just say it keeps anyone from stealing your car.

Comments about Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Camera Stabilizer:

just 5d2 is ok but with monitor and some staff
it `s too heavy.

Comments about Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Camera Stabilizer:

Who would think such a simple device could make such a difference. Plus its alot of fun!

Comments about Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Camera Stabilizer:

This product is great for using lenses that lack image stabilization without the hassle of shoulder mount.

I keep getting people ask if I made it myself though I'm loath to say I could have bought a Ferrari steering wheel for the same price.

Comments about Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Camera Stabilizer:

out of the box it works. its easy to operate

Comments about Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Camera Stabilizer:

This seemingly simplistic piece of equipment has been a true gem. I'm working on a no-budget independent film and it has definitely been worth it. It captures the look we are going for (gritty, realistic, and handheld) without being too mechanical or rigid. The only thing I think we would change about the Fig Rig is an apparatus to hold it upright when the camera is locked down on it during cuts. Go for it!

Comments about Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Camera Stabilizer:

I wasn't sure about the Fig Rig initially, but after shooting with it for a couple of days, I was a convert. The rig really is smooth, while still maintaining a 'hand held' vibe. It's also extremely easy to duplicate precise moves take after take; a major plus. Please note that a remote focus/zoom controller is an essential accessory.

Comments about Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Camera Stabilizer:

We own three of these stabilizers and use them at every wedding shoot we do - one for our DSLR, and the other two for our small Sony CX's. It did take us a little time to find just the right knack of using the product but when we did, we gave up our Steadicam Merlin and our SteadyTracker . I have to say it again, the shots from the Fig Rig are AMAZING !!!

Comments about Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Camera Stabilizer:

Not as smooth as my Steadicam Merlin, but much, much easier to handle and use. I'm using it with my Canon XH-A1 and my Canon 5D Mark II. It's easy to attach accessories like shotgun mics and wireless receivers.

Comments about Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Camera Stabilizer:

The fig rig is really well built and easy to use, manfrotto has always made some great stuff.

Works well for just keeping the camera a bit more smooth and still.
Recently used in a documentary, and gives you a somewhat handheld look but just the right amount.

Although I found the slide mounting plate, does not work to well with a Sony v1u, just because the locking knob on the mount itself.

Overall a decent product, serves its purpose although the price tag is a little high, it is worth it in the quality.

Comments about Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Camera Stabilizer:

I bought this product after discovering that it was used for the film [REC]. I wanted to try it out for the 15 allotted days, knowing I could return it if I wasn't impressed.

I was very impressed and felt no need to return it. I highly recommend it, along with the optional attachable zoom remote.

Combined with the stabilization feature common on most prosumer cameras, you'll get the stable shots you've dreamed of.

Comments about Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Camera Stabilizer:

I used this product on 3 shoots before getting rid of it and buying my glidecam. It really doesn't provide any more stable a shot than handheld use. If you use it anywhere in public, get ready to hear "look, a steering wheel" and other similar remarks ALOT! Very bad at weddings when blending in and not standing out are important. Both times I used this at weddings during dance shooting, the DJs would say over the loud mic - "look, a camera on a steering wheel"...

Besides, it just doesn't stabilize your shot and is very large! If you simply know how to handle your camera, you can get just as stable of shots if not better. If you want a stable running shot, buy a real stabilizer, don't waste your money on this! Worst piece of equipment I've ever spent money on.

Comments about Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Camera Stabilizer:

It's so awesome, I can't let go! Yes, I take mine to bed. It even helps me with the laundry! I'll post that to YouTube.

Here's what you get: more control over panning, tilting and movement. Especially, if you have a small camcorder, you are sure to love the Figgy.

There is a problem with it, though. Unless you attach a remote control, or buy manny's remotes or some other 3rd party's, you lose the ability to interact with the camera's controls with any fluidity.

If you hold the Fig at 2:30 and 9:30 (ie 2 o'clock-ish and 10 o'clock-ish), when you let go to hit record or change a setting, focus, zoom, etc., your hand leaves the wheel, and the fig pivots slightly, especially if your camera is heavier or you have extra attachments. You can work hard to correct it, but it's tough--nearly impossible. That's why the remote controls that fasten to the rig are your next consideration. I don't zoom a lot, but I like manual focus, though manually focusing a Vixia isn't that easy to begin with.

While we usually use our Vixia on the Fig, it is capable holding our XHA1, though that usually rides on our one of our several other rigs. I kind of like the Fig for smaller cameras, really, but it's a totally cool tool, nonetheless.

Comments about Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Camera Stabilizer:

I purchased this item as a stabilizer for shooting video with the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. It is very easy to use and is great for mounting microphones. The shots are quite smooth (though not as smooth as with a Glidecam or Steadicam).

Comments about Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Camera Stabilizer:

Well this is sort of a strange piece of gear. It's definitely not a Steadicam but it does help a lot for certain hand held moving shots. Also gets some, "what the hell is that" reactions. Like all gear, it takes a bit of practice to figure out how best to use it. To me, for the price, it was worth it. The only negative is that you can't set it down without removing the camera. Not too big a deal but a small annoyance. When you combine this kind of shooting with Red Giant's Steady, you get darn nice looking footage. Again, for the price, a pretty good buy.

Comments about Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Camera Stabilizer:

We are using this with the Sony EX1 and the results for allowing fluid movement and stable looking footage is A+. Yes it looks kind of crazy but works super, you need a varizoom or other controling device, but all in all we like it a lot.

Comments about Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Camera Stabilizer:

Both my dolly and jib arm require a tripod with a large footprint. The Fig Rig lets me squeeze into smaller spaces or move over rough terrain with minimal wobble and shake. Its design takes small-muscle movement out of the picture, literally.

Comments about Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Camera Stabilizer:

After being curious about these, I had a chance to try one at a show. Bought one a few months later. It's NOT a steadicam and not designed to be or to replace one. But for short walk and talks, or to smooth out handheld work, I can't find anything better.

If you have a heavy camera then don't expect to hold it up for long periods. It's not too bad with my DVX100, but much tougher with my EX1.

The ability to do pans, tilts, tracking shots, up and down stairs shots, dutch tilts, pulls, etc., all fairly smoothly and for just a few hundred dollars is amazing. I am going to try it with some action work in the coming weeks instead of just narrative, but I expect to have similar wonderful results.

As long as you don't buy this unit thinking that it's a true stabilizer, and understand it's designed to help you smooth out handheld work, you won't be disappointed.