Another Opteka rig
Just saw this thread and if anyone cares, yes, the first rig is impossible to use with newer cine lenses and a FF, for example, and Rokinon cine, Tokina 11-16,12-24 or 28-70. That baseplate is pretty useless. On another note, I do use the rods, handles and shoulder pad on my current setup and think they were more than worth the purchase. Not sure how much it is now though.
Oh yeah, I also use a offset riser to drop the whole front part down from the pad and battery mount portion and it sits pretty good for me.
Their electronic FF is more interesting
http://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussion/comment/110130#Comment_110130
I just bought an Opteka CXS-2 (the one in the second video) and am fairly pleased with it. It's my first shoulder rig, so I don't have anything to compare it to, but it adds quite a bit of stability for a low price. The shoulder pad is comfortable, and I've shot for 4+ hours with very little fatigue.
The only thing I'm not happy with is that you can't really upgrade it. The rails are the wrong distance apart to add a follow focus or matte box. The most you can do is put a quick-release plate on it.
As long as you don't need a matte box and don't mind using the lens to focus, it's a pretty decent starter rig, but do realize that it's a bit of a dead-end as far as upgrade paths go. The rods are 15mm, and the weight can be used on anything, but those are the only parts I would cannibalize for another rig.
Even with all of these caveats, it was super-cheap. So I definitely don't regret the purchase. I'd recommend it for anyone that wants to get stable shots on the cheap.
Their more simple solution
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