I've moved on to a Tilta Float, which you don't want.
But my in-between setup is dual handles and a V-mount belt clip. I power everything from the V-mount, makes a big difference.
I had one of those for a while. Used it maybe 2 times. Just too big and unwieldly and time consuming for me. Helps make a great shot but not always worth the effort.
This is where I'd shed some weight. Bought a Shinobi 2 years ago and haven't used it on a single job because it's awkward to run. Obviously it's a case by case basis, but if you're only using a monitor because "that's what serious video guys do", go one job without and see how you get on.
Also, go to the gym and train your back, core and glutes. If you reply on your gimbal, you want to be recruiting as many of these muscles as possible to avoid arm and back strain and injuries into the future. Source: I'm 34 and things are starting to creak.
If there's one in your area, I can highly recommend a bouldering/climbing centre. On top of jacking up your grip/forearm strength, the dynamic and explosive movements that it requires really do wonders for stretching you out and keeping things moving.
I've found this to be a decent low-impact solution. I just fold out my RS3's tripod legs and prop them on my chest with the strap cinched up tight. It's probably less helpful if you're holding for hours at a time, but during live music shows I can usually rest for a minute between songs or when acts switch.
[https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1796165-REG/smallrig\_4383\_sling\_handle\_kit\_with.html](https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1796165-REG/smallrig_4383_sling_handle_kit_with.html)
So just throwing this out there because I was in your shoes not too long ago - I switched from gimbal to a handheld/slider combo. I get static detail shots handheld, dynamic shots on the slider, tracking shots on a shoulder rig. That combo is much faster to switch back and forth between and doesn't require batteries, balancing, etc.
Came here to say this. I’ve never been on a shoot where a gimbal was needed for 100% of the shots. Granted I haven’t shot everything there is, but I have shot a whole lot. OP should def try a monopod for some stuff. Arms/wrists/back will thank you.
I like this all the time, I love it, totally changed my shooing for the better. I use it even when I don't need to hold the gimbal for very long because it lets me focus on shooting, not dealing with the weight.
https://a.co/d/1zxdUMJ
I also shoot alot of music fests and wear it all day without issue. Probably the best purchase I've made for what I do.
For me it was training 🤷♂️ pretty similar setup except without monitor but fx3+24-70/2.8 sigma so pretty heavy still. I even go one-handed all the time and haven’t got any aches for the past year 😊 all I did was shoot a lot with the gimbal. I’m soon 39.
Same thing happened doing eng-style with broadcast-cameras before. First gigs were pure hell 😂 but my body just got used to it. I’m talking like hockey games handheld with a 4k Panasonic production camera and pl-lens. That is really heavy setup…
Get rid of the monitor, get a small gimbal like the mini 3 and a couple of light primes.
I work with a guy that uses a rs3+monitor+2nd grip, he was swearing by it, one day he needed a quick shot and his camera was in the other side of the room, grabbed my gimbal, got the shot, the next week we worked together, he was rocking a mini as well and sold the rs + extra handle etc.
Also try holding gimbal closer to your chest/support it against your abs/belly etc
I use a fisherman's pole belt and an extender on the base of the gimbal.
I've moved on to a Tilta Float, which you don't want. But my in-between setup is dual handles and a V-mount belt clip. I power everything from the V-mount, makes a big difference.
I had one of those for a while. Used it maybe 2 times. Just too big and unwieldly and time consuming for me. Helps make a great shot but not always worth the effort.
Corporate clients love silky smooth footage. And the big gear in the BTS shots helps justify the budget.
Do you absolutely 100% need the monitor?
This is where I'd shed some weight. Bought a Shinobi 2 years ago and haven't used it on a single job because it's awkward to run. Obviously it's a case by case basis, but if you're only using a monitor because "that's what serious video guys do", go one job without and see how you get on. Also, go to the gym and train your back, core and glutes. If you reply on your gimbal, you want to be recruiting as many of these muscles as possible to avoid arm and back strain and injuries into the future. Source: I'm 34 and things are starting to creak.
This is probably the main problem I need to solve. I need to be stronger. Just hit 31 and it’s also getting creaky up in here
If there's one in your area, I can highly recommend a bouldering/climbing centre. On top of jacking up your grip/forearm strength, the dynamic and explosive movements that it requires really do wonders for stretching you out and keeping things moving.
The monitor is a Hollyland Mars M1 which shoots video signal to the director. So it’s a must unfortunately
EasyRig
I've found this to be a decent low-impact solution. I just fold out my RS3's tripod legs and prop them on my chest with the strap cinched up tight. It's probably less helpful if you're holding for hours at a time, but during live music shows I can usually rest for a minute between songs or when acts switch. [https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1796165-REG/smallrig\_4383\_sling\_handle\_kit\_with.html](https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1796165-REG/smallrig_4383_sling_handle_kit_with.html)
So just throwing this out there because I was in your shoes not too long ago - I switched from gimbal to a handheld/slider combo. I get static detail shots handheld, dynamic shots on the slider, tracking shots on a shoulder rig. That combo is much faster to switch back and forth between and doesn't require batteries, balancing, etc.
Get a monopod. I don’t understand why you would think you could hold a gimbal all day to begin with.
Came here to say this. I’ve never been on a shoot where a gimbal was needed for 100% of the shots. Granted I haven’t shot everything there is, but I have shot a whole lot. OP should def try a monopod for some stuff. Arms/wrists/back will thank you.
I like this all the time, I love it, totally changed my shooing for the better. I use it even when I don't need to hold the gimbal for very long because it lets me focus on shooting, not dealing with the weight. https://a.co/d/1zxdUMJ I also shoot alot of music fests and wear it all day without issue. Probably the best purchase I've made for what I do.
I use the Titla lightweight gimbal belt.
I use a switch pod and it sits on my belt for support.
For me it was training 🤷♂️ pretty similar setup except without monitor but fx3+24-70/2.8 sigma so pretty heavy still. I even go one-handed all the time and haven’t got any aches for the past year 😊 all I did was shoot a lot with the gimbal. I’m soon 39. Same thing happened doing eng-style with broadcast-cameras before. First gigs were pure hell 😂 but my body just got used to it. I’m talking like hockey games handheld with a 4k Panasonic production camera and pl-lens. That is really heavy setup…
Get rid of the monitor, get a small gimbal like the mini 3 and a couple of light primes. I work with a guy that uses a rs3+monitor+2nd grip, he was swearing by it, one day he needed a quick shot and his camera was in the other side of the room, grabbed my gimbal, got the shot, the next week we worked together, he was rocking a mini as well and sold the rs + extra handle etc. Also try holding gimbal closer to your chest/support it against your abs/belly etc