What is the difference in stabilisation from placing a gimbal where the base is vertical and turning it horizontal so that it’s in underslung mode?

Adding a gimbal to a shoulder rig using an L-bracket can significantly alter the stabilization dynamics and the overall shooting experience. Here's how it impacts stabilization and changes the physics:

Enhanced Stabilization:

Three-Axis Stabilization Plus Body Support: The gimbal already provides three-axis stabilization (pan, tilt, roll), and when mounted on a shoulder rig, the natural stabilization offered by the human body (especially the shoulders and arms) is added to the mix. This combination can lead to smoother footage, as both the mechanical and natural stabilizations work together.

Reduced Micro Jitters: Shoulder rigs can help reduce the small jitters that sometimes occur with handheld gimbal use, especially during more dynamic movements.

Ergonomics and Handling:

Weight Distribution: The shoulder rig redistributes the weight of the gimbal and camera setup across the operator's shoulder and torso, reducing arm fatigue. This is particularly beneficial for long shooting sessions.

Control and Maneuverability:

With the gimbal mounted on a shoulder rig, the operator may have improved control over the camera movements, as they can use their entire upper body to steer and position the camera, rather than just their arms and wrists.

Change in Physics:

Center of Gravity: Mounting the gimbal on a shoulder rig changes the center of gravity of the entire camera setup. The camera is no longer just stabilized around its center but also balanced in relation to the operator's body.

Movement Dynamics:

The way the camera moves changes as well. With a shoulder-mounted setup, movements are more torso-driven, meaning broader, smoother motions compared to the more localized, arm-driven movements of a handheld gimbal.

In essence, combining a gimbal with a shoulder rig using an L-bracket creates a hybrid system that leverages the mechanical stabilization of the gimbal with the natural damping effect of the human body. This setup is particularly advantageous for scenarios requiring extended shooting times, dynamic movements, and a need for both stability and ergonomic comfort. However, this comes at the cost of some flexibility and increased complexity in setup.

What are the specifications of the L Bracket?

The bracket is made from CNC’d 6061 Aluminium, weighs 432g, and measures 170 x 108 x 64 mm. It includes multiple 1/4” 20 and 3/8” 16 tapped and pass-through fastening hole options, along with structural supports to provide a sturdy setup for the DJI RS2, RS3, and RS3 Pro gimbals.

Which gimbals is the L Bracket compatible with?

The bracket is specifically designed for the DJI RS2, RS3, and RS3 Pro gimbals. It can accommodate all the major baseplates made by DJI, Tilta, SmallRig and other manufacturers.

Can the bracket be mounted on existing rigs?

Yes, the bracket is designed to be secured to any standard 15mm rod clamp, cheese plate, or surface with the appropriate 1/4" 20 holes, making it versatile for various existing setups.

How does the bracket improve the gimbal experience on a shoulder rig?

By providing a secure and stable mount for the gimbal, the bracket enhances the functionality and usability of the gimbal on a shoulder rig. It also opens up possibilities for cinematographers to achieve steadier, more dynamic shots without the need for additional stabilization equipment.

What makes the Heavy Duty Gimbal L Bracket unique compared to other mounting options?

The L Bracket is designed with high-quality 6061 Aluminium, ensuring durability and strength. It features a range of fastening options to accommodate various setups, and its design is inspired by professional industry standards. The fact that it fills a niche demand for a heavy-duty L-shaped bracket specifically for DJI RS2/RS3/RS3 Pro Gimbals, following the popularization of such a setup in a major film production, sets it apart from more generic mounting solutions.

Are there any weight limitations for cameras when using the bracket?

The bracket itself is heavy duty, but the limitations would generally be in line with the payload capacity of the gimbal itself. For the DJI RS2 and RS3, users should consult the manufacturer's specifications for maximum payload. For best performance, it's always recommended to balance the camera setup properly on the gimbal before using it with the bracket and the add further fine tuning adjustments once the gimbal is in position using the bracket.

Is the bracket easy to install?

Yes, the bracket has been designed with ease of use in mind. It can be secured quickly to any standard 15mm rod clamp or compatible cheese plate.