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June, 2025

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Fisheye Rig Help!

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Skewb
Posts: 546 - Karma: 547
Looking to have a fisheye setup for filming this year. I would want to have a lightbar and mic attached. Ideally it would be simple, so other buddies could operate the camera and not have to worry too much. I don't have a huge budget, so keep that in mind. I know most bigger film companies have nice setups(level 1, stept, etc). What are you guys using and what would be your reccomendation?
9 years ago
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finnolydorb
Posts: 249 - Karma: 690
whats ur budget and what kind of cam do you want?
9 years ago
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Skewb
Posts: 546 - Karma: 547
finnolydorbwhats ur budget and what kind of cam do you want?


Right now I'm shooting with a gh3 and rokinon 8mm. And budget is no more than 400
9 years ago
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finnolydorb
Posts: 249 - Karma: 690
SkewbRight now I'm shooting with a gh3 and rokinon 8mm. And budget is no more than 400


Haha dude u already have a $700 dollar fisheye set up that's very adequate and u wanna upgrade it with a budget of $400?? I don't undrrstand why don't u just by a light and a mic with ur 400$
9 years ago
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Skewb
Posts: 546 - Karma: 547
finnolydorbHaha dude u already have a $700 dollar fisheye set up that's very adequate and u wanna upgrade it with a budget of $400?? I don't undrrstand why don't u just by a light and a mic with ur 400$


I already have lightbar and mic. I just wanted a simple setup so I don't have to shoot freehand. Is 400 dollars too small of a budget for a rig??
9 years ago
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Skewb
Posts: 546 - Karma: 547
*400 dollars for a cage or fig rig or something to that effect, not a new body and glass. Sorry if I made that confusing
9 years ago
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LastChairMedia
Posts: 860 - Karma: 1,855
Just get a SmallRig cage with a top handle and you'd be set
9 years ago
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finnolydorb
Posts: 249 - Karma: 690
Ooohhhh haha ya u can get hot shoe extenders for like 15$ and then mount both a mic and light on it
9 years ago
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a_burger
Posts: 5257 - Karma: 21,143
you could always build one out of pvc as well. I had one a while ago, it was pretty light, customizable, cheap, and I could take it apart to fit it in my bag. Only reason I stopped using it was because I got a DVX100 with a built in handle.
9 years ago
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eheath
Posts: 61968 - Karma: 126,910
I got one of the cheap like $30 plastic handles off ebay and it works great.
9 years ago
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Skewb
Posts: 546 - Karma: 547
Thanks for all the input! I already have a skate handle, but not super impressed with the results, so I'll look into the cage, see how that pans out!
9 years ago
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eheath
Posts: 61968 - Karma: 126,910
SkewbThanks for all the input! I already have a skate handle, but not super impressed with the results, so I'll look into the cage, see how that pans out!


What is your goal with this new rig?

You already have one so im a bit confused why you think something else is gonna be better? What exactly are you hoping to get that you don't have already?
9 years ago
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Skewb
Posts: 546 - Karma: 547
eheathWhat is your goal with this new rig?

You already have one so im a bit confused why you think something else is gonna be better? What exactly are you hoping to get that you don't have already?


I just seem to get unsteady footage with the x grip handle, I wanted something that has 2 handles to grip on it. Will it help at all, or am I just better to practice more with the x grip?
9 years ago
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eheath
Posts: 61968 - Karma: 126,910
SkewbI just seem to get unsteady footage with the x grip handle, I wanted something that has 2 handles to grip on it. Will it help at all, or am I just better to practice more with the x grip?


Anything you hold in your hands will be as steady as your hands, glidecam would be the next step up.
9 years ago
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blatt
Posts: 5584 - Karma: 3,097
Get one that attaches to both the bottom of your cam (3/8" screw or w/e) and the hot shoe mount. Make's the camera way less shakey when you move the cam... Kinda like when you slam on the brakes and everyone's head jerks forward while their waist remains fixed.

Opteka x grip pro is exactly what you want and costs like $60 online. Has three hot shoes on top too.
9 years ago
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whiteboi
Posts: 477 - Karma: 1,228
I've tried the x grips and stuff, and they suck for following shots. Go buy a flycam, you'll be A LOT happier with how your footage turns out
9 years ago
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1kewldewd
Posts: 796 - Karma: 1,147
I have an x grip and with my t3i and opteka 6.5mm fish it is super floppy and makes all the shots way to wiggly for skiing and skating
9 years ago
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