Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Video Camera Stabilizer Support

As an independent and very low budget filmmaker, I needed a handheld rig that would allow for steady and smooth camera work, would be affordable, and would be versatile enough to use in several applications. I stumble across the Fig Rig while researching handheld rigs. I was very skeptical on how well the Fig Rig would work, considering it is a giant steering wheel. When I went to the photo store to purchase (on spec) the Fig Rig, I laughed out loud and exclaimed "what a piece of crap, this won't work." To my glee, it is friggin' phenomenal. It is lightweight and easy to use. Most importantly it is effective. You can actually run with this thing and produce a usable image comparable to and even better than lightweight Steadycams and FlowCams. Love it love it love it!

Oh by the way, I rigged a Panasonic AG-DVX100 to the rig. Took about 20 seconds to balance and off you go. Not sure how it would work with a heavier camera such as the Cannon XL-1.

I'm not a DP myself, but I bought it for our film after watching the horror film [REC]. We even talked with the DP of that film, Pablo Rosso, who recommended it. We're shooting with the Panasonic HVX200 just as they did, and while I just threw my Sony VX2000 on it to try it out, it was amazing!! Unbelievably lightwieght makes you almost wonder where that money is going but in the end, it's worth it.

The stability it provides, by having both arms extended, versus have your arms tucked in to your body, holding a shoulder cam is amazing. Even with the weight of the camera, it felt lighter than normal. Definately worth it, to have a cheaper "steadicam", and avoid the shaky-cam look.

Buy Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Video Camera Stabilizer Support Now

I ultimately decided to go with the figrig over any type of stabalizing arm because of its ability to shoot sideways or upside down. Extremely easy to handle, and it didn't require any construction. It's delivered ready to go.

Read Best Reviews of Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Video Camera Stabilizer Support Here

Like A few others, I had this on my wish list for what seems like a year.

It just seems a bit ridiculous buying an aluminum circle for 300 bucks. Once you purchase it, and take it out of the box,that feeling doesn't go away. The pieces while solid just feel cheap, and the plastic clips that come with the wheel just make you feel like you've been had.

As I shot my short however, it was definitely the go to device for covering any sweeps and dolly moves. It does the job. But you will definitely want to consider getting the zoom and focus remotes that you can clip on to the wheel itself since having to stop and refoucus definitely kills the shot. Also, if you try and go for any type of dynamic shot you will definitely need some kinda of external monitor. So out of the box, it does the job, especially if you have steady arms.

I myself found my shots not as amazing stable as it it would be, but it was far better than without it. Also, for me anyway, the wheel just isn't big enough as I realized I more stable holding my arms further apart. So my next purchase would probably be some kind of extended handles.

So in the end, if you plan to do alot of dolly shots, and dont want to fuss with the balancing act of a glidcam, then this will work. It just doesn't work "great" and the price, makes that great feel a bit less.

It did what I needed it to do for the most part, its just really hard to recommend it at that price. 150.00 would have been much more fair. especially since you can recreate the device yourself from hardware parts for under 100 dollars.

Want Manfrotto 595B Fig Rig Video Camera Stabilizer Support Discount?

Wow...what can I say? The Fig Rig is awesome. I've had mine for about 6 years and use it every time I am shooting handheld.

Really adds a pro handheld look to your footage. Allows you to shoot high, low and everything in between. Attach lights, mics, lens controllers, etc. around the periphery of the unit. Mount a quick release plate on the bottom and snap the whole unit into your tripod quickly. The smaller your camera the better, as this unit can be fatiguing on your lower back if you have a lot of weight on the rig. Just so versatile though. Pretty much requires that your camera or camcorder have a nice LCD screen as this unit is not great for viewfinder work. Definitely for run and gun ENG, indie filmmaking or live action type of work. Couldn't live without mine. Thank you Mike Figgis!

Save 9% Off