Promaster Support You - Support Them!

Sounds like we are coming near an election, doesn't it? Well, come onto the store and cast your vote for Promaster.

Today's new product is the Shoulder Support. As you'll see from the accompanying images, it is a lightweight video support rig designed to place some of the weight of your DSLR and lens onto your shoulder while allowing you to hold the camera under the center of gravity. You end up with a free hand to operate the controls while still keeping the thing level and steady.

There are a number of these items on the market, but it must be said that many of them address the idea with military enthusiasm - in an effort to be " professional" they add so much weight and complexity that they would seem to be more suited to a Carl Gustav tube rather than a Canon...Fine if you wish to deal with a T-72, but a bit of a strain if the only thing you pointing it at is a lightly-armoured bridesmaid.

The Promaster unit, on the other hand has simplicity of good design and a high level of quality in its execution. Look at the detail shots - these are a tribute to the modern CNC machine and a good anodizing bath, but they needed some good thought to start with.

They needed good thinking to realise that people are right and left handed - you can wear it on either shoulder. It puts no more weight on you than need be. The handle is light but big - you need a good grip to control the rig. And there is plenty of rail out there to accommodate different lenses and cameras.

The quick release plate and sliding lock should be familiar - that is Arca-sized.

Check out the shoulder strap - just enough to secure it as you rest it but not too much to try to wear over a suit jacket. Think conference or wedding video.

Note that there are all sorts of viewfinder accessories and ideas that will let you concentrate on the image as you film it. My first thoughts for really convenient enthusiast videoing are the Canon 650D or Nikon D5200 with their screens swung out and angled for the angle of your eye - and then a Hoodman  loupe or screen hood to concentrate your attention. But don't let me force this on you - come in and try the rig with your own gear and see what works.

That's the big advantage of a bricks and mortar shop ( or in our case a concrete wall shop ) over the ubiquitous internet advertisement - you can come in and experiment with our cheerful cooperation - we find out good ideas from you just as much as you find them from us.

Uncle Dick