Archer 2

[chris fawcett]

Hi All,

 

I went to NAB 2009 with the intention of buying a Clipper; my only choice was between the 312 and the 324. I was instead persuaded to try out the Archer 2s (G-50 arm), which I eventually agreed to, and in the few months we've been together, I haven't been disappointed.

 

This is a super-flexible rig that with one small battery will fly light cameras with ease:

 

 

With 2 normal batteries will fly larger cameras, such as this RED:

 

 

And with the Accessory Balance Weights http://steadivision.com/media/Accessory_Balance_Weights.pdf will fly 15 kg (33lb) camera packages. The new gimbal is absolutely up to this.

 

It's a 2-post system, with a relatively long post length, so it allows you to get much higher and lower than you'd expect:

 

 

I got the motorised stage, which I was previously agnostic about, but am now addicted to. In all, I'm delighted with the rig, and happy with my decision. That the whole system packes into one, albeit heavy, case, is showing itself to be a great advantage.

 

If anyone is interested in any other aspect of this rig, I'll be happy to answer further questions here or by PM.

 

Flying safe,

 

Chris

[Bryan Fowler]

Thanks for the review Chris. I'm in the same boat. Looking for a sled to replace the old EFP.

 

What monitor did you spring for?

[chris fawcett]

Hi Bryan,

 

I have the Transvideo Cinemonitor HD SBL 6, but I'm really impressed with the standard monitor on the Archer 2. It's tough, bright, and has great viewing angles. I'd be happy with that, if I weren't a spoiled brat.

 

All the best,

 

Chris

[chris fawcett]

Hi All,

 

Here's some info on the Archer systems. I had a chance to play around at the IBC. I wanted to know what the max weights the 2 variations would carry (I'm nothing if not predictable).

 

Basic A2 with G-40 arm flies 12 kg camera packages (26.5 lb) with ease.

 

The A2s with the G-50 arm flies a whopping 18 kg (40 kg), with the addition of four accessory weights http://steadivision.com/media/Accessory_Balance_Weights.pdf —two directly below the post, and two on the monitor bracket. The rig on the balancing stud felt fragile, but on the arm it flew surprisingly well, though the 2nd post was run all the way out. The rig is certainly strong enough. Though you would expect some flex, even with a good shaking, it felt stiff, and everyone that tried it was pleasantly surprised at how solid it was.

 

Fly safe,

 

Chris

[Kevin Andrews SOC]

Chris, did you buy the entire A2s setup, or just the sled?

 

Wondering for those of us who are only in the market for a sled.

 

Thanks

[chris fawcett]

Hi Kevin,

 

I bought the whole thing, arm, sled, vest. I think Tiffen only sells the A2 as a package. I just sold on my A1 as a package too, though I gave the buyer the new vest as a sweetener.

 

All the best,

 

Chris

[Kevin Andrews SOC]

Hi Kevin,

 

I bought the whole thing, arm, sled, vest. I think Tiffen only sells the A2 as a package. I just sold on my A1 as a package too, though I gave the buyer the new vest as a sweetener.

 

All the best,

 

Chris

 

Cool thanks. I like that Archer 2. Flew it at NAB this year.

[Michael Wilson]

Chris,

 

Thanks for the info. I am interested in this kind of setup. Pushing the limits of a small rig from time to time and not having to buy an ultra to keep your bases covered especially for the market I am in at the moment. Anyway I have a question about balancing a heavier camera on an archer compared to the same camera on an ultra. Hope you understand what I mean.

 

Is the ultra more bottom heavy to begin with that it does not need extra weights or the the post extended in order to balance a heavy camera? So you apply the add on weights for the archer in order to increase the weight the sled can balance?

[chris fawcett]

Hi Michael,

 

As Jerry points out here, newer arms are coping with greater weight ranges. The G-50 adjusts, tools free, and on the fly, in seconds, from about 5 to 26 kg (11-57 lb). The A2 sled—weighing 5 kg (11 lb)—is just a reaction to this increased range. The base is really light, so if you fly a DSLR, you don't have to add a weight cage; just use a half battery below, and some balance weights above. For the majority of cameras, the balance weights are unnecessary, though you can use them to increase pan inertia if you want to keep the rig compact. Between 12-18 kg (26-40 lb) camera packages, you add the weights below. So yes, the U2 has a heavy base for—among other reasons!—balancing heavy cameras. With 4 balance weights on the base, the A2's base weighs something more than a Clipper's, and less than an Ultra's.

 

I hope this answers your question. I'm happy to answer more.

 

All the best,

 

Chris

[Lars Erik]

Hi Chris,

 

I remember when I owned a G-50, I seem to recall that the arms max weight range was 22.5kg. Have Tiffen made new springs for the 50 or I'm I mistaken about my own memory?

 

LE

[chris fawcett]

Hi LE,

 

I'm quoting way above the published specs. Maybe I just got lucky with mine :)

 

All the best,

 

Chris

[Michael Wilson]

Is their anything you can foresee that might be a problem since you bought the archer instead of the clipper? Obstacles you might run into that could have been avoided with the clipper.

[chris fawcett]

Hi Michael,

 

Well, the Clipper would be happy on a bigger arm. The A2 is pretty well matched to the G-50 (though Lars Erik would push it further than I). With a Clipper, it's straightforward to buy a G-70 or equivalent, and up the carrying capacity considerably. Also, the Clipper looks like a 'big rig.' Some of your clients might like that. The Clipper has a few more bells and whistles, like a frame-line-generator, and an optional horizon (I think), but I have all that in my Transvideo monitor anyway. The power lemos are heavier too on the Clipper, so you can pull more amps through them. It's a beefier rig in many ways, though the stage is identical to the A2, and there's not much difference between the gimbals.

 

I don't foresee any of these as being a problem for me. To camera packages over 40 lb, I can just say no.

 

Hope this helps in your decision,

 

Chris

[Amando Crespo]

Hi Michael,

 

Well, the Clipper would be happy on a bigger arm. The A2 is pretty well matched to the G-50 (though Lars Erik would push it further than I). With a Clipper, it's straightforward to buy a G-70 or equivalent, and up the carrying capacity considerably. Also, the Clipper looks like a 'big rig.' Some of your clients might like that. The Clipper has a few more bells and whistles, like a frame-line-generator, and an optional horizon (I think), but I have all that in my Transvideo monitor anyway. The power lemos are heavier too on the Clipper, so you can pull more amps through them. It's a beefier rig in many ways, though the stage is identical to the A2, and there's not much difference between the gimbals.

 

I don't foresee any of these as being a problem for me. To camera packages over 40 lb, I can just say no.

 

Hope this helps in your decision,

 

Chris

Hi Chris...Fantastic info.

Like you know, you´ve 2 heavy bars to introduce inside the monitor holder bars...and change the Static Balance and up the gimbal to close it to the gravity center of the camera plate... Only an small info.

Best regards and cons for this Tiffen´s sled.

[Andrey Yazydzhi]

Hi Chris,

 

I remember when I owned a G-50, I seem to recall that the arms max weight range was 22.5kg. Have Tiffen made new springs for the 50 or I'm I mistaken about my own memory?

 

LE

 

My new G-50 have min 5,7 kg- to max 25,6 kg .