Zephyr or EFP

[joakim Bjørkeng]

Hi, I'm 17 years old and I would like to become a Steadicam operator in the future.

I'm thinking of starting very soon so I get as good as possible and I thought that I should buy a rig in 2011 and I want a rig that can handle cameras like "big" Live broadcast cameras.

I focus mostly on the sled cause the arm and vest can easily be replaced when I get older and have more money.

But what rig should I choose, a new Zephyr or an old EFP and why?

 

I don't need a rig for film use, only video and TV. :rolleyes:

Hope someone can help me

 

 

Joakim Bjørkeng

[Bryan Fowler]

Welcome Joakim

 

Just three quick thoughts.

 

- Take a workshop. If you are really considering being an Op, the workshop is a no brainer. You'll learn TONS there that would take years of trial and error.

- You can replace ALL aspects of the rig when you are older and have more money, not just the arm and vest.

- How much money do you want to spend, and what will you be flying?

 

After reading through all of the other posts like this on the forum, do you have specific questions about the difference between the two sleds?

- Depending on the arm, the Zephyr can lift 20-25 lbs, and the EFP 30-40lbs

- The Zephyr is harder to spell and uses more letters than the EFP

 

*grin*

Bryan

[RobinThwaites]

Hi Joakim, Brian,

 

EFPs can vary, early red springs were rated to 26lb, also spares are diminishing so I would advise this only for someone with a little experience and mechanical aptitude.

 

Workshop? DEFINITELY! Don't forget that to be a good Steadicam operator also means being a good gamera operator.

 

Robin

[Robert Starling SOC]

I'm fairly certain Robert Luna rebuilds those arms on a regular basis.

 

Workshop first, gear next.

 

Robert

[Bryan Fowler]

Yep, and Hugo has them too.

 

Also, any of the G series arms can be make to work with an EFP. The G50 works very well with it.