Premium Members Alan Rencher Posted April 28, 2012 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 28, 2012 I've owned a zephyr for about six months now, and I'm pretty happy with it. However, I do plan on upgrading to a bigger rig in the next year or so. I've been doing a lot of research, and I'm torn between staying with Tiffen, our going over to Pro. In was leaning heavily toward buying a used Pro setup, and upgrading gradually, but I've been thinking lately that I might want to invest in a Tango and eventually upgrade to an Archer 2. I know this comes down mostly to preference, but I just wanted to get some thoughts on the subject. I guess my main question is how practical would it be to invest in a Tango? Does anyone on here own one? Could you share your experience with it? Thanks! Alan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Tomas Riuka Posted April 28, 2012 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 28, 2012 Go Pro! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard James Lewis Posted April 28, 2012 Report Share Posted April 28, 2012 I agree, go PRO. The Tango as lovely an idea as it is won't make you any money. It has a very small market, If one at all. Rick. Go Pro! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nelson Villamil Posted April 28, 2012 Report Share Posted April 28, 2012 Hi Alan, The project will have a bigger platform is the projection of progress in business, congratulations. Conservaras the Zephyr, or sell it? Please'll be first in the list of potential buyers. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Eric Fletcher S.O.C. Posted April 28, 2012 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 28, 2012 I agree, go PRO. The Tango as lovely an idea as it is won't make you any money. It has a very small market, If one at all. Rick. Go Pro! I agree, the tango is a rig looking for a shot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Baluk Posted April 28, 2012 Report Share Posted April 28, 2012 I think the tango was designed for this guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Alec Jarnagin SOC Posted April 28, 2012 Moderators Report Share Posted April 28, 2012 I'd rather see her doing that: http://www.steadicamguy.com/aj/gallery.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Alan Rencher Posted April 28, 2012 Author Premium Members Report Share Posted April 28, 2012 So I should flip my collar if I buy one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Andrew Ansnick Posted April 30, 2012 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 30, 2012 I have some used PRO sled components for sale, the makings of a very nice rig. For Sale Thread Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Alfeo Dixon SOC Posted April 30, 2012 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 30, 2012 I've owned a zephyr for about six months now, and I'm pretty happy with it. However, I do plan on upgrading to a bigger rig in the next year or so. I've been doing a lot of research, and I'm torn between staying with Tiffen, our going over to Pro. In was leaning heavily toward buying a used Pro setup, and upgrading gradually... Pro will allow you to buy older and upgrade to YOUR ultimate rig. Tiffen rigs are not so versatile in that matter, you buy to rig you think is your market. That said, you will most likely spend more upgrading part by part instead of a lump sum investment. Not to mention your introducing older OEM with newer tech parts and electronics. The cautionary tale is you may induce issues that did not exist before your upgrading of different parts and components. ...but I've been thinking lately that I might want to invest in a Tango and eventually upgrade to an Archer 2. I know this comes down mostly to preference, but I just wanted to get some thoughts on the subject. I guess my main question is how practical would it be to invest in a Tango? Does anyone on here own one? Could you share your experience with it? Tango is a bit more shot (Style) specific than the AR. But I have lost more than two jobs due to the director looking for an AR type of shot... so you will have to create your marketability with the Tango. I flew the Tango for its inaugural flight in Saõ Paulo, Brasil for the finale of Ídolos (Idols Franchise) and it was a huge learning curve for the director to understand the wide range of diverse shots. The problem arose from us NEVER having a camera ready for rehearsals due to DP vs Engineering camera opinions and less than 6lbs camera options and availability for an On-The-Air-Live show. Since that show, I have come across three specifically asked for shots that I said "Thats a Tango shot." Now, depending on your market, you can create your own steady flow of work. Last NAB it met a fellow that was with a certain network and the problem with the gear they already use (dolly and jibs) is that they can not shut down the area that the shoot in and the pedestrian customers are not easy to deal with, but the ideal tools for the job is remote head on a jib... just too dam big! When he described the type of work to me... I said... "Thats a tango shot!!!" I immediately preceded to set up a simulated situation that successfully showed him how the Tango is perfect for MOST of 80% to 90% of the content he would shoot for the network. So basically I could generate a good return on the investment out of that one client. Hope that helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurt nolen Posted May 14, 2012 Report Share Posted May 14, 2012 I bought a used Archer 1 with the intent of upgrading it. The actual cost of the modification wasn't so bad compared to the advantages of the increased functionality. The downside was the time it took to get the design of the modification the way I wanted it. I'm extremely happy with the final product, but the 7 months I went without a rig was crap. I might advocate for modification if you already have another sled or you have astoundingly specific electronic requirements for your existing sled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Kevin Andrews SOC Posted May 15, 2012 Premium Members Report Share Posted May 15, 2012 Ultimately comes down to what you can afford. :) Then what cameras you fly and plan to fly. Brands are the next decision. You're in LA. Chat with a few folks at each company, and you should get a feel for who you want to invest with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niels Lindelien Posted May 19, 2012 Report Share Posted May 19, 2012 I was in a similar situation not very long ago. I eventually decided to go with an Archer 2, mostly out of personal preference. I owned a Flyer for a while before that, and always received tremendously good communication and customer service from Tiffen. That kind of relationship is too good to walk away from. Secondly, I really enjoy the unique innovations that Tiffen provides. My first opinion of the motorized stage was that it was unnecessary, but as I started to use it, more and more I feel like I can't live without it. Same goes for the tilt head. Both tend to get a good amount of wow-factor out of people on set as well, which isn't bad. The Tango certainly isn't for everyone; it's for a very specific market with specific shots, like dance or music videos. If you work in a market that would be sold on it, it's probably a good investment. Otherwise it isn't. I work with several directors who try to push the limits on camera movement, and tools like the Tango are very attractive to them. I don't know enough of them yet to consider owning one yet though. If you want to check out the A2 in LA I'd be more than happy to show it off. Do research to choose, but Tiffen and Pro are both great systems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.