MK-V Evolution Vs Stedicam Ultra 2

[Milos Marjanovic]

Hi all,

 

 

i'm looking to buy my frist rig that i'm planing to use with LDK cameras and Alexas and i have narrowed the search to two models - MK-V Evolution and a Ultra2. Can anyone please tell me the some pros and cons for both rigs as i cant find any reviews that could help me to make a decision.

 

 

 

 

[Victor Lazaro]

Maybe you can also tell us how and why you narrowed it down to this rigs and what kind of operating you are looking for.

[Milos Marjanovic]

Hi Victor,

i'm looking for a rig that can be used for shooting TVCs and for life TV shows at the same time. For TVCs we use Alexa and for TV shows we use LDK cameras.The main reason why I narrowed the search to these to models is that im looking to buy a used rig that can support over 23kg and for these two models i have found the offers that can fit my budget.

As i read throughout the internet the MK-V Evolution should provide better, smoother movement but as i'm not at professional i thought it might be a good thing to check it here on the forum.

Edited June 16, 2013 by Milos Marjanovic

[Haris Pallas]

Hi Milos,

 

One thing to mention here is that the sled doesn't do the movement...you do it and the arm absorbs the vibration.

 

The Evolution is just a sled...the Ultra2 might be a sled or a whole rig.

 

With the Evolution you will need an arm and a vest. If the Ultra2 is a whole rig, you're ok. If it's just a sled, you will need an arm and a vest too.

 

The arm is extremely important part of the rig.

 

I hope this helps a bit,

 

- Haris -

[Victor Lazaro]

If as you said are not a professional, I would strongly recommend (if not already done) attending to a workshop (look on the right column of this forum).

 

Asking which is the best is dangerous on this forum as the answer mainly comes down to personal preferences. You are asking about two top of the line rigs with very different approaches to steadicam. Basically the Ultra 2 is a All included rig that has great options such a tilt stage, an optional motorized stage, HD monitor etc, The Mk-V is a modular design, which means that you will be able to later change one part to upgrade your rig without having to change the whole system. Note also that in the package you see on the forum, you will need to add a vest to it. Also look into GPI pro sleds (they just released the Cine Live sled, that is adapted for both scripted and live world).

Look at what you will need to use, not only in weight, but also in terms of connectors etc...

 

Fly safe.

[RonBaldwin]

Look at customer service recommendations. All rigs need servicing, some companies are not as helpful as others.

[Milos Marjanovic]

If as you said are not a professional, I would strongly recommend (if not already done) attending to a workshop (look on the right column of this forum).

 

Asking which is the best is dangerous on this forum as the answer mainly comes down to personal preferences. You are asking about two top of the line rigs with very different approaches to steadicam. Basically the Ultra 2 is a All included rig that has great options such a tilt stage, an optional motorized stage, HD monitor etc, The Mk-V is a modular design, which means that you will be able to later change one part to upgrade your rig without having to change the whole system. Note also that in the package you see on the forum, you will need to add a vest to it. Also look into GPI pro sleds (they just released the Cine Live sled, that is adapted for both scripted and live world).

Look at what you will need to use, not only in weight, but also in terms of connectors etc...

 

Fly safe.

Thank you for your advice. The Cine Live sled sounds and looks like the thing that just fits our needs.

On the other hand the Ultra 2 sounds like a better choice because its a full set and as i read its one of the most complete sets out there.

So basicly we can work live and scripted shows with the ultra also?

[JobScholtze]

Ehh, the pro cine live is a complete system, arm vest and sled. Add a monitor and some batterys and your off with the best set out there.

The Ultra is one complete system that is almost locked down to only that system. Upgrading means trying to sell it and buy new one. Mk-v makes modulair systems for live tv or film, so das pro, so das sachtler, so xcs etc. The good ting with most of them that you can mix and match them, so an arm from Brand A and a vest from brand B and so on, or you buy the ultra as one pachage.... But its all personal i guessssssssssssss

[Victor Lazaro]

Ehh, the pro cine live is a complete system, arm vest and sled. Add a monitor and some batterys and your off with the best set out there.

The Ultra is one complete system that is almost locked down to only that system. Upgrading means trying to sell it and buy new one. Mk-v makes modulair systems for live tv or film, so das pro, so das sachtler, so xcs etc. The good ting with most of them that you can mix and match them, so an arm from Brand A and a vest from brand B and so on, or you buy the ultra as one pachage.... But its all personal i guessssssssssssss

Yes, what Job said.

But above all, I just have the feeling that if you are asking these questions, now might not be in the right time for you to invest just yet. I have done a LOT of researches, reached out to multiple local operators and tried to ask all the questions possible on the forum (don't forget the search option), before settling on a smaller rig to get used to operating before spending 50K+ on a full rig.

Did to attend to a workshop? If not you should, I know it's expensive, but you can't just pick up a rig and expect to be good without some proper training. Plus at a workshop, you will have a chance to look and try at various rigs that will be here for demo.

Don't rush your decision on a rig. Like my dad once told me, "You have only one bullet in your gun, don't shoot it in your foot."

[JobScholtze]

And take a workshop with all brands, so you then can already "feel" your future rig :-)

[Jerry Holway]

One should take a workshop and learn how to operate first and foremost.

 

Learn what operating a moving camera is all about, what's possible, what's been done.

 

It should not be about the gear, especially when you are first learning how to operate.

 

Take a workshop with lots of experienced operators teaching you, so you get the biggest possible variety of opinions and operator experiences.

 

Then, practice.

 

Then figure out what you need or want to buy. Visit trade shows, friends, manufacturers, etc. when you have some experience under your belt.

 

Jerry

[Victor Lazaro]

Words of wisdom

[Sanjay Sami]

There are great operators working with both systems. They are both top of the line. You need to figure what works better for you.

As Jerry says - get some experience before putting the money down.

[Kris Torch Wilson]

A couple of days ago I flew both rigs under almost identical conditions. I own an Ultra2 and use it four days a week, 46 weeks a year on on a live(to tape) talk/variety/music show. We were asked to shoot additional songs after our show with the Sony 4K cameras. (F55 I think). They requested as little turn around time as possible so production opted to rent a second rig from Camera Support. By the time a matte box, Preston unit, etc was added, the weight was very similar to our show cameras. So here is what I noticed:

 

I liked the feel of the bigger post on the MK

I love the motorized head on the Ultra

I t took me longer to balance the MK than the Ultra. Snap lock is faster and easier for me than untightening/tightening.

I didn't care for the longer gimble handle on the MK

The MK felt more robust. like it would survive a drop. Not sure my ultra would fare as well.

Both had enough power and video connectors for our needs.

The MK weighed less.

 

Although this isn't a sled issue, the monitor on the MK didn't have any kind of a level. I realized how much I rely upon the one in my Ultra.