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Will a steadicam Zephyr make you less hirable?


caleb nunn

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I am currently a DP and editor looking to get my first steadicam package so I can start learning and practicing the craft. I am not a huge fan of gimbal shots (most look robotic to me) and would love to use it on personal projects.  Initially, I just want to use it on personal projects with my friends, but after a while, I would love to break into the workforce.  What is the likelyhood of me getting hired with the zephyr kit? Will I need to rent for most projects? Will people pass on me? Does it make sense to save up alittle more and get a used shadow? Just trying to make a solid investment and appreciate the feedback!

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Hi,

I currently have a Zephyr and I have been finding work with it and haven't had anyone turn their noise up to it at all. So it hasn't lost me work. You do have to be aware of the weight limit on it. For example a good heavy build is Alexa mini, cinema prime and wireless unit with a battery or 2 on the sled, anything more starts to push the unit and you could have the gimbal shaft snap which is what happened to me (not ideal, few hundred £ in repair).

If you are new to Steadicam operating the Zephyr is fantastic to learn on and build a good operating ability from.

Message me if you have any questions and if you live in the UK or EU I have one for sale at the moment. But I can let you know about other models as well as I have flown most of the newer Tiffen rigs.

Hope this helped.

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  • 3 weeks later...

Welcome Caleb! You can totally get hired with a Zephyr rig. But like Benjamin said, you need to be award of the weight limit. You can totally fly a mini/RED/Varicam LT/etc.., I've flown those and I use the Aero 30 rig, which is the zephyr vest and a-30/zephyr arm, and aero sled. When flying a Zephyr or Aero rig, at least in my experience, you learn how to cut weight when you go over your weight max, or are coming close. There are many pros to starting on the Zephyr rig when you are new, it is less of an investment in cost for one and flying lighter rigs can be more difficult, they tend to be more squirrelly. So starting on one will make you work hard on the basics and when you move to a big rig, it'll be much easier! Feel free to message me, I also am selling my Aero30 if you are interested.

Oh and be sure to take a workshop!!

Happy flying!

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On 6/4/2019 at 11:51 PM, Benjamin Eeley said:

Hi,

I currently have a Zephyr and I have been finding work with it and haven't had anyone turn their noise up to it at all. So it hasn't lost me work. You do have to be aware of the weight limit on it. For example a good heavy build is Alexa mini, cinema prime and wireless unit with a battery or 2 on the sled, anything more starts to push the unit and you could have the gimbal shaft snap which is what happened to me (not ideal, few hundred £ in repair).

If you are new to Steadicam operating the Zephyr is fantastic to learn on and build a good operating ability from.

Message me if you have any questions and if you live in the UK or EU I have one for sale at the moment. But I can let you know about other models as well as I have flown most of the newer Tiffen rigs.

Hope this helped.

 

I don't suppose you still have the Zephyr for sale?

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