Awesome Kovacam K05 stabilizer & X4 vest review
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- Опубліковано 11 лип 2014
- ❓ Not sure what to get? Then look in the Ultimate Gear Guide: www.nitsan.co.uk/gear ✅
⬇️ You can support this channel by purchasing from the links below! ⬇️
The Genuine ones are sold by Orpheuc_C, which is also my favorite seller for this kind of stuff. Fast deliveries and good service. Link: rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-532...
● Alternative stabilizers from B&H: bhpho.to/1nKmrVY
● Alternative vest/arm from B&H: bhpho.to/1prlJ28
● Alternative stabilizer from Adorama: bit.ly/1mQ4Bjg
● Alternative vest/arm from Adorama: bit.ly/RKoWLE
Link to footage from the Kovacam: • Kovacam's SUPERB K05 s...
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(In short: I am an affiliate with eBay, Amazon, B&H and Adorama, which means I get a small commission when you buy through my links. This helps me create more great videos for you guys. I still always review items honestly, and I never accept any payments to shoot reviews. Thank you for your support.)
Disclaimer:
I shoot these videos in the hope that it will be helpful, but all information given is just my honest opinion. I make no guarantees whatsoever. You are responsible for your own safety and how you use that information.
I spent half of today watching your videos, thank you for making great reviews!
Awesome. Thanks for watching. :)
+Nitsan Simantov and a year later I come across this video again; wanted to ask, is this still a vest you would recommend? are there any Chinese brands you would avoid at all costs? (I'm only looking for a vest+arm as I have a glidecam already)
+Tomek
yeah this is a very good vest.
what camera/lenses/glidecam are you using?
the biggest one I avoid is the one from india. its all one company with many names.
Nitsan Simantov thanks; currently shooting with a 5d, aiming for an A7s ii next year; Glidecam is the HD-2000
I'm liking the look of the Laing vest on aliexpress, £371.95 with shipping ("Laing vest 2-9.8kg"). I've been trying to see the differences between all the various models people are selling, and at the moment my only control point is the attachment of the arm (where some vests allow up/down/left/right adjustments), is there anything else I should be looking for when picking? (one extra point, I've never used a vest before)
Nitsan Cheers Buddy you made my day ! :)
awesome. thanks. :)
You have a great youtube channel. Great intelligent reviews.
thanks. :)
great review, thanks!
welcome. thanks for watching. :)
Nice review full of good general tips! :)
thanks. glad you like it.
Nitsan Simantov GOOD VIDEO, THANKS A LOT
Hello Nitsan. I have my Stabilizer Glidecam HD 4000 and want to buy a vest and arm for better stabilization during the movement for responsible 5D MK III cameras with Carl Zeiss lenses. I want to buy a vest with a budget of 800 dollars and I want to ask your advice, which I recommend and that is compatible with the HD 4000. Thanks.
Nitsan, where can I buy the extra rods???
Thank you very much!!!
Hey Nitsan! Subscribed and watched probably... 150 of your videos today! Great content, I really learned a lot!
I was thinking about picking up the monocam, and doing a search for reviews on the product is what lead me to your channel in the first place.
I'm kind of new to filmmaking, but I own a Panasonic GH3 (with hopes of picking up a GH4 in the next year). I own a few fast primes, and a tripod, but was in the market for a monopod as I hope to be taking on weddings for next wedding season, and as I'm quickly learning, tripods are clumsy and far too much effort to set up for every single shot you would need.
I was highly recommended towards the monfrotto 562 B (or a similar model having the feet) so I could technically use it as a tripod in a pinch. That was the biggest appeal to the monocam, the hybrid between having a monopod (with feet) and having a stabilization device.
However, this new Kovacam seems intriguing. I was wondering with you having used it if it seems like one could DIY an extension to make it a bit higher than the foot to foot and a half (sorry for my american lengths) that it normally stands? Past that (if one couldn't extend it's height) would you say that after you lengthen it's base it could work as a psuedo tabletop (or chairtop) monopod?
Also just as a general rule of thumb, what focal length in the super 35mm format would you recommend to be using? I own a 20mm f/1.7 which acts as a 40mm on my micro four thirds crop sensor. Should I be looking for even wider?
Hey. Thanks, I'm glad you like my vids.
I would not recommend using the kovacam as a monopod. It will be very restricting. Height, positioning and angle will all be super restrictive.
The Monocam is better for this.
40mm is fine for some things once you have some practice, but the wider you get the easier it is to fly.
I hope that helps.
As someone who shoot weddings yourself, would you say it's feasible to skip the monopod route all together and just practice practice practice using a stabilizer?
If that's the case, would you say the "hacked" Kovacam would be the way to go nowadays?
YourInnate it really depends on your preference, camera weight, travel options (because you have to carry it to the shoot) and length of wedding.
For example, with a tiny stabilizer like the Xcam, used with a tiny mirrorless camera and tiny lens, the vest is probably going to be overkill. (for example see my glidecam + sony NEX-6 video, no vest was used there)
But with a Canon 5D the vest system makes a huge difference.
Ya, I was probably going to avoid the vest (at least at first). It just seemed like you really liked the Kovacam as a unit (even without the vest). I'll look into the Xcam as well.
Thanks for all your help! Your videos are amazing!
YourInnate
thanks. :)
currently for a good small stabilizer i'd recommend the glidecam hd1000.
not perfect but flies very well. i posted a review that explains it.
Great video as always, Nitsan. I have the exact same setup (I got the same vest and stabilizer from Orpheus_C). But sometimes, when I'm following my actors, the arm jerks up and down very slightly causing camera shakiness. My arm's tensions are set at somewhat tight settings. Do you think I should experiment with a softer and more wobbly/shaky arm settings? What are your thoughts on a tight tension versus a soft/loose tension? Which settings create smoother shots? Thanks.
hi. thanks.
yes, definitely try less tension in the arm.
:)
Nitsan Simantov Thanks, Nitsan. I will try that!
Hi again Nitsan,
I can´t get away from your reviews :) they are great
If you had to choose between the Wieldly, the Kovacam, the glidecam XR-2000 and the Laing P-04S, which one would you chose?
thx!
+Marcello Scotti
Thanks! :)
I'd skip them all and choose the Glidecam HD1000. :)
+Marcello Scotti But the Kovacam is pretty damn nice too.
+Nitsan Simantov the HD1000 --- :) haha that´s another level, the 400 pounds budget level :)
+Marcello Scotti you can get them for £336 on ebay. but yeah on the lower price go for kovacam.
Nitsan, love your reviews, just discovered your channel. I can't find a steadyPOD review. Did I miss it? Or have you not done one yet? Please advise.
Hey, thanks!
That steadypod is not even remotely professional and is extremely overpriced.
That's a very nice way of saying my opinion about it. haha
I hope that helps. :)
Nitsan Simantov Thanks for the answer. I'm learning a lot from your videos.
thank you for the review. Question for you. I have a XA10 canon not a dslr. Does this gear only work with DSLR camera's? I have only seen reviews of this gear with DSLR's
it works with any camera that is a suitable weight. There is no minimum on this unit because the gimbal/handle can be adjusted up and down.
Hi Nitsan,
I have been watching reviews after reviews for this past two weeks and I found your review to be the most trust worthy, thank you for that. I won't be surprised if I don't hear from you on this since it is over a year old review. But I thought I would give it a shot. My question is about attaching a 0.54kg monitor at the base. Do you think I would have a difficult time with balancing? Also, using the K05 with a camera & lens weighing about 1.54kg, do you think I can record for about 5-10 minutes at a time comfortably? I am an average size man. Thanks, Teddy
+Tewodros Admassu
Hey. Thanks, glad you like my vids.
I've not tried using a monitor with this. Should be easy, since there are rails to connect the monitor and fine tune the weight balance between the monitor and the other weights (do this before you attach the camera). The main issue would be the cable, there's no place for it on the inside of the pole, so it would be on the outside (should hold fine with some cable ties or velcro straps) and would prevent doing complete spins with the stabilizer. I mean spinning the camera 360 degrees, because the cable would eventually hit the place where the handle connects to the gimbal. Also if the cables moves it will change the balance slightls, so hold it tight to the pole.
I hope that helps. :)
+Tewodros Admassu Oh and yeah 1.5kg isn't a problem for this stabilizer.
+Nitsan Simantov
Thanks Nitsan, you have bee a great help!!!!
+Nitsan Simantov
Hi Nitsan, do you think this seller is good, queenbay2012? It looks like "Orpheuc_C" doesn't carry it anymore or out of stock. And when I click the link you have provided queenbay2012 is the one that comes up and I am not sure whether or not I can trust the seller regardless the good review. I live in USA. Sorry for bothering you with this.
+Tewodros Admassu Hey. Yeah looks fine to me.
So tempted to order the full kit of Orpheuc_C but with 3 Axis Gimbal systems gaining strength and making the Steadicam show its age. There also getting more affordable take the Varavon BirdyCam.
yeah that one looks great. but 2500 bucks :o . I've not tried those systems yet, I will do when they go down in price and size.
Always good to buy a conventional stabilizer, even if just as a backup and alternative tool in your kit!
For instance in weather where the electronics of the gimbal systems can't be put in. Or what if something goes wrong with any of their many parts.... you'll wish you had one of these robust ones as a back up!
Good point David and i totally agree !
Nitsan Simantov Still going to order one anyway Nitsan it looks like a excellent piece of kit !
Whats length 15mm rods are you using in the review and where did you get them ?
Cheers
Chris
*****
yeah I agree. Also being able to tilt without a second person who has a remote, etc. :)
I think those rods are from Proaim but I got them ages ago. I'm not sure of the size, I think 18". Any carbon or metal rods will be fine, I would say just get ones the width of your waist or so. The longer the better as long as it's not so long that it's bumping into things.
I have this stabilizer but I bought a different brand fest and arm. The hole on the bottom of the handle is too small to fit onto the arm. Any suggestions on using both?
I guess maybe make an adapter. obviously you have to make a strong one so it doesn't break.
What is your current fave? K05, monocam cf pro+ or glidecam hd2000? I'm deciding between the 3 (and also the Came h4, which is probably a rebrand of something). They are all roughly the same price at around £170, with the glidecam obviously being at least £150 more (if used). Think I can get the same vest for only around £230 extra if bought with one of the others, but not sure if worth it
for big setups, the k05.
for small setups, the hd1000, for example the a7s with lightweight lens.
the hd1000 will also handle a 5d but not with lots of accessories.
I've used the hd2000 and there no way I'd get it without a vest. it's too heavy. I'd prefer the k05 with vest anyways.
my current choice is the hd1000 since I'm only using the a7s so it's super lightweight and no vest is needed.
Nitsan Simantov Thanks. I just have a 5d mk3 and a 28-70. The k05 weighs the same as the hd2000 apparently and monocam the same as hd1000. Guess its all down to what can handle my 2kg rig
the kovacam would be my choice. ideally with a vest if you want to shoot for long.
Would this work with a 5D mk II and a small HD monitor mounted on the sled? Is there a way to run cables through?
as long as the cable doesn't touch the gimbal or flap about then that should be fine.
you'd have to put the cable externally though.
Kovacam K05 vs MonoCam. Which one is better to travel with? Which one is more compact, to put it in a backpack and quickly assembly and use it when needed?
Monocam. smaller, lighter and folds down without the hex tool.
Thanks!
Nitsan do you think this can hold a Blackmagic Production Camera?
absolutely. that's not much heavier than my setup.
What do you think of the CAME-Steadicam?
I see they sell various ones so I'm not sure which one you mean. I say "sell" rather than "make" because it looks like they just rebrand stuff.
I was very unhappy with their 100w led which had lots of blatant lies in the specs.
and see my review of the s40 stabilizer which they also rebranded. its the worst stabiliser I've ever seen.
they look like they also rebrand some good products as well but frankly I'm not that eager to buy more stuff from them.
Will this vest and arm fit with a glidecam hd 4000?
yes, with a small adapter that you can provably get from the same seller.
Can you use the Kovacam vest with a glide cam xr series? Just wondering, I just purchased an xr-4000 and I'd like a vest but don't want to invest $1,000 USD on one. Whats your take on that? Thanks man!
yeah you just need an adapter for the handle connection.
the kovacam is made to fit most of the chinese stabilizers, but glidecam use thicker handles which have a larger hole, so you just need something to make the connector thicker on the arm.
Nitsan Simantov OK thanks man. I'm also looking at the weildy vest too, apparently I can also modify that one bc the pin of the glide cam is too small. I'm still thinking kovacam here.
Roanoke Weddings
I have the version 1 of the wieldy. Not quite as good and won't hold as much weight, but not really bad.
Nitsan Simantov I wonder if it would hold my dslr (panasonic lumix dmc-1000) and the glide cam-xr-1000? You mentioned that the Kovacam also needs some sort of adapter? Do they make one or is it a DIY? Thanks for the great insights man, I really appreciate it here. :) Just trying to find an alternative to holding my glide cam most of a wedding event. I did one last night, the footage, great but my arm is killing me today.
Roanoke Weddings yes they are intended for cameras DSLR sized and larger.
The adapter is diy. I have seen a ready made one from metal but i don't know where to buy them.
I had no problem with a diy one. You coils make it from a mix of plastic and duct tape, or maybe out of some wood, etc.
Now I feel really bad. I purchased a Laing P 04 S stabilizer and if I just turn about 70° I guess because of bad oil it accelerates nearly as fast as I turn myself.
Unfortunately it has a new dust and dirt cover for additional protection which seems to be not removable and therefore I dont know how to change the oil!
maybe ask laing how to open it.
or just return it or sell it.
but yeah I would not find that acceptable.
I just received an answer. Should I try the opportunity with the low friction bearling oil mentioned below?
Quote:
"
Hi,
Thank you for your email and sorry for the belated reply since I was just back from a business trip.
I have watched your video and forwarded it to our engineers. The gimbal is indeed off-center. I thought it was damaged during the transportation and I felt sorry for that. I would like to send a new gimbal to you.
As for the first situation demonstrated in your video, it is not really a quality problem. The stabilizer follows you when you spin the handle, because your camera is too light. The damping of our bearings is a little big for your rig. Our P-4S is better for professional cameras (with weight of more than 1.5 kg). For a lighter camera, several extra counter-weights are needed. The damping performance is also related to the speed. If you spin faster, the stabilizer will not follow you. Our current damping settings are suitable for most users (including news beginners) in various environment conditions (including strong wind).
The ideal super low friction or zero friction setting which you mentioned is just suitable for practiced hands, because it requires command of skills. It’s very hard to control. A breeze would make it swing. We used to make this kind of product. Most responses we received were about control problems, so we gave it up.
Nitsan (yes that is you ;-) ) is an expert. Maybe a supper low or zero friction product fits for him. If you prefer it too, we can replace bearing oil for you. But more practice and command of manipulation techniques are needed. What’s more, too-thin bearing oil will increase collisions between metals and produce noises in the bearing.
"
FrozenSkiller
There are many things in that reply that are incorrect. (I listed 7 below. lol)
I'm not saying they are lying, they probably just don't know, it's very common that manufacturers make mistakes like this. Only a few REALLY know what they are doing, like Glidecam's staff (which is probably why they had an awesome product years before most of the other companies) most manufacturers are pretty much just copying others and guessing what users want, and they often make mistakes in design based on complaints from inexperienced users.
1. "The gimbal is indeed off-center." - Good that they admit it and are happy to send a replacement. It can happen with many brands.
2. "...because your camera is too light." - NOPE. No camera weight requires ANY friction in the bearing and it absolutely does not help with wind. Ask them to send you the replacement with the thinnest possible oil they can, PFTE (Teflon) spray lubricant or a very light PTFE oil.
3. "...produce noises in the bearing" - NOPE. It will not cause noise issues unless you're spinning it at 100 RPM. lol
4. "A breeze would make it swing." - NOPE. This is all to do with the size of the unit and the drop time, not at all to do with the oil in any way that makes a difference in usage.
5. "If you spin faster, the stabilizer will not follow you" - That is completely irrelevant for actual shooting. When you are shooting it is constantly moving very slowly even if you are not turning.
6. "...damaged during the transportation" - NOPE. Bad quality control at the factory.
7. "Nitsan is an expert" - Yes that's true, lol. BUT no matter how experienced you are, friction WILL lower the quality of your stability, with ANY weight of camera, with or without a vest system.
FrozenSkiller Hey, I thought this was interesting and worth sharing so I added it here:
www.nitsan.co.uk/blog/2014/7/14/stupid-things-some-stabilizer-manufacturers-say
But let me know if you want me to remove your UA-cam name from the article.
If you want to send me the rest of your conversation with them or the video that you sent them then that would be cool, but obviously only if you want to.
N
What is this vest like compared to the Glide cam vest? Thanks!!
I've not used it, sorry.
Nitsan Simantov sorry Just realized that there is a glide cam and a glide gear. have you ever used the GLIDE GEAR!! vest
no, sorry. most footage online from the glide gear is not great, but often because most those reviewers had zero clue as to what they're doing. one guy who seemed to be more experienced compared it to the Glidecam and the results were very noticeabley better on the glidecam.
What size rods did you buy? Seem like a good length
I think 18" but not sure. I think about the width of your shoulders or hips should be good. That's the longest you can go and still squeeze between people/things about the same as before.
Nitsan Simantov Ah ok, cool, thanks!
Nitsan Simantov Is there some kind of special term for these rods? What's their diameter? TIA!
R.Y. they are standard 15mm rods. you can get them on ebay or in filmmaking shops, etc.
Has anyone ordered one from Ebay to the US? It shows a crazy long shipping time, its my only hold up. Anyone have any experience with them?
I'm in the UK so I donno.
Check the seller's feedback, often people will say if the shipping was fast or slow.
I get my stuff pretty quickly here. 1-2 weeks I think. Although I don't pay much attention to it.
kovacam k05 or Laing P04?
K05 wins hands down.
Google "stupid stuff some stabilizer manufacturers say" - that's all about a P04.