Vforce Productions

Why the Sirui P-204S Monopod is more flexible than a shoulder rig? [Video]

• By Vien
• 11 October, 2015
• Comments Off on Why the Sirui P-204S Monopod is more flexible than a shoulder rig? [Video]

Why I decided to go with the Sirui P-204S 63″ 4-Section Aluminum Monopod($160) and the Manfrotto MVH500AH Flat Base Pro Fluid Head($162) combo, total cost is $322.

Pros:

1. Static shot: all you do is lock the feet’s ball joint and its pretty stable in wind less than 15mph.
2. Low static shot: the bottom foot became a small tripod when disconnect it from the rest of the body.
3. Crane shot: all you do is extend the monopod and grip it with both hands and arm, than move your torso up and down slowly.  Great for crowd shots.
4. Dolly shot: put your foot on the monopod feet, than move in or out of the subject.
5. Spinning-revealing shots, looking down.  On a table or chair, spin on the axis while filming downward.
6. Small and compact.  Your arms doesn’t get tire, since it has feet.

Cons:

1. Manual focus: have to focus by hand.

Overall: steady shots and a lot more option for creativity.

Dolly shot.  Using the  Sirui P-204S Monopod with the Manfrotto MVH500AH Fluid Head.

Spinning- reveal shot.  Using the  Sirui P-204S Monopod with the Manfrotto MVH500AH Fluid Head.

I shot this whole event using the monopod.

Redemption Church Baptism from VFORCE PRODUCTIONS on Vimeo.

Manfrotto MVH500AH Fluid Head is so smooth!  I love the quick release plate.  It comes off on a slight angle instead of the old fashion sliding style.  It also come with a tilt drag control knob.  I think this Manfrotto fluid head will move your video to the next level!  It has a professional feel to it.

Sirui P-204S Monopod vs the Shoulder rig:

Shoulder rig, Battle Tested Film Gear 954-Kit-6-CF Proaim DSLR Filmmaking Kit $1000.

Pros:

1.     Static shot: is kind of shaky like news style.
2.    Low shot: use the top handle.
3.    Very maneuverable: run and gun style.
4.    nice smooth focus: using the follow focus system.

Cons:

1.  Heavy: Your shoulder and arm/elbow gets tire after 2 hours of filming.
2. Limited on your shot choices.

Overall: Heavy, news style shaky shots.

Conclusion:  Hopefully this answers the question, “Why the Sirui P-204S Monopod  is more flexible than a shoulder rig?”  But there is also a place for the shoulder rig.  I used it during an action follow sequence to give the feel of real stress war-time situation or during a new style interview.

So different gear for different situation, but the  Sirui P-204S Monopod just have more shot choices and a lot more affordable.  This is my favorite setup so far, you can also fold-up the legs and take it with you on travel.  I’m taking this with me where ever I go!