What’s the BEST Shoulder Rig? Tilta vs SmallRig vs PolarPro

[@chadwin]

What Shoulder Rig are you using and why do you like it? 🤔 🎥 🛒Get the Tilta Lightweight Shoulder Rig tilta.com/product-category/shoulder-rigs/tilta-lightweight-shoulder-rig/?aff=chadwinsmith

[@claudeIsbell]

Best all-around, but it has been Out Of Stock since it was introduced. Waiting for months.

[@chadwin]

@@claudeIsbell I just checked Tilta’s website, it says it in stock now. Where do you order it from? Maybe you can cancel and just order directly from Tilta. I just got a part from them I ordered in 2 days, so it might be a lot faster!

[@ThePostPatrol]

Noticed you forgot to mention the follow focus on the tilta is only mountable on the wrong side.

[@Karisu00]

Best video I've seen comparing these rigs. Definitely going to go with the Tilta now

[@chadwin]

Thank you! I haven’t seen any comparisons with the new tilta shoulder rig yet, so was hoping this would be helpful!

[@frankfeng2701]

Still rocking my $50 Neewer shoulder rig 🤣

[@chadwin]

I started with one I made out of PVC pipe in 2013 😆 then got a very cheap SmallRig one, so I know the feeling! But hey, if it still works that’s great 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@stevegek]

12:41 OUCH. That lens is crying now. Anyway went with the Smallrig because it's nice to have the rods permanently there. Pyxis + bars for follow focus works great on my Zhiyun Crane gimbal. Its perfect really! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. The polar pro is also very innovative.

[@ejazmehedi]

This video holds incredible value for people trying to make the best investment on some of these shoulder rigs! Tilta clearly looks like the winner, thank you for your effort on making this video!

[@kineticimagerygroup]

@8:50 ish you missed an opportunity to highlight how you don’t need to remove the camera from the rig as the upper section of the shoulder pad is actually a Manfrotto plate and can side load into any compatible tripod head. Simply fully extend the pad section and boom. Mine side loads and locks into my Small Rig tripod without any fitment issues. This is actually highlighted by tilta and was surprised this was missed.

[@chadwin]

Oh that's a really good point. I normally remove the entire bottom section, but i guess with the right tripod you could click it in from the side. I'll have to explore this more. thanks

[@petercofrancesco9812]

Great in depth review. I once had a shoulder rig but seldom used it because of a few reasons. If your trying to shoot without permissions you'll get noticed, related to that if you're trying to film documentary work and you don't want your subject to notice you..., finally if you're shooting run and gun sometimes you just don't have the ability to carry it, setup and brake down. There's no doubt shoulder rigs make hand held work that for extended period of time a fantastic experience and allow for stead shots without that unnatural floating effect of a gimbal. I agree if I got one the Tita sounds the best I was shocked that it wasn't the most exepensive.

[@beazjohnson9865]

Wow! This whole time I've only been eyeing up the pivot, but now I am seriously considering the tilta. Great review!

[@chadwin]

yeah, it's a really great shoulder rig and at a good price.

[@Shookie]

You're the definition of insane on utmost positive level! I'll join the crowd saying this, but hands down for the best comparison for shoulder rigs and like many others, I am now saving up for the Tilta shoulder rig, 100%, all because of this thorough video. Yes, I've seen a handful of shoulder rigs that I was planning to invest in, but seeing ALL that the Tilta offers + its quality + comfort level, it's quite simply a no brainer, so yeah, I've now scratched all other cheaper shoulder rigs and aiming for the Tilta one. But, howly smokes how thorough you are when you go through the gear you talk about, man. You leave no stones unturned, which is refreshingly superb to see, and I can only respect and salute you to the moon for that and the work you do. PS: I am going to make "KZbinr appreciation"-videos this year, and I've now noted you down on that list. It'll be a video where I explain why that particular youtuber is worth the sub/follow/watch and how it's related to me and what I do. How you've only got LESS than 100k subs, makes no sense to me, let alone that you're not even verified.... :O Thank you, once again, boss. 🙏

[@PracticalAIVictor]

Such a comprehensive review thank you!

[@chadwin]

Hey thanks for watching! Hopefully it helped with your shoulder rig needs

[@WalkingInWisdom]

Chad! Your absolutely thoughtful and thorough 22 minute review of these 3 shoulders is outstanding. 'Waiting on Tilta delivery; Liked. Subbed. Shared. -PG

[@chadwin]

Thanks! Glad to hear it was helpful. Enjoy your new Tilta shoudler rig!

[@mmixo]

I went for the smallrig exactly because i need lens support all the time. Taking out the plate with the support attached is what i need. I dont use gimbals (i would need a big one for my rig, cant afford it). I love that Tilta back pad so much that i did my own. All good

[@thatnewgearsmell]

what an amazing review. thanks for all the effort! So much info and demos for everything. Fantastic work.

[@BigLump95]

Thank you for this! I’ve literally been contemplating it because I wasn’t sure haha. I appreciate you bro!

[@chadwin]

Nice, hopefully it was helpful in helping you make a decision. there are so many options out there!

[@Eigenbaardig]

Awesome video thanks! I will definitely be going for the Tilta

[@chadwin]

hey thanks! Yeah it's a really great choice, especially for that price!

[@ColeNetten]

Thank you for this! Just got the fx6 and the tilta is exactly what I need so I can mount the grip to the side!

[@scheduleadmin2759]

Love your through explanation!!😊

[@chadwin]

Thank you!

[@TyroneLT]

Very good and detailed comparison of these rigs! I was lookinig at the Kondor Blue Shoulder Pad Air Rig which would have been nice to see in this comparison as well.

[@chadwin]

Thanks man! Yeah, I’ve played with the Kondor rig at NAB, but don’t have one to compare it to these. I’ll have to do that in the future!

[@AlexLopez-iy4by]

Thank you for the in depth review.

[@chadwin]

No problem! Hope it was helpful 🤜

[@linkslivemedia7050]

I love that the Nucleus M handles mount to the arms

[@MiaogisTeas]

The Tilta would be perfect if you could mount the rod on the left hand side - using your right hand on the follow focus causes your shoulder and arm to move up and down, which makes the camera shift. You should be holding the camera rigid with your right arm and adjusting with your left.

[@DanielSRosehill]

Thanks for the comparisons, sir, much appreciated!

[@timdanyo898]

Getting a shoulder mount with shoulder to VCT plate mount is the way to go.

[@Bo_Hazem]

Impressive review and opened up some interesting ideas for myself as well. Well done!

[@francisco_slade]

Just to add that you can separate the whole piece with the shoulder pad from the sliding plate with the handles, which is actually a Manfrotto plate, so it fits straight in a tripod. The only real problem I see with the Tllta is the absence of a second mount for a 15mm rod. It would have been son simple to add one. It's a problem both for matte boxes and many manual follow focuses.

[@JamesWilliams-in3py]

I was going to comment on your video of the a7siii Black magic comparison because the videos of you were so bad with the coloring it made me not trust your video test. Instead clicked on your profile and see you've gotten much better since then! Watched a few more of your videos. Great job with the content!

[@iFaFo_0]

Thanks I really needed this video.

[@PaulPhillipsFix]

Thanks great review, Tilta rules !!!

[@brunoshoes864]

If you slide the main plate from the shoulder part on the titla, is a standar manfrotto plate that you can fit in any of their tripods

[@chadwin]

Yeah exactly. You can use a standard manfrotto 502 QR plate to mount on the shoulder rig or a tripod

[@jessetimmmiller1870]

Thank you for this video!

[@Valleedbrume]

I ended up with the Tilta,best bang for the buck as far as I’m concerned.

[@bloodybrit127]

smakl rig's 15mm decision would have been incredibly smart if it werent for there quick plate. Being able to quickly remove it from the shoulder rig and put it on a tripod is super helpful but the quickplate make it redundant. Kinda makes we with tilta had that option or a faster shoulder to tripod solution without being 6 inches high

[@DavidBlodgett]

12:31 what monitor mount is that? This maybe be the solution to my monitor mount on my fx6 rig

[@IMDABROWN]

Said I wouldn't go back to shoulder rigs but that Tilta is calling me.

[@chadwin]

YES! 🙌 it’s definitely worth it cause it’s not a huge investment and then you’ll always have the shoulder rig as an option when you want it.

[@willfilmsstudio155]

Hey! You've convinced me to get the Tilta Shoulder rig. One quick question, what are the dimensions of the carrying case? Also if possible when compacted down how small does the tilta shoulder rig go? I've looked online and there's no information on how compact this unit can get for travel. I want to know if it'll fit in my bag or if it's too large and needs to be carried separately.

[@encoremultimedia3511]

Don't forget you can purchase a separate baseplate, put a quick realease plate on the bottom of that, that works with whatever tripod you own, then when you want to go from Tilta shoulder rig to tripod, you just take it off the shoulder rig via the Arca Swiss plate and put it on the Tilta baseplate using the same Arca Swiss plate and voila, you are on the tripod big, bang, boom! That's the other reason I like the new Tilta shoulder rig.

[@onasht]

Not sure how this works out. I have a Sachtler camera plate and tripod. So you're saying I attach a quick release plate to my Sachtler plate?

[@encoremultimedia3511]

@@onasht Tilta, on this rig Chadwin is featuring. uses what I believe is a Arca Swiss type plate, attached to a cage that holds the camera...let's say a Sony a7S III. That Arca Swiss style plate slides on to the shoulder rig he is demonstrating. If you purchase a separate "baseplate" from Tilta, you could put any quick release plate you like on the bottom of that and put that baseplate on a tripod. You could even have rods, a matte box and more on that rig. Then when you want to go from shoulder to tripod, you disconnect the camera from the shoulder rig and attach it to the Tilta baseplate on the tripod. It' still a relatively simple sliding plate connection. I currently own a Sony a7R III which I have on my baseplate with matte box, audio mixer, V-mount battery, etc. I use that as my "A" cam to shoot interviews and some B-roll. If I quickly need to take a few photographs, I simply disconnect the camera, in its "cage" via that Arca Swiss style plate and I shoot handheld. So, yes, you could still use a Sachtler plate and tripod.

[@claudeIsbell]

Have been waiting for the Tilta, through B&H Photo, for months. Loved it as soon as first viewing, but the price has gone up and down and none are available.

[@diazfilms]

Great presentation. I'm gonna go with the tilta shoulder rig. The polar pro price is kinda silly.

[@R8135003]

Not being a Pro I have more of a Frankenstein type of rig. By going to photo and video shows I raid the secondhand or charity booths and buy cages and parts for next to no money. Add some 15 mm ally rods from Amazon, a hack saw and a file and have at it. The fun part is figuring how to put it all together and look ok ish. Last up is a tin of matt black spray paint. I also get to watch videos like your and say "how can I do that?" Great video as always. From 25 miles north of London, be lucky stay safe

[@MrExel47]

I would love to but the Tilta arms separately, but I could not find them.

[@NihilQuest]

l have been using a cheapo, nameless "spider rig" for the last ten years (with black and blue handles, used to be very popular I think) that's probably a rip off from some good company and I was wondering if I should upgrade to something more professional. But looking at these I don't see a lot of improvement. Some things are certainly better, but overall the spider rig seems more versatile and it was dirt cheap compared to even Tilta.

[@mrhobs]

Hmm... I have a Tilta 15mm LWS Baseplate (Type I) and I also bought an overprice Tilta dovetail for tripod quick release. (Probably shouldn't have gone proprietary, but... here we are.) ANYWAY... For some reason all of this is hard to visualize. I'm wondering if there is an advantage to using the Tilta shoulder rig since I already have the baseplate and dovetail... like could I just slide my rig onto this shoulder mount because of my baseplate? ...or maybe I just need to start my build over... -Pocket 6K -Tita half-cage -Tilta baseplate -Pictor Zooms (giant) -16" 15mm rods -Smallrig lens support -Fotga Follow Focus -Soonwell V-mount battery plate -Andycine 4K (7"?) monitor Yeah... its a little weird and unwieldily, barely even usable, hence the search for a good shoulder mount. I need it to be balanced back completely on my shoulder, thing weighs a ton. If I can hold it better, it should serve my purposes fine. Sorry to bring up another KZbinr, but I'd kinda like to incorporate some concepts from that Brian Durkee video about his Pocket 4k rig from like 4 years ago. But if that Tilta rig does a good job... might consider it. I'm just not sure how things attach, and what kind of plates I need, if I wasted my money on the Tilta dovetail or not... etc. I'm still watching your video, just had to get this typed up, sorry in advance for the long comment, and thanks if you read this far!!

[@tetraskele9621]

UPDATE: Apparently the new "Tilta Left-Side (or Right Side) Advanced Focus Handle for F570 Battery" handles can take Rosette attachment brackets. (Problem solved! : )

[@Whaever_1981]

Also, apparently, if you use Tilta's recommended quick adjust rosettes the shoulder rig does not fit in the case anymore. Did you experience this? B&H reviews of this rig say this...

[@chadwin]

hmmm...i haven't tried their quick adjust rosettes yet, but i bet if people say it won't fit in the case after switching them out, it's true. the way it comes has been fine for me though. just used it last night!

[@Whaever_1981]

@@chadwin thx!

[@cinemachico]

First congrats ur great! I just love the ideia of the smallrig tripod quickrelease, but i also love the tilta arms! Please tell me that you can use both! Like the arma of tilta and the shouder of small rig! A badass Frankenstein!😮

[@chadwin]

Well, you could definitely use the Tilta arms on the SmallRig body with QR plate. The only thing is, idk if you can but the Tilta Arms separately, might have to get the whole rig to even get them….

[@Whaever_1981]

Great vid, thanks!! Does the Tilta shoulder rig has a safety pin that will prevent typical 501 plates by Manfrotto brand to not accidentally slide out?

[@chadwin]

thanks! yes, there's a safety pin to keep your plates from sliding out without pressing the release

[@Whaever_1981]

@@chadwin Amazing. So also for Manfrotto branded plates (not just the tilta Manfrotto cloned plates) correct? Thanks so much!!

[@titusnixon]

Great now I made my decision

[@CP-CINEMA]

You forgot to include Zacuto! That’s my favorite

[@chadwin]

Yes! Zacuto makes really great camera rigs, they’re just on the more expensive end. These options are a lot more affordable.

[@BenPhanStudios]

Thanks for yh video brother! Could you just use a normal manfrotto plate on the smallrig shoulder pad? Thanks!

[@hobatronic]

Surprised you didn't try a Kondor Blue one!

[@reyezdjd]

Amazing video, detailed review, wich model is the accessorie that support the monitor?

[@GregorBarclay]

I was gonna ask the same question - did you get an answer?

[@onasht]

@chadwin Any update on what you prefer?

[@jsleger3404]

Great video! Can you tell me the ref of the Smallrig shoulder plate please? I can't find it on their website

[@TheTuukkeli]

Is there a way to install two 15mm rods to the front of the rig? Seems silly only to have a mounting point for one.

[@chadwin]

There isn’t a way to do it directly that I can see in the shoulder rig, but you can use a 15mm mount base plate on top if you really need it

[@rothellecooke7425]

Witch one will be best for a Bolex H16 camera?

[@chadwin]

I’d probably go with the Tilta. And that’s dope, I’d love to shoot on a vintage 16mm cam.

[@rothellecooke7425]

@@chadwin Thanks for the info, So far I love shooting 16mm. Its fun... Thanks again. 🤭

[@NathanKatash]

where can i get this monitor arm dont think i saw this before

[@davidp158]

Thanks for posting this comparison review. On the Tilta shoulder rig, is there a way to mount a 15mm rod on the LEFT side? If using a manual follow focus, I prefer to do that with my left hand.

[@chadwin]

You’re welcome! Hope it was helpful. There isn’t a 15mm rod adapter on the left side and I don’t see a spot to mount one, but I imagine you could get creative. A lot of camera rigs allow you to put the 15mm rod clamp right on the cage now

[@davidp158]

@@chadwin I just ordered the Tilta shoulder rig and think it will work out well. I’m also looking forward to their next generation Nano follow focus.

[@chadwin]

@@davidp158 awesome! You’re gonna like it. I’m also excited for the 2nd gen Nano!

[@sottosopra4769]

hi, who is the model with the red dress?

[@LoveDarts]

Hi I got the polar pro pivot on your recommendation at a bargain £420. But now I’m wondering if the tilta is the better choice especially as I use arca Swiss plates and will get the focus system at some point. What do you recommend I do? Sell the pivot and get the tilta and save myself the headache or is there a way to adapt the pivot for arca Swiss? Thoughts much appreciated!

[@chadwin]

Hey! The Pivot is also a great shoulder rig and has many of it's own benefits (as I tried to show in the video) If you're happy with it, I might stay with it and just add an Arca Swiss adapter on top of the Pivot's QR. I've put mount adapters on top of other quick release plates many times and it's fine. But, if you do want to use wireless follow focus at some point, it may be worth selling and switching over. up to you!

[@LoveDarts]

@@chadwin what mount adapters can I use? Was going to just place an arca Swiss plate on top of the other but if there’s a cleaner way that would be great! I like the portability of this one I can just slide on side of my bag and carry easily without another bag which tilta has. Seems the only real negative of it not breaking down as cleanly

[@chadwin]

@@LoveDarts you might be able to use an adapter like this. It’s a manfrotto plate with a spot to clamp in an arca swiss plate. If it doesn’t fit the Pivot, just return the adapter 😂 amzn.to/3C49ceQ Yeah, the Pivot is very compact and portable!

[@jensmedia5083]

Thanks for the great comparison video. What parts are you using for the monitor arm?

[@GregorBarclay]

I was gonna ask the same question - did you get an answer?

[@mill3ronfir3gaming51]

what parts would you need to add rs3 gimble to the tilta

[@Kekmit]

"Oh polarpro looks so cool, maybe I'll buy it... Yeah, maybe not"

[@SofiaTaylor-wg5nx]

@chadwin smith what attachment(s) to your rig is holding the monitor?

[@GregorBarclay]

I was gonna ask the same question - did you get an answer?

[@WrathChild-NZ]

and the Tilta is $600 in NZ... great

[@tetraskele9621]

Sadly, the "Tilta Side Focus Handle Type II (F570, Tilta Gray)" handle is PERFECT for a Rosette-bese grip like this, but it has been discontinued AND IS IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND! At least, I couldn't find it outside of a non-trustworthy Tilta online shop in China (Chinese speaking only). As far as I can discover Tilta has NO ROSETTE equivalent? Odd, huh? The newer handles (and larger battery capacities) are all either that proprietary underside rail dealy-bob, an ARRI locking pin solution, or NATO Rail solutions. And I cannot see how I could re-engineer one of these to Rosette ... although perhaps SmallRig has an ARRI => Rosette adapter plate? Any ideas? Good review, BTW. I am personally NOT impressed with all of the carbon fiber pazzaz of the Polar Pro stuff. WAY overpriced IMO. The new Tilta Mirage Matte Box will really bite into Polar Pro's lightweight matte box business as well. I think the ONLY downside of the Tilta Mirage is that their VND and perhaps Polarizer filers are ... not very pro. However, the idea of adapting their Tilta light-weight motors to a box with rotating VNDs is sheer genius!! There is a market nitch on one (else) saw coming! The Mirage is obviously MADE for their light-weight shoulder rig. However, even in this case they missed the mark because it does not have side flags ... or perhaps it will be the MARK II version that implements side flags into this? I know side flags is not as useful here, as this is designed as an outdoor solution, but it would still be a HEAVEY matte box killer! Thanks for making this video. Good job! (Dorian)

[@arisezim5038]

Great video, if you could place timestamps that would be helpful

[@chadwin]

Thanks! I’ll try to add time stamps on more future vids

[@davidp158]

Are you able to secure Manfrotto QR plates to the receiver base of your Tilta shoulder rig? I just received mine and the lever on the receiver base is not able to tightened down enough to hold the Manfrotto plates firmly. The supplied QR plate does fit onto my Sachtler FSB-6 head, but it is way too short to provide the range of travel I need to balance my tripod. The supplied QR plate is also too thick to fit my DJI RS2 gimbal, which currently IS Manfrotto QR plate compatible. I'm hoping there is a way to adjust the tension on the shoulder rig's receiver plate. Swapping QR plates to go from tripod or gimbal to the shoulder rig is going to be very disappointing.

[@davidp158]

Update 12/21: Tilta confirmed that some of the baseplate locks were not set up correctly to securely attach Manfrotto quick release plates. I have to ship mine back for adjustment.

[@felixgillett3118]

so what you’re trying to say is….. tilta is the best? 😂 this video helped a bunch. thx!

[@flatwater6]

Great video. One question. Does anyone make a side grip ( start/stop and zoom) for a Panasonic DVX-200? I have seen so many shoulder rigs but without start/stop and zoom they are useless. I went with a full blown Zacuto rig once but hated it because of the reason. The gear was great but I shoot sports and I need zoom and rec. Thanks.

[@chadwin]

Thanks! Honestly idk if they make one for it. However, there are a lot of side grips that allow for rec start/Stop, you just have to get the right connection cable for your Panasonic. Just look up your cam and see if it has an option for remote start/stop via cable, usually LANC. Then you need that cable for the grip you buy

[@chadwin]

Getting control for zoom is likely a stretch. Instead, you could use any remote focus motor to zoom in and out, as long as your lens has teeth on the zoom ring, or add an adapter ring

[@flatwater6]

@@chadwin Thanks!!! That is a great idea. Just ordered the small rig. Thanks for the reply.

[@RootCinemas]

I like all the titla products but unfortunately for Canadians its very hard to buy titla products B&H Dont have any stock titla has customs duty , 😞😞

[@PeterV]

Copped a "antivertical club" shirt! Can't wait!

[@chadwin]

Dope!! Hope you enjoy wearing it. I’ve worn mine out from wearing it so much, I gotta order a new one 😆

[@EugeneMaynard]

👍🏾🙏🏾

[@visceraljourney]

Tilta definietly wins in my eyes.

[@chadwin]

Yeah, it’s a killer deal for a shoulder rig and it’s absolutely the most comfortable to use.

[@vahidamini1863]

✌...

[@nikoloztheseventh]

Come on Chad. just stand up! show it in action. You are too lazy today.