Testing 5 "Budget" Alternatives to Overpriced Film Gear

[@MobileFilmmaking]

The word “budget” definitely has different meanings to different people 😂

[@LucForsyth]

big time.

[@davidr521]

Was just thinking that same thing, when I *woke up from fainting* after hearing the price of those light tubes 😮

[@Diminish12]

Lol, this is the realist comment.

[@danabeldp]

Buy once, cry once

[@Diminish12]

@@danabeldp I bought a Sony A7SIII once, I been crying ever since.

[@eggydrums]

Luc, this is probably the first and only video I've seen from your channel and I'm subscribing immediately. Your presentation style is not only straight to the point, but also relatable and down to earth. It feels like you're just another filmmaker like us who's sharing his experience in a genuine manner. Regarding the content of the video, Impact makes a very similar bag to the Neewer and it was definitely one of the best purchases I made last year. It's such a good time to be an independent filmmaker with so much useful and low cost gear available.

[@JoshSchaidt]

Watch the zippers on that Neewer case. 2 broken zips in 4 months meant laying down the cash for the Think Tank. (No regrets with the ThinkTank)

[@MickySarge]

I really appreciate how straightforward and practical your videos are. No fake hype or fluff.

[@alloriginaltone]

You're good! Full disclaimer given and authentic valuable content provided! I have a semi-pro-ish tip for another economy option for the light stand/tripod big bag....a golf travel bag. They tend to be a little longer, are pretty cavernous, ruggedly built, have padding, have wheels, often have outside pockets for odds and ends, and when an airline sees them they don't really think twice. They often fold up for storage which is also could be con since the Neewer "solid" box design might help in some ways. And the bonus is that they are even less expensive than the Neewer rolling case.

[@alloriginaltone]

Oh...and the airline pays attention and is more likely to handle golf bags with care...last thing they need is a claim from an angry executive on their golf trip.

[@Timoleon87]

I bought two super cheap (≈$40 each ) Yongnuo speedlights for over 10 years ago and they still haven't ended up in a landfill 😊

[@YoungBlaze]

This reminds me of the term "Military Grade protection" anybody that's been in the military knows that word means something totally different

[@desmondlove1557]

😂

[@adamtaylor17]

Luc, Thank you for making this video. It's always nice to see how actual filmmakers (not just "KZbinrs") use and abuse gear, what works, and what doesn't.

[@Bernatchly]

Man.. I really like your vids! They're not the over the top super flashy type vids we see so much, but rather well put together and well thought out videos about things we want to know about from someone that's doing work with it all on a regular basis. Honestly makes me miss my days working in the documentary world! Been subbed for a while now and much enjoy the vids I get to catch!

[@JedDobre]

My top budget items I’ve bought would have to be k&F 99 V mount. $199 Australian. I normally use coreswx v mounts that are $580ish AUD & I bought the K&F as an extra back up. & it’s now my first choice.. dual dtap. USB A & C + LCD screen showing exact timing. Neweer for anything like green screens/reflectors.. but definitely not for a stands etc. Also love the Pavo tubes.. I’ve got 6 :)

[@tonimuller6581]

Also bought two k&f V mounts for 129€, each (which is slightly more expensive than 199 AUS$). Very Cheap but I was, like you, intrigued by its features and the possibility to charge via USB C. I hope they last a long time 🤞

[@JedDobre]

@@tonimuller6581 I’ve had mine for 4 months & so far so good! 🤞🏼

[@HenriLaroco]

The transmitter to ipad is a game changer. I didn't know that was a thing!

[@seanp2k617]

With batteries I don’t like going for the most budget options since only a few companies make top-quality underlying cells, and there’s just too much potential for cheap batteries to become incendiary grenades in your bag / truck / closet / peli case. For stuff that holds a camera or lights, especially overhead, I also don’t think going super cheap is OK due to the potential to hurt people. Maybe you don’t need all Matthews or Kupo stands, but Impact is dang good esp if you’re not loading it close to the limit. Resale value is also a lot better on decent brand grip gear vs Amazon no-name junk, and unless you’re really beating on grip gear it should last a very long time, so it seems pretty straightforward to buy at least midrange quality gear.

[@iDigress77times]

It's wild that you traded comforts for your career, and I admire that. I worked a blue-collar job and retired. I have health insurance, a house, and a pension, but I would trade it for your youth and current career.

[@DamienFinn]

Bro, your delivery has gotten so much better on camera! Holy crap man! Keep up the GREAT work! Obviously the lighting is top notch always has been, camera work, impeccable...

[@DVSStudios]

Great video, Luc! The Pavo Tubes are great but we actually settled on the Amaran tubes made by Aputure. They are extremely durable, full spectrum RGB, and the app interface is fantastic. Plus they have several 1/4-20 and 3/8" mounting points and an extremely long-lasting battery. They come in a 2ft and 4ft version. I highly suggest checking them out!

[@Rrroarr]

While I agree on most of the points, I strongly advise against the neewer case. I learned the hard way: zipper broke in the middle of a haul, and one of the straps just snapped. It wasn't even overpacked, it was 18 kg overall. If you're flying it will last maybe 3 to 4 flights. It's really suitable for short car trips and nothing more. Just swallow the pill and get a pelicase or a think tank. They will outlast your career.

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks for the heads up, I’ll keep a close eye…it feels really solid right now, if it doesn’t last I’ll make sure to update!

[@spdcrzy]

If you don't fly, BTW: FXLion Square batteries will go up to 300Wh for $650. It's expensive, yes. But for the amount of battery it offers, it's very much worth it because you can charge with a single 60W USB-C.

[@ArtherreroDoP]

Been getting the SAKK ads too and almost pulled the trigger till I saw this haha thank you!

[@LucForsyth]

Glad I could help!

[@Oddernod]

Genuinely one of the best videos of this type. Thanks for all of these!

[@iamalexchua]

You will never be called a shill because you actually endorse products that are useful and have true value as compared to most KZbinrs that say a product is a “game changer” but its clearly a lemon or a potato.

[@just_eirik]

New video just as I’m binging your videos? :D Your videos are very interesting, even though I’m not a videographer or a professional of any kind.

[@LucForsyth]

haha, every monday!

[@flycatchercreations]

As a heads up on the Neewer rolling bag...I've gone through 2 of them on maybe 6 flying trips. The pad on the bottom to allow it to stand up snapped off and the handle to be able to pull it also snapped off. I have the Production Manager 40 bag arriving today, actually. The Neewer bag has worked really well when it held together! Just watch those other parts.

[@mochouinard]

Regarding batteries... I have 5 or 6 different brand of V-Mount battery ! They all worked as of today EXCEPT one brand, which some people decided to use them in LIGHT !!! I love these battery because they were 150WH battery, so the latest a long time... But after 2 rental with the same guy.. He broke 2 of them because he used it in freaking light ! That said I had 4 of these batteries, and the 2 other batteries still work great today with my camera and monitors... I just never use them in light !!! I think light is where you need special v-mount battery, especially Aputure 120d + type light ! I did use the with light, but it was Aputure 60 and some light panel that don't draw that much. I just received 2 set of battery. One cheap kit of 2 battery that claim 95Wh capacity, but they tested at 57.7Wh at 5amp, and 62.8Wh at 1amp... The other brand I just tested are the K&F Battery rated at 99Wh, but I got 82.4Wh at 5amp, and 87.4Wh at 1amp... I bought the tester as I bought those batteries this weekend, so I will be doing a lot more test in the future with my other 3year old + batteries ! But let just say you cannot trust the capacity of the battery they gave ! Now one thing that 2024 battery are nice is they have USB-C charging support !!!! AND THIS IS AMAZING ! The K&F Support 100watt charging, but it drop down to 45-50watt after 15%. But still it faster than my Rolux V-Mount charger, and I can super easily charge 6 battery with inexpensive USB-C charger which we pretty much all have now, and it take so little space ! Just be careful so no one steal your plug OR decide to unplug your charging battery so they can charge their phones... As a bonus, the K&F battery provide 100watt USB-C OUT, which mean I can use them for my laptop as well ! The K&F have a screen on them, but I feel they could have made better use of it... No Charging details with estimated charge time based on current rate, or no information of current rate or battery temperature level... And same for using the battery, it tell you how much you draw (though, battery info was different than my meter by 5 watt). But anyway, we all have USB-C charger around, so be able to charge my V-Mount via USB-C is not a MUST for me after this quick experience ! Ok back to the video ;)

[@annebokma4637]

The bigger problem with cheap less durable gear is that it craps out when you need it most. The difference between a successful production and a failure makes the price difference worth while

[@kandjlumber]

Nanlite $750 for dual bundle is "BUDGET" friendly? sheesh. Thank God I am not in the Photography niche like you guys. Much respect to you all!

[@vcuteverything]

Be careful with Neewer as they are a rebrand company, meaning they use other budget brand products and rebrand as their own.

[@BackdoorBarnyard]

Even the best rechargeable battery will end up in the landfill in a couple years. It doesn't matter how much you pay.

[@LOMISFILM]

The Think Tank Production Manager 50 V2 is absolutely worth every penny; can't recommend it enough. When it comes to protecting gear, never skimp. Though I'm sure the Neewer bag is more than good enough for most grip, stands, sticks, etc.

[@VideoVo-Tech]

Great video! Budget gear is so good nowadays its crazy. I'm sure doc work is pretty hard on gear though, so more industry standards start to make sense. Godox makes a good large case like the Neewer one that ive had for a few years. Also, Neewer makes some great 150-190wh batteries for the same price as that compact one if you need higher wh batteries for lights on the cheap. Thanks for the review!

[@aleceriksson1108]

The current crop of USB-C PD fast charging batteries are 150% worth switching over to. They're not excruciatingly expensive and with the ubiquitousness of Anker's cheap, fast, wall chargers means you can not only get more wattage, recharge faster, but carry more of them in less space. So incredibly worth it. Get the 100 or 98wH versions as they're only marginally bigger than the 50wH.

[@justoneperson]

Yes!!!🎉 I was waiting for another audio code for the life time. I HATE subscription services. Thus I use FCPX. I really appreciate this video, to me Smallrig is my high end and mostly use neewer. But I don’t have a beard thus I am not a Pro. lol

[@jeffshaw122]

As I am watching this video, I am keeping an eye out for my delivery of a CameTV battery! I am SUPER impressed with their products! Thanks for all the awesome content! LOVE YOUR CHANNEL LUC! Oh! It's HERE! gotta go!!!

[@CartyCantDance]

Remember prices are relative people! This list is definitely going to help me upgrade in the next year or two …. Especially those batteries

[@alex357magnum]

We use golf club bags for stand and misc gear. The wheels suck so gotta switch those out but it works so well.

[@gcprost]

Thanks for doing this. One thing I would add to this list is the Neewer V mount batteries. They are very inexpensive and very reliable.

[@ThatCapnGeech]

The real bummer about batteries is just like you said, LiPo or Li-ion cell quality. I’ve been using a cheap brand (Indi-Pro I think?) and they have done fine for what I need at work (camera and sound equipment) but I wouldn’t use them to power a light because they get zapped way too quick. Then there’s build quality. I’ve used Anton Bauer in the past and those things are built like contractor tool batteries. I wouldn’t be afraid of them taking a tumble or drop while swapping out… my indi-pros? Nah I think they’d get one or two drops and get busted. “Budget” batteries I plan to upgrade to are either the Came-TV or Smallrig in the future. Until Milwaukee or Dewalt get into production batteries in the future…

[@youcdl]

Everything I bought from neewer, including a similar roller case, broke after a couple of small gigs. It's really strange that you had a somewhat positive experience

[@DocRock]

I really wish creators would ignore the idiots, This is a fantastic video and it sucks that we gotta stop and let Luc rant 1:15+ for people who are not worth his time. Ok now my rant over 🤣 Mahalo for a dope video. 🤙🏽

[@LucForsyth]

Haha, thanks for having my back man! 👊

[@chris_sparrows]

I use some different Came-TV batteries of the same size. Been solid so far. They also have a v-mount plate that can take 2 of those batteries so you can go twice as long.

[@bakerke1]

Love this video!! I’ve been looking for an affordable option for most of these items. Thank you!

[@kilikdudley]

CAME-TV aren’t just inexpensive, they are my preferred battery brand. Have 5 for my fx6. Have never let me down

[@jwhittaker4852]

I was at the BSC expo in london yesterday and weirdly there seemed to be more buzz around the Nanlight / Nanlux booth than apeture, they seem to really levelling up, even had a chat with a Godox rep who came over for a look and he seemed impressed.

[@bst278]

I have learn some good stuff from you Sir. I made sure the folks at audiio knew that you sent me. Thanks for the savings!!

[@DadDoesOutdoors]

I have the Mars 4K and love it - have reliably used it to pull focus. And I’ve totally abused my Newer trolley bag and it’s survived. It’s been so heavy at times I could hardly lift it. Never checked it in to hold luggage though.

[@terryhope2074]

Have owned a cinesaddle for over 25 years, bought when the company was still Australian owned and it is still as new. Paid for itself many times over - as a car rig, protection for my gear in a car, as you mentioned and great place to park your backside when it's 45+ degrees in the Australian outback.

[@YouTube_can_ESAD]

Bingo, same here… It served as my first “camera stabilizer” shooting from moving vehicles like heli’s, cars, etc. Love my two Cinesaddles, loved those car mounts too!!

[@nordfilmcompany]

I’d say a double sided np-f dummy adapter to d-tap is so far my favourite purchase. Let’s me clip on the wireless transmission on to the same dummy that goes into the back of my monitor. About £30 on amazon

[@traceysmiley7]

Thanks for the recommendations. I purchased the Came TV Mini 99c using your Amazon link. Cheers!

[@danielcharlesfilms2897]

Very informative and entertaining. Thanks Luc!

[@kkw6335]

You know the weird thing is that in China, the price of the FX9 is lower than that of the FX6, and it’s only slightly more expensive than the FX3.

[@NickNCC]

Great thoughts, thanks for making the breakdown!

[@next2011]

Great concept for a video! Thank you! I would have loved to see you compare some of the Easy Rig alternatives.

[@burgunbeerd]

I have that neewer bag and the bag itself is really quite good. Unfortunately the wheels don't really like getting beat up and are a bit too small. Still probably worth the price though

[@wiezyckifamily]

Thanks for the great recs! I agree on the Hollyland and definitely want to try the Neewer rolling case. Are you having much luck getting a lower media rate for it being overweight? Assuming it's overweight.

[@ALonesomeStreet]

An argument for the ThinkTank bag, you can buy parts! I had a handle break on my thinktank suitcase, and a new handle was $30 and easily replaced! Could I buy 3x or more of the Neewer's for the same price? Totally, but that suitcase has been all over and in daily use for years. Worth the money 100%.

[@jonathanpage6813]

The latency of the Holyland made them a deal breaker for live productions.

[@sembalo1776]

Great video, yes Hollyland wireless systems are real good and thats a really nice idea to link it to an ipad ill have to keep that in mind! And buying used can also be a decent way to save money on gear! as long as your careful

[@joserangelve]

Agry comment here...done...now calmed down 😅Awesome video bro, thanks.

[@segwaymusic]

Great video as always and very informative. I bought a shorter version of the Neewer case (it has orange trim on it) and although I still use it, the top handle detached from the frame over time (airline crews probably contributed to its demise!). Now I have reinforced it with duct tape and it seems to be working ok. It's a beater case and that's alright for me. I still use it to travel when I'm flying however, I bought another one that I use when I do shoots locally which is made by Westcott. It is slightly better built but I know that if I used it on flights, it might end up having the same fate as the Neewer case! As for wireless video is concerned, I have a Mars 400 and a Mars 400s as well as a Mars 300 Pro and a Mars X. They are pretty reliable but I have to say that when it comes to reliability and a better IOS app, Accsoon makes better transmitters. I have an Accsoon CineEye 2 and a CineEye 2S and they are better overall than the Hollyland transmitters. However, those are designed to work only with IOS or Android devices. Thanks, Dan.

[@kultyurgeym]

Thank you for this video because I'm really looking for a good but affordable battery.

[@meirchaimo6960]

A great diy cinesaddleis a backpack worn frontwards

[@paulgero]

Luc....great insights and keep creating your superb videos!

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks Paul, will do!

[@menschchef]

Amazing content as usual 🧩

[@AndrewLawlin]

Cant wait to watch this! Love the stuff you are putting out!

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks man, much appreicated!

[@digitten]

I am sorry you didn't post this about a month ago when I got the Sakk, but I should have done my due diligence. I just used it for a 3-hour shoot and though it was not horrible, I did have to constantly punch down the center to get my hand under the lens. I am going to keep it and may be used it for static shots on tables and shooting wildlife stills on the hood of my truck, but I am definitely going to invest in a CineSaddle. Thanks for your reviews and experienced opinions.

[@robertallen1739]

This is super helpful, thank you!

[@Bill-NM]

I cannot believe SAKK can't make as good (or DARN near) a bean bag as Cinesaddle for $200 - I mean c'mon, a better strap? The same/similar fabric? Those HAVE to be items that have a HUGE markup even at $200.

[@ChristopherDoyle-e7y]

Golf Club travel cases are a good inexpensive alternative to pelicans/think tanks (IF you don't need extreme protection)

[@LucForsyth]

Love this tip!

[@vknational4301]

I got the Sakk since the cine saddle is €600 here in Europe

[@ETSUBrown8939]

This was great, thank you!

[@jefferson.castillo]

Great video!!!

[@stasgavrilovru]

Looking forward to Anton Chegurh batteries

[@JoshuaScottApplegate]

Great topic to cover! thanks!

[@speliotis]

will the sakk or Cinesaddle stop a bullet ?

[@anthonyrock5039]

If you sew one out of kevlar and slide a few lead plates into a few sleeves...perhaps yes 😅😅😂

[@sergiypudich]

Great summary of the equipment! 🎉 exactly was going to buy cinebag ))😊

[@jettlifeproductions]

The Neewer and Godox trolly cases do NOT hold up over time when traveling alot. Went through 3 of them in 4 years.

[@mochouinard]

Wireless Video Transmission... I have like 4 different system... And the only system that was reliable is the Teradek... I got lucky and got the 1080p version when they were phasing them out, so I got a Bolt 500 and the Ace 500 too, plus 1 or 2 extra receiver, for pretty cheap... But all my Wifi style setup all seem to work when I set it up, but stop working in the middle of the shoot ! So I kinda gave up on them... Maybe there is some firmware update and I should try... Or maybe this the hollyland... That said I find 66ms to be pretty slow... I haven't use my other stuff for over 2 years now, since covid actually... But I'm pretty sure I was at 1 frame at 24fps (which I guess would be 41ms, and sometime it felt close to 2 frame, so ok maybe 66ms is just fine...)

[@iamvictorperez1482]

I use some of these products Especially the Holly land they are so reliable I use them a lot on my sets Thanks brotha 🙏

[@LucForsyth]

They're great!

[@darkphotographer]

cool option for tripod or ligthstands , keyboard gig bag or guitar hard case iven gun case could be useful and for other small stuff , tool bag sfuff from stanley is quite good and cheap ,

[@ThomasCristofoletti]

Got my cine saddle in Cambodia for 40 usd… as you said, it’s just a bean bag at the end of the day… :)

[@TheJ_G]

Honestly, I’ve had Teradek tech fail way more than all the new cheaper options that have flooded the market in recent years. I see a teradek show up on set, and I immediately tense up at the problems were likely to have as they’re almost always from a rental house and just ran into the ground.

[@mapioskoloni9784]

Can you give some examples of where you would use the Pavotubes?

[@HeliosFish]

Oooh 15.99? Oh 1599.

[@QuiltGuildFilms]

great video and helpful!

[@echomiroir5584]

Hello, thank yout for that informative vidéo. Speaking of cheaper gear I remember a video you made about a cardioid microphone that was not expensive and had some advantage over supercardioids , but I can’t find it anymore.

[@echomiroir5584]

The SE7

[@tiemji]

Really lliked this video

[@johnclay7644]

informative video Luc,

[@LucForsyth]

Glad it was helpful!

[@craynotcreigh]

the mini 99C batteries look great except for the fact that they charge ONLY via USB-C makes it a hard sell.

[@LucForsyth]

Yeah, fair…for me that’s a plus, but could also be bad depending on your setup!

[@w4ck02]

Openmoon is a good cinesaddle budget option.

[@MojoPapiFPV]

Its wild to me that people pay $200 or more for a vmount/gold mount battery with 99Wh when you can get a power bank that can run your camera and monitor for $80.

[@Francisfphoto_]

Quick question! How do the iPad receives the video transmission with the Hollyland?

[@peakfilm3465]

"No Money Exchanged Hands" Why do ALL 'Influencers' Say this LOL! I reviewed a BMW the other day.. No money exchanged hands, (But I did get to keep it!)

[@stubbyfps]

Cause a lot of people assume that if something is sent for free AND the review is really positive, then it’s paid. Just not true 99% of the time, even if they do get to keep an item, most times the item that was sent out isn’t the highest of quality compared to the main set of gear they use (like me, I get sent out tons of products that just rot on a shelf. That’s because my main setup works for me and I don’t have a reason to replace things. So there is no reason for me to give something a more positive review just because I get to keep the item.)

[@Just_Samson]

Every Time he says “Saxx” my inner 5 yr old giggles 😂

[@Kori_INJN]

if the batteries isn't available to the public how did you reach out to have them sent to you?

[@MOTYV_VIDEO]

Thanks For a reasonable advices Greetings From Ukraine!!

[@LucForsyth]

You're very welcome! 🇺🇦

[@rossbodenmann]

Came tv makes solid gear

[@orakmoyaamitsira7581]

Hey, just letting you know the essentials packing list link in your description doesn't seem to work. Edit: so it does send the email, but I get two errors on your website after pressing the button which doesn't exactly strike confidence.

[@lachlanjonestv]

Hi Luc! Just out of curiosity, how good is the 'lag 'for the transmitter? This video has definitely made me consider getting one but I'm looking to work with a close friend on focus pulling, and the lag would obviously be an issue, even if it's slight. in AUS it's about 400-500 dollars. In this context, would you recommend i buy this transmitter or something more applicable. Cheers!

[@904Fishing]

the Pavotubes are discontinued already? this video JUST came out

[@winfilms3681]

damn i fell for the sakk ads

[@jefferson.castillo]

Pro lav mics vs Rode Go Pro