AutoPole / Varipole: Rig your Lights, Mic, Overhead Camera anywhere with one INVISIBLE STAND

[@RafaelLudwig]

AS ALWAYS Thanks for watching! REMEMBER TO LIKE THE VIDEO AND LEAVE A COMMENT! Also check these videos for other *REAL WORLD REVIEWS!* ► kzbin.info/aero/PLFutATfhhKQuWy1WdhsAZot4GMuVQ1dnS

[@TomMannHome]

If your walls are made of drywall, I suggest you put a piece of lumber between the autopole & the wall to distribute the force over a large area. Because auto poles can exert hundreds of pounds of force & either indent the drywall or even punch right through it. Don’t ask me how I know this, LOL.

[@RafaelLudwig]

This is so true, perhaps I should have been more specific about this in the video 😬 - I do tend to find studs to place it on or at least very close. But I have found that they don't need that much pressure to remain in place. Something to distribute the pressure would definitely help. A cautionary tale for sure! Thanks for the comment!

[@TomMannHome]

Yup, I try to find the nearest stud too, but sometimes there just isn’t one where u need it. OTOH, the problem with adding pieces of lumber is that u need about 5 hands to juggle everything, LOL. Cheers!

[@mickeyoern]

Easily the smartest solution for the ongoing convenience of shooting. Thank you for bringing my attention back to it. You're a good visual communicator.

[@conqueringryan]

Wow. I think you’re the only person on KZbin to talk about this! So clutch! Thank you!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Thanks for the compliment and for watching Ryan!

[@merandadevan4228]

Small kids. Yes, many of my stands have been damaged. We have gates up, but haven't come across anything like this. Thank you!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Exactly! Out of reach is the only way to go! Thanks for watching and the comment Meranda!

[@justcallmesando]

This is great. I own a set of Autopoles but never considered using them in vertical position. I will definitely try!

[@sesomediagroup]

Oh my goodness: I wish someone had told me about this solution 10 months ago when we started working from home full time. The “clamp to the desk” solution sometimes is suboptimal, and the child/pet dangers are real. Thank you so much for this

[@RafaelLudwig]

I had the idea and it still took me 5 months to set it up! And has been up in a semi permanent setup for almost a year. Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@BimalTailor]

been looking for something like this for ages.

[@sam-and-angela]

As I setup a new studio space for a new channel, YT suggested this video to me. I am glad it did! Not only is the autopole very cool, but I like seeing your physical space and how you use it in various shots while maintaining functionality. Kudos!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Nice! I am making a follow up video "AutoPoles 2 years Later" Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@sardendibs]

Got one of these and mounted it wall-to-wall behind my desk. The idea was to use this setup for overhead photography, but this will only work if you hang whatever you need to hang from it right below it. I put on a Manfrotto magic arm and extended it a little so the camera would point down to my desk, and then popped in a DSLR. The grip of the super clam was tight enough, but the whole AutoPole rotates when weight is added to a short boom arm (like the magic arm) attached to it. The grip of the rubber at the ends just isn't quite strong enough. So I will have to send it back and think of another solution. FYI: This was using an AutoPole2.

[@shotbysteph]

wow! Just found someone in my city selling an Autopole for $75, posted a day ago! Lucky me, it's totally a sign. I think I'm gonna do it! Thanks for posting this inspo vid :D

[@RafaelLudwig]

That is awesome! 75$! Nice! Make sure you clean the pads on the end, or they may leave marks on the wall. Or just buy new rubber pads. Thanks for the comment Stephanie!

[@KevinKolbe]

Absolute genius and I agree it's wild no one has either thought of this or at least shared it. My space is fairly small, as is some of my clients, so I can see how cool this would be. Thanks for sharing!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Glad you enjoyed it! I use the autopole as often as I can! Just have to make sure the ends are clean, they could leave marks otherwise. Thanks for the comment Kevin!

[@dohdrz]

WOW.... EXACTLY what I need. Movable, no drilling, etc. Thanks for the informative video.

[@RafaelLudwig]

Glad it was helpful! Exactly! Non permanent, perhaps a little paint touch up if it up for a long time, infinitely better than patching holes!

[@pianoscapesbynathanseiler2235]

Thankyou, This is exactly what I’ve been looking for, for my small music studio, to film my hands on my piano! Will be ordering one of these!! Nathan 🎹🙏

[@alexnrs8700]

This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Thanks!!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Glad I could help! Thanks for the comment Scott!

[@tombuck]

This was the video that originally hooked me on your channel. I FINALLY ordered an Autopole today 😁

[@RafaelLudwig]

Well you have to mount all those pavotubes somewhere! (that was a mighty little haul you got! Also was that a white challenger in the background of the garage!!?)

[@reineastra259]

I have 3 Autopoles lying around doing nothing! great fix!

[@AlexGTech]

Great video Rafael! A fellow creator mentioned these and this video got me sold on them! 👊🏼

[@RafaelLudwig]

Autopoles are super sweet! I have 3 of them in my office now. Like a mini grid studio! Thanks for watching and he comment Alex!

[@DJ-Justo]

Great! Think this will help stop my search. Just need some sort of remote based arm to easily access cameras once mounted based on where I’d mount this.

[@tfaqir]

Great use of poles. Great sound!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Thank you very much! And thanks for watching and the comment Tahir!

[@JKG_Brandon]

This is EXACTLY what I have been searching for for my home studio remodel, I just didn't know the proper words for my searching apparently haha Thanks bro, you're a life saver! Definitely earned a new sub today!

[@RafaelLudwig]

They are fantastic! Make sure you check out my recent studio tour video kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnbSY2l6nr-bh68 I talk about how I am using even more of them. Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@moethajib2]

Brilliant!! I'm so happy I came across this video. Thank you so much for the idea.

[@heatherinde]

I was about to install a DIY rig I made from plumbing parts in my art/filming studio when KZbin offered me your video. Just in time…I wanted something I could move around and the install would have been permanent. Thanks for sharing. I'm buying the Autopole instead. phew.

[@HardParking]

Great video, thanks. I am just discovering the autopole/variopole and I am tired of tripping over my own light stands.

[@MortarMike]

Grabbing two of these this week for my studio. This is great b/c setup and breakdown in my office gets tedious when I have to take stuff on shoots. This way I can remove stands entirely and just store them for later use. Wonderful, thanks for sharing!

[@RafaelLudwig]

I plan on making an update video. I use them more now ! Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@Warren_Liebmann]

Awesome Idea. I have Autoploles that have been sitting in my garage for years unused. Never though of mounting them horizontally. Thanks for the video.

[@RafaelLudwig]

Same here! I was so used to "the way it should" mindset for on-set video production. Stands, sandbags, and the non permanent set up. Get in, set up, shoot, strike down, and out. Autopoles were only used when we needed stands out of the shot. So thinking about this semi-permanent set up, it was one step from drilling into the ceiling and building a grid ;) I like this solution better.... Thanks for the comment!

[@CuttoothsRoom]

Wow, great solution for having to set up and break down multiple stands. Another idea that would be great for me is using these to mount down-firing speakers for a Dolby Atmos setup. I live in an apt with concrete ceilings so don't really want to drill holes into the ceiling, this would be a really good solution.

[@RafaelLudwig]

As long as the speakers don't pass the max load, yeah it would work well. I agree, avoiding drilling when possible, especially if you know it's not a permanent feature, is so worth finding alternatives! Thanks for the comment!

[@SkinnyWasHere]

now this is a clean setup. definitely going to use this trick as my daughter thinks the c stands are a jungle gym

[@RafaelLudwig]

Haha, my kids thought the same! Playtime! Now it's out of reach and they don't even bother anymore! Worth it for a semi permanent set up. Thanks for the comment! 😀

[@fangdynasty]

Bro this was so super helpful I can’t even describe how grateful I am thanks for producing content like this looking forward to seeing more

[@RafaelLudwig]

Glad to hear it! And thank you for the compliment and the comment David!

[@silversulu]

Thx for this Rafael! My situation exactly - I'm also surprised more folks arent' doing this. Light & C-stands are complete hell on floor real estate. Digging in now to determine which varipole system works best for lights/mic etc. Because I have an L-shaped studio, might be worth it to get two poles for two mount lines.

[@RafaelLudwig]

I actually have 3 mounted in my space, since that video I put up another one to home up a sound blanket right against the wall. No drilling no mess. Love them! Thanks for the comment!

[@RifatErdemSahin]

a video idea >>> autopole with a magic arm installing a camera vertically would also be great if possible mate.

[@RafaelLudwig]

That's a great suggestion! Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@MindzEyz]

I use the Kupoles from Kupo. They are a bit thicker and have these awesome 4-way clamps that hold basically anything... very similar. Awesome accessory.

[@RafaelLudwig]

Yeah those are essentially the same in function! But So so worth it once set up! Thanks for the comment Seth!

[@nkojima]

this is awesome for small space, thank you for sharing

[@RafaelLudwig]

It really is! Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@AndyBlackmedical]

I have been searching for info on these autopoles for so long! great job on this video, glad i found your channel, new sub!! Definitely going to pick up a couple of these for my next studio upgrade.

[@RafaelLudwig]

Awesome, thank you! I find them so useful! Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@dudepersonvids]

Shane Hurlbut has done some solid work as a DP, and put out some solid educational content as well. But the book light is pretty standard in cinematography and Shane certainly didn't invent it for anyone wondering!

[@SpedSpedding]

YES! Finally, this is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I want something like this, I might get 2. I want to put two shotgun mics on moveable arms up there too. I wonder if four poles creating a perimeter would be overkill?

[@RafaelLudwig]

I have 4 in my current set up, 3 on the ceiling, and one vertical. I using articulating arms for my mic as well as my camera so I can quickly move it to new heights/angles. Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@SpedSpedding]

@@RafaelLudwig Living the dream! I love it.

[@cartoonblock]

Thanks. I'll definitely be looking at this option

[@shirtechmaster9411]

perfect solution for me. Been looking for something like this

[@ndcendee]

These are awesome tips for a really cool setup. I was just about to work on getting rid of stands and mounting things for an 8x15 workspace using wall booms, but this might be even better!

[@AivarsMeijers]

I would love to recreate this, but that's not an option for working from living room corner. Nice and clean setup and great idea how to make everything less messy.

[@maceymedia]

Awesome tips with that autopole. Looking heavily into this because of your vid. Thanks.

[@modusoperandi825]

Great tips! Am about to try autopoles on a shoot soon.

[@tracyshankland]

I didn’t know about this, and it’s sooo helpful! Thank you. Great video!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Thanks for watching and the comment Tracy!

[@Puttugamer]

Love from India what a great and helpful video thanks Brother ❤️❤️

[@joeprezio7766]

Great product review Rafael. Thanks

[@RafaelLudwig]

Thanks Joe!

[@ItsCaputo]

this is the video I was looking for. thanks!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Glad I could help! Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@Kevlexicon]

very helpful, thanks for takin the time to walk us thru it

[@RafaelLudwig]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the comment!

[@SteveDOES]

Great video, thank you!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Thanks for the compliment and the comment Steve!

[@AuthenTech]

Great setup to clear up floor space, nice job man!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Thanks for watching and the compliment Ben!

[@lgiraldo]

@Rafael - thanks, great vid. I have a Manfrotto Autopole mounted horizontally, but even once in place, it'll rotate in place on the rubber cups, so hanging anything with any weight using a super clamp that is not facing directly downwards, will rotate the pole. Was curious if the Matthews pole specifically stays put, rotationally speaking.

[@md278x]

yes!

[@alisonjones4695]

AWESOME VIDEO!! Great solutions-thanks.

[@RafaelLudwig]

Thanks for watching and the nice comment Alison!

[@ednankemdi]

Wow! Talk about a game changer! Thank you for the knowledge!

[@RafaelLudwig]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching and the comment Edna!

[@edwardfelton7401]

Due to Corona lockdown I’m doing more small product shoots in my garage space. I’m definitely up for trying out some of these supports, freeing up floor space which is already tight. Great product review 👍🏼

[@RafaelLudwig]

They would be perfect in the garage! you could create a small lighting grid. When you have to maximize the space these are great! I think Amazon sells them for cheaper as well. Thanks again for the comment!

[@Aaron-cc7yq]

This is so clever! I want to start making videos next month and I will only be able to record in my bedroom which also doubles as my study space and now will triple as my recording space so I need to make the recording equipment footprint as small as possible. I will have to try something like this!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Go for it! I has helped free up space, but at the same time the studio is ready for filming whenever I am ready! Thanks for the comment!

[@clydelaya6230]

I would love to see if in details on how you mount those clamps, extension arm etc one by one.. thank you..

[@RafaelLudwig]

Perhaps In a future follow up or studio tour I will do it. Thanks for the comment Clyde!

[@maartenjanssen]

Very useful video (I put it on my ‘useful’ playlist :). I’m moving in to a new house next month and have a small room to set up as a studio. This is a very good idea for that room. Thanks!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Thank Maarten! I have 3 of these in my office, creating a small grid. Clean set up, as long as you don't look up ;) Thanks for the compliment and the comment!

[@veereels]

Great video! Thanks for sharing, I’ve been thinking about it for a while

[@RafaelLudwig]

Go for it! Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@fredguth1315]

I have been looking for this for looong. Thank you soooo much.

[@RafaelLudwig]

Thanks Frederico! I am planning on doing a follow up to this to show how I am using them now in my new set up! Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@yahmanml]

Great setup. Thanks for sharing. 👊🏾

[@RafaelLudwig]

Thanks for watching and for the comment Jamal!

[@JavierArellano]

Wow this video blows my mind thanks!!!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Working on a follow up (1 year later) video!

[@BKMakes]

This was GOLD, thank-you!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@cecynay7369]

Exactly what I was looking for, thanks! I was thinking "why couldn't I just use an autopole"?

[@RafaelLudwig]

Yes! Yes you can use an autopole! Since this video I am using it in more and more places! Thanks for watching and the comment Cecy!

[@cinema-q]

oh my god-so glad I found this! I wonder if it might be possible for this pole to hold loghts for overhead lighting! 😯😯

[@RafaelLudwig]

Yes it would! I do all my over head shots with this set up - 2 lights, Mic and camera. Thanks for the comment!

[@ClassicalTechnology]

Very relevant video, I always struggle with having multiple stands too. It can impede your workflow for sure. Great content!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Thanks for the comment Tiago!

[@Thechristosnikas]

Daaamn! You saved my life! Loved it!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Thanks for watching and the comment Christos! Have a great rest of your day!

[@FRANKMUSIKOFFICIAL]

Just got one. Can’t wait!

[@DivineMisterAdVentures]

So I'm using a 3rd hand - cost less than $70 for two. I'm strong on having those same benefits in two vertical stands. These have a pronounced side-side wobble at full extension (do the auto-poles?) but maintain their pressure fine and have decent enough pro-features. I have to mount them upside down to reach the rachet handle. Max load is 35# - which is easy with lightweight gear - which is great enough for youtube. Just setting up my shoot zone and wanted to compare. It strikes me that for most "semi-permanent" installs, like yours, you'd do just as well with a fixed-length pole, or length of steel tube, in decent mounts. Total cost maybe $20? That's what I'm planning for my lights - bsck-light / rim, even BG/GS illumination, and 4 mood cans on a controller.

[@RafaelLudwig]

You are right, there are better priced options out there. For me I knew I would be potentially mounting more than 30 lbs at once. And I have worked with and knew that the Autopoles are reliable to carry far more weight. This was one of those instances I didn't want to play "let's see if it works" 😬 The biggest issues with a fixed length pole is that it cut to the space you put it in, and it becomes more permanent when you have to start mounting mounts just to mount the pole, any time drilling is involve it's no longer semi permanent to me. I use these autopoles in different spaces, or when I switch rooms to film they can easily fit new dimensions. Or if I wanted to change my setup ever so slightly and have the poles vertical for a while - autopoles can accommodate that - Fixed length you are stuck with your first set up, unless you start using stands to mount it. thanks for sharing your thoughts on this Christopher!

[@ArTsticBeAst]

the only person ive seen with this setup is taeha types super clean

[@RafaelLudwig]

Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@thewrongopinion7811]

Thanks, just the video I needed before I ordered one of these. I also have some affordable shower curtain poles that operate under the same principle. These are useful for mounting ceiling to floor to holding lighter LEDs and even a camera. Again, these help clear the floor from tripods and stands.

[@RafaelLudwig]

I have not moved them since I made this video! I don't even notice them anymore in my setup. Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@thewrongopinion7811]

@@RafaelLudwig I plan to make a video on using the adjustable shower poles vertically, they’re great for clearing floor space. Can’t wait for my Autopole to arrive, it’s on its way from Germany

[@thejsworld4]

Thank you so much. This was extremely helpful to me

[@tesorosborincanos597]

Hi! I am a soapmaker and planning on shooting some videos in the near future. I will be doing this from my home small galley kitchen. I have been looking for weeks for alternatives for overhead shooting. Today I was looking for something else and your video just popped up. This is perfect! I was thinking on using my phone to shoot the videos or use my son's GoPro as a less expensive alternative. Do you now if this will work with the cellphone or the GoPro? You are right why aren't more KZbinrs recommending this alternative? Great video. Thanks for taking the time to make the video. 😁

[@SKYBEATDANCE]

thank you. great video. something for me to consider as I've started to film more and more these days.

[@RafaelLudwig]

It's the unsung hero of the grip world! Thanks for the comment!

[@BrianHunt]

This is great! Thanks Rafael!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Thanks for the comment Brian!

[@VictorAntonioLive]

Great tips!!

[@bengonyo6609]

Helpful video. Thanks! Looks great.

[@RafaelLudwig]

Thanks for watching and the comment Ben!

[@AJCoReTV]

My space is 20 X 20, still with these existed for bigger than 15 feet spaces.

[@RafaelLudwig]

I had a 20x20 space before and it does require a more permanent solution. I ended up just going for it and building a grid in the ceiling, not ideal but worked great and I was confident everything was solid. For autopoles to span that it's unlikely. thanks for watching and the comment!

[@AJCoReTV]

@@RafaelLudwig good insight! I was hoping to go the least pricey route. How much would something like what you had cost?

[@RafaelLudwig]

@@AJCoReTV When I did it I used 2 inch EMT metal Conduit and the conduit coupling. (and the hardware to mount it) you should be able to find it locally. Essentially metal pipes, but not the theatrical ones those are pricy. Unless you need to put some weight on them then they may be worth it. You could do a single 20 ft length for sub $200.

[@dolwolfianphotography]

Very nice but I'm a danger freak and will not trust any suction stuff or maybe will have to attach to my beloved R5 a safety line 😊

[@RafaelLudwig]

It’s not suction, it’s tension and pressure- it’s a wall spreader. If you want extra assurance find studs in the wall to put the auto pole against. I am working on a 2 year follow up on using the autopoles, still love them! Thanks for watching and the comment!!

[@tylermorgan4344]

That looks so clean! 😍

[@RafaelLudwig]

Thanks Tyler for the comment!

[@YorkiesBitsandBobs]

I've been looking for this set up for ages thank you

[@RafaelLudwig]

Glad I could help! It made my office feel comfortable again with all the stands off the floor. Thanks for the comment!

[@RifatErdemSahin]

great video mate. I am getting the autopole

[@RafaelLudwig]

Enjoy it!

[@Jubijub]

Such a great video, I will definitely follow your exemple (although I will use 2 poles vertically and 1 horizontally). I wonder what is advised to use if I want more fine grained placement of the light, ie what type of arm could I anchor to the autopole to get more adjustments than just tying the lamp to a super clamp on the pole directly.

[@RafaelLudwig]

Check out ulanzi’s gear tree, than have arms for lights. And I have bought some parts that work with auto poles. thanks for watching and the comment!

[@CesarLRodriguez]

Great video as always.

[@RafaelLudwig]

Thanks Cesar!

[@DopamineOverload]

THANK YOU for this. Exactly... this is exactly what I've been looking for.

[@RafaelLudwig]

You are very Welcome! Thanks for watching and the compliment Chris!

[@simplymarvelous4130]

Thank you this is exactly what I was looking for tfs!

[@bdaleqt]

perfect vid just what I was looking for thank you!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching and the comment Branden!

[@MrCameraJunkie]

Geat Vid. liking that super clean setup! I'll be looking into this for the future.👍

[@RafaelLudwig]

Right on! thanks for the compliment and the comment!

[@justfabian]

This is awesome! what was the aperture 120d connected to...I see a superclamp but then what else? I have a godox vl150 I want to make sure it won't fall off.

[@IDE_photographisme]

This is awesome ! Thanks for sharing ;)

[@RafaelLudwig]

Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@theseventh2609]

Very interesting. Thank you

Great job. Thanks 🙏

[@ElizabethYateshair]

Hi great videos! Would this pole work in a travel trailer?

[@RafaelLudwig]

Yes I am pretty sure it would work in a travel trailer. I would make sure that there is structural support where you are mounting it so it doesn't dent or push the wall. Thanks for watching and the comment Elizabeth!

[@brunomamede2352]

Are you Brazilian, Rafael? By the way, a great video. Subscribing!

[@MartenGehman]

wow. this is such a GREAT video. great explanation, great music and great vibe you've got. also, your studio looks really really good. and your varipole idea is just incredible. I think I will look into getting one for my office/studio. you got a new sub! question: what camera did you use for the talking head portion? you look so crisp, I am very impressed! is that straight out of camera footage or color graded?? thanks :)

[@mikehiggovisuals8685]

Shake 'N' Bake! good video man!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Nice! Thanks for watching and the compliment Mike!

[@rajarapaka]

Could you please advise whether you are using this setup for a long time? do you see any problems like falling out or slipping out kind of problems? Another unique opportunity you have is you have wall support below the autopole, supporting it indirectly in addition to Autopole pushing the wall. Not sure how efficient this setup is for just between two walls without your kind of wall support below.

[@RafaelLudwig]

Two years in and no problems! I’ve actually added more since then. I will be doing a studio update video in the next month or so. But yes 🙌 they are fantastic! Thanks for the question Raja!

[@rajarapaka]

@@RafaelLudwig Thank you so Mitch for your reply, that was helpful.

[@tzachikraus]

TNX

[@JashimJalal]

If my wife lets me hang things in our living room, I'll be getting this soon 😅 Thanks for the insight!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Just sell her on the idea of no more stands on the ground ;) Still a BTS eyesore, but NO STANDS!

[@ernestosavarese9924]

Great idea!!! Thank you!!

[@maxuuell]

Is there anything out there that is wall mounted like this, but that can move across the room? Like something on rails, on the wall, to move things around?

[@youngonestudio]

You're using Autopole's by Manfrotto but show Matthew's Matthew poles in your size, price pop up from B&H. Do you know if the Matthews poles have the spring end like the Autpopole 2? One very important factor