The new indiSYSTEM Bulldog handheld rig and indiSYSTEM BallGrip mount are just a few of the new exciting products coming down the pipe from indiSYSTEM. Both pieces were sent to me right before the holidays and I’ve been doing some initial testing and I can report that this is very exciting news. Both products are compact, innovative and quite versatile perfectly suited for the DSLR shooter on the go.
The indiSYSTEM Bulldog is an evolution of some of the best elements from all the indiSYSTEM rail systems. It is a very compact system that weighs under 4 pounds. It is in a way a more versatile indiSYSTEM ULTRAcompact allowing the operator the flexibility of different shooting styles in one system. You can have the option to use the rig for shoulder mount work, then immediately mount it to your tripod, and then take it off again and adjust the rig to fit your own handheld shooting style. The Bulldog handheld has an improved miniMOUNT which is a “C” bracket with handle that allows for accessories to be mounted vertically or horizontally. The rear shoulder pad also has a spot to mount other accessories as well perfect for mounting a wireless receiver or battery pack. The shoulder pad cushion is also nice and thick and made to last. The rail system and connectors are carbon fiber and the grip handles are slimmed down. These improvements create a very light weight system that does not sacrifice strength and durability. The camera is mounted to a Giottos quick release mount which gives you a little horizontal movement for moving the camera to where you need it to be. This is an all-in-one DSLR handheld rig perfect for the GH2 or Canon 7D/5D.
The indiSYSTEM BallGrip does not look like much. In fact, I was confused at first by the design and spent many hours trying to figure it out but after talking to Tim and using it for a few days I must say this is where function far exceeds form. The indiSYSTEM BallGrip’s main purpose allows the operator the ability to pull focus when going handheld. The mount fits on the rails behind the camera and it is adjustable with two sized ball points that fit any size hand. This simple design is one of the most practical tools I have been needing for quite some time and I see its real world use being more than just for pulling focus but as a broader multifunctional tool allowing the operator to put it anywhere in their rails system to contour their handheld shooting style to best maximize security and comfortability when shooting handheld for long periods of time. The indiSYSTEM BallGrip design is unusual but quite simple and its application on the field is really amazing. I have already found a few different configurations combined with the indiSYSTEM Bulldog that enhances the stability of my handheld shooting style.
Here are just a few initial pictures of both the new indiSYSTEM Bulldog and BallGrip. I’ll be posting more pics and footage shortly. In Philadelphia we’ve been hit by an early taste of winter. Fortunately, I’ve been in Southern California during the holidays so I thought it would be nice to take the Bulldog out for a warm walk on the beach.
