Next Generation Recoil Rigs

The universal camera shoulder rig solution for all cameras

If we were to use one word to describe these shoulder rigs it would be BALANCE! You cannot shoot with a rig that is not balanced, you’ll be fighting fatigue on long shoots. Whether you’re shooting TV, film, documentary, wedding or news, a balanced shoulder mounted rig will keep your shots steady and allow you to shoot the whole day.

The core of the Next Generation Recoil Rigs is the VCT Pro baseplate. Zacuto’s reinvented VCT style baseplate is universal for all cameras from a tiny mirrorless to a camera the size of an ALEXA and everything in between. Next Generation Recoil rigs are designed for optimal balance and comfort when shoulder mounted or on a tripod. With lenses and cameras being similar weights, the balance point is approximately where the lens meets the camera body.

In a Recoil rig, the balance point needs to be directly over your shoulder which puts the camera behind you. This requires focus, monitoring and camera controls to be relocated forward, creating a lighter and shorter rig.

Here’s how it works:

We’ve broken the camera rig into five sections— base, top, back, front and viewfinder.

Top

Our custom top plates for cameras bolt directly to the camera frame providing a wide array of accessory attachment points. All these options either include or enable you to attach a Top Handle, like our Tactical Handle which is common in all kits and an essential connector point.

Sony Burano Rig

Viewfinder

A crucial element for any shoulder rig is a viewfinder. We’ve got options with our Kameleon Pro and our signature Z-Finders for a full array of cameras. The Axis Mini EVF mount attaches to the Tactical Handle and will mount every EVF on the market via either side mounted rosette or ¼” 20 on the bottom or top of your EVF. The Axis can be adjusted to any position in a 360-degree space.

Back

The back of the VCT has quick release ports for lightweight spaced 15mm rods to mount power accessories like batteries, recorders, wireless units.

Front

At the front of the rig are two important sections: focus control and camera control. Add our Z-drive follow focus with Tornado focusing handgrip. Perfect for a shoulder mounted rig and also compatible for tripod use.

Base

The base is always the VCT Pro baseplate (or nowaways, the ACT Baseplate) The relationship between your shoulder, the viewfinder and your hands stays the same. The way you achieve balance is by sliding the camera/lens forward or back.