BLKBIRD Mantis Quad Tube Deluxe Kit (5-70 lbs, increased boom range)

Description

BLKBIRD Mantis Quad Tube Deluxe Kit 

The BLKBIRD Mantis Quad Tube Deluxe Kit is a highly advanced, modular camera stabilization system designed to enhance the performance of body-mounted rigs like the EasyRig or Ready Rig, as well as for direct mounting to speedrail for hard mounts. It specifically focuses on improving vertical stability and extending the boom (vertical lift) range for cameras weighing from 2.27 kg to 31.75 kg (5 lbs to 70 lbs).

This “Deluxe Kit” is comprehensive, including everything needed to integrate the Mantis into various professional camera setups. The “Quad Tube” configuration refers to the arm’s design, which incorporates an increased number of elastic cords (twice as much elastic pre-load as a Dual Tube system), leading to a larger “sweet spot” for stabilization and greater vertical travel.

How it Works:

The BLKBIRD Mantis system acts as an additional layer of mechanical stabilization. It uses elastic bands (or “elastics”) within its “tubes” to absorb vertical movement and provide a counter-balance for the camera payload. When attached to an existing body-worn system like an EasyRig, it essentially adds a “floating” element that isolates the camera from the operator’s vertical motion (walking, going up/down stairs), creating smoother, more professional-looking shots. The “boom range” refers to the vertical distance the arm can smoothly move the camera up and down, allowing for dynamic low-to-high or high-to-low shots.

Key Features of the BLKBIRD Mantis Quad Tube Deluxe Kit:

1. Quad Tube Configuration:

   • Increased Elastic Pre-load: Features twice the amount of elastic compared to the Dual Tube version, providing stronger vertical isolation.
   • Extended Boom Range: Delivers a significantly greater vertical travel for the camera, allowing for smoother transitions from low to high angles and vice-versa.
   • Larger “Sweet Spot”: Offers a wider range of optimal vertical stabilization, making it easier for the operator to maintain a smooth shot.
   • Ultimate Performance & Versatility: Considered the most robust and versatile configuration in the Mantis line.

2. Wide Payload Capacity (2.27 kg – 31.75 kg):

   • Single Mantis Unit: Supports cameras ranging from 2.27 kg to 17.24 kg (5 lbs to 38 lbs).
   • Dual Mantis Units: When two Mantis units are used in tandem (as often included in “Deluxe” kits or can be added), the system can support heavier payloads from 6.8 kg up to 31.75 kg (15 lbs up to 70 lbs), accommodating a wide range of cinema cameras (e.g., ARRI ALEXA, RED, Sony VENICE) often paired with gimbals.

3. Modular & Cross-Compatible Design:

   • EasyRig Adapter: Includes an adapter to mount one or two Mantis units to any EasyRig model (Cinema, Vario, Stabile, Mini Max, Mini Max Stabile) without modification.
   • Speedrail Adapter: Comes with an adapter for mounting to standard 1 1/4″ and 1 1/2″ speedrail, allowing for hard mounts on dollies, car mounts, or other rigging.
   • Ready Rig Compatibility: Can be used to enhance vertical stability and boom range when integrated with a Ready Rig system.
   • Walter Klassen Slingshot Compatibility: Can be used with the Slingshot for extended arm length.

4. Quick and Secure Camera Attachment:

   • MagLock Hook Kit: Features self-locking hooks and mounting spuds that provide a secure connection to the camera, with an easy tilt mechanism.
   • Universal Hook Adapter: Mounts to the camera’s top handle and allows for left/right adjustment of camera balance, compatible with the MagLock hooks.
   • Gimbal Ring Adapters: Includes adapters for 25mm and 30mm gimbal rings, making it easy to attach gimbal-mounted camera setups.

5. User-Serviceable & Adaptable Elastics:

   • Quick Elastic Swaps: Elastics can be swapped in approximately 2 minutes, allowing for rapid adaptation to different camera weights or desired tension.
   • Multiple Elastic Strengths: The Deluxe Kit typically includes various strengths of elastics (light, medium, large, often in 8 ft lengths, and pre-installed Easy Rig adapter plugs) to cover the full 2.27 kg – 31.75 kg payload range.
   • Easy Rig Quick Release Retrofit Kit: Allows existing Easy Rig Quick Release units to work seamlessly with Mantis elastics.

6. Professional Packaging:

   • Comes in a box with a laser-cut foam insert and lid foam designed to fit a Pelican Air 1555 case, ensuring safe and organized transport.

Benefits & Applications:

• Superior Vertical Stabilization: Dramatically reduces vertical bounce and shake from operator movement, delivering extremely smooth, fluid shots comparable to larger, more complex stabilization systems.
• Reduced Operator Fatigue: By offloading camera weight and absorbing impact, it significantly reduces strain on the operator’s back, shoulders, and arms, allowing for longer shooting days.
• Dynamic Range of Motion: The increased boom range enables dynamic shots that move seamlessly from low angles (e.g., ground level) to high angles (e.g., above head height).
• Versatile Rigging: Its modularity and compatibility with multiple popular support systems (EasyRig, Ready Rig, speedrail) make it an incredibly adaptable tool for various production scenarios.
• Ideal for Gimbals: When paired with a gimbal, the Mantis isolates the gimbal from the operator’s body movements, allowing the gimbal to focus purely on rotational stabilization, resulting in even smoother, more precise footage.

The BLKBIRD Mantis Quad Tube Deluxe Kit is a top-tier solution for professional cinematographers seeking to achieve superior stabilization and increased dynamic range for a wide array of camera payloads on body-mounted or hard-mounted rigs.