ALZO Transformer DSLR Rig

Moving from still photography to video has put more demands on having everything work together. With a video light, microphone, camera and maybe a flash for an intermittent still shot, my hands are full. The ALZO rig has become the assistant I need.

My camera is a Canon T2i. The mounting plate just allows for battery access without removing the camera from the rig. Mounts nicely on my tripod which serves as stability for stationary shots as well as weight for shooting while moving.

Bonus: People think I know what I'm doing when they see me with this setup. Someday maybe they'll be right

I've been a still photographer for years, and am recently (like many of us) ramping up into video production.

I did quite a bit of research, and initially I was hoping for a less expensive alternative to the popular "FigRig" setup. The Alzo DSLR rig, while clearly designed as a cage for rigging equipment, also fills the role of hand-held stabilizer for me quite well.

I have the option to mount any number of accessories, and by widening my grip I am able to produce significantly more steady shots.

Also, I highly recommend purchasing the kit with the top handle if you can afford it.

My only complaint is that, even after purchasing the additional riser pieces, there is only barely enough room for my Canon 7d w/battery grip to be mounted and it will not fit in the rig if I try to use a quick release plate. I could add additional riser bits, or make something to custom fit (after all they are a standard 1/4" thread) which I may do in the future if the lack of quick release plate irritates me enough.

Bottom line for the price, I am extremely happy. High quality parts, and a well thought out design. I'll definitely be making more purchases from Alzo's catalog in the future.

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I liked this item but eventually had to purchase it because the ALZO Transformer wasn't the best rig for my needs. Overall, I would recommend several of the products that ALZO makes.

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Bought this solely based on the very positive reviews of others. Pictures didn't look as polished or as impressive as several other cage/rig type DSLR setups but the reviews convinced me to purchase anyway. Very glad I did. Super solid build. Very functional and well thought out with access to battery compartment on cameras like Canon, and in my case, Panasonic GH2. Offset base allows for flip-out LCD to be fully functional. Multiple cold shoe mounts and 1/4" mounts make this a kind of Swiss army knife of cage/rig equipment.

After first use in a shoot I can't say anything negative about its build and function. Bought it along with the Alzo shock mount for my Tascam DR-40 recorder and Audio Technica AT897 shotgun mic. It solidly holds all equipment in place, allows for easy shot stabilization and camera handling. There's still room for my LED light and external monitor. Finally, mounts easily on my Davis & Sanford V12 head.

I thought the handlebar style grips looked a little cheesy in the pics on Amazon but in person the entire setup speaks function and pro-use all the way. So happy I got this.

I guess I have one very minor complaint. It would be nice if the painted black aluminum were anodized aluminum. It appears to be only painted which is less expensive and less durable in terms of paint finish. Otherwise this thing rocks!

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This is a solid rig for a tripod or hand-held.

However the bolts in the bottom of the handles come lose easily. I remedied this by coating the threads with loctite and have not had a problem since.