New Vocas Spider System for DSLRs and Camcorders

News

by Fabian ChaundyApril 12^th, 2016

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The Vocas Spider System is an upcoming lightweight, portable and modular support system for DSLR’s and small factor camcorders. But how is it different from other solutions out there?

There is something to be said about using the name Spider for a product name in the camera world. Perhaps the image of multileggedness is meant to invoke a sense of stability and versatility in the mind of the consumer or something. There is already a camera holster, and not one but two shoulder rigs for DSLRs, both by SHAPE and the oft-rebranded cheapo Spider Steady rig. Well, Vocas is the latest addition to the arachnid party, with a Spider system of their own.

The Vocas Spider System provides multiple points of contact.

At first glance, the Vocas Spider System shares a great similarity to the Zacuto Marauder foldable rig due to its compact, portable nature and rifle-style shoulder stock. However, Vocas goes a step further, as their system is not only portable, but also much more versatile.

The core of the system is the Spider universal camera base, that serves as a hub to the system. Although it doesn’t feature a quick release system, it includes an anti-rotation pin, so installing the QR system of your choice shouldn’t be much of a problem.

Underneath the baseplate is a tube that serves as an axle on which to attach the Vocas arms. These can be extended from 165mm to 235mm, and the ends provide standard rosettes on which to fasten the individual accessories.

The accessories introduced in this system are the handgrip, the shoulder brace (rifle stock) and belly brace. These are rubberised for comfort and, due to their rosette connection to extendable arms, can be configured to accommodate many different kinds of body types. They are also compatible with Vocas’ wooden handles.

Multiple configurations: basic, extension bar and two-handed.

A longer Spider tube can also be attached under the baseplate to extend the length of the system horizontally and introduce, for example, a second handle for two-handed operation.

A complete rig could in theory offer up to five points of contact (two handles, belly, shoulder and against your face if your camera has an eye cup) meaning it could certainly serve to reduce the micro jitters inherent to hand-held footage from smaller cameras. But the keyword here is “smaller”, as support systems that don’t provide a counter weight over the shoulder will inevitably cause your arm muscles to fatigue after a while when adding accessories like rods, matte boxes, follow focuses, longer lenses, etc.

The Vocas Spider System will be available as a starter kit including a handle and shoulder brace for €795, with each additional arm at a price of €195 and extra handles and braces for €120. We hope to know more about this product, including materials, dimensions and weight, closer to its expected release date in July 2016.