An honest assessment of the most complete rigging system for RED Komodo cameras
The Kondor Blue Ultimate Rig is the most complete kit available online for the Komodo and Komodo X. This review is not sponsored, so I will give you my honest thoughts. Thanks to Kondor Blue for sending me the kit, and you can use the link in the description for a 10% discount on purchases from Kondor Blue.
Here is the video review. If you prefer to read instead, continue below.
What’s Included in the Kit
The kit is designed to include all the necessary pieces for a handheld setup that involves video transmission, focus, and other accessories. The package includes a base cage with a cheese plate on each side complete with rosettes, the top handle with NATO mount, a sled with 12-inch rods, two adjustable side handles, a V-lock battery mount with the Red power cable, a very soft shoulder pad, a very stylish custom RF front cap, various cables, and a ton of Kondor Blue stickers.
Build Quality and Initial Impressions
The cage is solid and well-built. It has a top bubble level which is very useful and magnets on the bottom for Allen keys. Already, the kit offers almost everything you need to start shooting. Let’s see how to set up the camera in minimal or maximal modes.
The Top Handle: A Mixed Blessing
Personally, I’m not a fan of the top handle, especially because the Komodo is controlled from the touch screen. With this setup, the monitor is constantly covered. A side handle would have been preferable, but it’s not included, so it needs to be added to the shopping list. The handle is sold separately for €**73 **plus shipping and import costs, so it’s not exactly cheap.
Additionally, the NATO sled is not compatible with other side handles, even if they are NATO, like those from Tilta, for example. I’m not an expert on NATO sleds, but if anyone has an explanation for this, please write in the comments.
The top handle includes a REC button which is particularly useful for those who own the original Komodo, even if I couldn’t get it to work. Maybe some menu setting needs to be changed, I don’t know, but I honestly wasn’t interested in investigating. If anyone has suggestions, I welcome them in the comments.
Vertical Shooting Solution
I like being able to add a second plate for vertical shooting on the left side, which saves a lot of time. I would have preferred, however, to be able to align two screws, but the rails are slightly offset, so it’s not possible. Still, it’s a solution I will use often for vertical social media content.
Komodo setup for vertical shooting
Maximal Setup: Where the Kit Shines
If the setup is maximal, the kit makes more sense. It’s ergonomic, fairly lightweight, and manageable, and has all the necessary mounts. The rods are lightweight and practical, although they are slightly short for those using a zoom lens like the DZO Pictor.
If I have to point out a flaw, the distance of the camera from the base of this setup becomes quite significant and can be uncomfortable. Additionally, the screws to tighten the rods clash with the tripod head structure, so they must always be positioned horizontally, regardless of whether they tighten less. Sometimes it’s more practical to use a simpler rod support like the one proposed by SmallRig.
Missing Components
One thing I missed is a lens support, which is a pity. A set like this often implies the use of heavy zoom lenses which, without adequate support, could damage the lens mount on the camera. Here, too, I opted for a SmallRig support. Finally, a manual follow focus is not included, which would have been useful.
Handles and Shoulder Setup
The handles, on the other hand, are sturdy, easy to mount and adapt. Even attached directly to the cage, they represent an excellent solution for a light and quick setup. The only problem is that the handle is longer than the Komodo with the cage, so you need to lift or rotate the handle every time you set the camera down.
The shoulder setup is probably the best feature of the system. It is comfortable and allows you to easily balance the shoulder center of gravity with the addition of the V-locks, especially if they are of adequate size. Here it is clear the need for a side support for the screen. If you mount the screen on top, it becomes too high for shoulder use and not very handy. It’s much more practical to have a side kit and do a Sony-style mount with the adjustable arm and top handle.
Who Should Buy This Kit?
The kit is well thought out and well built. It is definitely a great investment for those working in more structured environments and needing a versatile and customizable solution.
It may not be the right choice for solo video makers or run-and-gun enthusiasts. For these users, it would definitely be more advisable to assemble a custom kit, selecting only the components of interest. After all, the price is not exactly entry-level, so it justifies a more professional use.
My Final Verdict
For my needs, it fits perfectly, and I am definitely satisfied with the purchase. I plan to add the lens adapter mounts for the cage along with the side handle, which is essential for my shooting style. I would suggest that Kondor Blue include the side screen support in future iterations and align the screws on the left side of the camera to enable vertical shooting.
The Kondor Blue Ultimate Rig represents a comprehensive solution for professional Komodo users who need a versatile, well-built rigging system. While it excels in structured production environments and shoulder-mounted configurations, solo shooters might find better value in assembling a custom kit tailored to their specific needs. Despite some missing accessories like the side handle and lens support, the quality and thoughtful design make it a worthwhile investment for the right user.
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