Modular support rods in carbon fiber or aluminum, 15mm or 19mm diameter, for camera rigs. Carbon fiber: 1.5g/cm, 850 MPa tensile strength; aluminum: 2.1g/cm, 310 MPa.
Technical Details
Standard lightweight rods have an outer diameter of 15mm with a wall thickness of 1.2mm (carbon fiber) or 1.5mm (aluminum). The 19mm variant is used for heavier setups. Carbon fiber rods weigh 1.5g per centimeter with a bending strength of 850 MPa, while aluminum rods achieve 2.1g/cm with 310 MPa. The rods feature precise CNC-milled ends with a tolerance of ±0.02mm for exact connections with rod clamps and baseplate systems.
History & Development
RedRock Micro introduced the first consumer-ready 15mm systems in 2007, after digital SLR cameras like the Canon 5D Mark II revolutionized film production. Smallrig perfected the carbon fiber variants from 2012 onwards, reducing weight by 40%. In 2018, the NATO rail standard established itself as an alternative, but could not halt the proliferation of rod systems. Today, modular quick-release systems from Tilta and SmallRig dominate the market.
Practical Use in Film
On "Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015), cinematographer John Seale used lightweight 15mm systems for crash cam rigs, as weight savings were critical for high-speed shots. Netflix series like "Stranger Things" rely on carbon fiber rods for Steadicam work, as every gram saved extends operator endurance. Documentary filmmakers prefer 30cm segments for quick conversions between handheld and tripod configurations.
Comparison & Alternatives
NATO rails offer higher rigidity but weigh 60% more than carbon fiber rods. Studio rigs with 19mm steel rods remain the standard for heavy cine cameras weighing 8kg and above. Cage systems are increasingly replacing rod setups on mirrorless cameras, as they allow direct access to all ports. For ultra-lightweight setups under 2kg total weight, 15mm carbon fiber rods remain unrivaled.