Looking at the Cruz Handle you may be thinking, ‘Why would you put a handle on the back of a camera behind the battery?‘ Well, I’m glad you asked.
Some camera operators like to put one hand on the back of their battery and keep one on the camera lens to do pans. I’ve done this in the past and surprisingly it works quite well. Now, It’s not something I did that often, but I did find it very useful when your tripod is backed up into a corner or close to a wall and there is no space to use a panhandle.
I do, however, know other camera operators who use this method even when there is room for a pan handle. It’s certainly not a method for everyone, but as the old adage goes, don’t knock it until you have tried it.
The problem with this technique is that it is not the best of ideas because you are putting a lot of strain on your battery mount. For those who like using this technique, the CriuZ Handle offers another alternative.
Born out of necessity
The Cruz Handle, like most things, was born out of necessity. The on-board camera battery for years suffered terribly at the hands of camera operators. What started out as an emergency fix, has developed into a great solution for the ‘battery camera operator’ and offers a unique statement on any camera build.
Even if you haven’t developed a battery breaking habit, the Cruz Handle is a great alternative to the traditional pan handle. Offering comfortable operating from directly behind the lens and giving you easy reach from all positions.
Sustainable Timber
Every handle is individually handcrafted from reclaimed and sustainably sourced timber. As each piece of timber features its own individual grain and color tone, please expect some unique variation from the handles shown.
The handles are available in three different types of timber. You can also have them customized with your name or a companies name.
Every Cruz Handle is supplied with a 15mm l/w rod clamp for most camera setups.
The supplied clamp is easily removed and industry-standard 15mm & 19mm production rail clamps are compatible.
Niche
The Cruz handle is certainly a very niche product and it is not going to be for everyone. The catch with the Cruz Handle is you have to run rear 15 or 19mm rods to attach it, and that is only going to make it suitable for certain cameras.
Price & Availability
The handles retail for $220 AUD (around $150 USD). Please keep in mind that there will be limited runs of each handle due to timber availability.
