Every working cart ends up looking like the job it does. Here are four setups from photographers and filmmakers, from a tethered studio to a gym shoot to an on-location video rig. What they share: a work surface at standing height, a lower deck for cases and bags, and a clamp-on cup holder.
A tethered studio cart
This is Shane LaVancher's own studio cart, the photo at the top of this post. A hooded monitor on a post and a laptop on a raised plate sit on the top shelf next to the camera, and both screens show the shoot's images. A hard case with organizers rides on the lower deck, cables hang from the side of the frame, and drinks sit in clamp-on holders.
A second studio: laptop, tablets and a crate
A laptop and a tablet share the top shelf, with a second tablet on a stand beside the cart, all showing the same frame. A printed sheet is clipped to the shelf, gloves hang from a carabiner, and a cable is coiled on the side. A red folding crate on the lower deck holds loose gear, and two clamp-on holders keep drinks off the shelf.
A gym shoot with a CamRanger
A camera with a CamRanger 3 attached sits on a hard case on the top shelf, and a tablet on a tray arm at the left shows the view. A power strip is mounted under the top shelf, tripod bags and gear bags fill the lower deck, and a cup holder with a snack tray clamps to the side.
Gimbal and cinema camera on location
A gimbal-mounted camera and a cinema camera with a monitor share the top shelf, so both rigs are ready to lift off the cart. Two stacked yellow hard cases and a milk crate sit on the lower deck, an orange extension cord hangs from the frame, and a water bottle rides in a clamp-on holder.
What to borrow
- Keep the top shelf for what you use all day, like the monitor, laptop or camera, and put cases and bags on the lower deck.
- Hang cords and small gear from the frame and hooks so they stay off the floor and off the shelf.
- Clamp a cup holder to the frame so drinks stay away from your gear. https://www.therobocup.com/
- A power strip under the top shelf keeps outlets within reach.
Build something similar
Start with a MOTI or EGON shelf on a cart from our compatible carts page. Our favorite is the RocknRoller R12 Stealth. From there you can add a power outlet and a mount, and some carts need spacer kits. Want to see your setup here? Send us a photo.