Knowing that camera movement destroys image sharpness but that profitable pictures are often made on the run, smart pros seek a compromise between tripod and handheld exposures. Countless portable supports
exist, but even if a stationary object can be found on location, critical shots can be lost in the time needed to set up. Minimum clarity
sometimes depends on use - a soft image being acceptable, say, for news but not evidence work - but when the maximum percentage of
tack sharp handheld shots are needed the gyro stabilizer is in order
Enter the Kenyon Gyro Stabilizer, a small, battery-powered, pod-like case that screws into a tripod socket and "floats" the camera in free
space with only its weight supported by your hands. The device is maintenance free, works with any camera, spotting scope or binocular
and, best of all, retains the freedom and speed of handheld shooting. The Kenyon system is neither a musing of some future technology nor a
magic trick, but an intelligent application of basic physics
KS-12 The "Chief"
The KS-12 has been fully redesigned and is 4 times stronger than the KS-8. Two 5 LB. tungsten wheels spin over 20,000 RPM and a 24v DC cooling fan is attached to the gyro to help prolong
the life of the bearings. The "Chief" is made for prolonged continuous use and is not meant for hand holding. A 24-32V DC 400 Hz 220 AC sine wave inverter is included in the purchase price.
The gyro draws 7-8 amps at the start and drops to 2.5-3 amps at full running speed. Inverter dimensions: 14 1/2" long x 8 1/4" wide x 3 1/2" high and weighs 8.5 lbs Gyro dimensions:
8 1/4" long x 4 5/8" wide x 7" high and weighs 14.5 lbs. 4 pin XLR straight gyro cord is included-please specify length
DC cord not included but can be requested per your specifications. We recommend 10AWG wire. Total purchase price $11,250.00 plus shipping. Shop our store
Admiral KS-8
The Admiral has been developed to provide Ken-Lab's simplified stabilization for camera equipment in the 8 to 12 pound range. Through the use of heavy metal
tungsten wheels the effect of two KS-6 units is achieved in a standard KS-6 housing,
with no increase in running power required. This is our most powerful unit to date.
Specifications: Size: 3.4" diameter x 5.8" long Weight: 5.13 lbs (82 oz.)
Power: 115 volts, 400 Hz, 26 watts starting with 11 watts running after 4 minutes. 3 hours running on a fully charged KP-6 Power pack. Panning Rate: 30 degrees per second. Shop our store
Commander KS-6
Designed to handle the more difficult assignments, the KS-6 provides almost twice the
stabilization of the KS-4. Steady sequences with smooth panning from helicopters,
boats or any moving vehicle is now a possibility. Troublesome vibrations are dampened
out for medium format cameras or long lenses, without the loss of hand-held freedom
of motion. The KS-6 is easily attached to camcorders, videotape television cameras,
etc. to realize the full potential of telephoto and zoom lenses. One or two KS-6 gyros are often used for in steadicam systems. The KS-6 is recommended for equipment as
heavy as 6 lbs.
Specifications: Size: 3.4" diameter x 5.8" long Weight: 3.25 lbs (52 oz.)
Power: 115 volts, 400 Hz, 26 watts starting with 11 watts running after 4 minutes. 3 hours running on a fully charged KP-6 Power pack. Panning Rate: 20 degrees per second. Shop our store
Universal KS-4
Versatile in its stabilization capability for high power binoculars, the Universal KS-4
provides lowest cost per device served. Ultra heavy metal gyro rims enable maximum
stabilization in a minimum casing size. Military tested and approved, the KS-4 has shown the recognition capability of binoculars to be improved 2.4 times. For
photographic work in low light levels, exposures to 1 second can be used (hand held). Hand-held devices to four (4) pounds can be easily stabilized by the KS-4.
Specifications: Size: 2.8" diameter x 4.5" long Weight: 2.13 lbs (34 oz.)
Power: 115 volts, 400 Hz, 12 watts starting with 4 watts running after 4 minutes run up time. 6 hours of run time off our 7.2 amp hour power pack. Panning Rate: 20 degrees per second. Shop our store
Explorer KS-2
For the sportsman, yachtsman and palm corder specialist the Explorer is an ideal
choice. Frequently it is desirable to quickly identify a landmark or photograph a bird or
animal at long range. With the light weight Explorer stabilizer these tasks are reduced
to routine. The units adds stabilization of an optical system weighing up to 2 pounds.
Specifications: Size: 2.8" diameter x 4.5" long Weight: 1.5 lbs (24 oz.) Power: 115 volts, 400 Hz, 12 watts starting with 4 watts running after 4 minutes run up time.
6 hours of run time off our 7.2 amp hour power pack. Shop our store
Engineered and built for demanding field conditions, Kenyon Gyro Stabilizers are, in the manufacturer's words
, the invisible tripod of countless uses. Press and nature photographers will appreciate slower shutter
speeds with long lenses, and videographers will save on production costs by hand holding sequences
previously requiring a dolly. Stabilization equipment is not inexpensive, but your image, both photographic and professional, is well worth the investment.
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The Kenyon Gyro Stabilizers are a small pod-like unit that runs off our 12 volt power pack, which has a shoulder
strap. Thus with the unit attached to the camera and the battery on one's shoulder (or in a carpenter's belt) one
has complete freedom to move about. The units are 400 cycle AC. We have a small inverter on top of the battery to access its DC power, and the portable power pack comes with an overnight charger.
The unit operates two gyroscopic wheels which are in opposing axis to each other, and when they are up to their
normal 22000 RPM operating speed, resist both pitch and yaw, when in line with the lens, the motors are brush
less and the unit is helium filled, hermetically sealed and is maintenance free. One can expect several thousand hours of worry free use.
One can bypass the battery and use external 12 volt power, such as in a plane or car, or boat. A 24 -28 volt
inverter is available for helicopter use. If one has access to 400 cycle power (military and some helicopters) one need not use the inverter at all.
The units take 5 to 7 minutes to get to full operating RPM and the typical running time off the batteries we supply can be noted on the following chart.
We also have developed one outsized gyros, the KS-10. This item is specially made (not a stock item) for extreme situations or heavy equipment.
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Denali Rorio Matsumoto
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Moose's Tooth Rorio Matsumoto
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Bruce Edwards Using KS-8 With Movie Camera
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One will use the gyro stabilized camera or other optical device in a slightly slower motion than without the gyro. This is to permit twin gyros to process
and stay in line with each other. The units are internally gimbaled and have internal stops to prevent the gyros from processing too far. This slower
action, especially in panning may take some getting used to, but the pan will be sharp.
We presently produce four different gyro stabilizers, depending on the weight of the device needing to be stabilized. This can also be noted on the
following chart. Should one have more than one piece of equipment, the heaviest camera should be considered.
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