Moses Pole

The Moses Pole is the original temporary docking system for Steadicam operators, a place to rest the rig between takes so the op doesn’t have to stay suited up the whole time.

We carry four variants plus the sling. Here’s David’s honest take after 15+ years on set with both the fixed and telescoping versions:

“I actually worked with the Moses Pole creator when it was a fixed pole. I absolutely hated it. Awkward, clunky, both hands tied. About 5 years later, we worked together again and this time he had the telescoping pole. I absolutely loved it. Sling it on yer back and yer hands are free for everything else. When the op needs a break, one quick pull and it’s rest time. For those long runs where the stand is at one end of the street and the scene ends far away, it’s genuinely invaluable.”

Which pole should you get?

The sling is what makes the telescoping pole worth every extra dollar. If yer going to spend on a pole, spend on the one that’s always with you.

Replacement bumper available at JW Winco.

Dimensions: 38″ × 7″ × 7″ · Weight: 5 lb

Frequently Asked Questions

Which pole do you actually recommend?
The telescoping 2-hole with the sling. David’s been carrying both on set for 15+ years and the telescoping pole with sling is the only version where yer hands stay free and the pole is always there when the op needs it. The 2-hole deploys in seconds, pull to the second stop and yer done. The 5-hole is slower to deploy, which defeats the purpose when yer op has 30 seconds between takes.

What’s the difference between the 2-hole and 5-hole telescoping?
The 2-hole extends to two positions. For most Steadicam work in “normal mode” that’s all you need, and deployment is fast, one pull to the second hole. The 5-hole has more height options which is useful for low mode, but each stop requires depressing a button, so it takes longer to get to full extension. If you’re doing a lot of low mode work, the 5-hole makes sense. Otherwise, stick with the 2-hole.

Do I need the sling?
If yer getting a telescoping pole, yes, get the sling. It’s what lets you carry the pole on yer back, hands free, all day. Without it the pole needs to be set down every time you need both hands. David’s pitch: the whole point of the telescoping pole is that it’s always with you. The sling is what makes that possible.

How do I maintain the telescoping mechanism?
If the pole is getting sticky or the button won’t pop out, dirt has probably built up inside. Open to max extension, rinse through the bottom pin hole with a garden hose, let it dry completely. You can give the extending leg a very light wipe of Tri-Flow. Repeat if needed, it usually clears up on the first rinse.

Does the fork come with the pole?
No, the Moses Forks and Dock Kit are sold separately. The pole is just the pole. You’ll need a fork to actually dock the rig.

Complete the Moses system

• Moses Forks, the fork that holds the rig.
• Moses Dock Kit, mounts the fork to any baby pin for a cart-based docking option.