Mike Dunn

First, note that you are using the correct cookbook. There is one for the original Merlin and a separate one for the Merlin 2. "Z" refers to the Z (vertical) axis of the Merlin. In the cookbook, it's the number of turns of the guide ring from the fully-tightened position. Stage mark refers to the position of the edge of the dovetail plate on the stage. Stage marks are different between the two generations of Merlin. On c.g. dist, from http://www.merlincookbook.com/faqs.php

In my experience with the Merlin 2, it needs to be trimmed pretty much constantly--particularly after putting it down and picking it back up. I got pretty good at compensating for slightly off trim for those times when retrimming just isn't feasible. You *may* have a better experience if you invest in a Merlin tabletop stand (or a C-stand or Steadistand) so that it can remain in its "flying" configuration when not in use. I never had the advantage of cookbook setting for my camera, so at least you have that going for you.

Thanks for posting this. Registered.

Thanks all. Great insights. You all nailed what I was alluding to but didn't articulate very well--the difference between handheld and arm/vest. I do not currently own the Merlin arm/vest. In the back of my mind, I think I was always figuring the Merlin would be temporary, so that money would be better off going toward the Pilot eventually. Thanks, Mike

Hi all, Long time reader, first time poster. I'm new to all of this. Mostly a Steadicam enthusiast at this point. I've owned a Merlin2 for a few months now and am considering plunking down the money for a Pilot. I've enjoyed working with the Merlin (despite a lot of reading about how it's endlessly frustrating to use/balance). Ultimately, I would like to work professionally, however I'm really just enjoying this as a hobby at this point. (I'm not independently wealthy--just have a very supportive spouse). Question is, is "big" Steadicam use/balancing (i.e., Pilot and bigger) so dramatically different from the Merlin that it is worth the money just for the learning experience? I considered renting from somewhere around here, but as with the Merlin, the time needed just to balance the Pilot would probably make buying more sensible. Thanks, Mike