Graham Schumann

Thanks Sam, Other people have also said the Steadicam vests need a bit of weight to work well. What I don't understand is, why you can't add weight at the link between the BB/Merlin post, and the vest arm receiver? Then the BB/Merlin's flight wouldn't be effected, but the vest would see more G's...? I've obviously underestimated how difficult it is to fly a steadicam/vest well, but regarding focus- I believe it's only a matter of time before we see Canon offering at least tethered focus control options. Their lenses already have good, reasonably high toque motors, and Canon want us to choose their lenses... You wouldn't think it would take all that long for the penny to drop for someone at HQ. Heck, the 85 already has electronically controlled focus that can be as slow and subtle as you want it to be- just remote this control to a hand held USB wheel. Add on the ability to set focus stops (their super primes already offer this) and Canon would sell a lot more glass to budding videographers.

PS What I've described (approx 2.3-2.5kg) is less than the Black Bird's claimed max weight rating of 3.6kg, but I appreciate that doesn't always mean it will work well, especially when we're talking focal lengths greater than 100mm.

No problem, I didn't realise it was manditory. Perhaps this (and good modding) is part of how you maintain such a civil/professional forum.

Hi, I see this forum is largely for the pro crowd! By comparison I'm a pro still shooter looking to dabble. Q) Will a Black Bird mounted on a Merlin arm/vest kit give me the ability to use 1D4/5DII with grip, + 70-200 f2.8 (worse case, but I have a ton of pro Canon glass), + new AA powered 5" Marshall monitor, for smooth "walking pan" style shots, etc, or is this simply too much weight for a little bird? I can't see myself spending more than this for a play, but perhaps I should adapting the HD4000 to fly on the Merlin vest instead? Many thanks. PS I've done a lot of searching here, but only occasional mention of the BlackBird.