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CONFIGURING MERLIN 2 + CANON T4i + 18-135MM IS STM LENS


Stefan Hinds

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Hi there,

 

I'm new here and I'm wondering if you guys can help me. I recently purchased a Steadicam Merlin 2 and a canon Rebel T4i with an 18-135mm IS STM lens. However, I'm having quite a difficult time balancing this baby since it's nowhere in the Cookbook. Can anyone help me? Coz I've been spending hours but to no avail.

 

Hope you all can help!

 

Thanks

 

S

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Hi Stefan,

 

Did you ever get any luck balancing this setup? I have the exact same camera, lens and steadicam and I am having the same difficulties.

 

Thanks

Yeah, me too. I have spent about 2 hours working on it. I can get it to balance sort of but when i start moving it goes everywhere. Nothing like what i see in the video. Why is the cookbook not updated with more cameras? This is one of the most popular cameras for people to get started with in digital video. I think the lens is simply too heavy. I have thought about getting a few prime lenses but i have not yet. This is really frustrating. The video makes it look so easy.

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Yeah, me too. I have spent about 2 hours working on it. I can get it to balance sort of but when i start moving it goes everywhere. Nothing like what i see in the video. Why is the cookbook not updated with more cameras? This is one of the most popular cameras for people to get started with in digital video. I think the lens is simply too heavy. I have thought about getting a few prime lenses but i have not yet. This is really frustrating. The video makes it look so easy.

Hey guys and welcome!

I'm not really one of the big guys in here and you will most certainly get some feedback from them in a short while, but I can provide you with the basic-tips!

 

First of all, be sure to have enough weight on top of your sled. Your Canon-camera isn't really a very heavy camera, so you might want to consider buying a weight cage. I haven't got one from her myself, but everyone recommends Janice Arthurs cages. This will add weight to your rig and make things a bit easier, I suppose.

Secondly you should invest in the "Steadicam Operators Handbook" and possibly the "EFP Training DVD", they are a must have if you ask me and especially the book contains loads of useful material.

The balancing is pretty much the same thing regardless of which camera you use as long as you have your weight sorted out.

 

Sorry if this didn't help but that was the very basic stuff that everyone of us newbies should have/know.

And if you lurk around the forum, search, and maybe join the facebook-group you will also find numerous threads that can help you!

 

Last but not least, you will probably be adviced to change to your real name in here, CompassionateVeg :)

 

Fly safe and best of luck!

-P.K

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