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Figuring out the best fit.


Matthew Marshall

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I had the Merlin2 arm and vest. Turns out my rig is too heavy. It weighs in at (cut down) around 24 lbs. Full rig weight can be anywhere between 24-30 depending.

Scale accuracy aside im looking to get one that will work with my rig. I primarily do live events so on the go. I use my two DSLRs as secondary cameras so I just want something I can use to quickly take my rig off a tripod and transfer to the steadicam for quick movement shots, or simply place on the sled and support the entire time.

 

I've done some research. Looking at the pricing it seems there isnt anything for less than $5,000 or so that will work with my primary camera. Not sure if anyone knows, however is there a way to buy just a heavy duty sled and not all the extra bells and whistles. I already have a Marshall broadcast monitor and hookups so thats not an issue I dont need all that extra stuff I really just need a quality steadicam that is smooth for heavier weights.

 

Option one aside, there is also the option of using a smaller stabilizer with one of the DSLRs. Thats fine, however that brings to mind the question of using a sled or using a curve. Going again, barebones with the Merlin or a different route perhaps the new Steadicam Solo (although im concerned about durability with that one.

Not sure of the pros and cons of either. The curve ones I believe may have more sway in the wind so a sled might be better. Alot of my work is outdoors.

 

That being said, looking for advice thanks in advance.

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You could look into a used Steadicam Zephyr (SD version maybe?) for sale on the forum every now and then... although you're close to it's max weight already at 24lbs.

Yeah i was looking at the Zephyr. By all accounts it seems the "soon" to be released M-1 is my best bet for all around fit however the urgency to have one is high.

 

Would the vest upgrade work for the merlin work to start with then upgrade to a heavier arm at a later date?

 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VQHQUA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2VA6SHCKDJJFE&coliid=I2NXSMBTK9RQQG

 

 

I mean the main problem I had using the Merlin was that the counterweight wasnt heavy enough and the plate holding the camera slid. I could in all reality drill anchor holes and screws into a plate so it stayed a bit better. Something a bit tighter.

Edited by Matthew Marshall
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The upgrade that you linked to is the same merlin arm and vest you already own, so it will not help you out.

 

Just curious, are you not able to bring your rig down in weight? 24lbs seems quite high for a DSLR rig in the settings you are shooting in.

 

I think the best option is to bring the total rig and camera weight down to the 18lbs max that your merlin arm can hold.

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I'm shooting with my main rig. The Black magic Cinema Camera and Redrock Micro Ultracage.

 

All I can think of to lessen the weight is put the battery in a backpack or sidepack same with the recorder. Do away with the back part of the ultracage and never use the Micro Matte box with the Steadicam.

 

It would essentially be a barebones not the best alternative but it might work. Last time I got it down to 22 or so.

 

BMCC - 3.75 lbs

 

Ultracage

http://store.redrockmicro.com/Catalog/ultraCage-blue-for-Blackmagic-Cinema-Camera_4/ultraCage-Studio-Rig-for-Blackmagic-Cinema-Camera.html

 

Matte box

http://store.redrockmicro.com/Catalog/microMatteBox-for-15mm-Lightweight/microMatteBox-Deluxe-Bundle.html

 

Vmount Dtap battery I believe IDX

I think this is where a lot of the weight comes from.

 

Marshall V-LCD70MD

 

Sennheiser

http://en-us.sennheiser.com/short-gun-tube-microphone-camera-films-mkh-416-p48u3

 

I think I got it down to 24 or so last time by taking the back part off the Ultracage. Using a 15mm rod battery mount.

 

I still had the recorder a H4N Zoom and microphone on the rig itself a long with follow focus and the broadcast monitor.

Edited by Matthew Marshall
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