Stabilizer system for Canon 5D Mark II?

[iSellJerseyShore]

I am in search of a stabilizer for my 5D Mark II, which one is everyone using with the 5D Mark II?

Stedicam Merlin? or Glidecam?

I have not been able to get a good feel for which system works best with the 5D Mark II. Both seem to have their own unique nuances, but do produce good quality videos when properly balanced.

Looking for any insight/feedback that you can share.

Regards,


-Frankie

[MattMoore]

You could make your own if you're good.

How to :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pLBUC-O1js&feature=channel_page

Results w/ 5d2 :
http://vimeo.com/groups/5DMKII/videos/3803065

[jongobongo]

i read that Stillmotion (http://stillmotionblog.com/) is using a shoulder mount from Cinevate (http://www.cinevate.com/website/index.php)

[charl1e]

I am in the exact same boat as you are in! Glidecam is much cheaper, but it seems like it is quite a bit less portable than the merlin.

[bomzai]

Got a Glidecam. It's not bad actually.

While Steadycam might be a tad more ergonomic, to me the difference definitely does not warrant $600 difference.

[charl1e]

I just bought a steadytracker ultralite, which is very basic (no gimbal design) but very cheap ( 100 shipped from ebay) i'll let you know how it performs when it arrives!

[SillyGuy]

which glidecam is the best for the 5d mkii?

[MaximXT]

I have used the glidecam 4000, which a friend picked up for 800us, IIRC. It worked very nicely with the 5d and a 70-200 2.8IS. Took all of 10 minutes to nail down the motions.

[ChrisMc73]

Are you all using these stabilizers are a secondary method of filming with the 5DMKII?
In otherwords, you have a tripod and fluid video head as well?

[bluemotion]

i use a tripod with fluid head, and if i walk around for events etc.. i'll use a monopod... but i'm also thinkin about pickin up a stabilizer system for artistic movie shots later on.. but monopod works great for something cheap and portable...

[ChrisMc73]

Cool, thats probably a good idea, to own a tripod, monopod, then eventually a stablizer. You have all situations covered.

[bomzai]

which glidecam is the best for the 5d mkii?

I'd say 2000. You won't handhold 5D2 with 70-200 2.8 IS on it anyway, so no need to go for 4000 which is bigger and heavier itself.

[ChrisMc73]

Here are a few cool videos of someone who did mount a 5DMKII on a glidecam 4000...

http://exposureroom.com/members/DVideography.aspx/assets/0735d299342d4e209b4f038e9a2e7beb/

http://exposureroom.com/members/DVideography.aspx/assets/86c4f38db699466bbdade9238352100a/

[Trey T]

yes you would. The heavier the rig, the more stable it is. I put on 28-235mm IS and it's pretty steady, very usuable footages. I would show some footages to compare the handheld vs. full-body stabilizer system on arm/vest but I am forbidden. I believe the best all around lens for handheld is the 24-105 f/4.0 L IS, simply it has image stabilizer and fixed aperture.

Again, the heavier your camera setup, the more stable it is, but the down-side is the weight.

but yes, go w/ the 2000 and no battery grip for handheld glidecam.
I'd say 2000. You won't handhold 5D2 with 70-200 2.8 IS on it anyway, so no need to go for 4000 which is bigger and heavier itself.

[ChrisMc73]

Trey,

So you think a 5DMKII with 24-70 f/2.8 L would be good hand held on a glidecam 2000?

[Trey T]

I am not sure how you define good as. I can't hold glidecam 2000pro w/ the 28-135mm(shot at 28mm) for any longer than 2min. we don't handheld(glidecam) but supported by an arm/vest so I wouldn't know what is best for you.

I dont want to tell you the wrong thing but people generally make short glidecam, ~30s max, enough for one footage. then they put it down so it is less fatigue on your wrist. ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/Brand-New-Arm-Support-for-Glidecam-Flycam-2000-4000-Pro_W0QQitemZ200348241618QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Vid eo_Cameras?hash=item2ea5af8ed2&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1205|240%3A13 18|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50) has this support that wraps around your arm that's made for glidecam so it can distribute the load over your arm, not just the wrist.

im 155lbs and bench ~150lb regularly.

[ChrisMc73]

I got you, see again, I've never held any of this equipment, so I don't know how heavy it is or what its like to hold it.

[bomzai]

So you think a 5DMKII with 24-70 f/2.8 L would be good hand held on a glidecam 2000?

Yes it will be fine, but you'll need an arm brace. 2000 won't be limiting you there, your wrist strength will :).

I currently use it with 24-105 and that combo utilizes probably about 50% capacity of glidecam 2000.

[Marloon]

A 5DII with a 16-35 or 17-40 mounted on a 2000HD would be PERFECT for event shots. i was looking into this and i am just patiently waiting for a 60D - hope they put manual exposure on that puppy.

[Pseudonym]

the hand held stabilizers always look like they need some dampening to me or better counter-weighting, as they tend to lean like a ship when going side to side.

Tim

[dogwalker]

I just bought a steadytracker ultralite, which is very basic (no gimbal design) but very cheap ( 100 shipped from ebay) i'll let you know how it performs when it arrives!

Have you had a chance to try the steadytracker? If so, what's your impression? I'm considering it for both my 450D and my HV30 camcorder.

[charl1e]

It's very basic, but it does a decent job. Definitely not amazing, since there is no gimbal or anthing, but it can give some pretty smooth shots. If you have the extra cash I would consider buying a Glidecam.

[dogwalker]

Thanks, Charlie. One reason I'm looking at the SteadyTracker is that Digital Juice is currently offering the SteadyTracker models at good discounts. But if it's not that great, then even a good discount isn't that helpful.

[sturdyshots]

Hi...
shot some days ago this in splitscreen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWd5FH6Bp2Q

Using 5D MkII and 17-40mm at 17mm not to have focus issues

Jaco

[ben_r_]

Bumping this thread since I am considering my options for stabilization.

Im putting together a Redrock Micro shoulder mount setup for "run and gun" stuff, but Im wondering if it wouldnt be beneficial to also have a handheld setup (like a Guidecam) for quick sweeping shots.

So what Im wondering is, If I were intending to use the 5D2 ungripped with RRS L plate and say a 24-70 or lighter lens, would the GuideCam 2000 be enough or would I really need the 4000?

[robtk]

Bumping this thread since I am considering my options for stabilization.

Im putting together a Redrock Micro shoulder mount setup for "run and gun" stuff, but Im wondering if it wouldnt be beneficial to also have a handheld setup (like a Guidecam) for quick sweeping shots.

So what Im wondering is, If I were intending to use the 5D2 ungripped with RRS L plate and say a 24-70 or lighter lens, would the GuideCam 2000 be enough or would I really need the 4000?

Weight capacity for the hd2000 is 4-6 lbs if I'm not mistaken. Hd2000 should work fine, but you might want to invest in the arm/wrist brace that connects to it.

[ben_r_]

Weight capacity for the hd2000 is 4-6 lbs if I'm not mistaken. Hd2000 should work fine, but you might want to invest in the arm/wrist brace that connects to it.
Okay, and Ill probably end up adding one of those setups later, but for now I have decided to start with a Redrock Micro Cinema bundle. This one is what Im putting together: LINK (http://store.redrockmicro.com/Catalog/DSLRShoulderMountedRigs/DSLRFieldCinemaBundleV2)

[robtk]

Okay, and Ill probably end up adding one of those setups later, but for now I have decided to start with a Redrock Micro Cinema bundle. This one is what Im putting together: LINK (http://store.redrockmicro.com/Catalog/DSLRShoulderMountedRigs/DSLRFieldCinemaBundleV2)

Friend of mine is filming/directing an indie short with that same setup (maybe his is a little beefier). seems like redrock is one of the best routes for dslr rigs

[ben_r_]

Friend of mine is filming/directing an indie short with that same setup (maybe his is a little beefier). seems like redrock is one of the best routes for dslr rigs
In all my research, thats def the conclusion I have come to.

[bowling racecar driver]

I bought the Steadigo stabilizer for $179 and it's worked great for me. It looks more like the Merlin Steadicam than the Glidecam and from what I can tell it is just as smooth. I first tried it with my Mk2 and Canon 85mm 1.8 and it didn't perform well but with my wider lenses, 35m 2, 28mm 1.8 and 18mm-135mm (set around 18mm) it was ridiculously smooth. I had trouble with my heavier Panasonic AG-AC160 on it but now they sell an upgrade to add more counter weight, supposedly they are made in the US too. www.steadigo.com (http://www.steadigo.com/)