A little direction

I've always been into making videos, ever since I was younger making skate and snowboard videos with my buddies and then motorcross and freestyle street bike videos.. Now that I finally own a 5Dmkii the itch has obviously returned and while my still work is still a priority I have a nagging itch to do some videos.. So here's the deal. I just ditched some gear and have roughly 700 bucks that I was going to put into a 17-40L but think I might just want to pick up some goodies for my 5d for making some vids.. I already have a shotgun mic but probably need to pickup an external audio recorder, but to be honest I'm not too concerned with the audio at this point, as most of my stuff is backed by music, typically stuff I write. So, I'm just not sure which way to go.. do I get a stabilizer like a glidecam? Lcdvf and shoulder rig? D focus system? I really am new to this and am having a hard time finding a solid info source on what's the best route.. can anyone point me in the direction to a good sticky on a forum someplace?? or make some suggestions as to a good setup to start with, that can get me off to the races?

tjames wrote in post #11105934
Now that I finally own a 5Dmkii the itch has obviously returned and while my still work is still a priority I have a nagging itch

I think they have a cream for that.

What lenses do you have? I would say certainly have audio on the bottom of your priority list if your putting audio into your videos. Glass is first, stability is second. What kind of tripod are you using already? Monopod? I would say hold off on the expensive stuff like the glidecam/shoulder mount. Experiment using just your monopod or just hand held, or with something inexpensive like the Opteka X grip. Before jumping into a view finder, try shooting with out it. It all depends on your vision and material. Once you develop that a little and get some ideas, then consider some upgrades.

Glass is not the issue as I shoot with all L lenses and primes, the only reason I was going to pick up the 17-40 is because every once in a while I will need something wider than a 24 but it's rare. For a Tripod I have a Manfrotto 190XProb, nothing great but it works, I have two monopods. Really the only stuff I don't have in my kit is video related gear..

The videos I'm looking to produce would cover the entire spectrum but probably building up to eventually be able to provide some wedding coverage videos with unique angles and motion etc like http://vimeo.com/15762​850. I'll do other action sports vids now as well since I still do some photography for that. I'm just looking for some stuff that will allow me to get experience in different applications. I've found some DIY dolly stuff that I'm going to build but more helpful than anything would be a good resource to answer alot of my questions..