Tiffen Steadicam Merlin

Neilmac50

Neilmac50

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Neil
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I am using a Nikon D3s plus Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 lens along with the Zakuto Z-finder 2.5 for video work in Malawi.I am considering the Steadicam Merlin to aid my filming as opposed to using a tripod because some of the filming involves being in with lions who do not seem to like seeing a tripod near them! I'm drawn to the Merlin for its lightness as it will have to travel with me from England via air to the reserve where I work.My question is that I see its maximum weight limit is 5 pounds and I estimate that my gear will weigh an additional half pound over that,does anyone have any experience with this piece of equipment and are there any similar alternatives? Thanks in advance for any of your replies.Neil
 
Not sure whether I should have put this post in the equipment section, sorry.
 
Since my original post I've done some online research and two mounts that look suitable are the Zacuto Striker and the Redrock Eyespy Balance, does anyone have experience of either of these two systems?
 
It's the right place for it but when it comes to fairly specialised bits of kit like this there will be few who have experience of it here.
I haven't used the ones you mention but have heard praise for both- steadicams are quite personal bits of kit and there always little engineering features that annoy people in different ways.
For what you describe I'd certainly try but I'd want a fair bit of practice first too although that may just be me.:lol:
You could PM Dave (itsdavedotnet) as I recall he has/had access to loads of different kit or try here where there's some really serious kit guys. You're bound to get some custom adaption options for both:lol:
 
Thanks for the link to that other forum,seems a lot of useful info there and I see what you mean about serious! Cheers
 
hey.... uh... filming lions... is a 24-70 really the right choice of lens, lol? I'm thinking more, y'know... 800mm? ;) Sounds a cool project though...

again, a steadicam merlin will give you the kind of... glidey motion, it doesn't just make it completely still like a tripod would. What do you want the end footage to look like, end of the day?

The downside of a steadicam is that on its own - you can't change your focus without rendering the entire steadicam pointless, because you've got to touch the camera.
 
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Thanks for your reply,since I first started looking into this question I've started to favour a shoulder mount such as the Zacuto Striker.My reasoning being it brings the Z-Finder closer to my eye for framing and focussing,the D3s can only film 5 minute segments at a time so tiredness through holding that lump of metal will not be an issue-hopefully!
 
Yep, sounds a good plan :) good luck with your shoot, sounds amazing.
 
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