I'm pretty sure thats with an optical stabilizer on, thats not just the knockoff steadicam at work... I wouldn't trust a chinese knockoff steadicam holding my $25,000+ RED kit. sorry not for me.
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Anyone have any experience with the Chinese knock off Steadicams? Like this one?
- Thread starter Vladimir Druts
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I'm pretty sure thats with an optical stabilizer on, thats not just the knockoff steadicam at work... I wouldn't trust a chinese knockoff steadicam holding my $25,000+ RED kit. sorry not for me.
steven moreno
Well-known member
Last edited:
Noel R.
Well-known member
Joesef, this was shot using the Rokinon 24mm. There is no image stabilization on that lens and I didn't add any in post. You can't knock it till you try it. You might be surprised at how well built it actually is. I find it highly unlikely that my camera will fall off, but there is a chance you might drop your camera due to an inherent flaw with operating one of these. It's called tripping.
Abiodun Shote
Well-known member
GoPro is less than 2% of a standard kitted RED but does that make it less of a quality camera? they are not promising to replace "Steadicam" neither will I expect it to deliver at that efficiency level, but for its price, I think its a safe bet especially for casual - mid level usage / operator. As for "pro" level operator, then they might consider the pro rigs
Andreas Kopriva
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I thought I'd pitch in with my input as I've purchased the Wondlan Leopard Steadicam system a few months back. I was quite unsure of getting it to begin with, considering instead the Zephyr, but in the end I couldn't justify that purchase since, being a complete beginner, I wouldn't have been able to amortize the investment for a long time.
Much like the comments listed here regarding the other chinese knock-offs, the Leopard is pretty solid and quite robust. There are a few parts here and there which are a bit flimsy - like the HD monitor which is an optional purchase (that thing feels as if it would shatter if you looked at it the wrong way) - but all in all I've been able to balance a Scarlet with the Canon 24-70, a 160 GMP battery, matte box and 5" RED Touch screen without any real problems.
The results are satisfactory, bearing in mind that I'm nowhere near being considered a capable (let alone good) operator.
Having read through most of the Steadicam Operator's Handbook, I'd suggest that for everyone getting ANY kind of stabilizing system, the handbook should be read cover-to-cover. It takes a LOT of work to become skilled in steadicam operation, something which came as a bit of surprise to me. In other words, all these stabilizers are pretty decent - it's just a stick with some weights at the end of the day - the trick is in the operator and it takes a lot of effort and hard work to get there.
Furthermore, to reply to another comment regarding back-ache - you shouldn't be getting any if you adjust the vest and everything correctly. I've managed to eliminate any back-related pains by simply fixing my posture and taking the time to adjust the vest better on my body.
Much like the comments listed here regarding the other chinese knock-offs, the Leopard is pretty solid and quite robust. There are a few parts here and there which are a bit flimsy - like the HD monitor which is an optional purchase (that thing feels as if it would shatter if you looked at it the wrong way) - but all in all I've been able to balance a Scarlet with the Canon 24-70, a 160 GMP battery, matte box and 5" RED Touch screen without any real problems.
The results are satisfactory, bearing in mind that I'm nowhere near being considered a capable (let alone good) operator.
Having read through most of the Steadicam Operator's Handbook, I'd suggest that for everyone getting ANY kind of stabilizing system, the handbook should be read cover-to-cover. It takes a LOT of work to become skilled in steadicam operation, something which came as a bit of surprise to me. In other words, all these stabilizers are pretty decent - it's just a stick with some weights at the end of the day - the trick is in the operator and it takes a lot of effort and hard work to get there.
Furthermore, to reply to another comment regarding back-ache - you shouldn't be getting any if you adjust the vest and everything correctly. I've managed to eliminate any back-related pains by simply fixing my posture and taking the time to adjust the vest better on my body.
John Galeano
Well-known member
Got mine in the mail on Monday.. Haven't had a chance to play with it yet.. it came in a nice rolling case. It looks pretty solid, nice looking vest and arm.. overall pretty well made! I just got my v-mount plate in today that's going to go on the bottom of the sled.. Now I have to wire everything up tomorrow and get this thing balanced at about 22-24lbs I might have to strip down some more weight. I'll let you guys know how I make out... I'll post some pics tomorrow.
steven moreno
Well-known member
I got mine in the mail yesterday, as well - I was able to build it and fly it a bit, but I need a few parts still (RED belt battery clip, which comes today)
So far, I am really impressed with it, the only problem that I am experiencing is that it's very hard to get the stage from slipping when I turn the rig horizontal.
So far, I am really impressed with it, the only problem that I am experiencing is that it's very hard to get the stage from slipping when I turn the rig horizontal.
John Galeano
Well-known member
Congrats Steven! I was able to play with it a bit today.. Got it pretty balanced but could not get Dynamic balance just yet.. Gotta admit I didn't try for long since i'm still waiting on one more cheese plate to come in, so I wasn't going to kill myself trying to get it perfect. I stripped the camera down to the bear essentials just to see how the weight felt and I'll tell you, I'm either super out of shape or i'm not wearing my vest properly.. It was killing my back! of course this is my first time ever using a steadicam so maybe that's normal? anyway I'm very satified with the build and quality. Once the rest of the items I oredered come in, I'll play with it more. Here's a few pics...
So weird to see my cam stripped down to nothing.. She looks naked lol..
Jonathan Lee
Active member
Congrats Steven! I was able to play with it a bit today.. Got it pretty balanced but could not get Dynamic balance just yet.. Gotta admit I didn't try for long since i'm still waiting on one more cheese plate to come in, so I wasn't going to kill myself trying to get it perfect. I stripped the camera down to the bear essentials just to see how the weight felt and I'll tell you, I'm either super out of shape or i'm not wearing my vest properly.. It was killing my back! of course this is my first time ever using a steadicam so maybe that's normal? anyway I'm very satified with the build and quality. Once the rest of the items I oredered come in, I'll play with it more. Here's a few pics...
So weird to see my cam stripped down to nothing.. She looks naked lol..
Should be interesting when I stop by... we should do a test video next week!! after seeing these pics I now understand the sled your talking about
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Looking gorgeous. So my concerns about this item:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-15kg-Load...=&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
vs this item:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/WONDLAN-Ste...=&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
seem to be answered....
The more expensive item seemed to have a better sled in addition to inputs, power, and an included LCD. Should I feel free to get the cheaper unit, and buy a smallHD oled?
It will work the exact same way as the unit with the included LCD? Perfectly compatible with the sled and powered via XLR?
I'd love to hear thoughts on the pros and cons of the turnkey package vs. the roll your own.
Thanks guys. Look forward to footage. I hope this doesn't kill my back. Vests are supposed to prevent that no?
Lastly, I plan on using this with a Red One. Tell me this isn't crazy....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-15kg-Load...=&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
vs this item:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/WONDLAN-Ste...=&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
seem to be answered....
The more expensive item seemed to have a better sled in addition to inputs, power, and an included LCD. Should I feel free to get the cheaper unit, and buy a smallHD oled?
It will work the exact same way as the unit with the included LCD? Perfectly compatible with the sled and powered via XLR?
I'd love to hear thoughts on the pros and cons of the turnkey package vs. the roll your own.
Thanks guys. Look forward to footage. I hope this doesn't kill my back. Vests are supposed to prevent that no?
Lastly, I plan on using this with a Red One. Tell me this isn't crazy....
Brian Anderson
Well-known member
John, Are you happy with your Micro Remote from Redrock?
John Galeano
Well-known member
I considered the the steadicam in the second link but honestly I didn't think it was worth it.. I already had a monitor to use. Second there are pretty cheap solutions to power the camera and it will still be cheaper than the steadicam in the second link. U can always use the side handle for power and eliminate the need for brick battery's . Unfortunately I needed a v-mount solution to power the paralinx and the wireless follow focus so with the bricks I can power all 3. This rig should hold the red one with no problem but you would definitely have to keep it pretty stripped down. The vest is really solid, I think it's just me not being used to it. With a little practice I think I'll ok
Hey Brian,
yes the redrock wireless system is fantastic! They did an excellent job with this product. I can't compare it to other units as I haven't used another brand but I can tell you that the redrock unit works and it works well!
Brad Crawford
Well-known member
Have you had a chance to do much of a stress test on the range of the unit? I didn't realize they had released it already, I've been looking for an affordable and solid wireless FF for a long time.
steven moreno
Well-known member
Congrats to you, John! Nice looking set-up! I found that the rig hurt my back a little, too, but as I keep tweaking the vest, it's feeling better. I also found that the included allen key will tighten the knob that holds the dovetail plate, and that has kept the camera on the stage when horizontal...plus I put a little gaff tape on it.Congrats Steven! I was able to play with it a bit today.. Got it pretty balanced but could not get Dynamic balance just yet.. Gotta admit I didn't try for long since i'm still waiting on one more cheese plate to come in, so I wasn't going to kill myself trying to get it perfect. I stripped the camera down to the bear essentials just to see how the weight felt and I'll tell you, I'm either super out of shape or i'm not wearing my vest properly.. It was killing my back! of course this is my first time ever using a steadicam so maybe that's normal? anyway I'm very satified with the build and quality. Once the rest of the items I oredered come in, I'll play with it more. Here's a few pics...
So weird to see my cam stripped down to nothing.. She looks naked lol..
Scotty Baker
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Hey John,
How are you powering the Wireless FF?
How are you powering the Wireless FF?
John Galeano
Well-known member
Hey Scott,
I didn't have it on while I was taking the pics since I was just testing the balance... but I purchased these 2 items from BH Photo and it will allow me to power the follow focus, the paralinx and whatever else I would need.
I will run the P-Tap extension through the sled
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/204182-REG/Anton_Bauer_POWERTAP_MULTI_PowerTap_Multi.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._PTM_PTF_CABLE_PTMPTFCABLE_P_Tap_Male_to.html
steven moreno
Well-known member
I don't think that the Wondlan is worth the extra dough...as someone said earlier on this thread, the monitor is garbage - and I read that the bail block on it doesn't adjust without being taken apart. The other rig, the CAME or LAING offers a rig with a tilt feature on the stage, a monitor bracket that is separate from the battery plate and adjust up and down, a more adjustable battery plate, and an adjustable bail block (not sure if this adjusts properly or is like the Wondland) - I think that these features, (the adjustable monitor and battery plate) are key in achieving dynamic balance. I'm not a steadicam expert by any means, but I've been reading the Steadicam Op Handbook and I've been flying my rig around everyday, and that's what I've learned so far. My rig has the tilting stage, but not the other stuff, so I am trying to buy those parts from the seller separately.
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david_winters
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Arrived today. No custom power or cabling yet. Overall really happy with quality, much better than my first generation Glidecam v16. Vest fits well, I'm 5-11" 170lbs, no pain or numbness wearing the rig for 30 minutes. It appears the arm can handle a red prime + two dionics on the bottom, TBD.
Fedex guy was not too happy standing in my driveway with this.
3.5 second drop
Fedex guy was not too happy standing in my driveway with this.
3.5 second drop
nickmilo
Well-known member
Hey guys, great thread! Been looking at the Chinese rigs for a while, and its good to see some feedback. This one just recently caught my attention:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Proaim-Suav...403&pid=100015&prg=1006&rk=1&sd=271129517440&
What do you guys think? Not sure about the gimbal handle, but I actually do have a 3a gimble and partial sled I plan on finishing up with some of the parts of the sled I end up getting... Arm looks pretty darn solid...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Proaim-Suav...403&pid=100015&prg=1006&rk=1&sd=271129517440&
What do you guys think? Not sure about the gimbal handle, but I actually do have a 3a gimble and partial sled I plan on finishing up with some of the parts of the sled I end up getting... Arm looks pretty darn solid...