Camera Slider 3' or 4'?

[Evin Grant]

I'm about to order a new camera slider that will support the Red and an O'Con 2575 head with primes (50lb total) and wondered which length you all though is most useful. I like the versatility of 48" but it may need extra support on the ends, Vs. the 3' which could be used alone without too much flex.
Thoughts?

Once I test it I'll post a review with vendor details.

 

[Brent J. Craig]

Three feet usually seems to be enough, and as you said, is stable without end supports.

On the other hand four feet is 33 percent longer!

Remember to test how silent the bearings are.

 

[Matthew Rogers]

Go 4'. Unless you do a lot of work that 4' won't fit in. It's the same with lights, you can always scrim down, but if you don't have enough light you don't have enough.

Are you talking about it flexing like when you put it on a dolly or something? Around here if we are using a slider we are just setting it on appleboxes. Of course, we do mainly commercials and not narratives.

Matthew

 

[Charles Angus]

4' all the way...

I've never used 3', but I often find myself wishing the 4' was slightly longer.

On appleboxes is a good call. I would say either length would be pretty bendy with a 2575 and a RED on it without end support.

 

[Oliver Schietinger]

It'll depend on what your location/shoots will be like; for the tabletop guys, the extra weight doesn't matter and they appreciate the extra foot travel..

We've never done a comparison, but we've also only gotten great field reports on the Original Slider in all lengths: mini/ 3/4/6' lengths.

http://theslider.com/

Look forward to your roundup/ review

 

[Matt Uhry]

4ft. No Question. House Of Smooth has a nice one if you want to rent it....

Matt Uhry
www.mattuhry.com

 

[StephenMurphy]

Go 3Ft - the 4ft needs to be supported which is a bit of a pain, the 3ft does'nt ned support even on a full 35mm package.
And if you have the choice id go with the ronford slider but that's a whole other argument