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good lightweight camera slider?

Sam Eilertsen

Sam Eilertsen

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Hi all,

Not a RED question but I think a lot of people in the forum will know/have opinions about this. I'm looking for a camera slider that can mount on a single tripod, to be used for both timelapse photography and video. It will need to be carried into the mountains of Peru and Nepal, so lightweight and not bulky/collapsible. Needs only support a DSLR, but if it could support a lightweight camcorder or Scarlet rig in the future that would be a plus. Also not looking to break the bank, preferably under $500, definitely under $1000.

Opinions?

Thanks,
 
Kessler Crane has the best lightweight sliders for the price. I just got the 3ft cineslider and its very impressive and really light. can be motorized for time lapse too, but I think just the drive kit alone costs $1000. They have a range reflecting quality and features from like $400 up. sounds like thats your best bet.

http://www.kesslercrane.com/dolly-sliders-s/49.htm
 
I just ordered one of these. Pretty excited about the prospects of it, has a great weight to load ratio. Programmable remote control system is under development, but not currently available, (supposed 2011 release) so if timelapse is your main reason for a slider, then maybe it is not for you yet... Will post a review after I get it.

http://mytworks.com/
 
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Take a look at Dana Dolly. Been very happy with the unit and Mike's responsiveness. Just don't get the lowboy stands he recommends... they're not as nice as Matthews or Avenger.
 
Thanks for your help, guys. Looks like we are looking for a motorized one. Kessler is not a bad option, the basic slider and motor is about $1300, but are there others out there? The only others I'm finding are sketchy DIY things, or very expensive.
 
Unfortunately I genuinely dont know of any others that compete with that feature at that price, but Im sure its the best motorised slider for carrying up a mountain, regardless of price!

If you were really stuck for cash you could get a cheaper motorised pan/tilt head instead, which would give you movement in time lapses. you can just use a telescope head with a thread for your camera, thats really cheap and all over the internet. But its not a track.
 
I cannot speak highly enough of the Cineslider - it's totally awesome, and very cheap for how well it just works every time.
 
I own the cineslider and think its great. The only downfall is the case...I have the 100mm offset and there is no way to store it in the case with it still attached (same goes with the hi-hat) It is too fragile to forget the case, so hopefully I can rig/stitch something to fix this...
 
Rob and/or Ryan, may I ask what size cineslider you bought. I'm personally on the fence between the 3 foot version and the 5 foot version.
 
Taj Jackson said:
Rob and/or Ryan, may I ask what size cineslider you bought. I'm personally on the fence between the 3 foot version and the 5 foot version.
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I've got the full Monte cineslider kit ( slider, motor, revolution head, 2x controllers). Mine is the 3foot model. I would stay with the 3' if I had to do it again. It's really easy to get in and out of places. Rigging is easier. I used it a ton on the last feature I shot both manually and motorized. I find that I am not able to perfectly control a camera slide manually more than 3' anyway. More than that requires either a handoff or taking a step. So in those >3' move instances, I'm happy to fly in my doorway dolly.

I suppose for fast manual moves or motorized timelapses the 5' could be very useful. But setup is more complex: requires dual tripods. I work fast with one tripod center supporting the 3' model.
 
Paul Nordin said:
I've got the full Monte cineslider kit ( slider, motor, revolution head, 2x controllers). Mine is the 3foot model. I would stay with the 3' if I had to do it again. It's really easy to get in and out of places. Rigging is easier. I used it a ton on the last feature I shot both manually and motorized. I find that I am not able to perfectly control a camera slide manually more than 3' anyway. More than that requires either a handoff or taking a step. So in those >3' move instances, I'm happy to fly in my doorway dolly.

I suppose for fast manual moves or motorized timelapses the 5' could be very useful. But setup is more complex: requires dual tripods. I work fast with one tripod center supporting the 3' model.
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Thanks Paul. This was very helpful.
 
5 ft - fits in a tripod bag (next to the tripod). We use cheap photo crap as the second tripod - good enough as just a second support. Motors are 100% worth it.
 
Rob Ruffo said:
5 ft - fits in a tripod bag (next to the tripod). We use cheap photo crap as the second tripod - good enough as just a second support. Motors are 100% worth it.
Click to expand...

Thanks Rob for the response
 
Ryan Lalonde said:
I own the cineslider and think its great. The only downfall is the case...I have the 100mm offset and there is no way to store it in the case with it still attached (same goes with the hi-hat) It is too fragile to forget the case, so hopefully I can rig/stitch something to fix this...
Click to expand...

I use the screws from the hithat (the ones you can quickly tighten by hand) with the relocator, and just store the relocator with the hole slotted over the tension adjustment knob, then strapped in the velcro straps. its secure, and not touching the tracks. Also i leave the large part of the half-ball adapter on the bottom of the slider with the screw left in the handle, again strapped into the velcro straps. thats the most convenient way i have found. its pretty desperate i guess.

Could probably get another case and sew it on as a pocket for the hihat.
 
I have both, The Cinesider from Kessler CineSlider and Dynamic-Perception dolly slider.

Kessler CineSlider is pretty good and nice for a mobile use but Dynamic-Perception dolly slider a bit longer (6' foot), has more precise movement on aluminum rail,

aluminum DollyShield with motor, MX2 controller, easy to set up for timelapse shooting and it's $447.50 or more than 4x cheaper than Kessler CineSlider kit.
 
Sanjin Jukic said:
I have both, The Cinesider from Kessler CineSlider and Dynamic-Perception dolly slider.

Kessler CineSlider is pretty good and nice for a mobile use but Dynamic-Perception dolly slider a bit longer (6' foot), has more precise movement on aluminum rail,

aluminum DollyShield with motor, MX2 controller, easy to set up for timelapse shooting and it's $447.50 or more than 4x cheaper than Kessler CineSlider kit.
Click to expand...

Yeah I think we're going with the Dynamic Perception. Sucks that its 4-6 week back order though (but I guess a RED forum is not the place to complain about waiting).
 
I have the 5ft version...great for concerts etc where I can make quick reframes if someone is standing in front of me. I don't know what tripod Rob is using but my 5ft will not fit in a tripod bag, it's huge and it would be a pain to fly with. Unless you fly a ton, I would recommend the 5ft.
 
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