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Help finding a slider for under 2k$

Peter Steele

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Hey guys, I've seen some older posts on slider recommendations but I was having trouble finding anything more recent, wasn't sure if there is anything new out there that anyone would recommend? I am looking for a motorized slider with motorized pan and tilt for time lapses. Ideally I would like to stay under about $2,000. Any recommendations?

I have been looking at the Dynamic Perception Stage Zero digital system with NMX motion controller; does anyone have any experience with these?

I have also seen a lot of recommendations for Dana Dolly's, but do those have any automated features?

Thanks for any help
 
The Trost doesn't have pan/tilt (yet? Not sure if they are working on it) but it just got a motorized slide kit from DitoGear. But the slider alone is $1800, so adding the motorized kit would be over $3k, unfortunately. The Trost is definitely the nicest "traditional" slider (compact but super solid) I've used, compared to sliders I've used from Cinevate, Kessler, etc.

I think you'll have a hard time finding a motorized pan/tilt for under $2k. At least not a professional quality one. I found one from Konova, but I can't seem to find specifics on how much weight it can support. So even a stripped-down RED may be out of the question. http://konovaphoto.com/slider/bundle/smck7.html I currently own (but haven't used in years) a Konova slider, it became not very smooth after a short time, even while trying to keep the bearings/track clear of dust and dirt.

Dana Dolly is great, I own one as well. But it's not quite as travel friendly (without buying their travel track or having a place to get speed rail or pipes from a hardware store on location) as a slider like the Trost. Also doesn't have a motorized option, unless you're into more DIY type setups.
 
Kessler Second Shooter Bundle - $1839
http://store.kesslercrane.com/products/motion-control/second-shooter/kessler-second-shooter-599.html#product-tabs

After that, just add whatever Kessler slider you want to use with it.

Downsides of the shooter vs. CineDrive is that the Second Shooter is limited to only 2 keyframes, and from the reviews, the motors are loud (a concern for situations like interviews).

 
I'm looking into getting a slider from Rhino Gear. You can get the "ultimate slider bundle" for $1,825 which comes with 42" rails and 24" cf rails that you can swap out. It's also motorized. Supposed to ship "late January" according to their site. They say the motor can move 25lbs horizontally but only 5lbs at 45 degrees.

Here's the link: http://rhinocameragear.com/products/ultimate-slider-bundle
 
http://ditogear.com/store/12-ditogear-omnislider

We got the servo omni slider. It´s really nice. Runs on a protected linear ballbearing and is still not to heavy even though it´s really sturdy and can take a quite impressive load. They also integrate well with dragon frame and you can easily add on other axis´s later on.

And simply that ballbearing and camera cart alone is worth the money. The motor and programable controller makes it even better.

compared to the above, dito gear can deliver tomorrow and their stuff is of a different caliber all together and cost less or the same.
 
awesome, thanks for the recommendations, I'm gonna do some comparisons between these.

So no one has any experience with the Dynamic Perception Stage Zero digital system with NMX motion controller? I think it runs around $1400, but I don't know how much weight it can handle for the motion tilts
 
I'm looking into getting a slider from Rhino Gear. You can get the "ultimate slider bundle" for $1,825 which comes with 42" rails and 24" cf rails that you can swap out. It's also motorized. Supposed to ship "late January" according to their site. They say the motor can move 25lbs horizontally but only 5lbs at 45 degrees.

Here's the link: http://rhinocameragear.com/products/ultimate-slider-bundle

I am giving this slider serious consideration. From reading the specs it might be just what we need.
 
I have one, but do not have their new pan and tilt head. I have a pan tilt head that is used for telescopes and works with still camera, but not my Red. Is a bit of a chore to program the pan tilt part. With the new system you can control everything with a lap top, and would be much easier, and if you get their pan tilt head it should in theory handle a Red. Don't do enough time-lapse to justify the investment of an upgrade. One nice thing about the zero is you can connect two or more pieces of track and get a super long rail that way. Currently I can do 18 feet, but haven't gotten around to actually executing one as I am waiting for warmer weather. Send me a PM if you go this route and want to order the parts off e-bay and I'll send you the links.

awesome, thanks for the recommendations, I'm gonna do some comparisons between these.

So no one has any experience with the Dynamic Perception Stage Zero digital system with NMX motion controller? I think it runs around $1400, but I don't know how much weight it can handle for the motion tilts
 
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