Tiffen Steadicam Merlin

[Neilmac48]

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

[Fordo]

I've used one on the odd occasion - personally I dont like them:

- you need both hands to operate the device, do it's not really a 'run and gun' way of shooting. You pretty much have to leave the lens wide, and go do your shots.

- they need a lot of practice to get good at. - otherwise footage tends to have a bit of a seasick sway to it

- Fiddley to setup. Just like a real size steadicam, its all about balance. But with a large heavy rig, a tiny adjustment makes little difference. With a lightweight setup like the merlin, its very fiddly to get the thing balanced correctly.

- you need a bicep like arnie in your right arm. Its fine for a few minutes, but after a while it takes quite a toll on your arm.


Personally, if I were shooting with lions, id consider a monopod, or a lightweight shoulder mount rig. Youd be able to get a variety of shots far quicker with a shoulder mount rig, and also it would be much easier to run away if the Lions get peckish!

With a bit of practice, a decent shoulder rig, and a lens with image stablaisation, you can get pretty steady on the shoulder shots, even with a dslr. Its about adding points of contact - 1. your shoulder, 2. your head / eye in a viewfinder, 3 & 4 - both hands. Then make sure your stood solidly, legs apart. and holding your breath for long lens stuff also helps! Adding weight to the setup also helps, but you've mentioned weight is an issue for your shoot

That said - if your looking for tracking / moving shots, in a lightweight rig, the merlin is the way to go.

Manfrotto make an alternative called the fig rig - but it doesnt really work in the same way, but it might be worth a look.

Whens your shoot? Are you based out there? if your based in london, might be worth popping along to the broadcast video expo and having a play with some setups: http://www.bvexpo.com/bve/website/home.aspx?refer=...

[Neilmac48]

Thanks for your quick reply,I had'nt heard of the Fig Rig and initially it seemed a good idea till I realised you use both hands to hold it which would mean I would be unable to adjust the zoom on the 24-70mm lens.Perhaps a shoulder mounted rig is the way to go leaving a free hand for zoom or focus issues and it still gives me the manoeuvrability to avoid the lions! As I am new to this DSLR videoing do you have any recommendations for a shoulder rig? Cheers, Neil

[Neilmac48]

Searching online the two mounts that look suitable are the Zacuto Striker and the Redrock Eyespy Balance does anyone have any experience of either system?

[Bacardi]

Can't speak from personal experience but a mate has a Merlin, Blackbird and Flyer. By all accounts that I've heard, Merlin is most compact, but a pain to set up with DSLRs, much happier with traditional longer front to back video cameras. The Blackbird seems to be easier to set up and get good results, although it's not as compact.

As Fordo says, any of these hand held stabilisers need loads of practice and will make your arm ache, so only useful for short takes. Arm and vest for long stuff and again loads of practice for good results. Another option maybe something like a suspended Easyrig which would help take the weight off your hands.

Fordo, did you ever do those studio car pics? How did it go?