Best sliders 2019 - $500+ range

[orange]

Hi, we want to buy a slider in the $500 range that later can be expanded with motor accessories.

Desired characteristics:
- To use with DSLR-sized cameras plus occasionally a C300 or similar (if it can take a FS-7 would be awesome but I suppose will not be possible in this range)
- Ability to place both on tripod and on floor/table
- Should have both manual (flywheel) mode and posibility to later expand with a motorized system
- Rails should be expandlable somehow, be it interchangeable lenghts or hook-on-next rail system
- Should be very sturdy as we plan to rent it out many times
- We are looking to spend like $500 on the manual slider (can be a little more too) and later maximum $1,500 more to have a motorized system (maybe more later to have further accessories).

We have been looking at the following:
- Rhino
- iFootage
- Edelkrone

I like the iFootage Shark mini, but many people complain that the motor vibrates. That's unfortunately a deal breaker. But I love the expandeable small rails. Would it work well as just a manual slider, and waiting for motor to improve or even mount another brand's motor system on it?
We also like Edelkrone because they have such a wide range of thought-out accessories, but it all seems a bit pricy for us.
I really like Rhino because it seems like really sturdy, war-proof equipment (just my impression), (and you don't need a phone to operate) plus people say it's buttery smooth. What I haven't seen are more advanced accessories like motorized tilt-head or motorized follow-focus.
What I like about iFootage Shark S1 is that it's very affordable ($400 in B&H), and I have heard good things about it, but I wonder, what motor system would work with that to add later?

Very thankful for your suggestions and input about the above and other similar systems.

 

[mothmachine]

I see Rhino has this motorized combo. The slider alone also sells at B&H, presumably you can get the motorized part separately.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1164219-REG/rhino_sku111_motorized_studio_slider_bundle.html
or
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1226402-REG/rhino_sku162_ultimate_slider_bundle.html

 

[robmneilson]

I always wonder why folks just dont go and buy a dana dolly. Buy the dana kit, some speed rail, and stands and be set for years! Or you can buy one of these cheap sliders, which you will need to replace every 24-36 months. Buy once, cry once.

 

[dcoughla]

I always wonder why folks just dont go and buy a dana dolly. Buy the dana kit, some speed rail, and stands and be set for years! Or you can buy one of these cheap sliders, which you will need to replace every 24-36 months. Buy once, cry once.

Especially with OP having dreams of renting.

OP, I think you're going to have a broken slider after a few months...

 

[cpreston]

Hi, we want to buy a slider in the $500 range that later can be expanded with motor accessories.

Desired characteristics:
- To use with DSLR-sized cameras plus occasionally a C300 or similar (if it can take a FS-7 would be awesome but I suppose will not be possible in this range)
- Ability to place both on tripod and on floor/table
- Should have both manual (flywheel) mode and posibility to later expand with a motorized system
- Rails should be expandlable somehow, be it interchangeable lenghts or hook-on-next rail system
- Should be very sturdy as we plan to rent it out many times
- We are looking to spend like $500 on the manual slider (can be a little more too) and later maximum $1,500 more to have a motorized system (maybe more later to have further accessories).

We have been looking at the following:
- Rhino
- iFootage
- Edelkrone

I like the iFootage Shark mini, but many people complain that the motor vibrates. That's unfortunately a deal breaker. But I love the expandeable small rails. Would it work well as just a manual slider, and waiting for motor to improve or even mount another brand's motor system on it?
We also like Edelkrone because they have such a wide range of thought-out accessories, but it all seems a bit pricy for us.
I really like Rhino because it seems like really sturdy, war-proof equipment (just my impression), (and you don't need a phone to operate) plus people say it's buttery smooth. What I haven't seen are more advanced accessories like motorized tilt-head or motorized follow-focus.
What I like about iFootage Shark S1 is that it's very affordable ($400 in B&H), and I have heard good things about it, but I wonder, what motor system would work with that to add later?

Very thankful for your suggestions and input about the above and other similar systems.

I don't think any of your listed options actually have characteristics you want. None have a flywheel. None should be rented out. And none of them look like they can handle a C300 at any moderate length.

You could look at the Kessler products. I use my cineslider regularly. I also have the shuttle dolly, which is the Kessler version of the Dana dolly. None of this stuff is in the $500 range, though, unless you find it used.

 

[orange]

I don't think any of your listed options actually have characteristics you want. None have a flywheel. None should be rented out. And none of them look like they can handle a C300 at any moderate length.

You could look at the Kessler products. I use my cineslider regularly. I also have the shuttle dolly, which is the Kessler version of the Dana dolly. None of this stuff is in the $500 range, though, unless you find it used.

Rhino and Shark S1 have flywheel and the Mini Im pretty sure has a smoothing mechanism.
Thanks for your input

 

[robmneilson]

Especially with OP having dreams of renting.

OP, I think you're going to have a broken slider after a few months...

Seriously, my dana dolly has paid for itself ten times over. $600-700 for the kit, a few bucks for speed rail (buy a bunch of lengths) and then $400 for some low boys. Rent that out for $100/day and you're paid off extremely quickly. Probably the quickest return on investment in any gear ive bought.

 

[Kevin Kelly]

After seeing a friend struggle with a 4 foot long slider (mounting it on a tripod, rigging something to support the ends, etc.), the same friend then bought a Kesseler Shuttle Dolly. It looks versatile, but too many small parts look they could come loose and get lost.

I bought a Dana Dolly. It is very simple, and the only parts not permanently attached are the basic bowl adapter and the large washer. You can also get permanently attached bowls, so nothing gets detached. If you are going to rent it out, then the Dana Dolly is a no-brainer.

 

[orange]

I have tried the Dana dolly and I think it is that - a dolly. It plays in another division. It's like comparing apples with pears. We are looking for a slider for smaller cameras firsthand. Dana doesn't have a smoothing mechanism, it doesn't have motor options, it's big and heavy (in comparison). I think it works very well for bigger cameras but at this moment we are looking for somehing light weight you can carry on your shoulder and set up on a tripod if you like. We already have a dolly.
But as an investment, great! Very nice to hear. Maybe down the road buy both.