best stabalizer for panny gh2 for under a grand?

K

kevin baggott

Well-known member
Hi,
I recently purchased the merlin a couple of days ago. I know all these products have a learning curve. And after scouring the net and dvx user i chose the merlin. But brother... getting it balanced? I thought going to catholic school was hard? Trying to make it fly - putting a cape on and diving out the window i'll have better luck trying to make something fly around here.
I have up to a grand to spend on a stabalizer. I have read a lot of folks threads here regarding all these stabalizers. Just thought I would ask one more time if folks who have used the merlin either stuck with it or traded it in for something else. Most appreciated :)
 
The Merlin is a great stabilizer, but it takes a lot of practice to get it right.

If you want something you can use right away while you learn how to use your Merlin, I would recommend two different solutions:

Manfrotto Video Monopod : 561BHDV-1

How to Use a Video Monopod

...And the other solution is a Halorig, which is a lot like the Manfrotto FigRig, but smaller and less expensive:

HaloRig main page

The Mini HaloRig is a good fit for the GH-2. I replaced the 1/4 inch attachment with a stainless steel bolt, and bolted a Manfrotto quick release to the HaloRig Mini, making the attachment a bit more solid.

The Mini HaloRig Kit is a pretty good deal, as the quick-release is compatible with Manfrotto QR plates.

All of these methods will require some practice, but nowhere near as much practice as the Merlin.
 
Snazzy Flapper said:
Wow, have you guys seen the Tango!?!
Click to expand...

he has 1,000 to spend. sometimes it helps to read the entire post before giving advice.

Kevin, I have used the merlin on many occasions. I honestly didn't fall in love with it like so many people do. I ended up buying the "wondlan Ares" off ebay from China. It's built like a tank, c&c'd aluminum, easy to setup, in fact it's about ten times faster to set it and get it flying than the merlin is. And the best part, it's only half the price of the merlin. I love mine for dslrs, I wouldn't use anything else closely related if it were free.
 
maranfilms, I never suggested he buy it. We were talking about stabilizers and I noticed the new Tango. I didn't offer advice..
 
maranfilms - yeah i looked at some vids on that 'wondlan ares' hmmm... - i was having a little better luck today flying the merlin - well i have alittle more time before my refund date kicks in - i will keep practicing and check out more vids on the wondlan - i thought it was kind of between the merlin and the glidecam hd 2000 - glad to hear such positive feedback on the wondlan - thanks :)
 
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