Slider lean problem - Recommended Tripod Head for Slider use?

M

M1CEtro

Active member
Hey guys. I shoot music videos and have been running into a problem with my slider leaning to either side depending on what side my camera is on. I originally assumed it was because I was using a cheap $150 slider. Its standard duty and I thought it just couldnt handle the weight. Upon further review, it looks like the lean is caused by the unsnug connection between my quick release plate and my tripod head. I have the standard head and plate that comes with my Slik d700 tripod.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/131427-REG/Slik_615_315_Pro_700DX_Tripod_with.html
(click more images for a closeup of the head and plate)

When the camera is on the left side of the slider, the plate kinda lifts up one side under all of the pressure of the weight (but it stays in the head socket) and it leans left and vice versa. I assume it's because of the weaker quick release plate.​
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What's the opposite of a quick release plate? What type of tripod head/plate combo would you recommend that is stronger and sturdier to support the uneven weight of my camera on one end of the slider so that it does not lean? Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance


Roger

P.s. the camera I mount is a 5d mark 3 with a 28mm 1.8 lens. Sometimes I will mount a fluid head tripod to the slider and then put the camera on top of that.​
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you have a 5d3 ($3,000) camera on a $150 hobbyist, cheap stills tripod? there's your problem. your head isnt made to do what youre doing with it.

even an entry level manfrotto would be WORLDS better than that.

though, not knowing what kind of slider youre using? where it connects may also be a weak point. and it may happen regardless of how meaty of a head you use.
this is one place where cheap gear will result in substandard results.
 
@wgzn I figured that was the case originally, but I want to be sure and try the cheaper option first with getting a stronger head and see if that works. If not, I will return and get a better slider. The slider is cheap, but it does a great job and Id rather not spend another $400 on a better one if I can find a cheaper alternative
 
It is not the slider, but the light tripod... A heavier head on small sticks will just bend the legs instead... you can't change the law of physics. I mounted a 75mm half ball (manfrotto) under my slider, and mount the thing directly on my light Cartoni sticks... very sturdy solution.
 
Ask yourself if you've ever needed a head under the slider (vs. on top of it). As Chsiung mentioned above, even a set of cheap legs on each side will be better.

I stick my 75mm head on the slider, and put a halfball-to-flat adapter on the sticks for one side, and my stills tripod on the other. Really a good way to go, a lot less blown shots from shake. I've done pans and tilts while sliding, but never a shot where the actual slider base needed to move. (I could see coming up with a shot like that, but my slider's 48" so I'd need to keep moves close to the center I suppose...)

I've got my base tapped with all sort of 3/8 holes - my favorite way to use it is just set it on a table or bench with wooden supports that have rubber feet attached. Faster than any other setup. Dicking with the slider's always the slowdown of the day for me.
 
you learn a lot by making one. even if what you learn is mostly accidental ; )

fast forward through my kickstarter video to 1:11 and you'll see the end result followed by a BTS iphone video where you'll see the first one i made being used. pivoting the slider, center mounted (on a heavy head and sticks) while you slide, allows you to work sort of like a floating tabletop dolly around the subject. this shot doesnt really show a dramatic move. i'll try to dig up a more dramatic one...
 
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@Michael and @troelskirk thanks alot for your advice! You made me think of an even easier and cheaper alternative, taking off the head all together and screwing the slider into the screw on the tripod, works sufficiently for what I need
 
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