Stabilizer advice and questions????

I

imthinking

Active member
I'm about to purchase a stabilizer and I have a budget of under 5k. I was set to purchase the Varizoom Aviator but then saw a plethora of Steadicam rigs for sale under 5k that are used.

I have never tried one on :) and so i am a complete VIRGIN!! all the pun intended!

Could you experienced users tell me what you would recommend? I currently have a Canon XHA1 and battery packs etc to place on this puppy.

Should I hold out for a good deal on a steadicam or just buy a new varizoom as they have a decent sale on now. Other than name what can a steadicam do that Varizoom can't?

Thanks for your input!
Brian
 
I would like to but i have 4 trips planned this year so my budget is getting smaller :) and I was hoping they were going to perform a workshop at NAB since I will be there but that doesn't seem to be the case.
 
The pilot is a great rig and I would definitely advise staying in the Steadicam brand family at this price point. If the pilot's weight range works for you go for it, but if you think you might exceed it go for a used flyer. Would pressure you to go to a workshop first though or at the very least get someone that knows what they are doing give you a quick lesson in a rig. Peter Abraham's 2 day class though is amazing and worth many times what it costs. Would strongly suggest going to one of these before buying a rig. Good deals on used rigs at workshops too sometimes.
 
I just have an XHA1 with some wireless and maybe a light at times but most of my productions will be controlled so I think 10 pound will work, obviously the flyer is a better "long term" choice. I'm all for classes as most of this stuff is coming at me like a cram session and i'm looking for cliff notes :) But I have been building my knowledge up for 3 years now and so i feel comfortable enough to take the plunge which I am. Thanks for the reply.
 
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