Thoughts on the Kessler Crane Pocket Dolly 2' vs. 3'

GraphicPlanet

GraphicPlanet

Well-known member
Just got my AF100 and thinking about getting a Kessler Crane Pocket Dolly. Not sure whether to get 2' version or 3' version. Anyone have any thoughts?
 
I've got the 3' model, and frankly can't see the reason for the 2' model existing. I haven't yet found a situation where the 3' was too big, but there were several situations where it was just barely big enough, and others where it was close, but I went ahead and moved up to a full dolly to have some elbow room. I suppose there's a use-case for it, but to me, saving a few bucks would have meant that it was almost never used. - Tim
 
I've used it with a DSLR with a very large (studio-style) tripod. If you use a smaller tripod, you get a bit of lean, especially with a heavier camera. I haven't tried it with the AF100 (this should change in a week or so), but I would expect that on a small tripod, stability would be an issue, even if the head doesn't give and cause some lean.

When I've put the HVX on it, it's been supported on either end, or on a flat surface. - Tim
 
If you're flying often or taking the slider backpacking, I would get the two foot slider. Otherwise, the three foot will have less limitations. I use a basic monopod or a short c-stand to support one end of the Cineslider with my normal tripod. Kessler's tripod will hold the rig and an AF100 without additional support, but it is quite heavy.

Good luck,
Brad
 
I was also curious about people's expereince with the 2' modela nd "saving a few bucks" is course not the reason for the topic creator's post since both models are virtually the same price. Actually the new Philip bloom 2' and 3' models ARE the same price. I'm worries that the 3' model might bend at the ends from weight and also be more difficult to travel with since most of our filming is done at various locations around the world.
 
I believe the whole point of the 2' dolly is for a convenient travel dolly. I am not traveling so I have the 3' Bloom Pocket Dolly and also wanted the additional length for my shots... It has really great features... friction adjustment, brake... legs for a table top application... The pocket dolly has the abiilty to integrate the automated motion control systems that extends more shooting scenarios... It is a quality product IMO

A few things... I actually have tilted the dolly vertically on my tripod to simulate a vertical crane move... I you are considering this product consider the accessories you will need to mount the dolly on your tripod... You can mount the dolly directly to the base of the Tripod with the pan and tilt head on top or mount the dolly on top of the pan and tilt head. There are a few other ways using additional stands... All these options offers different shooting opportunities...

Lastly for my purposes this dolly is capable of holding the weight of my AF100 but with some of the elaborate AF100 setups I have seen on this forum I would make sure you have strong heads if you will have the dolly tilted for a shot...
 
3ft is barely enough for most situations, 2ft seems like it would be fairly useless unless you only ever shoot miniatures. I love my igus/zaza-based slider, its not the best slider out there, but the price is right and goes everywhere my tripod goes since it fits in the standard tripod case right with the tripod, so it hardly weights/slows me down.
 
My thoughts... I just picked up the pocket dolly, and wished I had gotten the cineslider instead. Once you mount a decent head, lens, and such on the AF100, you can introduce track flex under the weight. The 3 foot length was perfect for adding motion to 3 and 4 second shots in confined spaces while shooting a commercial on location the other day. There was no way we could have fit our doorway dolly in this credit union's offices, so the pocket dolly was a much better choice.

All the Best!

Dave
 
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