which pocket dolly "traveler" or "standard" with AF100???

N

Nicholas Natteau

Veteran
I have an AF100 and wasn't sure if the weight of that camera might cause problems with a standard size Philip Bloom pocket dolly.

Just wondered if anyone can advise me on what would be a better pocket dolly to go with the AF100: the Traveler or standard size version of the Philip Bloom pocket dolly.

I've heard some complain that 2 ft traveler size was a little too short, and other have said that the standard 3 ft length can cause a slight bend or wobble.

I know that I definitely need the pocket dolly but I'm unable to decide which to get. They're both the same price. It's just that extra foot.

Has anyone found the extra foot indispensable or the traveler size just too short?

Thanks in advance.

Can anyone share some vimeo links of traveler size PB pocket dolly shots?
 
Okay I just attended Philip Blooms canon filmmakers class and he said the 2 footer will do everything you need and it will fit in a suitcase. The 3 footer will not fit in any standard suitcase. He said every slider shot in his videos are from the 2 footer and it's all about lens choice and placement. The others there with him said they had bought the 3 footer and were always banging into stuff. Also said very tough to use the long one on a tripod and keep balance if you don't have a big tripod or supplementary support.
 
I didn't realize Mr. Bloom had his own signature dolly :-)

We don't have the pocket dolly, but we do have the Cineslider and that thing is built like
a tank (along with the Hercules head). More than enough to support an AF100.

jeff
 
I was wondering this same thing myself but wasn't sure if the 2' version was really long enough. It would be nice to fit into a suitcase :-( I just order the 3' Cineslider yeasterday... hope it doesn't end up being overkill :-(
 
Kindredmachine said:
I just order the 3' Cineslider yeasterday... hope it doesn't end up being overkill :-(
Click to expand...

The Cineslider is smooth as silk and incredibly well built. I think you'll be really happy with it. It's not as portable, but
we don't really care... we're not flying around with it. I'll take the stability.

jeff
 
Nicholas Natteau said:
I have an AF100 and wasn't sure if the weight of that camera might cause problems with a standard size Philip Bloom pocket dolly.

Just wondered if anyone can advise me on what would be a better pocket dolly to go with the AF100: the Traveler or standard size version of the Philip Bloom pocket dolly.

I've heard some complain that 2 ft traveler size was a little too short, and other have said that the standard 3 ft length can cause a slight bend or wobble.

I know that I definitely need the pocket dolly but I'm unable to decide which to get. They're both the same price. It's just that extra foot.

Has anyone found the extra foot indispensable or the traveler size just too short?

Thanks in advance.

Can anyone share some vimeo links of traveler size PB pocket dolly shots?
Click to expand...
I have a three foot indieslider pro and that thing is heavy. It has a 7 pound base. I ordered a two foot rail section from Igus and using the slider on it. All I need to do is drill a couple of holes and tap them for a quick release on the rails and I have a nice lite version for one man band stuff.
I have been eyeballing that bloom slider as well but the price is high. I'm sure its a great product but I don't need a suit case dolly just one that is easy to take on a shoot.
 
I have the standard pocket dolly, and now really wish I had purchased the cineslider. The AF100 can get heavy really quick once you add accessories like a monitor, matte box, lens, and a 100mm fluid head mounted to the pocket dolly. The cineslider is a better choice for the AF100 if you are going to mount any accessories.

All the Best!

Dave
 
Thanks everyone for the feedback.

Wbrok001, can you tell us what type of supplementary support Bloom may have recommended for the three foot PB pocket dolly?

I've just been viewing a number of traveler pocket dolly videos on Vimeo, and it does seem like they run out of length quickly. Maybe it's just me, but just as I'm hoping the dolly shot lasts a bit longer, it stops. I certainly appreciate the efficiency of being able to pack the traveler size in a suite case. But if you get a fitting (pelican type) hard case for the 3 footer, aren't you covered travel wise? Still can't make up my mind.
 
I've had the same question. I'm trying to decide. I'm leaning towards the 2ft because I'm more likely to use it often. I'm not sure the 3ft would add enough length to get different sorts of shots. I do like long track shots, but for anything longer maybe either get the 5ft cineslider down the road, or just make up some (less portable) DIY track when you really need it. I was just shooting in Africa and would have been able to bring a 2ft to some sick locations- but wouldn't have loved having anything longer.
n
 
Yes I think Philip said he uses another tripod...a gitzo I believe. But you would be fine with that or light stands.
 
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