which would you rather have first, apples or oranges?

C

cl516

Member
Tough to compare apples + oranges i know,

but if you're just starting out with a 7D,
and you intend to shoot as much video as photos,

would you rather allot budget for a wicked lens (EF 35mm f/1.4) or a Merlin?

I've got the new EFS 18-135mm lens + 10-22mm already, a Litepanel MicroPro, and a nice Tripod.

Share your thoughts with the newbie?
 
Last edited:
so your only stabilization at this point is a tripod... then merlin... but if I had to chose I would go Redrock Shouldermount with offset and Genus mattebox for relatively same price area... more bang for your buck and the REdrock is very stable...
 
i checked out some of the mattebox stuff today... i'd prefer to have something more subtle. the Merlin is pretty subtle, most folks wouldn't know you're recording video...
 
Doesn't the Merlin pose problems with focusing? Due to the 7D not having AF in video mode, you've constantly got one hand on the lens to pull focus, so you're kind of defeating the purpose of the Merlin...
 
Fluke said:
Doesn't the Merlin pose problems with focusing? Due to the 7D not having AF in video mode, you've constantly got one hand on the lens to pull focus, so you're kind of defeating the purpose of the Merlin...
Click to expand...

That's what I'm thinking. Would something like a Glidecam HD2000 be able to work still?
 
Fluke said:
Doesn't the Merlin pose problems with focusing? Due to the 7D not having AF in video mode, you've constantly got one hand on the lens to pull focus, so you're kind of defeating the purpose of the Merlin...
Click to expand...
Yup. You can't pull focus on a Steadicam without a wireless follow focus. Otherwise, you might as well not even use Steadicam.
 
Box said:
That's what I'm thinking. Would something like a Glidecam HD2000 be able to work still?
Click to expand...

No. Same problem. You cannot touch the camera in any way while recording, or else you will unbalance the rig. Furthermore, lenses that don't focus internally will also unbalance the rig when you pull focus (with a wireless FF).

The solution is to use a small aperture and try to maintain a constant distance from the subject.
 
..and this is why i like this forum. you guys rock.

i haven't shot a movie since film school where we used ARRI 16mm cameras. and even then, i didn't specialize as a DP, and we had a crew.

these days i'm running more a one-man show. good to know about the pull focus.
 
thats why I suggested the Redrock I have shot with both the merlin and the Redrock shouldermount and I dont like the merlin's "floaty" look it just doesn't look like a true steadicam... I love my redrock plus I have a FF V2 but like you said it is def. not discrete...
 
Perry Wilson said:
so your only stabilization at this point is a tripod... then merlin... but if I had to chose I would go Redrock Shouldermount with offset and Genus mattebox for relatively same price area... more bang for your buck and the REdrock is very stable...
Click to expand...

Ditto....much more useful.
 
quick update:

i should've noted that i actually have the Merlin right now - contemplating whether to keep or return it.

took a couple hours of initial tweaking but finally getting it to work... Merlin is pretty freaking awesome. looking at the clips, the motion feels 'heavier' as though it came from something more expensive. in other words, i actually really like the Merlin!

if i keep it, i grab the EF 35mm f/2.0. if i return it, i grab the EF 35mm f/1.4 L USM.
 
cl516 said:
quick update:

i should've noted that i actually have the Merlin right now - contemplating whether to keep or return it.

took a couple hours of initial tweaking but finally getting it to work... Merlin is pretty freaking awesome. looking at the clips, the motion feels 'heavier' as though it came from something more expensive. in other words, i actually really like the Merlin!

if i keep it, i grab the EF 35mm f/2.0. if i return it, i grab the EF 35mm f/1.4 L USM.
Click to expand...

Check out the Glidecam 2000 footage here (under pressure). It's the first video at the top of the page.

http://www.dslrnewsshooter.com/
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top