Zaza Slider VS Opteka (and other DIY questions)

N

nlucianos

New member
Hey all,

Just joined the site today after browsing this and a couple other forums for a few months- you folks have a great community set up with a wealth of invaluable information, and want to, first, express my gratitude. I'm a film student, and am immersing myself in all this great knowledge, as I'm working on various projects. FYI, I'm currently shooting with a 7D.

That being said, I've been doing hours upon hours of research on what I want to do as far as either purchase or build a dolly/slider. I can't spend more than $200. I'd love to have the most flexible setup as possible (vertical/diagonal shots, etc.)

I haven't found too much information comparing the Zaza sliders to the new Optekas, so I would love someone with direct experience to comment on which would be the better route to take. Also, if someone could post a link, or share information on the Zaza hybrid carriage, that would be wonderful. I can't seem to find anything concise on it. Also, if anyone has suggestions on better sliders or dolly builds (DIY or not) for under $200, please share!

I also want to build a steadicam as well (for under $60). I haven't been able to find anything doable with a vest (though that'd be the most ideal), please share though if I've just missed those builds. If not, something with a gimbal, the most stability and versatility/possibility for variable movement would be best... please post as many links/details as possible! It would be great if someone had a link or document with a detailed construction guide.

We're going to be doing some "wheelchair" dolly shots for long takes as well :grin: on a couple short films. Should be fun (hopefully, Godard would be proud)!

Thanks for all your help, and I look forward to beaming more and more active in this community.

P.S. Would Manfrotto's 190CX3 legs be able to support a Zaza or Opteka slider system with my 7D? I couldn't find any info on this. I already have them, and ideally I wouldn't need to invest in another tripod.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/548529-REG/Manfrotto_190CX3_190CX3_Carbon_Fiber_Tripod.html
 
if you havent found this already, check out cheesycam.com - lots of info on cheap sliders and other affordable gear
 
Hey Mike,

Thanks- I've already found CheesyCam. I'm mainly just looking for advice/experience on what the best dolly or slider route (and best steadicam route) to go is given my budget.
 
I bought a 4' opteka slider. I was disappointed with it. It was not as wide as other sliders (messed up the metric/imperial conversion so my fault) and had microscopic scratches that I couldn't feel with my finger but the carriage catches on them every time. I've never even bothered to take footage with it. I might try sanding it smooth one day but my camera is too heavy for it anyway and the width doesn't provide the most stable base. It might be fine fine with a light weight camera with no accessories. It was a relatively inexpensive lesson though, next time I won't buy into the false economy and will either buy a good one or more likely build my own to control quality. I'm more inclined to a roller slider now. I did have occasion to check out the igus slider materials at the warehouse of the local importer contemplating building my own. I believe this is what forms the basis of the zaza slider. Here in australia the rail and carriage factory direct still cost more than the zaza slider complete and delivered even at an international delivery rate so I would say the zaza slider is good value with a small profit margin. I doubt you could make it much cheaper. And you know where to find him for aftersales service!

Virtually any tripod legs will handle a slider and 7D. The legs will always hold up to significantly more weight than the head is rated for. The head is rated for optimum performance, not breaking point. Adding a couple of pounds past the max load won't break it but it won't handle smoothly. The sticks will comfortably hold several times what the head is rated for. If you are spanning the slider across two tripods or with one end on a table, the weight will be spread across them both increasing the max load again.

As for stabilisers, there's probably more cheap stabiliser DIY projects on the net than dirty pictures. Search google, youtube and the DIY sections of this and other DV websites. There's a million variations but they all work by the same principles (add weight, lower centre of gravity).
 
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