Steadicam Merlin 2 Camera Stabilizing System Review

It is what it is, works with the Merlin Steadicam, it might be a good idea to get more of these then that come with the steadicam, being how heavy some of the DSLRs can be.

I got this to setup my Merlin steadicam. It is solid! It weighs a ton - and that's a good thing.

Easy to balance and way easier to use compare to the Steadicam Merlin. Already looking to sell my Merlin and get another Glidecam HD2000.

Required to add extra inertia to Steadicam stabilizer. Works with Merlin AND Pilot. Note that for the Pilot the maximum weight of the Camcorder/Camera and weights is 10 lbs.

Great lens and very fast. Using it primarily for Steadicam Merlin video shooting. It is heavier than my old Sigma 20mm F/1.8 but it is a third of a stop faster and very sharp wide open. The Sigma was not very sharp at 1.8 and I often shoot it this way, especially indoors on the Merlin. Also using it with a C300 and it is great on that camera.

Steadicam can be expensive. Especially the good ones that can hold a lot of weight. This system is a great combination of affordability and construction as it can hold 40lbs. It can easily be configured to traditional steadicam, as well as a DIY Arri Trinity with your own electronic gimbal. Both steadicam and trinity configurations take time and practice. This isn't a piece of equipment you can pick up and start shooting. If you're looking for a good starter rig and not looking to spend 10s of thousands of dollars, I'd recommend this set up!

Great for stabilizing the camera

I was looking for a stabilization system for a Canon 5D DSLR with a zoom lens and a microphone. I started with a Steadicam Merlin, but that option failed miserably. The Merlin is beautiful, light and well designed... but almost impossible to get adjusted. The manual says it will take 8 hours to set up! Then, say with a zoom lens, you change your focal length and you need to readjust. It's just way too finicky for a DSLR so I ordered the Glidecam HD2000 after seeing how it was used on the documentary To He!! and Back Again. So far I love it. It's bigger than the Merlin, but so much easier to set up. I was flying shots within about a half hour. It's rugged, well designed and gets the job done. Do yourself a favor and buy a quick release plate. Then you're be swapping between the Glidecam HD2000 and a tripod in seconds. Although, I do wish Glidecam offered a fitted case. The weight is another issue. I'll need to work out a bit before I can operate this with only my arm. I already have the vest in my wish list which will make this a fantastic stabilizing system I can use all day.

Great for stabilizing a camera on a vehicle or even a very narrow platform.

The Seastars quick release system from iFootage is a phenomenal product that I can't say enough about. Rugged, sturdy, well built, and it definitely facilitates the joining/un-joining of your various pieces of camera gear. I use it on my stabilizing gimbal and stabilizing vest. Highly recommended!