Steadicam Merlin 2 Camera Stabilizing System - ~$234 AU Posted (Retail $600 US) @ B&H Photo Video

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thelastnoob on 18/05/2017 - 02:25 bhphotovideo.com (473 clicks)
Last edited 18/05/2017 - 02:50 by 1 other user

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FYI: Read reviews since this unit needs a few hours to figure it out and some people give up

Top selling and rated Number 2 in Stabilizer Systems at B&H Photo one of the world's biggest and best camera suppliers
Last time this deal was posted it was $349 USD

Designed by Garrett Brown, the Steadicam Merlin 2 Camera Stabilizing System is a lightweight handheld gimbal stabilizer that lets you capture smooth, professional-looking footage whether you go up or down steps, indoors and out, through crowds, or wherever else the shot takes you. It weighs just 1.4 lb and its counterbalancing weight supports cameras up to 5 lb. The system utilizes a dual extended weight system that increases inertial stability and features a precise Folding-Caliper hinge that lets you fold and unfold the unit without any readjustment in balancing needed. Additionally, a multi-positional lens support platform is provided that adjusts to various heights and angles to help support longer lenses and camera bodies.

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• 

  Freshie on 18/05/2017 - 04:28

  I am so tempted… fml

• 

  Freshie on 18/05/2017 - 04:29

  Does anyone have any idea if the merlin 2 is worth the upgrade from the merlin 1?

• 

  Scab on 18/05/2017 - 05:40

  -7

  I can just imagine some perv using this on a packed train to make upskirt videos.

  • 

    theworks on 18/05/2017 - 06:43

    +1

    You're better off hiding a gopro in your shoe. This is so clunky, hard to use and inconsistent youll be making multiple takes and skyrocket your chance of getting caught. Not that I know….

  • 

    [Deactivated] on 18/05/2017 - 07:14

    +5

    I don't think you know what this product is

  • 

    kahn on 18/05/2017 - 08:16

    +6

    Professionals prefer the tried and tested method of hiding a camera inside a large cowboy hat. The only down-side is that it emits a buzzing sound that some may confuse with a bee.

• 

  Calvin27 on 18/05/2017 - 08:10

  +5

  Sorry, gonna have to say i had the merlin 1 and mate got a chinese knock off for $50. No differences.

  • 

    zealmax on 18/05/2017 - 09:47

    I got a knock off on Amazon for $40 delivered. It works well. Couple of reasons I haven't taken it outside. You need to adjust every time you change lenses and cameras. It is quite heavy and gives your arm a bit of a workout.

    • 

      Calvin27 on 18/05/2017 - 10:15

      +1

      You have to adjust the merlin one too when swapping lenses.

      • 

        Foma2 on 18/05/2017 - 10:19

        +1

        as with every single device used for counterbalance stabilization.

    • 

      homersyd on 18/05/2017 - 10:15

      mate would you mind sharing the link for the $40 one? would love to get one with my Gear 360/A6000….also do you know if any other ones are better? thanks

  • 

    thelastnoob on 18/05/2017 - 11:31

    @Calvin27 this is not merlin 1. I am not sure what improvements they have made but if you read the reviews many people testify that this is much superior to the cheap clones. Another issue is you have not stated what camera and lenses you are using.

    Your cheap setup maybe ideal for your gear but a train wreck for others. If you were right than logically there would be several people in the reviews stating this.

    • 

      Calvin27 on 18/05/2017 - 18:55

      I had the merlin. My mate had the cheapie. We used them on cropped and ff canon dslrs, sony nex, and alpha. Lenses were 70-200 (fail) normal zoom (fail) and wide (fail). The nex stuff was somewhat ok though.

      In the end we used them for phone cameras ( worked ok).

      If you want slight stabilisation buy a cheapie. If you want proper stabilisation, get a motorised gymbal or drone.

• 

  virtual81 on 18/05/2017 - 09:20

  For what is essentially a 1/4" thread with a counterweight hanging off a stick this is a ripoff.
  Only problem is i can't neg is because the rules don't allow items to be negged for good and fair opinion.
  Stuff it, this post will get negged anyway so who cares?
  The community is so stuffed here i keep my inputs to a minimum and never dare post a bargain i see.

  • 

    Diji1 on 18/05/2017 - 10:16

    Comment votes are the most important metric on the internet.

    • 

      virtual81 on 19/05/2017 - 08:15

      Oh the irony!
      Your comment was a good sensible comment, and yet someone negged it.
      I've +'d it to return it to neutral.
      I don't have a problem with comment voting in general, just OzB users twist on hot to (ab)use it.

  • 

    thelastnoob on 18/05/2017 - 11:35

    What's a good alternative that has been proven to work with many professional cameras?
    This gear is used at weddings for very expensive work and also movies.
    The main complaint is that it is hard to set up but many people testify how great this product is.

    • 

      virtual81 on 19/05/2017 - 08:19

      Yesterday was a long way away, but this post spurred me to make some enquiries and i found there were many many decent equivalents for a far lower price.
      Admittedly there were a few crappy alternatives too.
      One comment was "It was only $50 and I can't tell the difference in performance", sounded positive.
      If you're a pro with more money to spare than time then this deal might be alright, but that doesn't really fit OzB culture from what i can see.