Someone had a question about whether a Canon 5D with 24-105mm F/4L lens would work with the Kamerar 23" Slider Dolly SD-1. So I decided to put up a video example of that Camera+Lens combo on the slider. Quality of the slider is well made and well priced for what it can provide to the budget filmmaker. When used as a dolly, the axles can be relocated for a tighter turning radius.
When used as a standard slider, the axles can be removed completely to get the full run of the slider length. A quick release plate can be added in the center of the slider for tripod mounting and still not obstruct the carrier from sliding side to side. If you're looking for a longer slider, Kamerar offers a 47" version of this slider + FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. You can find more information about the new Kamerar slider products via the website (Click Here).
Kamerar Video Camera Slider SD-1
Emm
Post author@T - The K2 is a nice slider, all bearings. 23" is enough slide if you use certain lenses and also use items in the foreground to exaggerate the movement.
T
Thanks for this review. So I'm deciding between this Slider/Dolly vs. a Konova K2 Series. I'll mainly be using it for real estate related videos.
Any advice? Do you think this will be long enough when trying to get great shots in a home?
Thanks so much!
T
Matt
I did a small test with the 23 inch SD-1:
Awesome slider/dolly, i will be using this a lot!
Brendan
Any chance of getting a version with the legs from the longer slider version added on the SD-1? Already have a Pico, don't really need a skater slider... Thanks!
Emm
Post author@jonas - The Kamerar is not a roller bearing slider. The Konova and Varavon are both roller bearing sliders which can take a heavier payload.
Jonas
Thx Emm, I would use a heavier set up with 701 head and canon 5d mark iii, so better for me to get the 47 inch version - it be sufficient for that? In terms of function/specs is this as "good" as the low end konova, varavon sliders ?
rishio
Thanks Emm. It's too bad the company misinformed me in the email!! I was about to purchase it but that was a deal breaker..
Emm
Post author@Rishio - That's incorrect, and I have the slider with me. It can indeed slide across when the wheels are removed. In fact that's how you remove the carrier from the slider, slide it all the way out to the side.
rishio
I also bought the varavon skate slider because that has ball bearings and I heard this one is friction based slide. Haven't used either but would be interested in people's opinion about sliding cameras across it..
rishio
There's some inaccurate info on this post. I had emailed the company that makes the slider to see if it can slide the whole length of the rail if the wheels are removed. I wrote:
"..if I remove the wheels, can the slider slide the full length of the slider (24") rather than the 15" it's limited to when the wheels are attached?"
Here's what they wrote back:
"Sorry that even you remove the wheels, the actual sliding length will still be 15" ."
So I bought the skater slider from another company..
jean luc
Ordered mine and excited to us it while traveling through India at the end of the year.Now wondering how to carry my tripod while traveling.Don't want to be heavy.Do I need a tripod to use this?
thanks
Emm
Post author@MP - I'm familiar with Redi-Rail, and as i've stated before the Konova, Varavon, and Kamerar, etc equipment are not simply from Ready Rail with added feet. The rails have similar design features, but they are also not identical. You would think that would be the easiest route, but when these companies sell several thousand units every year, it's much more profitable to work with their own manufacturing instead of outsourcing the main component.
Overseas manufacturing is very capable of making almost anything you see out there and very precise without having to purchase from another company. I have a bit of insight on each of the companies out there and where they are getting their items manufactured, so i'm speaking from information. I have to clear this up because what you say could cause confusion in the market for buyers. It's almost suggesting that every car on the road is built from the same chassis because it rolls on 4 wheels.
MP
And what I'm implying is that the rail structure and bearing structure is identical from one to the next. The added things are what's more custom-specific.
MP
Redi-Rail is a leading provider of slider mechanisms for industrial use, much like Igus. Go through their site and speak to them directly, and they'll be happy to tell you about the influx of inquires received over the years regarding photo/video industry use.
Step 1 - find a reseller and buy linear guide rail and train
Step 2 - drill out holes for tripod plates
Step 3 - design, cnc, or have someone mold/place feet and other accessories
Step 4 - place own branding
Max W
Yeah, I'm looking forward to it! Still waiting for someone to release a curved or flexible slider... tricky, I know, but that'd be great.
Emm
Post author@Max W - IGUS manufactures linear guide rails for industrial use and people were able to DIY them as use for video camera sliders. I made an IGUS back in the day also, and I remember having to drill out the proper ports for mounting to tripods and adding legs just to get it working on a flat surface. The Kamerar may look similar from photos but it 'is not' an IGUS product. It also comes ready to mount on tripods or can be used on a table directly. It's also much cheaper than IGUS, so good choice.
Max W
I'm picking up the 47" slider... It'll end up being cheaper than the DIY slider I put together with an igus slider a few years ago!
Emm
Post author@MP - That is entirely an 'incorrect' statement. Though the basic function is similar, I know for a fact that Varavon, Konova, Kamerar, etc are very different companies who have their products made by different factories specifically for their respective companies. If you have each of those products in front of you, you will see how different each product really is.
The Kamerar slider is built from it's own mold which they have invested in which is why they can be one of the most affordable sliders on the market. The Kamerar slider went through several versions using different bearing materials for a smooth slide.
MP
The parts for these sliders are built by the same manufacturer. These other companies, like Kamera, DP, Konova, and the millions of others simply restyle it and put their own branding...that's about it.
I do wonder the profit margin of this particular Kamera because the direct cost in bulk doesn't leave too much room for movement.
KG
Sold I'd pay just for those wheels make the glidetrack completely versatile 🙂 lol
Emm
Post author@KG - Yes the axles come off and it can be used as a regular slider. They have a 1/4-20 hole in the middle of the axle to mount.
KG
Emm can those wheels come off? I rekon I can screw them on to a glidetrack??? What do you rekon?
Emm
Post author@Soulhuntre - Just read the 'about us' on the website.
scottrellwi
Ok, I just saw the price. I will answer my statement from above with, "who cares at that price!"
scottrellwi
Emm,
I wonder how careful you need to be with that rail. If you dinged it into something metal, would it create a speed bump? Does it come with anything to protect it while transporting it?
Thanks in advance.
KG
Top guy! Thanks for this
Hristijan
Hi Emm, i'm waiting friday to come my 47" slider. Can't wait! Just an idea, for those who own or will own this 47" slider, i think it's good idea if you can sell wheels separately. It will be good option, long slider/dolly.
Ralph F.
Agreed, Emm. I bought one of these off your post last week. The quality for the price is remarkable.
There were no instructions in my shipping box, but looking at photos on the Kamerar web site told me what I needed to know to put it together. (The little rubber brake feet were the last thing I figured out.)
Good recommendation. Thanks!
Soulhuntre
The similarities between the Kamerar products and those from P&C cannot be denied. In fact, it sure looks like a fair number of the parts are literally the same.
E, can you make a comment on the relationship between these product lines?
smith etienne
can u do a review for their matte box
Emm
Post author@Jonas - The axles have the legs built in, but maybe they could have a version with legs only (no wheels).
Dennis Zaki
Just bought one online. Looks perfect for my upcoming product shoot.
Jonas
could one buy legs to this one or do you have to go for the longer version?
Paul David
I own one of these and i love the fact that it's super light and portable. I find the 5D too heavy for a smooth as you have noted.--So i'm currently using it to mount a lighter body like the T3 with an 8mm fisheye...works like a charm!