Steadicam MERLIN-ARMVESTPK Upgrade Kit for Merlin

Comments about Steadicam MERLIN-ARMVESTPK Upgrade Kit for Merlin:

This is a well built piece of equipment that does a fantastic job

Comments about Steadicam MERLIN-ARMVESTPK Upgrade Kit for Merlin:

I use it with the sony FX1000 it handles it well.

Comments about Steadicam MERLIN-ARMVESTPK Upgrade Kit for Merlin:

The two part steadicam arm is amazing. It is really
easy to adjust the force it applies and attach your
sled. The vest is easily adjustable. Once you adjust the velcro to fit your body, it's easy to get in and out of it because it has snap-in strap attachments.
I use it with my Glidecam 4000HD. I did need to buy an adapter pin, though. I can't believe how much easier it is to use the Glidecam 4000HD with this arm & vest. I can easily go for hours without getting tired. The arm also makes the movements smoother as well b/c it absorbs the shock. It also
makes up and down movements easy b/c your arm does
not have to hold the sled in place. The load is
distributed into your torso and legs.

Comments about Steadicam MERLIN-ARMVESTPK Upgrade Kit for Merlin:

I use this for my hacked Glidecam HD4000 system. Mainly using it for weddings/Sweet 16/side video projects.

Overall everything is working as expected. Only draw back is that the top 'Y' section (chest area) on the vest is made from hard bendable plastic. I can see this breaking over time. The Velcros maybe stronger than the hard plastic for the 'Y' section of the vest. Other than that the set up is pretty well built (the two arms and lower area where the arm connects to the vest) for the price you pay. Gliding is easier (but you need to practice).

Comments about Steadicam MERLIN-ARMVESTPK Upgrade Kit for Merlin:

Worth every penny. I use with the Glidecam HD4000 and the adapter is simple to make just watch the video on Vimeo. Takes all the weight off. Easy to get set up but will take time to balance.

Comments about Steadicam MERLIN-ARMVESTPK Upgrade Kit for Merlin:

I bought this to be a central part in my feature film next year and I know that it takes time to get proficient so I bought this now and boy am I glad I did. Sounds dorky, but I feel that after a couple of weeks and about 10 hours of flying it, it's starting to feel like a part of me... and I'm making money and creating some awesome looking footage. Ultimately it's a new toy that's a huge gamechanger.

The quality is top notch. The components work, The arm is strong and solid, the connection is great, the vest is so lightweight and perfect... The only thing that is not very good is the manual. Its the worst acutally.. Absolutely aweful MANUAL that comes with it. Well Tiffen wants people to go to seminars or buy books.. but I found some info online and that helped. It's not hard to setup but it's hard to get it to your comfort level.

I love this vest and arm...

Comments about Steadicam MERLIN-ARMVESTPK Upgrade Kit for Merlin:

Once you figure out how to put this on it's easy and works great. We found a video online for the same product that shows you what to do.

Comments about Steadicam MERLIN-ARMVESTPK Upgrade Kit for Merlin:

For the money you can't beat this package. You can use with literally any hand held stabilizer out there. It's the same vest as the Pilot. You're basically paying for the arm which is extremely well built. This is a great 'my first steadicam' rig. I use it with my Glidecam HD4k and HDSLR. Thoroughly impressed.

Comments about Steadicam MERLIN-ARMVESTPK Upgrade Kit for Merlin:

I bought the Merlin with a very light Sony mini cam and was able to get great flowing shots with it, but the quality of the video pales in comparison to my three chip Panasonic HMC 150s. You can't hand hold the Merlin with a 5 pound camera for more than a few minutes. I sent the minicam back and bought the Steadicam arm and vest (for the same amount as the tiny camera); it is a dream machine. I shot a wedding a few days ago with the Merlin and the Arm and Vest. It was a dream come true with flowing shots that look like I am on a Hollywood track system. I can wear the gear all day with no fatigue. I can run or walk with it and the shots look as smooth as glass. It is designed so well that it fits comfortably on any body type. Once you adjust the Merlin and Vest you will wonder how you could have gone so long without such a well designed system. Get it and impress your clients and get more business.

Comments about Steadicam MERLIN-ARMVESTPK Upgrade Kit for Merlin:

Awesome, the only downside is that the instructions are not very good. Also, be sure to order the stand and bracket for your Merlin.

Comments about Steadicam MERLIN-ARMVESTPK Upgrade Kit for Merlin:

Firstly let's indicate the PROS of this product:
- Ultra light weight
- Virtually tooless out of the box
- Lots of customization (i.e. arm tension can be set by two blue knobs, velcro vest enables it to fit all sizes of people)
- Can carry the Steadicam Pilot (requires pilot arm post, more on this later).
- The Steadicam name is well known within the industry and instills confidence in your clients (i.e. I am a "Steadicam Operator" as opposed to a "SteadiTracker" or "Glidecam" operator).

CONS:
- 98% velcro. Not sure how this will hold up in the long run, only had it for about 3 weeks.
- As you are out and about filming, the velcro on the vest makes noise due to friction between velcro straps, may be picked up by on-camera mics.
- When upgrading to the Pilot it requires the Pilot arm post. This is a con because the Pilot Arm Post is nearly impossible to put on without the use of a hammer, plier and a makeshift surface. Once on the Merlin's post becomes unusable because the Pilot's post is impossible to take OFF! Thus forcing you to buy ANOTHER isoelastic arm exclusively for the Merlin. So this is an either/or proposition. I liked the upgrade path this arm/vest combo provides, but once you upgrade (like in Microsoft Windows) you can't really go back.
- Price, seems overpriced for a bunch of simple hydraulics, screws and metal and velcro (!).
- Can mount an auto zoom/focus control onto the center post. This is not officially supported but a good way to pull focus electronically. I have a Sony NEX-FS100 and I will be using the Manfrotto 521LX, so this is not verified but I am 98% confident I can add this to the center post successfully.

BOTTOM LINE:
- It does the job
- Very light weight!
- Durability of the vest is questioned and the backwards compatibility to the Merlin (after you've upgraded to the Pilot) is near impossible.

Comments about Steadicam MERLIN-ARMVESTPK Upgrade Kit for Merlin:

Absolute magic. Couldn't do it without it. If you buy the Merlin, and don't buy this, I feel sorry for you... I hope you're really strong...

If you already have a Merlin, without one of these, you really owe it to yourself to get this thing. Get this, and you will not believe how cool your Merlin really is. Unbelievable...

The only problem I have with this item, is that I cannot give it more stars... This makes my all time coolest tool/toy, about 10 times cooler.

Comments about Steadicam MERLIN-ARMVESTPK Upgrade Kit for Merlin:

I use this with a Glidecam HD4000, 7D, CPM cage, 7" monitor w/battery and this can handle much more weight. Very sturdy. Once you get the hang of getting in and out of the vest quickly, your ready to get flying in no time.

Comments about Steadicam MERLIN-ARMVESTPK Upgrade Kit for Merlin:

[...] Theadditional Merlin Vest to our Photo&Video Serviceshas made our Videography part a Breeeeeze for the Long Term Redordings. Thanks B&H and Garrett Brown

Comments about Steadicam MERLIN-ARMVESTPK Upgrade Kit for Merlin:

After trying to fly a Glidecam HD-2000 with either a Nikon D7000 or a Canon HF-S100, first by hand, and then with the Arm-Brace... I decided to take the plunge and purchase the Vest & Arm! (The other two options just led to sore wrists, forearms, and shoulders...)

I'm happy to report that it is TOTALLY worth the investment! The fatigue factor when flying a fully loaded rig is now a thing of the past. However, as all other reviewers have noted, this thing does take some practice... Sure, you'll be able to smooth out your ride when you first strap it on, but to get those "Pro" start & stops, operate almost "hands-free", and completely eliminate the slightest wobbles... you'll need to PRACTICE! I suggest doing some research first on the Steadicam forums - once you have an appreciation for the "art" of operating a Steadicam Arm, you'll understand the need to practice and the desire to master the technique. (Once you take the plunge to own one, you'll also want to take a training class.)

If you are really committed to get the best "flying" footage possible, then invest in the Vest & Arm. It's possible to get near the results using the Glidecam only (by hand) or with the Arm Brace (moves strain to bicep & shoulder), but once you reach your physical limits you're done flying for the day and your footage will show it. (Not so with the Vest & Arm.)

The other factor you'll have to content with is the return on your investment. Are you really capturing that much "flying" footage that you require a Vest/Arm? In my case, not as much as I thought once I "really" started using it. At first it is tempting to capture all your footage this way, but it is overkill. You'll quickly realize that adding variety to your shots is more captivating than Steadicam-only footage. (Remember, if you fly a DLSR you'll need to use your wide angle lens and stop the aperture down to keep more in focus. - This starts to cramp your creativity with things like rack-focusing or subject isolation using bokeh.)

It is a "production" to put the vest on, mount the sled, do a balance check, and then mentally switch your brain & motor-skills to control your body mechanics to optimize the abilities of the Arm/Vest/Sled combination - that is IF you want "Pro" quality footage. Sure, it's fun to run around with it and capture great looking footage, but when you start editing it together with B-Roll or tripod footage you'll see where practicing is the difference between "cool" and "WOW" footage.

As for the actual product itself... It's the best option for a dual spring arm in this price range. Don't bother with getting any knock off product - as they say "You buy cheap, you buy twice!" Combined with a Glidecam this is definitely the best bargain for you buck. All the materials are high quality as you'd expect for this price. My only complaints are:
* The rolled/bent steel at points where there's and "elbow" shaped bend show signs of cracking - which I believe are inherent to the process of manufacturing. When I first saw them, I thought I may have surpassed the load capacity and the arm was starting to show it. However, upon close inspection, it looks like the steel got that way when it was shaped.
* The design of the shoulder buckle/strap is not the best - it is good and does the job, but it could be better.

Overall, I highly recommend this to any serious videographer. Just be prepared to make a commitment to PRACTICE.

Comments about Steadicam MERLIN-ARMVESTPK Upgrade Kit for Merlin:

I purchased this upgrade kit to add to my arsenal of filmmaking equipment and I am just as impressed as I was expecting. The cost compared to the quality is unmatchable, other brands in the same price range offer only one spring arm or take away from other areas while this lacks nothing.

First off, the hardware. The vest is lightweight and low-profile while still achieving a very stable base with no points of weakness. The arm attaches very simply to the vest but is completely secure. The two sections attach together and break down very simply as well, it's a great package for run-and-gun situations or just for the filmmaker with limited space. I personally use the Glidecam HD-2000 with this, which required a very cheap and minimal upgrade to the post on the top of the arm to adapt to the Glidecam handle. The Glidecam fits very well on the post and has no threat of being jarred or falling off.

Second, the operation. Once you're strapped in the vest and have the arm in place and your stabilizer on, the ease of use is incredible. The possibilities and movements you can accomplish with such a small piece of equipment are endless. You can compensate for small crane moves, replace dolly shots and pull off an intricate fluid-master that has little to no signs of shakiness, depending on your skill level.

Overall, this is a great piece of equipment to have and one of the most valuable investments you can make for a mid-sized camera. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking into making a SteadiCam investment.

Comments about Steadicam MERLIN-ARMVESTPK Upgrade Kit for Merlin:

Using this with a modified Glidecam 2000 pro, Canon 5d mk2 and Marshall 7" Monitor
It is almost magical to use, and once properly balanced produces shots of "Hollywood" quality.
Build quality is second to none.
The new Clips on the Vest enable you to leave the size setting and quickly get it on and off.

Comments about Steadicam MERLIN-ARMVESTPK Upgrade Kit for Merlin:

I'm using this vest/arm kit with a Glidecam 2000HD, and it works great. Using a custom made adapter to fit the arm with my Glidecam Sled, and it work perfect.
Definitely has a learning curve to it though...

Comments about Steadicam MERLIN-ARMVESTPK Upgrade Kit for Merlin:

Well built. Great price. Must have for video work. Easy to set up and balance.

Comments about Steadicam MERLIN-ARMVESTPK Upgrade Kit for Merlin:

Setting up the vest and arm was fairly straightward although the instruction could be better. For the most part, I had to figure it out myself as the instruction was poorly documented. Overall, the vest and arm worked as advertised with little effort from the user. The biggest complaint I have is the shotty quality in craftmanship and material. The front was all plastic and the shoulder velcro straps was glued to the pastic front piece only. It was peeling off during my first initial use. For [$] you'd think someone would actually sewn the velcro parts together.