I have an opportunity to pick up a slightly used Merlin at a pretty steep discount off the MSRP, but it's the plastic gimbal version. Should I go this route, or should I pick up a new one with the metal gimbal. My main concern is that the A1 is already at the edge of the plastic version's weight limit with just the standard battery, and I may want to use the Merlin along with a combination of the following:

* BP-970
* Canon Wide Angle
* Rode NTG2
* VidLED

Should I be concerned. What configuration do you guys that have Merlins use?

Thanks.

You do not want to risk your expensive gear on something that you cannot count on....

If it breaks/fallsapart you're gonna regret it big time.

same goes for choosing a tripod

I have also been using an older Merlin recently with my A1. I didn't find any problems with the plastic gimble. However I couldn't get the rig balanced with the NTG-2 and a Rode shockmount on top of the camera. Even with all 6 weights on the bottom, it was still top heavy. So in the end I removed the NTG-2 every time I was using the Merlin.

I've been using the A1 with the plastic gimbal. It works great but I only use it stripped down which brings the camera in just under 5lbs. I believe the rating on the older Merlins is 5lbs so any accessories would put it over. Also I've found it to be very important to use the Gplatz? stabilizer screw which is included with the Merlin. When set up correctly the screw rests on the thin section of the lens housing between the focus and zoom rings giving the camera more stability and helps limit any camera bobbing.

If you get it used, make sure you get all the parts.

If your planning to buy the vest, the vest comes with the metal gimbal.

Does anybody know where I can get the Arm&Vest with the metal gimbal upgrade?
I have a plastic Merlin version so need the Vest and the metal gimbal.
BH doesn't have it with the upgrade anymore?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/487368-REG/Steadicam_AVGPK_Arm_And_Vest_.html

* BP-970
* Canon Wide Angle
* Rode NTG2
* VidLED

Should I be concerned. What configuration do you guys that have Merlins use?

Thanks.


Your rig is mucho too heavy, top heavy at that. You would need so much weights at the bottom of the Merlin that both the gimbal and your elbow would give away... I am afraid too heavy even for the upgrade metal one (not possible to use enough weights).

For heavy setups there are bigger stedicam rigs available.