Hey all,

I was wondering if anyone here uses a home made steadycam?
I have found a place where you can order one here:

http://littlegreatideas.com/steadycam/#kit

I doubt I could build one myself - i'm pretty rubbish with this kind of stuff. The only thing stopping me from getting one is that you basically have to wait your turn, meaning it could be months and months before he gets round to you :/ On the plus side the results look good, check out his videos.

Does anyone know of other alternatives, aside from buying an expensive "proper" one? UK would be even more preferable.

Cheers,
Kev

Actually the XL2 might come in too heavy for that one.

It says right on there that the XL2 is too big. And imagine the counterweight you would need to balance it. I've messed up my arms from holding homemade steady-rigs too long, it's no fun. Next year when the weather's nice and I have the time I hope to build one of the Cody Deagan rigs...

Unless you're one strong guy and are into serious body building, I don't think any steadicam like rig should support the XL2 if your arm is not in turn supported by your back or hips.

I tried just for fun to use my Glidecam 3000 with the XL2. It balances all right, but after 2 minutes of holding, I couldn't stand it any longer, my arm was shaking uncontrollably.

I have the Glidecam armbrace also so I decided to make a little broken arm type of support with a series of bunggie cords. It works, but I'll eventually build a vest with a mechanical arm. A plan for one can be obtained through Cody Deegan's Web Site (http://www.codydeegan.com/)

...and if you need help building it, then just go to the nr. one site on the net for such devices - HBS website. Very knowledgable guys there.
as well as home to Cody Deegan forum. He practically resides on that site.

I'm not sure a cheap stabilizer would provide any benefit with the XL2 anyway... the OIS on th e 20x lens is so good.

It is extremely good, but it has it's limitations. You cannot walk or run with it and get a silky smooth image. It is designed for stationary shooting.