Steadcam Merlin + T2i = ?
 

Anyone attempted to successfully do this yet? I have... sorta...it feels too light with the kit (18-55) lens. It works but it's slightly bottom heavy causing it to wobble (very little) when starting and stopping. Definitely can't run with it though.

I just picked up a Merlin and a T2i, I've got a Canon 10-22mm that should work nicely... I think I'm going to give it a shot tonight... I'll let you know what happens.

I tried the T2i with Canon 10-22 on a Steadicam Jr. Couldn't get it to balance, felt too top-heavy, not a good shape for the Steadicam Jr. I decided to sell it and find another solution if possible - not sure Merlin will be much different, but curious about your results...

a buddy of mine had a merlin and while he didn't fly a DSLR on it, (FX1) he always had issues with weight. Just seemed like the merlin was meant for palmcorders. If that lens isn't too heavy, you might be ok but my T2i weighs a lot with the 50mm f1.4 and if I put my 24-70 on it, it's more than the fx1.

I can balance the steadicam merlin with my XHA1 flawlessly, but for my t2i with kit lens or the 50mm 1.8...... no go. Too light. I'm thinking of finding ways to add more weight like a zoom h4n. I'll try to post some results with the kit and the 50mm.

The problem is going to be with the 550D/T2i being too light & not too heavy. Both the 5DII & 7D fly OK on a Merlin but do weigh a couple of hundred grams more. You need a certain mass to help damp down movement.

Ok so my theory's blown!
I got the battery grip for mine and that with two batteries might add enough...thoughts?

I'm on the same boat with getting a battery grip for weight. Wonder if those grips on ebay any good. I read that the generic batteries are just as good as the canon brand ones though.

So I think I got a good recipe for the Merlin and the T2i w/ Canon 10-22mm. Here it is:

Mounting hole: M
Stage Position: -2
Caliper: -.5 or approx 11 1/2 inches
Spar weight: 1 finish weight
Bottom weight: 1 starter, 1 mid, and 1 finish weight.

The camera with lens weights in at exactly 2 lbs 0.4 ounces with battery and card. It is really light, but not too light to fly and there really isn't any reason to add more weight to make it solid. I think it's an ideal weight! The other nice thing about this recipe is that if you remove the battery door (it comes off easily for use with battery grip) before mounting you can change batteries without having to remove the stageplate to change the battery! Pretty convenient! I'm really digging the setup!

Tony, have you found any generic BG-E8s on eBay? The cloned BG-E5 grip I had for my T1i doesn't work on the T2i.

Is there a better stabilizer to use with Canon 17-55mm IS lens? It's pretty bulky. I might also be using a Tokina 11-16mm in the near future.

do u find any good setup with the t2i and the 18-55?
it's my first post here, and i'm a newbie for everything related to camera... but i learn quite quickly...

i try to make a good setup with merlin and t2i but still invane... the camera is pretty fixed, but when u start and stop moving it gives movement L+R

tnx
ale

Here's the recipe I used with the kit lens for good results:

Front 1 finish weight
Bottom 2 finish weights, 1 middle weight
Arc 9 3/8"
stage +4
Mounting hole M

to change it up, I picked up a Blackbird. Balances perfectly with the battery grip/2 batteries and the Tokina 11-16 and a 577 QR plate. Camera/grip/lens/QR plate weighs 3.5lbs.

Could you post some video to show how well it works on the fly?

Others as well with Merlin or other stabilizers??