Manfrotto Modosteady at DVinfo.net

Norman Woo · January 26th, 2008, 12:21 AM

Hi Folks

Just saw this device sitting next to a Steadicam Merlin at my local video store. It seems to be a 3-in-1 support system - a shoulder brace, a table tripod and a stabilizer. While the Steadicam Merlin was priced at $999.00, the Modosteady was priced at $199.00. It looks a bit like the Merlin.

From what I saw, it seems to handle only the smallest camera such as the Canon HV/HG series. I don't think it can handle my GL2.

Anybody tried one of these? It's looks kind of flimsy.

You can see this on Manfrotto's site: http://modo.manfrotto.com

Eric Stemen · January 26th, 2008, 10:37 PM

I remember others on here talking about it saying it was not very good.

Marius Boruch · July 3rd, 2008, 11:17 PM

don't buy it. I got one and I am returning it back to the store. It has so much friction on ball joint that when you move handle it will throw the camera out of balance. Ridiculous!

Sean Seah · July 4th, 2008, 09:21 AM

Save yr cash for the merlin buddy. I tried both already!

Frank Simpson · July 4th, 2008, 10:00 AM

It appears to be an uncharacteristically poor product from Manfrotto. Their tripods are great, but this is clearly an attempt to make something that looks vaguely like the Steadicam Merlin to capitaize on Merlin's "cool factor".

There is SOOOOOO much more that goes into a Merlin that you never really "see", and the Modo just can't compete, especially at its price point.

You see this type of marketing scheme everywhere. I mean, how many low-budget mp3 players do you see that basically copy the iPod's look (the dial-type face, etc.), but none of the features?

However, you can certainly get a brand-new Merlin for less than $999. B&H has them on their website for $799.95.

January 26th, 2008, 12:21 AM	#1
Norman Woo Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Brossard, Quebec, Canada Posts: 147	Manfrotto Modosteady Hi Folks Just saw this device sitting next to a Steadicam Merlin at my local video store. It seems to be a 3-in-1 support system - a shoulder brace, a table tripod and a stabilizer. While the Steadicam Merlin was priced at $999.00, the Modosteady was priced at $199.00. It looks a bit like the Merlin. From what I saw, it seems to handle only the smallest camera such as the Canon HV/HG series. I don't think it can handle my GL2. Anybody tried one of these? It's looks kind of flimsy. You can see this on Manfrotto's site: http://modo.manfrotto.com

January 26th, 2008, 10:37 PM	#2
Eric Stemen Major Player Join Date: May 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 378	I remember others on here talking about it saying it was not very good.

July 3rd, 2008, 11:17 PM	#3
Marius Boruch Major Player Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 421	don't buy it. I got one and I am returning it back to the store. It has so much friction on ball joint that when you move handle it will throw the camera out of balance. Ridiculous!

July 4th, 2008, 09:21 AM	#4
Sean Seah Trustee Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,498	Save yr cash for the merlin buddy. I tried both already!

July 4th, 2008, 10:00 AM	#5
Frank Simpson Major Player Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bozeman, MT Posts: 217	It appears to be an uncharacteristically poor product from Manfrotto. Their tripods are great, but this is clearly an attempt to make something that looks vaguely like the Steadicam Merlin to capitaize on Merlin's "cool factor". There is SOOOOOO much more that goes into a Merlin that you never really "see", and the Modo just can't compete, especially at its price point. You see this type of marketing scheme everywhere. I mean, how many low-budget mp3 players do you see that basically copy the iPod's look (the dial-type face, etc.), but none of the features? However, you can certainly get a brand-new Merlin for less than $999. B&H has them on their website for $799.95.