14May Easier than DIY IGUS – Video Camera Slider
The Konova Roller bearing slider is still one of my favorite Video Camera sliders, but with demand comes rising prices. The IGUS linear guide rails are no secret and are extremely efficient for the price (Much better than the $99 dollar 80/20 aluminum extrusions). For anyone looking to DIY an IGUS rail as a camera slider, there’s some options available via Amazon
Here’s an interesting recent DSLR Slider item listed. Opteka’s released an entry level portable IGUS based camera slider with FREE SHIPPING. Opteka’s got all the necessary pieces and features you would normally have to DIY yourself. Included in the cheap slider is threaded taps for your quick release plate, pre-drilled Fluid Head hole in the carrier, a Brake/Stop screw, a few added legs to set it off the ground, and an included Spirit Level. So if you’ve been thinking about that DIY IGUS setup, but were afraid to tackle the details, you might want to check out Opteka’s version available from 23′ to 47″ length. The Manfrotto 700RC2 Fluid Head would work great on this small slider as well.
Opteka DSLR Video Camera Sliders
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May 14th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
Can you do vertical slides with this slider + Manfrotto 700RC2 ?
May 14th, 2011 at 3:57 pm
@Dave – If you mount it like I did here: http://cheesycam.com/slider-tips-and-mounting-solutions/ Any slider can potentially do some Vertical movements.
May 14th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
@ emm – hey there emm have you tested it out yet whats your call on it.
May 14th, 2011 at 6:55 pm
@bruce – here is a sample from my igus DIY http://cheesycam.com/diy-camera-slider/ . They work great for small light cameras, but not long heavy zoom lenses where the balance is off. If the weight is centered, it can be very smooth. Glidetrack uses IGUS rails too..
May 14th, 2011 at 7:46 pm
@emm – thanks allot emm got that tilta follow focus and its awesome will be posting a review on the web soon
May 14th, 2011 at 8:23 pm
@ emm is 2ft really long enough to get nice looking slides. 4ft is a bit much to travel/transport but 2ft might be cutting it a little close, 3ft seems ideal.
for whatever reason the quality of this one looks a little nicer than the $99 indi one although it’s weird these legs are so tall.
May 14th, 2011 at 11:08 pm
@Aaron – I can tell you that the shortest Konova wouldn’t fit in my check in luggage, much too long. There are travel size sliders between 24 and 29 inches made by big name brands for this purpose. The $99 slider I used was only 24 inches and yes, it’s a decent slide.
May 15th, 2011 at 8:01 am
is it possible to link multiple sliders ? any idea of how to add a motor to the slider ? thanks
May 15th, 2011 at 8:47 am
Thats pretty what I was thinking. Thanks.
May 15th, 2011 at 9:04 am
@guy – Actually the IGUS rails can be combined together, but i’m not sure if this one is setup for that.
May 15th, 2011 at 9:27 am
Anyone knows the weight of this slider and the konova one? Is there a significant difference?
In term of performance Emm, is there a significant difference between this slider and the Konova one? In videos im looking at, the konova gives a floating effect while with this slider, its a bit uneven.. maybe the operators…
May 15th, 2011 at 10:29 am
@Dave – Yes the Konova floats as it’s using roller bearings. This one uses a (plasticy like) dry bearing that is sliding over the metal rails. It’s a third the price of the Konova, and much better than the 80/20 extrusions. It’s a decent starter slider. I have my samples from an IGUS here: http://cheesycam.com/diy-camera-slider/
May 15th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
@emm when you use/used your 4ft IGUS slider how hard/easy was it to get smooth full 4ft slides, since it uses the dry bearing/metal rail method
May 15th, 2011 at 4:16 pm
@aaron – The slide wasn’t bad, but the darn thing was just way too long. I hated bringing it anywhere. 2-3ft. is comfortable, 4ft was just overkill for me. At 4ft, you are pretty much required to bring two tripods or lightstands. At about 2-3 ft. you can get away with just using one in the center.
May 15th, 2011 at 5:13 pm
Thanks.
Good to know the dry bearing rail system is smooth enough for a long slide.
I’ve used 4ft dolly/rail sliders and yea they are extremely annoying to transport & set up. And you’re right I love the idea of a quicker/easy compact option. I’m just trying to decide what to do if I want to do if I want long dramatic slides, usually moving forward or back (cropping in or out). 2-3ft is usually good enough for most side to side movement. It almost seems best to have 2 separate systems or rent a 6ft in the more rare uses for that.
May 15th, 2011 at 5:22 pm
@Aaron – Here’s a 20″ Glidtrack http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/748306-REG/Glidetrack_HD_050_Glidetrack_HD_20.html
May 15th, 2011 at 6:49 pm
Is the konova really worth the premium over these?? I know ball bearings are the best for a smooth glide but for the price of these it looks like it can do fairly good slides!
May 15th, 2011 at 9:08 pm
@Jj – The Konova is very smooth and can handle a good amount of weight with smooth motions. Here’s another old post about people using IGUS http://cheesycam.com/diy-motorized-igus-camera-slider/
May 16th, 2011 at 11:25 am
Wow, I got one of the last $79.99 versions. It’ll get here in a week or so. You guys have saved me SO much money on HDSLR gear! Thanks!
May 16th, 2011 at 3:23 pm
@guy
I motorized mine. Have some finishing touches to do on it and have been crazy busy lately but will get a video up as soon as possible. It should be strong enough to go vertical with it
May 18th, 2011 at 11:55 am
@Bruce Philpott $79.99 version?
May 21st, 2011 at 2:05 pm
@guy
I just need to add my safety cutoff switches at either end of the rail and I’m pretty much done. Will make a video once it’s finalized but here’s some pics for the time being… it explains what motor I used and it works great vertical!
http://www.skunkworksonline.ca/misc/slider2/
May 22nd, 2011 at 8:23 pm
indiSlider vs Konova vs Glidetrack?
May 23rd, 2011 at 5:02 am
@Max – Konova all the way, true ball bearings.
May 25th, 2011 at 1:32 am
I just received my Opteka 23″ in the mail today. Service was quick and the everything went smoothly. IMO, the heavier the setup, the jerkier it gets… But to be honest, for only $129, I can’t complain. The build is actually really nice and seems like it doesn’t have any flex to it as the camera reaches each end. Maybe there’s a way to add some smoothness to it, but like I said, if you’re looking for a super cheap, compact slider, this probably could be a good start. Thanks for the tip Emm.
May 30th, 2011 at 2:42 pm
@SkunkWorks
wow ! thanks for the pictures
July 13th, 2011 at 10:19 am
(@ Bart: Yes, the $79 version)
I drilled & tapped 1/4-20 holes in the bottom of the rail (one centered, two at about 30% points from the ends) and installed Manfrotto QR plates. I drilled a 3/8″ hole in the slider and installed a 3/8-16 bolt which goes through the slider into a Manfrotto 234 Swivel Tilt Monopod Head. Atop that, I mount my Manfrotto 128RC Micro Fluid Head.
I can mount the rail to one (centered) tripod or two (with Manfrotto ball heads), if I want. The monopod swivel can be leveled when I have the rail at a vertical angle. I can slide my level camera down the angled slider and pan/tilt at my subject as the camera passes it. I have a 7″ monitor on the hot shoe and pull focus with a d|focus.
I use a couple of knobs in holes at the ends as stops.
July 13th, 2011 at 10:26 am
Oh, yeah… I just use a couple of 4×4 fence post scraps if it’s on the ground.
August 13th, 2011 at 11:50 pm
Hi all,
May be a stupid question, but how do you attach this Opteka slider on a tripod ? does it comes with all you need to attach it or do you need to buy more accessories ?
Many thanks
August 13th, 2011 at 11:53 pm
@Christophe – It has a threaded hole under the slider.
December 8th, 2012 at 5:38 pm
Hi! excellent site and great info! I’m trnyig to get started doing weddings in FL using the GH2 but wanted to see what you did for your audio? Are you micing the groom and/or officiant with lapel mics? Do you record with a separate device (Zoom H4n etc.)? If so, do you use a field monitor. And lastly, how do you sync it up in post, using a clapper or via software that automatically syncs? Thanks a ton!
December 8th, 2012 at 5:41 pm
@Ahmed – Yes you should mic the groom and the officiant, rarely do you mic the bride. Most people use a wireless Sennheiser setup, and budget shooters will use a LAV connected to a Zoom H1 and placed in the groom’s pocket. The only time to use a LAV is during the ceremony. At the reception you can plug into the DJ audio output or record from the room speakers. Field monitors are optional, it’s by preference. You can use software like Plural Eyes to sync audio, or FCPX has this feature built right in to it’s editing suite.