01Nov First Look – New Konova DSLR Video Slider
Here’s a first look at the changes in the newest design Konova K-Slider – Video Camera Dolly. For some excellent examples of the old version in use, check out Olivia’s video (click here).
The most noticeable changes are with the new adjustable feet / legs. The ends of the slider have also been slightly changed with a better mounting area if you want to use the slider vertically (crane shot), or if you need to use the slider upside down.
(left) Old Version and (right) New Version
The old style Konova legs
The basic size available is about 31″ which I find perfect for a small travel slider. The Konova sliders are also available in other sizes like 36″ and 49″ by request.
The stage is slightly wider and now offering two additional 1/4-20 threaded holes if you want to get creative with your mounting.
(left) Old Version and (right) New Version
Adjusting the friction in the bearings is still done under by first removing the stage with 4 allen head bolts. The carrier design, rails, and frame are pretty much the same as the previous version. There’s plenty of small improvements in this new Konova, but final sliding results will probably be the same. Again, for some sample results from the Konova, check out Olivia’s video (click here)
If the older versions seem to drop down in price, then those would still be very effective tools to consider. As of now, the older and newer version sliders are priced about the same, and with that said – there’s no doubt that you should choose the newer. This latest Konova K3B2 Slider version is available now through Konova following the link (click here).
Konova New Design DSLR Video K Slider
You can also find the Konova slider direct from their website (click here).
Visit Konova Photo and Video Products Website
45 Comments
Trackbacks
- Slider Tips and Mounting Solutions – Going Vertical » CheesyCam
- Update Konova Slider Legs » CheesyCam
- Konova K3 vs. K5 Slider w/ Crank Pulley Upgrade Kit » CheesyCam
November 1st, 2011 at 1:26 am
can you fit the new legs on the old slider ???
November 1st, 2011 at 2:57 am
Ok, now we wait by the mailbox.
November 1st, 2011 at 3:06 am
Emm, one photo shows five different lengths. Do you know if they will be selling something shorter than 31″? I would love a 24″ version of this.
November 1st, 2011 at 3:07 am
I got the old version about a month ago. Im really glad with it specially coming from a Glidetrack. However the old feet do wiggle around and when trying to make them tighter they can take the paint off from the slider.
I got it at a good price at an auction on eBay so still very happy with it
November 1st, 2011 at 3:12 am
Nice review Emm. Frank at Konova is sending me one but I am not sure what I can add that you didn’t cover.
November 1st, 2011 at 3:54 am
@Dave Dugdale – The aesthetics is just slightly different, function is the same with the carrier. Slides just as smooth as the first one.
November 1st, 2011 at 3:55 am
@DavidG – Sounds like you’re trying to use the brake as the friction. Friction or ‘play’ is adjusted by taking off the carrier, unlocking the bearing, and then tightening with the tool.
November 1st, 2011 at 3:55 am
@Frank – I think 31″ is the shortest they come.
November 1st, 2011 at 3:57 am
@will – Doesn’t look like it. I have a closeup shot of the old version and another closeup of the new version (in between). There’s some dowels sticking out for anti-rotation. I guess if you drill the old one correctly the new feet will work.
November 1st, 2011 at 5:51 am
I was watching the new geico commercial, and at 0:27 they use a slider shot.. made me think of Cheesycam… http://youtu.be/MmmAb8xCtoU
November 1st, 2011 at 7:05 am
I really wrestled with either getting a slider or a dolly. I ultimately decided on getting a dolly. I wonder if the prices on the older Konova will drop. I may try to pick one up for cheap.
November 1st, 2011 at 11:31 am
Looks like a good design on the new legs but it seems it wouldn’t be good for attaching a quick release on the end of the slider to do vertical slides. Thoughts?
November 1st, 2011 at 11:45 am
@Jason H – Without the legs attached, the new mounts will hold a Quick Release plate much better for vertical shots. The legs are in the way at the moment, but with the new thumb screw design it literally takes a second to get them off.
November 1st, 2011 at 1:28 pm
Thx Emm…just ordered it! Do you know how fast they get in?
November 1st, 2011 at 2:58 pm
@will
Of course you can… even if you can’t you CAN, if you know what I’m sayin’
… there’s always a way, it’s just a hunk of metal
November 1st, 2011 at 4:14 pm
Been looking at sliders lately and I think this is probably the best bang for the buck I can get.
November 1st, 2011 at 6:39 pm
Compared to the Zaza/Igus slider, would the konova be better?
November 1st, 2011 at 6:54 pm
@Steve – I like the Konova.
November 1st, 2011 at 7:20 pm
Any idea if the new legs can be bought individually. As a wedding shooter all I need is one set of legs on one end for my older version slider.
November 1st, 2011 at 7:49 pm
damn…I just very recently bought the older Konova too. Maybe about a month ago. I totally dig the new legs. Wonder if we can just get the legs separately?
November 1st, 2011 at 7:57 pm
I noticed with a few test videos that there is some wobble. Is this true with yours? Anyway to fix the wobble if there is?
November 1st, 2011 at 8:12 pm
@Jon – Adjust the bearings.
November 2nd, 2011 at 2:10 pm
What the heck is an “oil sil” (K3B2 comes with 2 of them), and why don’t other sliders use these? Sounds like some sort of lubrication for the rails?
Darn you, I was all set to get a Cinevate Atlas FLT, and now I’m befuddled again. Don’t want to pay almost double price unless the Cinevate is clearly superior.
Thanks, Emm, for the info.
November 2nd, 2011 at 2:17 pm
@Ken – Cinevate is always made with the highest quality, and is products are backed by their excellent service and support. The oil sil in the Konova is basically just a wipe that cleans the rails with a light lube from any dust.
November 2nd, 2011 at 6:20 pm
Weird, I posted on your previous post from a couple of days ago that their website is showing that the carrier now has 4 bearings instead of 3 (which I confirmed on an email), but they also didn’t show the new legs. Now I’m confused. I guess I’ll find all the answers when it arrives.
November 3rd, 2011 at 1:50 am
Cinevate rocks but it almost double the price… I would definitely go for that if there was no money issue.
November 3rd, 2011 at 11:29 am
Hey Emm,
I was one of the first to rush out and get the original Konova slider on your advice. While I did love it, and thought it was great value all in all, I felt it was a bit on the heavy side for my purposes (I shoot a lot while hiking on foot).
Actually, I lent it to a friend who since trashed it (only e knows how!), so I’m in the market for a new slider, but if price wasn’t as much of an issue, which would you say was the most “portable” that you’ve come across (in terms of weight and size).
November 3rd, 2011 at 1:14 pm
@Fugenie – Hmm. The Konova is just about 5lbs with the legs on. Going with something a bit lighter would mean higher cost and less weight it could support. Cinevate has some carbon rail stuff but requires two stands.
November 4th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
Emm,
Thanks for your posts I have been readin your stuff forever but this is my first post so I wanted to make a point to simply say…Thank you!
Regarding this new slider I purchased on on Nov 1st PayPal. I see the money was drawn on the 1st but I haven’t received any shipping info yet is this normal for these guys? Will I get a tracking number? How long do they normally take. Thank you again for your response.
Blessings,
Jason
November 4th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
@Jason – Overseas stuff takes time to process and ship. I’m not sure if there is tracking provided.
November 4th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
Thanks Emm…
FYI I just looked at their site and they are now offering a 60cm version. I know some of you around here want a small one (myself included). Well, there you have it
I wonder if they will get my email asking for the 60 cm? hmmmm…
November 5th, 2011 at 11:56 am
I’m trying to order stuff from the konova website. They are having some free shipping at the moment. It doesn’t seem to be working. Can”t add anything tto the cart. Anyway contacted them thru email and a guy name frank shaw replied. Is it safe to buy direct from the site?
November 6th, 2011 at 7:59 pm
Emm,
I’m debating on buying this one and the cinevate flt . Is the Konova slider as smoothe as the cinevate slider? In your opinion which would you buy if money isn’t an issue?
November 6th, 2011 at 9:10 pm
@Scott – I’m sure the Cinevate has a better overall build and would result in consistently smooth movements. If money isn’t an issue, then Cinevate has excellent products, warranties, and service.
November 10th, 2011 at 11:05 pm
Hey guys just an FYI…. I just got my “New Konova Slider” and I like it I have had the Igus based (self made slider) and it was fine but this one is better. HOWEVER…. Note the following.
The 1/4″ 20 thread on one of the ends (where the new feet attach) wasn’t completely threaded and I couldn’t screw in my other leg. Fortunately I had a tap set so I re-threaded the hole and it is fine.
The other thing is I did have to take apart the sliding assembly and re-tention it because it was way to sticky for my taste.
November 17th, 2011 at 2:05 am
just bought one through your link – thanks emm for the info ! can’t wait!
December 13th, 2011 at 8:45 pm
I just got my new K3B6 slider and really happy as to how it looks but was not to impressed with how many scraps, dings and marks there were in the medal on the slider itself. Has anyone else experienced the same sort of thing? Like has anyone got a slider with no imperfections? When I get something new I really like it to come looking new not used. If I make the marks from normal use then thats fine but I like to try to keep it looking as nice as possible as long as I can. Please share your thoughts if you had issues with yours and what did Frank end up doing for you?
Thanks
December 26th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
I’ve had my slider for quite some time now (love it) and I don’t know if anyone else has noticed this but it seems Konova made this upgrade to be upgradeable? There are additional slots and mounts which my guess is to possibly add a potential gearing system to be belt driven? Could be interesting if Konova they had that in mind.
January 31st, 2012 at 7:47 am
Emm, what type of adapter do I need to mount the Konova slider on a couple of light stands? What size thread does the light stand need to be?
January 31st, 2012 at 8:19 am
@Jack – You could get away with one good tripod, but for added stability use one light stand. I don’t know if you’d want to use two, it may not be very stable. Here’s one adapter http://cheesycam.com/camera-slider-light-stand-adapter/. You could put a mini ball head on there for angles, but I wouldn’t just use two lightstands alone.
In this video http://oliviatech.com/techniques-and-tips-on-the-konova-dslr-video-camera-slider, Olivia used a small portable tripod + one light stand.
January 31st, 2012 at 12:06 pm
Hello and thank you for your wonderful blog. I just received my K5 slider and it is way too stiff but came without the pliers. Frank at Konova said I do not need them to loosen this model but I am not sure that is true. Do you know how I would go about loosening this thing without the pliers?
January 31st, 2012 at 4:26 pm
Nevermind above post. You just have to pull harder with the hex wrench than I felt comfortable doing at first. Sorry about that!