19May Nano Test – 60D + 24-105mm F/4L
Question comes in from Twitter – Can the Nano fly a 60D + Canon 24-105mm F4L?
This is not a setup I would normally use, since I really like the wide flying look. I don’t normally have the time to video test every camera + lens combination, but I admit I was pretty curious about this question myself. Luckily Olivia stopped in to pick something up and unwillingly volunteers as the test subject, to help me answer this dangling question. [Thanks Olivia, I owe you a solid...]
As I was just posting up earlier today, the Flycam Nano (original tiny version) is pretty suffice for a good amount of weight. If anyone cares, here’s the weight specs I measured on my accurate Kitchen Scale. Canon 60D + 24-105mm F/4L = 1448 grams / 51.07 ounces / 3.192 lbs. I’m not even using all the additional weights that were included with the Nano, so there’s a bit of room to grow. My version below is the basic Nano (not Nano DSLR):
Flycam Nano (not DSLR Nano)
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May 19th, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Gosh I love that women! Good stuff…so I’m assuming your not getting the flycam dslr?
May 19th, 2011 at 2:08 pm
@Steven O. – I have no plans to get that one. I also have several other stabilizers including Glidecam HD1000 and HD4000, BlackBird Stabilizer, etc.
May 19th, 2011 at 2:15 pm
Looks great, but I guess I’m confused as to why you’d want to put such a long zoom on a Flycam. Would you ever want to use anything other than the 24mm? Seems like as you get a longer and longer focal length, your video is going to be bouncier and bouncier. From my limited experience with steady cams, I’ve always wanted to use the widest possible lens. Is there something I’m missing here?
Thanks!
May 19th, 2011 at 2:23 pm
@Nate – The 60D has a crop factor + 24mm lens would look like what I just shot. It’s sometimes nice to see a not so ‘fisheye’ effect. If I were to fly something like this I would use a 24mm Prime. The reason this test was done, because he was not ready to buy another lens. He wanted to buy the Flycam and this was the only lens he would be able to use (at the time), but i’m sure he’ll get something different later on.
May 19th, 2011 at 2:42 pm
EF-S 18-55 IS = Wider + cheaper + IS
May 19th, 2011 at 2:45 pm
@hristijan – Good point, good lens for flying. I think he’s saving up for the Tokina 11-16mm though which is much wider than the 18-55mm.
May 19th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
This article, followed by the FD one a couple slots below led me to buy a Canon FD 24-105 f3.5 for 59$ =]
goo cheesycam!
May 19th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
How do you get the nano to balance so well?
I followed some of the video on youtube.
But I still can’t seem to get it to stabilize that well.
I am using a 7d + tokina 11-16 on it.
Any tips you can point me to?
May 19th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
@Joe – Did you run through my boring video too? http://cheesycam.com/the-most-boring-video-in-the-world/
May 19th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
Emm, I change lenses frequently (I use wide angle primes), and it takes forever to rebalance the Nano. Something like the Blackbird is supposed to be much easier to balance. Is the Blackbird’s size a deterent to your everyday use?
May 19th, 2011 at 5:18 pm
@mike_tee_vee – The BlackBird has all the fine tuning knobs to dial in the weight much more quickly over the Flycam Nano, but it is bigger. I’m always trying to travel with the minimum, so i’ll take the smallest possible. If you need to move quickly then the BlackBird has those features including quick release stage and optional tripod quick release.
May 19th, 2011 at 6:20 pm
Now that’s steady ! Great demo !
May 19th, 2011 at 6:23 pm
how to you balance this nano so good? I have been trying to balance this for couple days and still not able to balance it that good.
Can you put a video on How to Balance Flycam Nano perfectly.. or something like that..??
Please
May 19th, 2011 at 6:59 pm
@Andy Shrestha – I have a video here, not very good http://cheesycam.com/the-most-boring-video-in-the-world/. Keep in mind it’s a ‘two handed’ operation. You really have to learn how to drive it with the left hand.
Here’s some of me running around, check out my left hand is always controlling any movements http://cheesycam.com/glidecam-hd4000-bts-with-canon-60d-steadicam-vest/
May 19th, 2011 at 7:49 pm
I think I’m having gimbal problems. When I push it side to side like he did, it feels like the gimbal is pushing the device one way or another. It’s not a swaying like it’s off balance. I loosen the gimbal, but then it starts to giggle. Your video helped a lot, Emm… but can you just fly to NY and fix it for me?? Thanks!
May 19th, 2011 at 8:07 pm
@von – LOL, only if you fly me first class. I wonder if anyone is local to me that has this problem. I’ll be down to take a look and see if I can get theirs to fly straight.
May 19th, 2011 at 8:15 pm
So thank you once again for making me this video, I am highly apprciating it. To the other guy, yes, I am saving up for the tokina or the 8-16, haven’t decided for that non filter bulb that’s on it. Bt for what I have, 50/1.8 , 70-200/2.8-is II, and the 24-105/4, that’s my widest option for now. And that the nano is so cheap. I want it.
May 20th, 2011 at 12:28 am
I was just about to buy the Nano when I found this steadydslr.com
It would be awesome to have a shoulder rig AND and a stabilizer with me everywhere I go.
What do you think?
May 20th, 2011 at 2:20 am
Would the 5d and the 24-105mm work with the flycam nano?
May 20th, 2011 at 4:55 am
@carl pendle – Yes it’s not much more weight, and should hold up.
May 20th, 2011 at 5:09 am
@John Johansson – Here’s what it really is http://shop.ebay.com/db_roth/m.html?_nkw=folding+flash&_sacat=0&_odkw=&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3911.c0.m270.l1313
May 20th, 2011 at 6:10 am
@John Johansson – Or do you mean this? http://cheesycam.com/diy-dslr-steadicam-stabilizer/
May 20th, 2011 at 9:35 am
Emm, are you recomanding the nano over the nano dslr to fly a 7D or something like a Panasonic G3 ????
The Nano is a little bit cheaper and I’m on my way to buy one, I’d appreciate your input.
May 20th, 2011 at 9:44 am
@MisterO – Yes, the basic Nano in my opinion would be better for a camera that light weight.
May 20th, 2011 at 11:10 am
I wasn’t paying attention with the set up, I was more paying attention to her…..she is beautiful….is she single?…:)
May 20th, 2011 at 5:59 pm
your video is a great help
my nano is now balanced
thanks so much
May 21st, 2011 at 12:07 am
Hi Emm,
My current setup is:
t2i
50mm 1.8
17-85mm 4 (IS)
28-75mm 2.8
battery grip
Question is: “Will the battery grip add too much weight when going to the 17 or 28mm?”
May 21st, 2011 at 3:50 am
Do you use a quick release plate as well? If so which one
May 21st, 2011 at 12:01 pm
@Sheldon – I’m using a low profile one that’s not available anymore. A similar one would be like this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/250362-REG/Velbon_QRA_635L_QRA_635L_Quick_Release_Adapter.html/
May 21st, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@Allen L. – The weight of the grip is not as much of a problem as the ‘height’ of the grip. Anytime you move weight further from the ‘Gimbal’ – in this case you are raising the camera up – then the weight shifts dramatically. Same reason why you would extend the lower sled just millimeters at a time. The lower (further) away the sled is from the Gimbal, the more bottom heavy it becomes.
May 21st, 2011 at 2:25 pm
Just so I’m clear, this is a 60d on the flycam nano like this? http://cgi.ebay.com/Flycam-Nano-Steadycam-Stabilization-mini-cameras-/200609223419?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eb53dd2fb#ht_4860wt_1015
Looking at the description it says it only supports up to 700 grams, and I weighed my 60d and lens and it came out to about 1.4kg. It’s only a bit more for the DSLR version but I think going as small as possible it a good idea and want to make sure I have this right before I order. Either way thanks for the help!
May 21st, 2011 at 3:40 pm
@Jeff – Yes that is the correct link to the one I’m using. I’m aware the specs only say up to 700 grams, but i’ve had success on heavier loads.
May 21st, 2011 at 5:58 pm
hey do u think it will support eos t2i+ battery grip with 24-70mm l lens?
May 23rd, 2011 at 12:33 pm
Great video and subject too!
I’m lost though – how did you manage to keep here in focus the whole time?
May 23rd, 2011 at 12:38 pm
@Chris – You set the aperture to have ‘more’ in focus. Probably set it to F/8 on this bright day..
May 23rd, 2011 at 10:06 pm
Emm – thanks for all your insights – just purchased the Flycam. Really looking forward to learning how to use it properly. In the meantime, I’ll be watching all your vids about a million times each.
May 26th, 2011 at 12:44 pm
Cant decide to buy with or without arm brace.
May 30th, 2011 at 6:08 am
Would the 7D and the 24-70mm L work with the flycam nano please ? not too heavy for it ?
May 30th, 2011 at 6:29 am
@Fabrice – Not an ideal lens to use., but It would probably work.
June 6th, 2011 at 4:21 am
I have noticed at the beginning of the video that you seem to put more weight on the back of the flycam than on the front ?
Why do you do that ? Can you explain ?
Vincent
June 6th, 2011 at 6:13 am
@vincent – The lens i’m using is heavier than the camera. That weight is in the front, so you need to ‘counter balance’ by adding weight to the rear.
June 6th, 2011 at 2:15 pm
But… the video test is slow camera… ????
It’s no good test… for a steady.
June 6th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
@PEPE – Its the perfect test. The horizon stays level the whole time. I don’t think you’re familiar with what this stabilizer is supposed to do.
June 7th, 2011 at 12:45 am
Thank you Emm for your answer.
I understand you add weight in the rear because your system is lens heavy, but would it be the same to just slide back the camera on the rear and leave the same amount of weight on each side on the bottom of the flycam ?
June 7th, 2011 at 7:35 am
@vincent – You can only set the camera back so far. That camera was actually set at the furthest rear mounting hole. There’s no right way to do it, whatever works to get it balanced.
June 30th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
hey good test. I will also be shooting on the 60D but with the 18-135mm lens (until I can afford a Tokina wide angle). I want to know if the arm brace is worth getting. How long were you able to hold the setup without arm fatigue? Thanks
June 30th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
@SB3 – My stabilizer muscle has had plenty of practice LOL. My ability to carry these things have increased, but any brace is worth getting if you’re not working out and practicing.
July 20th, 2011 at 9:19 am
I recently bought the Easycam Steadicam and can’t get anything out of it with my 60D… I take it the camera is too heavy for it.
I wish I’d read your posts more thoroughly earlier.
I’m wanting to use the 60D with the 18-135mm (like SB3), I just wanted to get confirmation from you that this will work! Also, I’m based in the UK, would you know where I can get hold of one of these stabilisers over here? Thanks for all your posts Emm.
Last question, is the Flycam Nano the one built in India?
July 20th, 2011 at 9:32 am
@Vibhuti – Yes the Flycam is from India, and I believe the links I share can ship to UK.
July 20th, 2011 at 9:41 am
Thanks for your quick answer Emm,
60D with 18-135? Nano enough or nano DSLR?
July 20th, 2011 at 11:59 am
@Vibhuti – Not really an ideal lens, but I’m thinking it would work on the Flycam. If you think you’ll upgrade anything soon try the larger one.
August 4th, 2011 at 12:32 am
How about my 50mm f.1.4? Is that good with the weight and will the video quality stay in focus if my aperture is set high enough? Thanks!
August 4th, 2011 at 6:56 am
@Patrick – It would be harder to keep things in focus. Weight is fine.
August 4th, 2011 at 10:19 am
Thanks Emm, that makes sense. I know you said 18-135mm isn’t ideal for the flycam but what is? A wide angle lens or would a 18-55mm be suffice for focus? Im on a budget so that’s why I asked about the cheaper 18-55…unless you can recommend a cheap wide angle lens and when I say cheap, im saying less than $200.
Thanks again!
August 4th, 2011 at 11:38 am
@Patrick – An 18-55mm would work, but it you have a hard time balancing, add more weight to the top. The heavier the load the better on any glidecam/steadicam/flycam.
August 10th, 2011 at 10:05 am
been reading your blog few weeks now, awesome stuff! keep up the good work.. after seen your review of flycam nano I decided to get one and here some first shots with it:
http://vimeo.com/27257255
pls like if u do
October 20th, 2011 at 6:59 am
why turn off the IS? wouldnt that smooth ur shot even more?
January 5th, 2012 at 4:55 pm
Hi, I’ve canon 60D + sigma 8-16 mm. Should I better get Flycam Nano DSLR or Glidecam 1000 or any other suggestions?
Please help, Thank a lot
January 6th, 2012 at 12:16 pm
@Cherry – Either would be a good choice, but if you can afford the Glidecam HD1000, it has fine tuning knobs to make balancing a bit easier.
January 6th, 2012 at 3:41 pm
@ Emm Thank you
February 1st, 2012 at 10:05 am
Emm,
Just wanted to add my thanks for your hard work. I have been watching your stuff (Olivia too) for months. I notice that I am able to balance the Nano better with the camera directly on the cheese plate. Has this been your experience? I’m flying a 60D with the Tokina 11-16. You have been a great help to everyting ..but my wallet!
Be Blessed!
August 19th, 2012 at 3:27 pm
i just got the flycam 3000 and it cant get 100% balance yet. i got a 5dmkii and a 24-105 lens. i got the all the little weights in one of the cases that it comes with. the white and black ones on both sides. ill have no mics or lighting. its swing a little everytime i pic it up and move. any idea????
-logan
August 19th, 2012 at 3:27 pm
i just got the flycam 3000 and it cant get 100% balance yet. i got a 5dmkii and a 24-105 lens. i got the all the little weights in one of the cases that it comes with. the white and black ones on both sides. ill have no mics or lighting. its swing a little everytime i pic it up and move. any idea????
August 19th, 2012 at 8:44 pm
@logan – Usually if you’re new to this you probably have too much weight at the bottom. Check this video and see if it helps. http://cheesycam.com/the-most-boring-video-in-the-world/
August 20th, 2012 at 4:49 am
you’re the best thanks you tons.