TIFFEN Professional Handheld Steadicam Merlin

The introduction of the Steadiam in 1976 revolutionized the world of film and video. New generations of Steadicam have been redesigned to unleash endless possibilities. Tiffen offers you a complete line of state-of-the-art models to meet your film & video needs. The Steadicam Merlin offers light, agile, seamless shooting for today's videogapher Ultra-light and ultra-compact, the Steadicam Merlin allows you to keep up with the action more easily than ever. Designed by Garrett Brown, the inventor of the original Steadicam Jr, the Merlin is the next generation hand held Steadicam system. The Steadicam Merlin is half the weight and four times as stable as the JR. Yet, it can move as smoothly as the big $60,000 rigs used in Hollywood. The Merlin let's you "fly" wherever the scene takes you--up and down steps, indoors and outside, through crowds--almost anywhere, with precise, elegant control and ease. Its quick release mount lets you instantly swap camera connections between your Merlin and any tripod. Merlin's design significantly reduces fatigue. So lightweight, it weighs less than a can of soda. With a compact DV, balanced and ready to go, the Merlin weighs about two pounds. Its rigid construction permits longer focal lengths than ever imaginable with a hand-held stabilizer. Merlin's unique dual extended weight system greatly increases inertial stability. And its counterbalancing weight can be precisely adjusted to balance cameras from 0.5 to 5 lbs. The new patent-pending "Folding-Caliper"TM hinge allows instant fold-up, perfect for shoulder-mounted shooting, and just as quickly, returns precisely for hand-held camera work. Whether you're an independent camera professional, or running the corporate AV department; a wedding and event videographer or real estae agent; enthusiast or film student, the Steadicam Merlin is right for you. Brilliantly conceived. Affordable. Versatile. Adjustable. Precise. The Steadicam Merlin. The simplicity of pure design married to common-sense ergonomics. Product Features DV Compatible "Folding Caliper" Hinge Patented 3-axis Gimbal Handle Lightweight Weighs less than 12 oz Supports cameras from 0.5 to 5 lbs Affordable cost Quick release mount Ultra-compact folded design Aluminum alloy upper and lower spars