2005Sled forum
Telescoping Steadicam sled that maintains balance during length changes
21 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- A sled could theoretically telescope its upper and lower sections in coordinated ratios to maintain balance dynamically during a shot, similar to how technocranes use counterweight pulleys
- Implementing this on a Steadicam would require motorized dual telescoping systems rather than mechanical cables, because gimbal movement changes the balance ratio
- A motorized system would need calibration based on gimbal position to calculate correct extension ratios accounting for dynamic balance
- Rigidity and weight are significant practical obstacles, as carbon fiber sleds already lose stiffness at extended lengths
- The idea of a self-leveling gimbal mounted directly on the sled has been considered in the industry since at least the early 1990s
- Obstacles to executing telescoping balance adjustments during shots include weight, vibration, and the complexity of coordinating multiple systems
Depends on
- This is a concept discussion rather than a tested implementation
- No working prototype or commercial product is described
- The proposal would add weight and complexity to an already demanding system