Varavon Slidecam S Slider Video Review
Varavon’s SlidecamS is a stronger slider than their Slidecam Lite and is built to support heavier payloads for larger cameras. We put the Slidecam S to the test to see what we could pack onto it and assess how it would hold up for a typical shoot that would require this type of gear. The video above is from a cocochanelis line photo shoot. Click HERE for their FaceBook page.
You can also find photos that I snapped from this shoot on the OTech FB page.
From 36″ all the way up to 78″, the Slidecam S truly can accomodate a plethora of video shooting requirements.
I made a video earlier this year using a Sony NEX-7 mounted on the Slidecam Lite, a slider from Varavon for smaller cameras. You can find the video and specs for the Slidecam Lite HERE.
On the Varavon website HERE, they do a fantastic job of showing you comparison charts and images of the Slidecam S to their other popular sliders. By checking in with these compare stats, you can really hone in on which slider is going to be best for your setup and needs.
Varavon Slidecam S – Video Camera Slider
Thanks for both the review of the Slidecam Lite and Slidecam S. I am at the point of buying the Lite after watching several videos, including yours about the Slidecam Lite and I think the Lite is the one I want to buy as it is lightweight, easy to setup and well build. But is a 550D + Manfrotto 701 head and a Rode Mic too much for the Lite version? Or do you think it will hold it? Thanks in advance!
@Thom I’m pretty sure it will hold up. Check the payload specs on Varavon’s site to be certain about it though!
Olivia,
Do you like the Varavon sliders over the Konova sliders?
I’ve been trying to decide for a couple months now… It seems the Konova Sliders are more expandable (crank & motors) while the Varavon are a bit smoother, does that sound about right?
I think they both hold up equally in terms of smoothness in my experience. It just depends on what you want to build up on. If you’re looking to go motorized, getting a slider that allows you to do this might be your best bet.
Looks like the S still has the build quality I’ve come to respect Varavon for.
I think for the money, and if you need a shorter one, the Lite is a better bang for the buck unless you need the extra beefiness and load capacity. Mine has done everything I’ve asked of it handily. The portability and light weight are big factors for me and I love the Lite for that.
I usually use mine with a Manfrotto mini ball head but it works with my 701HDV too.
If I needed a long slider, this looks like a good balance between cost and quality.
With these prices, you could get a Kessler crane that seems to be more bang for the buck.
Tam: I’m not so sure about that. The cheapest Kessler Pocket Dolly is $500 and comes without legs (or anything really…the feet/legs alone add $150 to $250 to the price and another %60 for the case). It’s 38″ long (31″ of travel) and weighs 6lbs (2.7kg). It’s rated to hold 15lbs.
The Closest Varavon S is 36″ long, weighs 2.56kg, and it comes with legs at that weight…it also comes in a very nice padded bag. It’s rated to support 42lbs (even the Lite supports 20 lbs!). It lists at $385 but can likely be found cheaper on eBay or Amazon (that’s how I got mine cheap)…I’ve never seen Kessler gear for sale anywhere from a 3rd party online retailer.
The main benefit to the Kessler is that you can buy anything and everything to add on to it…though this adds significantly to the price. I’ve never had reason to complain about the versatility of the Varavon however. With some creativity, it can be mounted in a hundred different ways without having to spend much…or anything.
That said, I’d gladly own a Kessler Dolly but I’d likely save up for a Philip Bloom model and do it right.
Great info as always.
I’m curious about your use of Youtuve vs Vimeo. You seem to go back and forth. Is there a reason you don’t always use one or the other? Just curious.
hi olivia, thanks for the review,
i just would like to know about the LCD monitor that u mounted on the camera in this video. Could u share the info about it and if u got any links reviewing the product it could be much helpful. thank a lot
@asyraf Here is a link to a video review I did of the smallHD DP-4 that you see in this video. CLICK HERE
Thanks Olivia for one more great review …
I have a GH1 hacked with stock lens 14-140 and the 20 mm pancake and the 45mm zuiko. Want to buy a slider .
I think this Varavon S can handle my gear pretty easy , doesnt ? Even if I include my Rodeo mic .
Question is : The difference in both weight and price from the S to the 800 is not that much . So I am wondering if the extra 20 cm will make better movies . I fear I wont notice any dramatic improvement and more , a 250 grams penalty more to carry . the S 900 is prohibitive for me .
This slide will be used for my personal shooting …
Thanks a lot agains and God bless you …
a hug
Leonardo
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil .
@Leonard it really depends on whether or not you plan to build up in the future. Some people like the longer sliders for longer sliding shots, but some shooters do not find the extra length useful since they edit those shots down to clips that only take a fraction of the length to shoot. It depends on you, really. I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer to this. Consider how you edit your shots, what you’re shooting, the payload max and of course, the weight of the slider itself.
I recently ordered the Varavon S 1200 w/Vari-Crane through vifocam.com after some considerable research and waffling. It was close. I did consider the Konova and Kessler products and thought the Kessler was good for expansion. The Varavon S 1200 is 48″ long and knowing most sliders are 2-3 feet, I opted for the longer one because I felt I could obtain some better dolly shots in tight spaces with the longer length. Yes, two tripods are required but the flexibility I get seems to be worth it. As for the Vari-Crane, it’s basically just an extra length to mount your camera and counter-weights to get some creative shots not easily done with just a slider and tripod. It’s a good option for those without a jib/crane.
Oh…of course the quality beats the DIY slider I made by a long shot. Who knew machined metals work better. DOH!
Also, I’m loading it down with a 60D and Tokina 11-16 on a smaller rig on rails with follow-focus and matte box. Overall, I think my setup is less than 7lbs.
thanks for the video review link olivia