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Accessories for T2I

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ReedSkis~
Posts: 2122 - Karma: 98
Hey NS,
I'm about to buy a t2i and am thinking about what accessories to buy along with it.

I have realized that I will need some sort of stabilization, so I have narrowed it down to a:

GlideCam HD 2000 ($280)

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or a

CVP SM1 shoulder mount ($105) which is used by philip bloom http://www.creativevideo.co.uk/public/view_item_cat.php?catalogue_number=cvp_shoulder_mount

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Other accessories I am thinking about are:

ZFinder Jr. ($250) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/682689-REG/Zacuto_Z_FIND_JR_Z_Finder_Jr_.html

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IDC Follow Focus ($400) [note, I would get the DFocus if it was in stock] http://www.idcphotography.com/kart/index.php?p=product&id=145&parent=30

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I would like to keep the price as low as possible, so keeping that in mind, what are the most essential of these four products for filming skiing and for HDSLR filming in general?

Thanks!
Reed
May 18 2010 8:27PM
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MANDER
Posts: 4017 - Karma: 2,038
Click for larger image
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/363083-REG/Rode_VIDEOMIC_VideoMic_Camera_Mounted.html
May 18 2010 8:49PM
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MANDER
Posts: 4017 - Karma: 2,038
also, dont get the z finder or follow focus unless you have a lot of spare money. I honestly dont think they are necessary. Why cant you move your find a little to the right and use the focus on the lens? Seems like a waste of $400. And with the z finder, it isnt that big of a deal. It will just help you see your lcd screen when the sunlight is behind you. Again, seems like a waste. If you have the money to spare, go for it. I personally would rather spend that extra money on another lens or a really really good lens.
May 18 2010 9:14PM
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LBJJ
Posts: 683 - Karma: 1,730
I would say wait for the D/focus and dont waste and extra 250$ on a follow focus that doesnt even seem as good, ii am building a complete rail system follow focus, top handle rig all for about 550$

just do a bunch of research and find some of the cheaper stuff that is just the same as the three times as expensive name brand product.

PM me if you wanna know what i have for my setup, id be happy to share.
May 18 2010 9:25PM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,232
you NEED a loupe or some sort of light blocking. It's super hard to see the screen in the light unless you have the brightness cranked up all the way. I would suggest the LCDVF, its cheaper than the z-finder and works perfectly. loupes also provide stabilization when you push the loupe to your eye.

LCDVF
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http://jag35.com/new/products/lcdvf/

A battery grip is also key, it allows you to use two batteries as well as 6 double AA's, so you pack all that in your bag and you can shoot all day on the go. It also adds some weight to the camera, and the t2i is pretty light. I bought this exact one, it came today, and so far no complaints. If you want to blow your money, you can get the canon manufactured one for $100 more and it will match the camera exactly.

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http://cgi.ebay.com/BP-550D-Grip-Canon-EOS-550D-Rebel-T2i-BG-E8-/230476696451?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Cameras_Photographic_Accessories&hash=item35a97b4b83#ht_5008wt_882

Spare batteries (3rd Party)
about 6 bucks each. Search LP-E8 or canon t2i battery on ebay and you will find the goods

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Definitely a Rhode video mic.

Glidecam will be 10x better for doing followcams, if you want to do running and gunning and not be in motion then the shoulder rig would excel for doing that.

Definitely wait for the D|Focus V2 and the non rail mount, it will preform pretty well. I don't know much about what you posted
May 18 2010 9:34PM
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CS_Films
Posts: 468 - Karma: 466
I would say glide cam is the lowest on the list. Stabilization and eyepiece are top two. Follow focus second to last. But you also need a microphone and a battery grip. The T2i battery life is like 45 min. While filming.
May 19 2010 8:16AM
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TomasAa
Posts: 585 - Karma: 699
The rode videomic is good, but it doesent kill the AGC. If your serious about soundquality, you should invest in a beatchtek adapter(with agc disabler) or a zoom h4n. Also I dont think a followfocus is THAT important, if your on a budget you should wait with the FF. And maybie invest in a proper sound setup. But It all comes down to what you will be shooting...

The LCDVF is good, but I dont think they have made one for the t2i yet? But I think they will be out within the next few weeks.

But you should def go for a batterygrip, I  ordered the same as "1337" is refering to, havent recieved it yet though.
May 19 2010 10:30AM
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Static
Posts: 8553 - Karma: 4,089
ive had a glidecam for years and wish i had a shoulder mount instead
May 19 2010 11:55AM
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horner
Posts: 2439 - Karma: 1,578
I've used the IDC follow focus rig before, it's alright, but not worth $400.

Shoulder stabilizer would be a good buy, and from what I've read, the one you have picked is great for the money.

Also check into a hoodman finder with the mag eye attachment. That's what I use, and it works perfectly fine and it's priced fairly. All I did was put 4 little strips of velcro around my lcd, and velcro along the edges of the hoodman, works really well. I'll get pics if you're interested.

Half the price as zacuto
http://hoodmanusa.com/products.asp?dept=1017
http://hoodmanusa.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HMAG3.0

I'd pass on a mic and put the money towards a nice little sound recorder, like the zoom h4n, if you plan on capturing nice audio. If audio is no concern, then the little rode shotgun will be fine, just don't expect great audio.

A solid small tripod would also be good. Manfrotto makes some nice smaller tripods.
May 19 2010 12:32PM
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ReedSkis~
Posts: 2122 - Karma: 98
Thanks for all of the suggestions guys,

I already have a Rode Videomic so I'm not looking at other mics right now...
I will most likely get the HoodLoupe that Horner recommended, and i'll definitely get a battery grip.

Now I'm wondering If I should get the Shoulder Mount or the Glidecam... I'm leaning towards the glidecam. It seems to be more versatile...

Also, Is a follow focus really necessary?

Thanks
May 19 2010 2:02PM
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CS_Films
Posts: 468 - Karma: 466
The issue with a glidecam is that if u are using it to film with you cant do any adjustment on the camera itself. If you ever plan to shoot freehand with a DSLR some sort of rig is almost required.
May 19 2010 2:31PM
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Coalescent
Posts: 4871 - Karma: 2,063
Check out the thread I just made with the glidecam 1000 pro and the t2i and kit lens.  I'm not a pro yet but once balanced it definately helps!!!
May 19 2010 2:46PM
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ReedSkis~
Posts: 2122 - Karma: 98
^ Have you taken it skiing yet? was it easy to balance with the t2i (I heard it is extremely light)

What do you guys think? Glidecam or Shoulder Mount?
May 20 2010 8:35PM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,232
glidecam + battery pack + two batteries + mic + lcdvf will work fine for a glidecam and should be a baller setup for skiing.
May 20 2010 8:58PM
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MANDER
Posts: 4017 - Karma: 2,038
Mini thread jack alert:

Getting t2i within the next week and have about $1500 to spend on everything at the moment (including camera). What should I get? I was thinking the camera, 18-135 EF-S IS lens, 50mm prime lens, and the mic/battery grip. That would take me a bit over $1500. I already have a tripod but it doesnt have a fluid head and really isnt good. I plan on buying more accessories after the summer, but I need to work during the summer first.
May 20 2010 9:37PM
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ReedSkis~
Posts: 2122 - Karma: 98
Ya I'll probably end up with the glidecam...

And I think I'm going to get the HoodLoupe rather than the lcdfv (sp?) just because it can strap to the camera and I can buy a magnetic eye cup
May 20 2010 9:39PM
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family_vacation
Posts: 6200 - Karma: 7,840
I'm about to get one as well, and I think that the nice tripod is pretty important. From what I hear, these DSLRs need stabilization and support to film with.
May 20 2010 9:48PM
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J-Evs
Posts: 6387 - Karma: 1,615
i was gunna make a thread just like this.
right now i think im gunna get the t2i with kit lens
and then the opteka fish eye

and once i get the money probably a glidecam 2000
and probably a new prime lens. tokina i think
May 20 2010 9:56PM
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J-Evs
Posts: 6387 - Karma: 1,615
i meant to say this lens
May 20 2010 10:20PM
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family_vacation
Posts: 6200 - Karma: 7,840
yeah.

I'm still trying to figure out the best lens option. It was between the kit and the 50mm 1.8 for a while but now I decided that I'll probably get the kit for now and save money for a battery grip and the mic. The kit's quality seems to be acceptable for video use, and the IS would be helpful.
May 20 2010 10:24PM
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ReedSkis~
Posts: 2122 - Karma: 98
I'm waiting for this lens to come out: http://www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/17-50mm-f28-ex-dc-os-hsm-sigma

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IMO it looks like the perfect lens for the t2i... Tokina makes a similar lens without optical stabilization.
May 21 2010 10:45AM
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ReedSkis~
Posts: 2122 - Karma: 98
^The lense J-evs mentioned is very similar, but without stabilization
May 21 2010 10:51AM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,232
TOKINA 11-16
May 21 2010 11:28AM
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ReedSkis~
Posts: 2122 - Karma: 98
^That too, but it appears to be unavailable everywhere...
May 21 2010 12:32PM
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Keyjibbs
Posts: 1542 - Karma: 96
The Tamron has vibration control pretty much the same thing as image stabilization. I've heard excellent reviews of the Tamron as well.

To the OP. I'd advise you to use Horner's suggestions. If you want great audio buy the Zoom H4N. It's a handy piece of equipment and will give you way better audio than any shotgun mic. If you don't need amazing audio I'd suggest either the shoulder mount or loupe. The LCDVF is really good for the price.
May 21 2010 2:21PM
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ReedSkis~
Posts: 2122 - Karma: 98
Is the LCDVF better than the hoodloupe? does it actually mount to the camera, or does one just hold it to the screen?

My Dad already owns a zoom h4n, so i have access to that.

I'm still debating the shoulder mount vs. glidecam. I could really see the shoulder mount being useful, but the glidecam seems perfect for skiing...
May 21 2010 4:55PM
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IanAvery-Leaf
Posts: 9931 - Karma: 9,399
thats because it is perfect for skiing. Go for it, it will help out greatly for followcams
May 21 2010 6:39PM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,232
just get it, you obviously are going to be filming more skiing than anything, so get it now, and get the shoulder rig later
May 21 2010 7:16PM
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ReedSkis~
Posts: 2122 - Karma: 98
Yea I might as well get the Glidecam...

Thanks for all the help guys!
May 21 2010 8:14PM
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underflipped
Posts: 1100 - Karma: 14
I came across this stabilizer. I read one review with this particular one and using it with the T2i but I can't seem to find it now. But it basically said how it seemed like a great match. It's a bit cheaper. Not really sure how good it will be on snow for follow cams, but it's on my list of possibilities.

May 21 2010 9:21PM
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family_vacation
Posts: 6200 - Karma: 7,840
anyone found T2is in stock anywhere online?
May 22 2010 12:54AM
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assface
Posts: 4319 - Karma: 2,031
timed shutter... it allows you to take time lapses and its only like 23 on this site. I just got mine in the mail after about 2 weeks fyi for those who think it is a scam.

http://www.linkdelight.com/vmchk/LCD-Timer-Remote/LCD-Timer-Remote-AP-TR1C-for-Canon-EOS-500D-450D-400D/Detailed-product-flyer.html
May 22 2010 2:42AM
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Coalescent
Posts: 4871 - Karma: 2,063
Orrr if you have a TI-83+ calculator you can use that, create a program and hook the calculator up to the T2i and make a timer.
May 22 2010 10:40AM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,232
are you serious??
thats SICK! I have a ti84 silver edition, do you have a program for it???
May 22 2010 12:25PM
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J-Evs
Posts: 6387 - Karma: 1,615
DOPEEEE
May 22 2010 12:26PM
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Coalescent
Posts: 4871 - Karma: 2,063

Here's the link for anyone who wants to use a calc for the hookup.  I only use the Ti-83+

http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-make-a-time-lapse-video-with-your-dslr

May 22 2010 12:48PM
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assface
Posts: 4319 - Karma: 2,031
that's crazy. but I donthavea ti83 and it's smaller so it's still legit for me haha
May 22 2010 3:16PM
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MANDER
Posts: 4017 - Karma: 2,038
im probably getting the t2i tomorrow. is there any big difference video wise between the 7d and the t2i? i would rather spend the extra money on accessories but i dont want to regret the t2i after a few monthes.
May 24 2010 9:07PM
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J-Evs
Posts: 6387 - Karma: 1,615
anyone find anywhere with it in stock, or when it will be in stock?
most of the online retailers are sold out
May 24 2010 9:23PM
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family_vacation
Posts: 6200 - Karma: 7,840
Someone help me find it!
May 24 2010 9:25PM
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IanAvery-Leaf
Posts: 9931 - Karma: 9,399
$50 off
May 24 2010 9:41PM
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goodiepocket
Posts: 950 - Karma: 641
"ships 1-2 months" =(
May 24 2010 9:51PM
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MANDER
Posts: 4017 - Karma: 2,038
Right now my accessories I am getting are:

Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens $100
16GB Extreme SDHC Memory Card $85
Manfrotto 055XDB Tripod Legs (Black) with 700RC2 Mini Video Fluid Head $200
Rode VideoMic - Camera Mounted Shotgun Microphone $150
LCD Viewfinder LCDVF Digital SLR Viewfinder $180
May 24 2010 10:01PM
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family_vacation
Posts: 6200 - Karma: 7,840
adorama had them this evening for like 20 minutes :(
May 24 2010 10:06PM
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family_vacation
Posts: 6200 - Karma: 7,840
As far as small tripod heads go, I really like the Manfrotto 701HDV. It's like a mini 501 and it's been great so far. I feel like it might be a bit more beefy/smooth than the setup you have there.
May 24 2010 10:08PM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,232
definitely the 701 head
if you are really concerned about audio, you might want to get a beachtek adapter or a zoom h4n recorder
May 24 2010 10:11PM
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ReedSkis~
Posts: 2122 - Karma: 98
I have the 701 head as well, its great. Extremely smooth and sturdy.

As of now I am waiting for the sigma 17-50 f2.8 to come out (I emailed them and they said that pre-ordering should be up in 1-2 weeks)

On my list right now is the:
Glidecam HD 1000
D-Focus follow focus
hoodloupe with magnetic eyecup
May 24 2010 10:30PM
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eheath
Posts: 61603 - Karma: 123,059
Anybody know anything about the handySLR?

http://www.handyfilmtools.com/


looks pretty nice for only 690
May 24 2010 10:35PM
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family_vacation
Posts: 6200 - Karma: 7,840
follow focus for glidecam edits of skiing?
May 24 2010 10:49PM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,232
dayum that looks pretty sweet. Nothing about that specifically but it looks pretty versatile. The follow focus for it though looks shitty, there are a lot of more comfortable and manageable options out there.
May 24 2010 10:50PM
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MANDER
Posts: 4017 - Karma: 2,038
Audio isn't a huge priority for me so the shotgun mic should suffice. Really excited on getting my setup this week. We should start a HDDSLR cult.
May 24 2010 10:50PM
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