By Dan Chung
It’s no secret that I am a big fan of Eric Kessler’s dollies and sliders. I’ve been using them for a lot of my work and I’m one of the featured shooters on the Kessler Video University.
I have a big Kesslercrane Cineslider but I choose to use the smaller Pocketdolly V2 most of the time for my news and docu work because of it’s smaller size (the traveller version fits perfectly in my suitcase). Whilst the Pocketdolly is very good I do miss the silk smooth motion of the Cineslider when travelling around.
Enter the new Stealth hybrid slider which takes the Pocketdolly’s portability and combines it with drag control and a super smooth rolling precision stainless steel ball bearing wheel system on the carriage. It does not have the crank handle from the Pocketdolly and the overall design is more sleek than previous dollies. It can be used with DSLR as well as larger cameras like the Sony F3 or even some broadcast models.
Eric explained the reasoning behind the Stealth, as opposed to the Phil Bloom Signature dolly or Pocketdolly, in this way – “We had a number of requests from customers that said they liked the Bloom, but would prefer it in black. As well we had requests to have a slider with the belt drive and drag, but they did not need or want a crank handle. Like the Bloom is a hybrid between the Pocket Dolly and CineSlider, the Stealth is a hybrid between the Pocket Dolly and Bloom.”
Like the Pocketdolly V2 the Stealth can be fitted with the ElektraDRIVE motor system for motion control automation. Visit the ElektraDRIVE page for options.
The Stealth is available in two lengths, the Standard 3′ version and the shorter 2′ Traveler size. They Kesslercrane webstore currently lists the Stealth at $799.95 for the standard length. Availability is slated for January 2012. I am hoping to test one very soon.
Technical Specs:
Standard size
– Length: 40.5″ (102.9cm)
- Weight: 7 pounds (3.2kg)
- Travel: 31″ (78.7cm)
Traveler size
– Length: 28.5″ (72.4cm)
- Weight: 6 pounds (2.7kg)
- Travel: 23″ (58.4cm)
In the interests of full disclosure I am a Kessler shooter but this site is not a sales affiliate of Kesslercrane. Below is one of my videos shot using the Pocketdolly V2 with ElektraDRIVE system.
