The Konova K7 is designed for heavier cameras for example a rigged Blackmagic URSA Mini, Canon C100, C300 or a Sony FS7, FS700 etc.. The maximum capacity (weight limit) is around 35kg which we never even come close to when shooting with a rigged DSLM/DSLR but certainly happens once a bigger cinema camera is being used.
Compared to other Konova sliders this one is wider which is also necessary to make sure that the camera has enough stability. The width is 6cm/2.3’’ while for example the K5 is 4.7cm/1.85’’ wide which doesn’t sound like a big difference but it’s definitely visible and you can feel the difference when pushing the camera on the K7. We got the 120cm version which I consider a good length because it’s possible to push and pull the camera from one side to another without any interruption or pausing in between because the distance is too far. Even though small and compact sliders are really popular right now I still prefer using a long one because of the ability to show more. If a slider is only 30cm long the dramatic effect you can create is very limited because it’s so short.
Below is a video we shot in fall 2015 in downtown Frankfurt with a rigged Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera on the K7 120cm. The shots were NOT stabilized in post.
We often used the Konova K5 slider in the past few years which is ideal for DSLRs but what I noticed especially when using the K7 is the ability to get really smooth shots even when shooting at focal lengths between 50mm and 150mm. As you could see in the sample video there are quite a few shots at high focal lengths. When shooting with wide angle lenses it’s pretty easy to get smooth looking shots even when the used slider is not that good. To test if a slider is any good it’s best to use some lenses above 50mm and push the camera really slow. Of course there are a few things that make a shot look smooth. The camera man should know how to move the slider plate smooth and maybe not drink too much coffee before the shoot, the slider itself of course and image stabilization.
We used the K7 for six month now in rainy weather and in all kinds of “not recommended” situations and locations. Most of the time we use sliders outdoors which means they can get wet and dirty but so far the K7 has survived all of our productions. Just like a tripod a slider stand rough weather situations. Of course the tracks have to been cleaned regularly when shooting outdoors but that just has to be done to make it work.
You can buy the different sliders priced around $600 at B&H below:
Written by Moritz Janisch
