Tripod Dolly -- Does anybody use them?

[jwbryson1]

Just saw this on B&H and it looks pretty cool. Do any of you use them?

Pearstone DWL-2 Universal Tripod Dolly DWL-2 B&H Photo Video

 

[globeglimpser]

Looks awesome though I personally wouldn't have any use for it - it seems like it serves more of a purpose for someone who videos a lot and that isn't me...

 

[Derrel]

I have shot a lot from a dolly-mounted camera in-studio...it's really handy once you get used to it. There is a reason these things have been made for years. It's not for every manner of working, nor for every shooter. Many people think these are only for video, but that's not necessarily true.

 

[figit090]

I could see how portrait work in a studio with a prime lens or even with a zoom and a heavy camera and heavy tripod would make maneuvering the tripod numerous times a hassle and not to mention, extra wear on the gear if you tend not to set the rig down softly. I could see this being very helpful manuvering a 20lb setup around. I have a really heavy studio tripod and then 4lbs of camera on top of that, and I would get tired of moving that around regularly, if I used it (I don't).

 

[Helen B]

I used to have one - heavy with big wheels. It is easy to make small adjustments in the camera position when you have one, whether the camera is light or heavy. For me, that was the advantage, Now I use a studio stand, which does the job better. Tripod dollies aren't all that good for dollying in film or video.

 

[Big Mike]

In a studio, I wouldn't mind using one of those. It gives you some of the freedom of shooting hand held, with most of the stability of a tripod.
Plus, I'd think it's more forgiving of being bumped than a tripod without a dolly. Not too long ago, I was shooting all the kid's soccer team photos for a community league. I was arranging a group of players and was backing up when I bumped into my tripod...not a huge one, but not a cheap flimsy one either (Manfrotto Pro 190). The tripod started to tip over and almost went down....which would have smashed my camera onto the ground. With a dolly, it would have just rolled away.

Although, given the choice, I'd probably rather have wheels on my light stands.

 

[table1349]

I used to have one - heavy with big wheels. It is easy to make small adjustments in the camera position when you have one, whether the camera is light or heavy. For me, that was the advantage, Now I use a studio stand, which does the job better. Tripod dollies aren't all that good for dollying in film or video.

:thumbup: +1