Opteka GLD-300 33" Camera Track Slider Video Stabilization System for Digital SLR Cameras and Camcorders

I think this a decent product for someone starting out. I grabbed the "DMKFoto Heavy Duty Ball Head with Quick Release Plate" to add to the setup and will probably have to pick up a second tripod to start using my setup but for now it seems like it will do the trick. Seems very sturdy and slides very smoothly.

I love how compact this thing is. I attached the Manfrotto 503HD flat based head to it and then I either use the included feet or I mount it on top of my Manfrotto 504HD head and tripod on one end and braced on the other end by a monopod. This slider has pre-drilled 1/4 and 3/8 holes for many mounting options. It also fits in my tripod case with the tripod for easy and compact transportation.

The length is perfect, material is good, build quality could be better. The main base wiggles a little bit even though I put good amt of weight on the base. With enough pressure pressing down the base when filming, you will be fine. Now the build quality is not well, there are lots of sharp edges, please sand them before putting it in action. On my first shoot, I left it in the car for a couple hours (Arizona Heat) - I took it out not realizing how hot the slider is, so I dropped it, I immediately reach down and grab it before it hit the floor. By the time I close the truck, get to the door, I realized I had some "grease" on my fingers, I wiped it... looked again, crap... more grease and red. The cut on my index finger was surprisingly deep and took a couple days to recover, I had to click the shutter with my middle finger. Yes, this is all my fault but just a head up to you all. Be careful when using this slider. The last complain I have is the grinding sound like SAA..... at all time when you slide the base. So ext audio recorder is recommanded. Over it is a ok product, acceptable but pls sand the edge!

and doesn't do it, it doesn't slide smoothly at all. It jerks constantly, slide shots are unusable.

Argh! Regrets on buying this. The plate sometimes get stuck d/t screw is pushed all the way to the slider. And no bag for this to carry it with you. Shots, smooth but sometimes it's like jerky.

I love this slider! I've used it so much in the six months I've owned it. Once you get used to its little quirks (hence the four-star rating), it's great. Just make sure you put pressure on the plate itself to get a smooth and steady shot. Also, make sure the track is clean. I'll include a link to a video made with the slider (if Amazon allows). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzXGV8fEAnM

Very good product. It's cheap and we can film really good images with it. I got it yesterday, and here you can see the first test I did: https://vimeo.com/129294542

Works well. No cheap parts

this is a total farce. Not impressed with the build quality (it has plastic which sits between the rail and carriage) at all, was expecting roller bearings on the carriage of some sort (like the igus version) but no, this one is useless for a conventional DSLR (i used mine with a 5d2, kit len) as there is just so much friction when attempting to use the track... avoid it if you can folks.