10
Make sure that everything is tight.
Grasp Central Post near the base and move it from vertical to horizontal.
Hold it there. Be sure that it will not hit the stand when you drop it. Keep your free hand to
catch the central post when it drops.
Count how many seconds it takes to fall to vertical. Try using a stopwatch.
A Drop Time of 2-2.5 seconds is preferred.
NOTE:
Recheck the balance by looking at sled. If necessary, use side screws and bottom plate
screws to make required adjustments.
Balancing Review
Proper system balance can only be achieved once your camera is set up with appropriate
accessories ready for shooting. This means batteries, lenses, media cards, LCD viewfinder/
monitor, quick release plate, on-cam lights, and all the gear you will use for your recording
session.
Remove top plate of stabilizer and line-up your camera so that its center of gravity is as close
to the center of plate as possible (basically hold the camera in your hand until it feels
balanced both left and right as well as forward and backward).
If the drop time is less than 2 seconds, it is too bottom heavy. You need to move the bottom
mass closer to post.
If the drop time is more than 2 seconds, it is top heavy.
Slightly Bottom Heavy, it will be both Stable and Easier to Control.
Check the Vertical Balance by using this Drop Time Test.
