Hi there,
I want to setup the blackbird with a 7d and a sigma 24-70. does anyone has any initial set up to start with?

Hi Dror, don't have your lens but try the tips here out to figure out the balance ... Primitive But Effective: Tips for the CMR Blackbird (http://www.primitivebuteffective.com/2010/06/tips-for-cmr-blackbird.html)

If you want to give me a call I can help you with some initial stuff. If I can't help, call Rich at CMR he is a great guy and always really helpful!! Shoot me an Email and I will give you my number. I just did a shoot for CMR on their new video and I really think that it's going to be very helpful for the future. For those of you who doubt the Blackbird's ability to shoot low (a foot off the ground).... I have pretty much put that to bed in the new video. They have done so MANY upgrades to the Blackbird if you bought one over a year ago you need to give them a call and have yours retro-fitted. The difference on how it flies is amazing. When I showed up to the shop they told me to bring in my rig to be looked over and tuned. I said it was fine and flew great, but I handed it off and when I got it back about an hour later as we were heading out for the shoot the difference was HUGE!!! They have taken a great product and made it even better!!! I got mine updated as part of the shoot, but I'm sure that they would be very reasonable for anyone's bird. They really are nice guys and great to work with.

BTW Rich (if your around) - I know you surf the forum every now and then and I might have just got myself a DOP spot on a local feature that is in the works and will be calling you to maybe work some magic.

Don't know if the sigma is quite as heavy as my canon 24-70. I had a rough time setting mine up with that lens. I also found I had to remove the battery grip. I got it working but it's much easier to fly a lighter lens. Had no issues with the tokina 11-16 or my 50 1.4. Getting great results. Blackbird RULES!

The Blackbird with the Canon 7D and the Tokina 11-16mm work great.

Just did anther demo house, it was pretty dark in some of the rooms but the Canon still did a great job.

YouTube - Baldavis | Rivergums Boulevard | Real Estate (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF6klPRaLYs)