7 Best Portable Camera Dollies (Comparison & Reviews)

A portable camera dolly will be an excellent assistant for those who often shoot video, especially at a professional level. This tool will ensure a steady and smooth camera movement. You can control them with a motor or manually, it all depends on the model you choose. To make the right decision, we have put together for you the best portable camera dollies, which have excellent features. Another beneficial feature that you may need for your devices is a portable TV stand. It will surely be useful for your home.

The best option:

Our Top Pick
Dolica LT-D100

Dolica LT-D100

The Dolica LT-D100 is professional lightweight and heavy duty tripod dolly with adjustable leg mounts and wheel locks.

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Other great portable camera dollies:

ItemDimensionsWeightLoad CapacityWheels
Dolica LT-D100

Dolica LT-D100

23 x 6 x 12 inches4.41 pounds35 pounds3See Best Price
Vidpro SK-22

Vidpro SK-22

10 x 6 x 3 inches2 pounds25 pounds

4

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Vidpro PD-1

Vidpro PD-1

22.87 x 7.28 x 7.2 inches5.21 pounds50 pounds

3

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Neewer Photography Professional Heavy Duty Tripod Dolly

Neewer Photography Professional Heavy Duty Tripod Dolly

22.05 x 9.06 x 9.06 inches4.19 pounds35 pounds3See Best Price
Camera Slider Track Dolly

Camera Slider Track Dolly

32 x 10 x 4 inches5 pounds50 pounds-See Best Price
VILTROX WEIFENG WF-601

VILTROX WEIFENG WF-601

23 x 8 x 7.5 inches6.14 pounds66 pounds3See Best Price
PROAIM Flyking Professional Camera Slider Dolly

PROAIM Flyking Professional Camera Slider Dolly

27.3 x 13.7 x 9 inches30.5 pounds154 pounds-See Best Price

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Dolica LT-D100

Dolica LT-D100This is a professional folding camera dolly. This model is for mounting large and heavy tripods and racks.

The model is universal, with an adjustable position of stops under the leg span of tripods or struts. It is suitable for attaching conventional or studded video tripod supports.

It is for various types of video shooting. For example, for smooth gliding in a straight line or arc frame with different radii. You can also use it to rotate the camera around its axis or to shoot a “single frame”.

Three large wheels allow this camera dolly to move smoothly indoors or outdoors. Each wheel has an individual brake. So you can lock any of the wheels that are more comfortable.

The supporting segments of the platform are of a square tube. It will allow you to withstand heavy loads. This camera dolly unfolds by splitting the profile segments. They are clamped with a retaining screw.

Advantages of the model:

  • Stable and durable
  • Fluid motion perfect for video cameras
  • Adjustable to fit almost any tripod
  • Lightweight

The spread of the tripod is regulated by moving the supports along with the profile segments at the desired distance and fixing with screws. Conventional or studded supports are in rubber clamps or in special screw clamps with cart supports. This depends on the type of tripod support.

At the end of the shoot, this camera dolly is just as quickly stacked and packed in a complete transport and storage case.

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Vidpro SK-22

Vidpro SK-22 This camera dolly is for heavy use and professional film production applications.

The guide rail of this camera dolly is of a solid aluminum billet. It provides a profile with high strength and rigidity characteristics.

The rollers on steel bearings are at different angles and move on the inside of the guide. This guarantees a long service life and stable running.

A central threadless hole is for fixing the tripod head. There is a special screw. A large number of mounting holes provide versatility in the installation and use of the slider.

Besides, you can buy a base with a bowl for the installation of tripod heads with a ball base.

This model has a locking screw with a double-sided parking brake. When the handle is screwed on, two brake pads are released simultaneously. They securely lock the carriage. So you can use the slider even with heavy professional cameras.

Advantages of the model:

  • Compatible with DSLRs and camcorders
  • Comes with articulating magic arm
  • Perfect for table-top use or low-angle motion tracking
  • Allows precise camera gliding movement 

Use this camera dolly on any surface and in any environment. It can be mounted on two types of tripods or on removable supports supplied.

Twin threaded holes are on the guideway. These holes are at 5 points for mounting the slider at different angles on tripods. Use short rubber stands on flat surfaces where the horizontal alignment of the slider is not required.

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Vidpro PD-1

Vidpro PD-1This is a lightweight and rugged camera dolly with camera guides. It is used in video production for a variety of shootings.

This device is for shooting from a moving point. The camera mounted on a carriage moves smoothly on rails.

Special rollers ensure extremely smooth movement of the carriage. The carriage is supported on guideways by 4 external rollers and 2 adjustable internal rollers on a movable base.

This design allows the clearance to be selected to completely cut backlash. The support rollers are of strong polymer material. On the axis of each roller, there are two radial thrust free backlash-free bearings with high load-carrying capacity. They do not need extra lubrication.

Advantages of the model:

  • 3-inch wheels with individual brakes
  • Fit most tripods
  • Folds for transport
  • Adjustable 12-32″ working base diameter

The carriage has a screw and threaded holes for the installation of auxiliary equipment. On the top of the carriage, there is a bubble level to help set the slider to the horizon. A screw lock will lock the carriage in a defined position. Rubber stops on the end faces of the carriage will prevent hard impacts at the end positions.

There is a mounting platform for mounting on a tripod on the bottom of the slide rails in the center. It is also possible to mount on two tripods. For this purpose, there are special threaded holes at the bottom ends of the slider.

The slider legs are height-adjustable and you can rotate it 360˚ around the axis of the mount. The legs are connected to the base by a toothed clutch to prevent slippage. A pressure spring is in the foot mounting assembly. If you loosen the clamp, the foot will not lose its position. But it will allow you to deflect it in steps through the special mechanism.

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Neewer Photography Professional Heavy Duty Tripod Dolly

Neewer Photography Professional Heavy Duty Tripod Dolly This is a motorized professional camera dolly for video shooting. It allows you to move the camera smoothly, getting the evenest shift of perspective.

You will be able to set an individual trajectory of movement and waypoints through a special application. This device supports the smooth horizontal and vertical movement of the video camera.

Moving the device is possible in any direction. This allows you to fully focus on shooting and editing. The device is of high-quality materials and components. This ensures reliability and durability.

The professional device has a highly integrated control panel. There are indicators and control keys on the motor of the device. Thanks to this, you can switch the speed and check the battery status.

Advantages of the model:

  • Fits most of the tripod leg size
  • Comes with extendable dolly leg from 274mm/10.8″ to 400mm/15.7″
  • Includes big handle for firm and comfortable grip
  • Allows to tuck the leg and put it in the included carrying bag 

This model is compatible with most models of cameras. Elongated track strip opens up great opportunities for the implementation of your tasks. This motorized camera dolly has a shutdown protection function. This option prevents damage to your device in the event of a power failure. In case of an emergency, the slider will automatically lock your camera.

A bracket with legs will allow you to mount the device on more complex surfaces with the required change of the level. The legs on the bracket are tilted, height-adjustable, and rotated 360˚ around the axis of the mount. The legs are connected to the bracket by a toothed clutch that prevents slippage.

A pressure spring is in the foot mounting assembly. If you loosen the clamp, the leg will not lose its position. But it will allow you to deflect it step by step through the toothed mechanism. At the ends of the legs, there are tips with rubber support.

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Camera Slider Track Dolly

Camera Slider Track DollyThis portable camera dolly is for cameras, camcorders, and various accessories for shooting. The platform is compatible with all kinds of shooting accessories. You can mount it on any tripod.

The rails can be moved along the side and locked in place with aluminum clamping handles. You can mount the camera directly on the base pad. Furthermore, a quick-release pad can be pre-installed on top of the camera.

This device is for video production in shooting various video clips. The device is for shooting from a moving point, the camera mounted on a carriage moves smoothly on rails.

Support rollers are of durable polymer material. On the axis of each roller, there are two radial thrust bearings of increased load-carrying capacity. On top of the carriage is a bubble level, which will help to set the slider on the horizon.

Advantages of the model:

  • Various settings
  • Fixed point shooting
  • 120 degrees Panorama shooting
  • Screw holes can be installed on the tripod

A screw lock will lock the carriage in a defined position. Rubber stops on the end faces of the carriage will prevent hard impacts at the end positions. There is a mounting platform for mounting on a tripod on the bottom of the slide rails in the center. There are 5 threaded holes on the plate.

It is also possible to mount on two tripods. For this purpose, there are special holes at the bottom ends of the slider. The slider legs are height adjustable and rotate 360˚ around the axis of the mounting. The legs are connected to the base by a toothed clutch to prevent slippage. A pressure spring is in the foot mounting assembly.

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VILTROX WEIFENG WF-601

VILTROX WEIFENG WF-601This is a stable, professional, and portable camera dolly. This model has a design of rollers with double-row ball bearings. It is also possible to adjust each of the four rollers separately.

The cart has locks that allow you to fix it in the desired position. You can mount almost any head on the cart by means of interchangeable screws.

There are rubber stops on both ends of the guideway. They prevent the cart from being hit hard when it reaches the edge.

This model includes a double distance technology. It increases the carriage stroke relative to the length of the slider itself. The compact shape and the incredibly smooth ride give stunning results on video. The movement is even softer and quieter. This device has fixing screws. So, you can install it on any appropriate tripod in both horizontal and vertical positions.

Advantages of the model:

  • Rubber wheels for smooth roll
  • High load capacity up to 30kg for heavy-duty tripods
  • Easy folding design with build-in handle 
  • Fully adjustable to work with any tripod

This device works on the principle of a camera rail cart, which is often used in film production. Four high-quality ball bearings with special grease ensure the smooth and precise running of the carriage. The ball bearings crimp the guideway on the sides.

Thus it creates a design that prevents rolling during operation. Using the supplied Allen wrench, you can adjust the force of the ball bearings against the guideway can. The swivel legs come with spring-loaded clamps with a toothed connection. As a result, the device can withstand heavy loads with guaranteed stability.

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PROAIM Flyking Professional Camera Slider Dolly

PROAIM Flyking Professional Camera Slider DollyThis is a motorized professional camera dolly for video shooting. It allows you to move the camera smoothly, getting the evenest shift of perspective.

This device supports the smooth horizontal and vertical movement of the video camera. Moving the device is possible in any direction. This allows you to fully focus on shooting and editing.

The device is of high-quality materials and components. It guarantees reliability and durability. The professional device has a highly integrated control panel. There are indicators and control keys on the motor of the device.

Thanks to this, you can switch the speed and check the battery status. The device is compatible with most models of cameras. The long track strip opens up a lot of possibilities for your tasks.

Advantages of the model:

  • Solves the daily challenges of camera operators
  • Numerous options for the height and distance of your shots
  • Allow more precise and slow camera movements
  • Added stability for challenging lock-off positions

Besides, this model has a shutdown protection function. This option allows you to prevent damage to your device in case of power failure. In case of an emergency, the slider will automatically lock your camera.

Legs are unfolded within 360 degrees. This allows you to store the device in a case without removing the legs. At the ends of the legs, there are twisting non-slip rubber lugs. They provide precise alignment of the slider to the horizontal level.

For mounting the slider on tripods there are stop holes at the center and at the edges of the rail. These holes are arranged in pairs with the diameter of the rail. This involves using both tripod screws at the same time. Extra holes located at the ends of the slider and on the carriage are for the installation of auxiliary equipment.

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FAQ for portable camera dollies buyers:

Are camera dollies the same thing as sliders?

While they perform similar tasks and look very much alike, dollies and siders are not exactly the same. Sliders are generally shorter, easier to set up, and quite flexible.

Can video makers track a shot without a dolly?

It is possible for experienced video-makers to track a shot without camera dolly. This is not something you should try, however, as the quality of the footage you will get can never be as high as the quality of image you can get when you use a dolly or slider.

Are camera dollies only necessary for shooting video?

Though they are most helpful in shooting videos, camera dollies are also used in tracking subjects and taking still photographs. It depends mostly on what you are interested in and your experience level.

What are the major reasons for using camera dollies?

The major reason for using camera dollies is to track shots and keep cameras steady while taking tracking shots. They are needed to make the end product (video) smoother.

Are camera dollies used in still photography too?

Yes, camera dollies can be used in still photography. This is mostly possible in wildlife photography where the subjects are likely to be moving about.