Cartoni Focus on either Gitzo or Miller Solo sticks?

C

Colorado Video

Active member
hi all -

the cartoni focus head seems to be a crowd fave here at dvxuser.

i'm eyeing either the miller solo carbon fiber sticks or the gitzo carbon fiber, both of which are made for 75mm heads.

can i get an adapter plate to mount the cartoni 100mm head, or how does this work?

anyone using this setup or similar?

thanks
 
You need to get the Miller Solo VJ legs instead of the Solo DV legs. The VJ has a 100mm bowl. For the Gitzo, you can get the G1424 100mm bowl adapter if you were looking at the G1325V legs with a 75mm bowl or any of the "3" series studex tripods.
 
can i adapt the solo dv?

can i adapt the solo dv?

tnle2 said:
You need to get the Miller Solo VJ legs instead of the Solo DV legs. The VJ has a 100mm bowl. For the Gitzo, you can get the G1424 100mm bowl adapter if you were looking at the G1325V legs with a 75mm bowl or any of the "3" series studex tripods.
Click to expand...


thanks, the solo vj looks very nice, but i will be shooting in the backcountry and need the portability of the the solo dv vs. the solo vj
(about 1.3 lbs lighter)

the miller solo legs (44lb support w/ 75mm ball head) appear to be sturdier and stiffer than the similar gitzo (26.5 lbs support w/ 75 or 100 mm adaptability), but it doesnt appear i can get a 100mm ball on the miller. ugh.

additional insight?

thanks
 
As far as I know, you're stuck with a 75mm bowl on the Solo DV. It's part of the top casting on the tripod so you can't adapt to a larger bowl. So your only choices are the Solo VJ or a Gitzo studex series tripod that you can take out the center plate and put in the G1424.

What are you shooting in the backcountry? If you're shooting wildlife, you're going to be on telephoto all the time so you really need a big heavy stable tripod and head. Do you know the Kraft Brothers? They do wildlife shows for PBS and National Geographic Channel and sometimes you can see their camera rig on the show. It's a large ENG camera on a big Cartoni head (I think it's a Cartoni Gamma--that thing alone weighs 8 lbs) and Gitzo CF legs, maybe the G1548.
 
thanks again - too bad for the miller setup, i'd prefer those legs over the gitzo studex, so we'll see.

i'm assuming, from, what i've read in various threads, that pretty much no one is using the miller head that's included with the solo-dv "system" (ds10?)

i wonder why that is? at ~ $1300usd, it's a decent value. otherwise, my gitzo+cartoni system will be ~ 1560. of course, for the extra $260, i'll have 100mm capability and support for <22lbs......

i'm not aware of the kraft brothers, but my backcountry work will be primarily with off-highway motocycles and other vehicles. luckily, i'll not be zooming into wildlife. however, i will have to consider transportation of the system, either in a backpack or on a rack on the motorcycle of sorts.


it's looking like the gitzo g1348 cf studex series w/ the g1424 100mm adapter, topped by a lovely cartoni f100.

does anyone want to talk me out of the cartoni, or the above system altogether, or pipe in with support for the solo dv10 system?

thanks!
 
No one else is replying so I guess I'll reply again.

You don't hear about Miller because I think most people here either get a Bogen or the Cartoni. A Bogen is for those on a budget and the Cartoni is for everyone else. The Cartoni is popular because it was reviewed here and is often recommended. People tend to follow recommendations, especially when it comes to tripods and fluid heads because it's hard to find them in person to try out.

Miller is a fine brand, but the Cartoni Focus is a much better value than the DS series. The Focus has continuously variable drag and counterbalance while the DS has none of that. But the Focus is by no means the ultimate head. There are high-end heads that totally blow the Focus away, but that's another story.
 
Good luck getting the Miller Solo VJ. I ordered the Cartoni Focus head with the Miller 1 1/2 months ago. Got the head, but still waiting on the Miller. They said the plant in France that manufactures the carbon fiber wont have them until late July, so shipping will be late august. Anyone have Miller Solo VJ they want to get rid of? I'll take it.
 
I was going to get a VJ but decided to get the Sprinter II 1580s instead, they support more weight and are only a pound heavier, good for a jib, have a spreader, and are unfortunately $600 more :P
 
I'm a complete newbie when it comes to this equipment stuff but want to get the most professional I can for my budget because I'm sure I'll be using it more in the future. I heard Gitzo stuff has a lifetime warranty and was wondering about it as a tripod item choice.

Can you tell me about the head and stick concept because like Colorardo said, why wouldn't you use a system that's already put together? Do they put in cheaper components or is it just a matter of putting together two more flexible parts. I am hearing good things about Bogen, Satchler, and also the Cartoni Focus. Right now my budget is about $1200 so what's a good deal for this. I mean I'll flex it up toward $1500 if I know the part will be easier to use and definitely a bit higher quality.

Expert opinions please?

Shuo Chen
 
Gitzo tripods are popular with still photographers. They're very well made but you either love them or you hate them because of the collet style twist leg locks. The legs also don't just drop down when you release the leg locks because they're so precisely made that air gets trapped inside the upper leg sections.

Mixing and matching heads and legs is usually only done for preference. Some people just prefer one brand's legs over another. It will almost always be more expensive than buying a package. Also, be careful because a head may not fit on a tripod even though they have the same bowl size. Sometimes the taper on the bowl is different or the tiedown is too long or too short.
 
bump:

Miller SOLO DV legs
Vinten Vision 3 head (w/ spring #2) has a 75mm bowl will not work with the Solo VJ

total weight: 11.6 lbs (5.3 kgs)
 
Since everybody was so excited about the cartoni focas I had a try at the IBC. I was however very dissapointed. The rubberknops were almost impossible the turn (almost the rubber came off !!!) and it did not go very smooth tilt (the light is though nice). I liked the new Sachtler DV6 SB much better with the speed balance knob. Together with the ENG 75/2 D tripod it seems the ideal combo for the HVX for only 2800 euros.
 
Miller Solo ouchy ALERT!

Miller Solo ouchy ALERT!

I may be the only clown to do this, but thougt I'd warn everyone just in case. There's a pinch-point at the top of the legs of the Miller Solo, on the inside. My left middle finger happened to find it the other day, while I was (admittedly hurried) folding it up. DANG it hurts still. And I think it could be pretty harmful if you applied a sizeable force with a digit in there. Just FYI

Rick
 
Get the Miller Solo VJ! I'm very happy with them. they go up to something like 1.87 meters and also down to about 20cm. They're incredible.

Ian
 
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