Cartoni Alfa II vs Focus vs others?

Macville

Macville

Well-known member
So I decided after a two years with my Bogen 3063 head and using $3k sachtler/vinten heads that it is time to upgrade my tripod. So far the best head that I have found under $1k is the Cartoni Focus. However, since it is so new, there are not any on EBay yet. What I am seeing on EBay is the Alfa II heads for a good price. My question is, has anyone used the Alfa I or Alfa II head before? There is also a FL7 head up. Know anything about it? I am really looking for a head that has a heavy fluid drag as that is the best for most of my work. Also, something that will take a heavy HD camera (JVC100HD or RED?!) that I am sure I will upgrade to in the next few years.

Thanks,

Matthew Rogers
 
DavidBeier said:
Focus is very affordibly priced and can take a lot of weight (23 lbs). It's a good choice.
Click to expand...

Oh don't I know it. I have done research on all the DV/ENG heads out there (that I can find info on) and I would buy the Focus in a heartbeat if I had/have the money. But I'm wondering if it is worth it if the Alfa heads are basically the Focus head, just older.


Thanks,

Matthew
 
I was in your situation but I recall Jarred mentioning that he liked the Focus head a lot more than the Alfa I and II. At the end of the day, I got the Focus for three reasons (despite the expense).

1. I knew it would last me a long time. It can hold 23 lbs and is great quality. It's all I'll ever need from a tripod for at least the next five years.

2. It's really worth the money. Look at what it does and compare it to other ones that do the same thing. It's a steal at the expensive price.

3. The only other tripod that people recommended in this range was the Bogen 503 and I HATE BOGEN!
 
DavidBeier said:
I was in your situation but I recall Jarred mentioning that he liked the Focus head a lot more than the Alfa I and II. At the end of the day, I got the Focus for three reasons (despite the expense).

1. I knew it would last me a long time. It can hold 23 lbs and is great quality. It's all I'll ever need from a tripod for at least the next five years.

2. It's really worth the money. Look at what it does and compare it to other ones that do the same thing. It's a steal at the expensive price.

3. The only other tripod that people recommended in this range was the Bogen 503 and I HATE BOGEN!
Click to expand...

Hi,

I think the Cartoni focus is a fantastic low cost head. Like a mini O'conner 2575 which costs $10,000!

Stephen
 
The Cartoni Focus 'Release Plate' is plastic, and when connected to my rails system, I observe it flexing the plastic release plate, thus potential movement/wobble on certain pan/tilt moves, especially with a 35mm adapter and zoom lens on the HVX.

Is this a metal quick release plate that I can purchase? A500

Appreciate any help and advice. Thank you.
 
I have the Focus FS100 (I think it's called) I have the one stage sticks version. I'm really happy with it for my needs. It's smooth (with practice) and sturdy.

Jason
 
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