Official Tripod F.A.Q's
- Thread starter mikecentola
- Start date
ScottNelson
Well-known member
I use a Sachtler 20 for everything from by BVW-D600 to my Z1 and soon to be, HVX. Got light weight and heavy duty legs depending on shoot.
I have a 503 and I'm very happy with it, it's a good match for the HVX with a few accessories. It's very smooth without having any slop, has good adjustments, has a left/right switchable, and extendable handle.
However, if you are going to really load it up with rails, a matte box, 35mm adapter, follow focus, monitor, Firestore etc., then you'll wnat to look at something bigger.
However, if you are going to really load it up with rails, a matte box, 35mm adapter, follow focus, monitor, Firestore etc., then you'll wnat to look at something bigger.
puredrifting
Major Contributor
Hi King:
I recently acquired the Sachtler DV6-SB for my HVX-200. If you are using an M2, you definitely want at least the DV-6SB, forget the 4. If you can afford the 8, it's nice, but I am not sure if it is worth so much extra for the extra capacity.
You should really consider NOT getting the Sachtler legs, they all are pretty bad and flimsy on the DV series IMHO. I bought the Miller Solo DV carbon legs and paired with the DV-6SB, they are awesome. I can go from about 8" to over 63" with no extra spreader to hassle with. The Miller comes with a shoulder strap and it's smooth and easy to use.
If it were me, I would get the DV-6SB with the Miller Solo DV legs, the combo is about $2,200.00 or $2,300.00 total. The DV-6SB head is rated for max loads of 20lbs and the Millers are rated to 44lbs. Even with the M2, and an FS-100 or CinePorter, you would be fine.
IMHO, there is no subsitute for a Sachtler, they are the best, other than if you have a heavy film camera, then I like the geared heads or the O'Connors although the Sachtler Cine 30 is pretty sweet.
Your mileage may vary.
Best,
Dan
I recently acquired the Sachtler DV6-SB for my HVX-200. If you are using an M2, you definitely want at least the DV-6SB, forget the 4. If you can afford the 8, it's nice, but I am not sure if it is worth so much extra for the extra capacity.
You should really consider NOT getting the Sachtler legs, they all are pretty bad and flimsy on the DV series IMHO. I bought the Miller Solo DV carbon legs and paired with the DV-6SB, they are awesome. I can go from about 8" to over 63" with no extra spreader to hassle with. The Miller comes with a shoulder strap and it's smooth and easy to use.
If it were me, I would get the DV-6SB with the Miller Solo DV legs, the combo is about $2,200.00 or $2,300.00 total. The DV-6SB head is rated for max loads of 20lbs and the Millers are rated to 44lbs. Even with the M2, and an FS-100 or CinePorter, you would be fine.
IMHO, there is no subsitute for a Sachtler, they are the best, other than if you have a heavy film camera, then I like the geared heads or the O'Connors although the Sachtler Cine 30 is pretty sweet.
Your mileage may vary.
Best,
Dan
Cees Mutsaers
Veteran
I have already read many times that people like the Sachtler heads but that the legs suck. Can anyone explain to me what is so bad about them. If I see real proffesionals shooting they always have Sachtler legs and heads and never Miller, Cartoni etc. So there must be something good about the Sachtler legs !!!!
Not a fan of Sachtler legs.
Not a fan of Sachtler legs.
IMO, Sachtler legs really do suck. I use to own an 18P head and used it with Gitzo carbon Fiber legs.
I don't like the Sachtler legs for the following reasons:
1) More difficult to use on anything other than flat ground. The ground spreader makes this so.
2) The ground spreaders come off the bottom of the legs way to easily, they get all cockeyed. Major hassle.
3) Too many junctures and joints, that eventually wear and start to twist.
4) Their bigger sticks at least, are hard and awkward to carry.
5) They are heavy compared to sticks like Gitzo and Miller.
Tripods like Gitzos and Millers are not that much slower to set up. There are a number of tricks to facillitate this. Most importantly, tripods don't need the complexity that is designed into Sachtlers in order to be stable and secure. Their design creates unneccesary complexity and failure points.
The reason you see Sachtler legs and heads together so much is that they are packages, and most folks don't think out of the box enough to mix and match. Or, maybe they project the quality of Sachtlers heads onto their sticks, presuming the usability and quality is the same. Then again, maybe many folks acutally like their tripod legs, the most difficult option for me to comprehend.
Frankly, I don't get why they are so popular.
Not a fan of Sachtler legs.
ozduc said:
IMO, Sachtler legs really do suck. I use to own an 18P head and used it with Gitzo carbon Fiber legs.
I don't like the Sachtler legs for the following reasons:
1) More difficult to use on anything other than flat ground. The ground spreader makes this so.
2) The ground spreaders come off the bottom of the legs way to easily, they get all cockeyed. Major hassle.
3) Too many junctures and joints, that eventually wear and start to twist.
4) Their bigger sticks at least, are hard and awkward to carry.
5) They are heavy compared to sticks like Gitzo and Miller.
Tripods like Gitzos and Millers are not that much slower to set up. There are a number of tricks to facillitate this. Most importantly, tripods don't need the complexity that is designed into Sachtlers in order to be stable and secure. Their design creates unneccesary complexity and failure points.
The reason you see Sachtler legs and heads together so much is that they are packages, and most folks don't think out of the box enough to mix and match. Or, maybe they project the quality of Sachtlers heads onto their sticks, presuming the usability and quality is the same. Then again, maybe many folks acutally like their tripod legs, the most difficult option for me to comprehend.
Frankly, I don't get why they are so popular.
mikecentola
Well-known member
Well I finally made my purchase 
Ended up getting a DV-6 Sachtler head and the Miller SOLO DV legs. I also bought a bogen 519 head and another set of miller solo DV legs. I should be able to make a good review of both of them. If anything I'll keep the 519 for my DVX and use the DV6 for the HVX
Ended up getting a DV-6 Sachtler head and the Miller SOLO DV legs. I also bought a bogen 519 head and another set of miller solo DV legs. I should be able to make a good review of both of them. If anything I'll keep the 519 for my DVX and use the DV6 for the HVX
griffin86
Active member
Official Tripod F.A.Q's
Now before people start flaming right and left about $uper Expen$ive tripods and such are the only ones you shoud use with an HVX, I am just curious to see what possiblilties are there for people like me who are working on a tight budget (i.e. college student) but still want good quality... I've heard good things about some brands like those above and a few others, but the price is a tad bit steep... I am def not gonna even think of putting something like an HVX on a peice of junk tripod outta Circuit City or something (not to bash them tho). I just want to educate myself a bit before I take the plunge with the HVX and make sure that when I make my purchase I have a suitable support for it. I want to know what are some top suggestions and comments on tripods in different price ranges, namely below $1k (maybe a good two or three) and a few in the $1k-$2k range...
thanks
Now before people start flaming right and left about $uper Expen$ive tripods and such are the only ones you shoud use with an HVX, I am just curious to see what possiblilties are there for people like me who are working on a tight budget (i.e. college student) but still want good quality... I've heard good things about some brands like those above and a few others, but the price is a tad bit steep... I am def not gonna even think of putting something like an HVX on a peice of junk tripod outta Circuit City or something (not to bash them tho). I just want to educate myself a bit before I take the plunge with the HVX and make sure that when I make my purchase I have a suitable support for it. I want to know what are some top suggestions and comments on tripods in different price ranges, namely below $1k (maybe a good two or three) and a few in the $1k-$2k range...
thanks
puredrifting
Major Contributor
Reply
Reply
Hi Mike:
I have the same setup (DV-6SB and Miller Solo DV), you are going to love it. I dragged mine on a two week roadtrip shooting all over the southwest, in streams and rivers, all over ghost towns, etc. Worked out so well, I am very impressed with the moves I was able to accomplish.
Welcome to the club!
Dan
Reply
mikecentola said:Well I finally made my purchase
Ended up getting a DV-6 Sachtler head and the Miller SOLO DV legs. I also bought a bogen 519 head and another set of miller solo DV legs. I should be able to make a good review of both of them. If anything I'll keep the 519 for my DVX and use the DV6 for the HVX
Hi Mike:
I have the same setup (DV-6SB and Miller Solo DV), you are going to love it. I dragged mine on a two week roadtrip shooting all over the southwest, in streams and rivers, all over ghost towns, etc. Worked out so well, I am very impressed with the moves I was able to accomplish.
Welcome to the club!
Dan
Cees Mutsaers
Veteran
Can anyone explain me with facts why the Miller Solo DV is such a good tripod ? I don't say it isn't but I have not hear any valid arguments. Which "Miller Solo DV" type we are talking about (1505 ?)? Is the 1505 ( I want to combine it with the DV8 100/SB head) suitable for HVX with mattbox, external mic, LED light, follow focus?
Last edited:
Cees Mutsaers said:
Here is a good review on the Miller Solo. http://www.b-roll.net/products/index.html
It talks about the VJ (100mm bowl). I guess the construction is very similar, if not identical, to the DV. I wanted to get the Vinten Vision 3 + Miller Solo combo. However, because of budget constraint, I ordered a Libec LS-22 combo from B&H instead. It's such a great value that I cannot resist!
puredrifting
Major Contributor
Hi beleebala:
Miller Solo DV - 44lbs maximum weight capacity, minimum height 9.2", maximum height 63.5", weight 5.5 lbs, 75mm bowl, cost is U.S. $649.95
Miller Solo VJ - 66lbs maximum weight capacity, minimum height 8.7", maximum height 73.6", weight 6.2 lbs, 100mm bowl, cost is U.S. $899.95
Wow. 73.6" high, that is quite a height to have your camera.
Best,
Dan
Miller Solo DV - 44lbs maximum weight capacity, minimum height 9.2", maximum height 63.5", weight 5.5 lbs, 75mm bowl, cost is U.S. $649.95
Miller Solo VJ - 66lbs maximum weight capacity, minimum height 8.7", maximum height 73.6", weight 6.2 lbs, 100mm bowl, cost is U.S. $899.95
Wow. 73.6" high, that is quite a height to have your camera.
Best,
Dan
Cees Mutsaers
Veteran
Very difficult to read English (strange choise of words). Are there any more reviews since this one did not give me objective information about stability etc.