Bogen 503HDV vs. Libec H38 Fluid Heads

SimonB

SimonB

Well-known member
With a price difference of less than 50 dollars, it's hard not to compare these two.
Their specs on bhphoto.com are fairly similar.

Which one do you think is the better buy, and why?

Thanks!
 
The Libec, hands down. Simple, it's built better and has less stiction than the Bogus, er ah Bogen head.

If you are doing lockoffs, the Bogen is fine but if you need smooth pans and tilts at the same time, the Libec is superior.

Dan
 
Another vote for the Libec here. I've had mine for a few months and couldn't be happier. The 38 doesn't have a real drag adjustment, but the friction is perfect. A great, simple, well-built system.
 
Pure, what sticks are you using......I'm thinking of going with the Feisols when they're back in stock....any thoughts on this? BTW, I've been reading posts all over this board re: Lights, Tripods/Heads, and Mics and I appreciate your straight forward approach!
 
I'll toss in another vote for the h38 - for the price this thing cant be beat. I have mine sitting on miller solo sticks and just love the combo.
 
Carmen Neely said:
Pure, what sticks are you using......I'm thinking of going with the Feisols when they're back in stock....any thoughts on this? BTW, I've been reading posts all over this board re: Lights, Tripods/Heads, and Mics and I appreciate your straight forward approach!
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Hi Carmen:

I use the Miller Solo DV legs (the same ones Jeff has, I think?) with the Sachtler DV-6SB. They are by far the best legs I have ever used and I used to own the carbon fibre really expensive Sachtler legs with my Video 18. Those legs were something $3,000.00 and these new Millers are better in every way. The Millers go lower, higher, are lighter and most importantly, spreaderless! I can't tell you how many shots I used to miss while messing around with the spreaders on the Sachtler legs. Unless you have a big broadcast camera or a 35mm camera or a jib, spreaders suck, totally unnecessary on a camera like the HVX.

Thanks for positive feedback, I appreciate it.

Best,

Dan
 
Dan,

Do you have any experience with Feisol.com carbon fiber legs? I was in B&H today and I love the Millers....only they are definitely out of my price range. I looked at the H38 (nice) and a tripod that comes with it.....so so on the tripod, so I didn't buy......am thinking of getting the Feisols.....but don't see enough feedback here to make me comfortable about buying direct from Taiwan. Any thoughts?
 
Carmen, there isnt a whole lot of Neely's out there. Good to hear from one that is into Filmmaking.

sorry for the Hijack of the thread, just had to say hi,

Jon
 
Hey Dan - Yeah I think we've got the solo DV legs ( I always forget there are the 100mm bowl VJ ones too) - mine are the Alum. version though. I was too cheap for CF. Can't imagine how light the CF ones must be as the Al ones are light as hell. When I got them I didnt know quite how versatile they were. My jaw just about dropped when I saw how wide those legs can kick out. They're great on stairs too - just kick one leg out wide and put it up the steps and the other two on the landing... And they get pretty darn tall too! Glad to know they stack up well against the sachtler legs - if I ever upgrade heads, I'll be keeping these legs around unless I just need another set...
 
Carmen Neely said:
Dan,

Do you have any experience with Feisol.com carbon fiber legs? I was in B&H today and I love the Millers....only they are definitely out of my price range. I looked at the H38 (nice) and a tripod that comes with it.....so so on the tripod, so I didn't buy......am thinking of getting the Feisols.....but don't see enough feedback here to make me comfortable about buying direct from Taiwan. Any thoughts?
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Sorry man, you are on your own. I have never even heard of that brand.

Dan
 
Hi Jon Neely....you're right, not too many of us out there.

Thanks Dan on the Feisols.....starting to think of the Miller Solo Alums.....still deciding what to get to go with the H38.
 
You know, I was at B&H yesterday looking at heads and the sales guy had the nerve to tell me the Bogen 503HDVs looked more 'professional' than the Libec H38s because they're black.......why are so many stuck on 'black'?
 
I have the Feisol 3371 legs and the older 503 head not the HD. I haven't used the millers, but I enjoy the setup. The setup cost me around $550.

The 503 head had drag adjustments for both pan and tilt and to me is very smooth. I use a letus35 in front of a hv20 with a lcd monitor You may be able to still find the older 503, $50 cheaper then the 503HD (which the 503hd peeps don't seem to care for). I think I got my older 503 at tristate camera.

The Feisol 3371 legs are a gitzo knockoff. Very tight fitting legs. So tight that it takes a little bit for the air pressure to equalize. The legs are a threaded twist lock and lock tight. You can remove them from the base and tie 2 together with a string or chain for a very fast set of nunchucks. The millers have a latch I believe and setup time may be a little shorter with them. As far as bounce, the only time I get concerned is when I fully extend the legs and lay the sucker down in the 90 degree leg catches which is something you would not do anyway because it really stresses out the collar. I don't know how much the Millers flex, but both legs seem pretty good. The setup I have is also light and there is a hook to hang your bag to give some more stability by lowering the center of gravity.

HTH
 
Thanks John,

I do like the Feisols, but didn't want to wait. I love the Libec LS38M (2A) sytem and will take pictures and post today.

Now for a mic and on camera light....
 
Carmen Neely said:
You know, I was at B&H yesterday looking at heads and the sales guy had the nerve to tell me the Bogen 503HDVs looked more 'professional' than the Libec H38s because they're black.......why are so many stuck on 'black'?
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Tell that to all the guys with $10,000.00 Vintens and Millers, they are mostly gray too. That's ridiculous. I have talked with the guys at B&H, you gotta remember, they are salesman, not video professionals, at least most of them.

Dan
 
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