HPX250: Best Fluid Head to Counterbalance HPX250?

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ConceptComms

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I'm looking for a lightweight tripod for location work with the HPX250 and minimal accessories, probably just a wireless receiver and a Litepanels MicroPro, say between 6 and 7 pounds. I'm not so concerned about the sticks, mostly the head. I like what Cartoni says about their adjustable counterbalance and the ones I've used seemed pretty smooth with a light camcorcer, Miller seems to have presets, which may or may not match the camera weight/CG, but I've never used one. I'm looking to upgrade to something significantly smoother than the Manfrotto stuff I've been using. Cartoni, Miller, Sachtler, Vinten? Any suggestions?

Michael Wade
 
It has been a while since I've used Cartoni or Miller heads, but they worked well from what I can remember. I tested some Libec tripods at NAB & they weren't bad, the more expensive ones had perfectly adjustable counter balance (similar to Vinten).

I personally have a Vinten Vision 3AS but have also used the Vinten Vision Blue, both have adjustable counterbalance to dial it in perfectly.

I like how Sachtler heads you can set to zero friction & have really free pans. The tilt is free, except most heads these days have counter balance even at the lowest setting, so you'll have some force on the tilt. The counter balance is "digital" vs "analog" of the Vintens, so a 7lb HPX250 kit might be between two different counter balance settings on a Sachlter head & so you'd get the perfect balance by adjusting the friction.

If you want cheap... I'd say look at the Vision Blue & the Sachtler Ace. But if counter balance is your #1 priority, go with Vinten (or Cartoni / Libec if you trust someone else who will vouch for them).
 
Zijital, thanks for the reply. I've been looking on ebay and haven't see too many of the lighter Vintens. I'm also looking for a big honkin' tripod and dolly to use with my new telepromter in the studio and I seem to see better prices on the big Vintens for that. For the location rig I'm tempted by the Miller DV20 Solo CF but I'll keep the 3AS in mind. In the end you have to just hold your nose and jump.
 
I tried to put my HPX250 on my Vinten Vision 100, wasn't going to happen. It's great when its level, but thats about it.

I did put my camera on my friends E-Image head he bought on eBay and its a perfect balance and surprisingly just as smooth as my Vinten! And for $350 for a tripod and head, its a deal. Going to get one this week I think.
 
I just got a Vinten Vision Blue for my HPX250. Love it. Quantum leap beyond the Manfrotto 503. A very professional head.
 
I like my combo of a Vinten Vision Blue head and Miller Solo DV (carbon) sticks for field use -- it's lightweight, smooth, and has a good range from low to high due to the very flexible leg arrangement on the Millers. I don't have the HPX but it should be in the same weight range as my AF100 and tricked out HMC80, which both work fine with the tripod.

- Greg
 
Ok, I have sort of the same question, however I am trying to narrow down a complete tripod. The 3 I have come down too all fit my budget ( or what dosent make my wallet close up). However I have only played with one the Manfrotto and it seemed fine. So here are the 3, I need help making a decision unless they are all the exact same in functionally.
[h=1][/h]Manfrotto 504HD Head w/546B 2-Stage Aluminum Tripod System $715 Link

Sachtler 0372 FSB-4 Aluminum Tripod System $861 (Lightest of the bunch)Link

Libec RS-250M 75mm 2-Stage Aluminum Tripod System $768 Link

So what will last the longest and work the best? I only want to spend money once so (will be using the rebate money when it shows up) I have been reading as much as I can, now I need some input.
The Sachtler looks good, but it can only carry 8.8 lbs my 250 with battery is 6.4 lbs. Then I still need to add a wireless mic system and light and maybe monitor, so I think it wont work maxed out.
The Libec only has a few reviews, but looks solid.
The Manfrotto has allot of reviews, but its a mix, some love it others hate it.

thanks in advance. . . . .:thumbsup:
 
I have been using a Sachtler since 1983 and have tried others over the years but keep going back to the 1983 Sachtler they are great heads and last forever.
 
rzr219 said:
What about the weight limit of the Sachtler and being close to the limit?
Click to expand...

Hi

I don't have an 250, but I have a Sachtler FSB6 and a Canon XH-A1. The XH-A1 is ~200g lighter than the HPX250 and probably lower centre of gravity (COG). The FSB6 have 10 steps of counter balance and I normally use step 2 to my XH-A1 with the large battery and no other optional accessories. As you understand there is 8 steps 'left' for heavier camcorders or more optinal accessories. As the HPX250 seems to have a higher COG (seen from pictures, not measured) the FSB6 counter balance would probably have to be set to 3 or 4 to get it right.

Check the counter balance charts on sachtler.com for the different heads.

I don't know how the FSB4 wold be together with the HPX250, it might be OK, but with much smaller margin left for a pimped camcorder. My recommendation is a FSB6 to be on the safe side.

Regards,

/Bo
 
Bo Sundvall said:
I have a Sachtler FSB6
Click to expand...

That head looks great, however it is above my price range. The FSB4 is what i can budget and thats at my max range. The FSB4 is rated at
Load Capacity 8.8 lbs (4kg)
That is my concern, if I get close to its max limit, will the head still work or will I be overloading it and wear it out too soon?:undecided
 
Hi

To be honest, I find it hard that anyone can wear out a Sachtler head, they are built as old german tanks!

The problem you might run into is that the head can't balance tha camera correct. Contact Sachtler or look for recommendations on their home page, about a suitable video head for a HPX250.


Regards,

/Bo
 
I contacted them and was told that for the weight and price point the Ace system should work. However after reading the specs, I don't think it would be a good choice? I could be wrong, but looks really small to hold such a big (or little compared to my old camera) camera.:undecided
 
Davoosie said:
I tried to put my HPX250 on my Vinten Vision 100, wasn't going to happen. It's great when its level, but thats about it.

I did put my camera on my friends E-Image head he bought on eBay and its a perfect balance and surprisingly just as smooth as my Vinten! And for $350 for a tripod and head, its a deal. Going to get one this week I think.
Click to expand...

Whats the model of E-Image head?
 
The Sachtler Ace is basically the same as the FSB4. It doesn't have the side load and I believe has fewer settings, but is in the same camera weight class.
 
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