Better head for HVX

[soarprod]

Hey all,
I have a Bogen 525 tripod / 503 head. I do like the tripod but the head can be flakey for HVX work - what is a good head to get that is 75mm half ball? I would like to keep it under $1K. I know the Cartoni Focus got awesome reviews, but I cant find it in 75mm, only 100mm ball.

Some from B&H:

Vinten VISION 3 Fluid Head (75mm Ball Base) without Spring - Supports 2.2 to 22 lbs - $979

Sachtler DV-4II Fluid Head (75mm Ball Base) - Supports up to 16.3 lbs (Depending on C.O.G.) - $949

Gitzo G-1380 Video Fluid Head (75mm Ball Base) - Supports 2.2 to 22 lbs - $947

Bogen 519 Pro Video Fluid Head - Supports 22 lbs - $850

Slik / Daiwa Daiwa-06 Fluid Head (75mm Ball Head) - Supports 19 lbs - $700

Vinten PRO-10 PAN AND TILT HEAD 75mm (22 lbs) - $749

Cartoni AP10 Action Pro Fluid Head (75mm Ball Base) - Supports 12 lbs - $599

Thanks,
Phil

 

[Erik Olson]

I like the 516 from Bogen. 100mm bowl and decent drag control - it was formerly known as the 3066 methinks.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&Q=&is=REG&O=productlist&sku=241143#

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[presario]

I have the Bogen 519 and I love mine. Has some of the features off the Vinten but without the price tag (They are the same company). For the price, you get a heck of a lot of bells and whistles with the 519.

If you're in the OC, you're more than welcome to swing by and mess with my Bogen 519. I have the 525 legs like you as well. I'm in Cerritos.

Andrew

 

[soarprod]

Hey thanks Andrew - Thats two votes for the Bogen - any other opinions?

 

[Erik Olson]

I like Sachtler 18+, but I've not used their smaller 100mm bowl models like the DV8 and 15. The 18+ is great for DOF converter set-ups and 2/3 cameras like the VariCam, but is overkill in most HVX situations.

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