Cheap Tripod Heads for F23/35

Mike Krumlauf

Mike Krumlauf

Award Winning Filmmaker
I know this was talked about a tad in another form but considering I cant be the only one interested in this topic, I was interested to see if anyone could offer advice in terms of Tripod Heads and whole kits that properly support the weight of the F23/35 with or without the SRW1. In my case I need a head that supports both but more on the cheap side of things (something $500 or under to be honest).
 
You might have to go with a knock off brand or go deep into the vintage stock heads.

I wilk say, the Oconnor 1030 can handle the F35/23, but it is the limit of that head, unless you have a stripped down rig. Hopefully that gives you a common reference.
 
Mike, bro... You know what a lot of us are gonna say about this, because it pops up every few months on here. Don't get a "cheap" under specced head. It will make life miserable and your work will suffer. If money is tight, go look on eBay. I'd rather buy a quality used head than a "cheap" under specced new head, any day.

Sometimes eBay is flooded with good heads and sometimes you have to wait it out. But I do know that there is nothing being built and available new for ~$500 that I would put one of my real cameras on and expect it to provide any type of useful service besides maybe for a strict lock-off only.
 
dhessel said:
I got a O'Connor 50 for around $200. It is a good head even though it is old.
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I was actually eying one of those. I feel like thats the best option I have with my budget. I just dont have a grand to drop on a tripod, wish i did. lol
 
Run&Gun said:
Mike, bro... You know what a lot of us are gonna say about this, because it pops up every few months on here. Don't get a "cheap" under specced head. It will make life miserable and your work will suffer. If money is tight, go look on eBay. I'd rather buy a quality used head than a "cheap" under specced new head, any day.

Sometimes eBay is flooded with good heads and sometimes you have to wait it out. But I do know that there is nothing being built and available new for ~$500 that I would put one of my real cameras on and expect it to provide any type of useful service besides maybe for a strict lock-off only.
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No I totally agree.. i guess i should have been better in my initial post as to what were good "used" heads under $500. the Oconnor 50 is one of them as i know..
 
What weight limit are you aiming for?

For my F65, I got a used Cartoni Delta head and legs for $350 on eBay. I think it has a counterbalance limit of 44lbs.
 
Mike, the F23 plus SRW-1 is at around 20lb without batteries and accesories, right? You are going to need a 30lb+ tripod and 100mm bowl. I started with the Manfrotto 510 and I am now with a Miller 50 (50lbs.) Not perfect tripod heads, but for me they do most of what I need. I wouldn't go vintage. waste of money. There are also some Vinten like Vision 11 that can be found cheap. They can hold up to 36lb but 28 is probably as high as you want to go. Sticks can be found cheap too. Bogen 3066 is only 22lbs. But can be found real cheap. Or just get a Cinesaddle and an apple box, save some $ and get something better later. ;) Or even a Hi-Hat and a cheap Harbor Freight Cart. But these may be terrible options.
 
Remember that the "weight ratings" that are given are usually for a certain(usually low) center of gravity. In other words, say a head is rated for 30lbs max payload, it's probably for a center of gravity around 4"-6" above the head, so the higher you have stuff stacked on the camera or taller the camera is, then the lower the payload it can counterbalance properly. Vinten, Oconnor and Sachtler usually publish charts for each head showing the CoG's and corresponding payloads it can counterbalance. AND you don't want to be working at the extreme end of a heads weight rating anyway, partly because of what I just mentioned, it's easy to shoot past it with just one or two extra pieces of equipment if you're already close to it, anyway.
 
bitnaut said:
What weight limit are you aiming for?

For my F65, I got a used Cartoni Delta head and legs for $350 on eBay. I think it has a counterbalance limit of 44lbs.
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How the hell did you get a delta with legs for $350? all the ones im seeing are a grand or more?!
 
Mike,

Sometimes amazing deals come around. An f35 sold last week for $2100... body only, but honestly, that's a steal. Put some searches on eBay and follow them.

In a pinch, you can always rent.
 
I always laugh at these topics. We are talking about a camera and lens system costing what? probably 4 grand? We're talking about 'perching' it on a head where letting go of the pan handle lets it slam forwards or backwards? These cameras loaded up are heavy and very long. the CoG sits above the plate by a fair way, so you need a tripod and head capable of dealing with it.

This means a branded, professional head and leg setup. Age is not important, as these things are properly engineered. You also need to consider the length and width of the top of the head where the camera plate mounts. The physical area is important with heavy loads because .5mm play on a small area translates into quite a bit more at the lens, or pan handle. Any counterweight adjustment needs to be within weight limits, and friction capabilities within workable limits. Brakes need to be solid. There is, to the best of my knowledge, no brand new head/leg combo of any stability at less than a couple of grand, and that's pushing the limit, weight coping wise. A fifteen year old broadcast head will laugh at the weight and offer silky smooth performance assuming it's not been left out in the rain, or mistreated.
 
Exactly. Doesnt matter the age.. i know Oconnor items are built tough.. i will most likely invest in a 50 head when i get the chance.
 
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