Other: FX9 New User Looking For Recommended Fluid Heads - Thank you!

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daniel.in.la

Member
Hey all, first time posting here. I just my FX9 last week and currently have a Sachtler Ace XL fluid head arriving tomorrow. Some reviews came in mixed, and some came in very positive. I have the ProMediaGear 424L sticks (75mm bowl) and would rather not open up the box and send the head back if people suggest it's not worth keeping in advance. Happy to hear feedback and any/all suggestions pairing up to my current sticks.

Thank you!
 
Lot of factors here. How much do you intend to kit out the FX9? If you're going to run some heavy glass plus an external recorder plus an external battery with or without the extension unit, then you'll need something a lot more robust than the ACE XL. My feeling about the Ace line is it is kind of prosumerish at best. But it is a matter of your budget and your taste. Again my personal prejudices here and it's your money not mine. But I don't believe in skimping on camera support. You can find some very good buys these days on eBay and that could be a good place to start. And it becomes a matter of taste as well. I happen to like Sachtler. Don't overlook Cartoni if you like the feel of their heads and sticks. I personally run my FS7 II on a Sachtler FSB 10 with carbon fiber legs and it is rock steady. Of course this is a highly opinionated group and you will hear widely divergent views. But I do believe most of us will say to shoot on the best support you possibly can whether you buy it used or new.

Enjoy the FX9. Wish I had the business to be able to replace my FS7 II with it, particularly with the promised October 2020 firmware update.

Ned Soltz
 
Direct from Sony's website: "Sony FX9 Mass - 10.58 lb (with Viewfinder, Eyepiece, Grip Remote Control, BP-U35 battery, SELP28135G LENS, an XQD memory card, handle, mic holder)"

According to Sony's specs, the FX9 outfitted with the kit lens (the 28-135), the smallest available BP-U battery (BP-U35), only one XQD card and no mics or additional accessories is about 10.5 lbs (slightly over). That's essentially all the stock components. If you ever added mics or were to use a heavier lens, like a 70-200 2.8 GM (which is 0.58 lbs heavier than the 28-135), that weight will only increase. It will increase even further as you use bigger batteries which you most certainly will want to do.

The general rule of thumb for tripods is that you should always try and buy a fluid head that can counterbalance approximately 2x what your heaviest rig will weigh. The Sachtler Ace XL that you bought counterbalances 17.6 lbs. If you take the FX9 and add some mics to it as well as a bigger battery, and run anything close to a 70-200 2.8 (or even something like a 24-70 2.8), your rig will likely be somewhere in the 10-12 lb range. It could even go higher depending on any other accessories you add or if you ever use a heavier lens than a 70-200 2.8. That means you should probably be looking for a fluid head that can counterbalance 24 lbs, maybe more depending on what you find, and a solid set of sticks to go with it.

I use to run a Sachtler FSB-8 (75mm bowl) and a pair of Sachtler carbon fiber sticks with my FS7 and ultimately decided it wasn't big enough for my work, especially any long lens use (70-200 or 100-400mm shots). As such, I upgraded to a 100mm bowl and got a Sachtler FSB-10 with a set of Flowtech 100 sticks. I feel now like I'm exactly where I need to be for proper support for my camera.

I understand that my tripod system may be more expensive or even bigger than what you're looking to have and I completely understand that. There are plenty of people who run heavier systems on tripods like the Sachtler Ace XL you bought. But, if you're serious about video and can swing it, I'd recommend getting something beefier than that Ace XL. If you do and you take care of it, it will last you your career. I hope this helps.
 
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Joshua Milligan said:
Direct from Sony's website: "Sony FX9 Mass - 10.58 lb (with Viewfinder, Eyepiece, Grip Remote Control, BP-U35 battery, SELP28135G LENS, an XQD memory card, handle, mic holder)"

According to Sony's specs, the FX9 outfitted with the kit lens (the 28-135), the smallest available BP-U battery (BP-U35), only one XQD card and no mics or additional accessories is about 10.5 lbs (slightly over). That's essentially all the stock components. If you ever added mics or were to use a heavier lens, like a 70-200 2.8 GM (which is 0.58 lbs heavier than the 28-135), that weight will only increase. It will increase even further as you use bigger batteries which you most certainly will want to do.

The general rule of thumb for tripods is that you should always try and buy a fluid head that can counterbalance approximately 2x what your heaviest rig will weigh. The Sachtler Ace XL that you bought counterbalances 17.6 lbs. If you take the FX9 and add some mics to it as well as a bigger battery, and run anything close to a 70-200 2.8 (or even something like a 24-70 2.8), your rig will likely be somewhere in the 10-12 lb range. It could even go higher depending on any other accessories you add or if you ever use a heavier lens than a 70-200 2.8. That means you should probably be looking for a fluid head that can counterbalance 24 lbs, maybe more depending on what you find, and a solid set of sticks to go with it.

I use to run a Sachtler FSB-8 (75mm bowl) and a pair of Sachtler carbon fiber sticks with my FS7 and ultimately decided it wasn't big enough for my work, especially any long lens use (70-200 or 100-400mm shots). As such, I upgraded to a 100mm bowl and got a Sachtler FSB-10 with a set of Flowtech 100 sticks. I feel now like I'm exactly where I need to be for proper support for my camera.

I understand that my tripod system may be more expensive or even bigger than what you're looking to have and I completely understand that. There are plenty of people who run heavier systems on tripods like the Sachtler Ace XL you bought. But, if you're serious about video and can swing it, I'd recommend getting something beefier than that Ace XL. If you do and you take care of it, it will last you your career. I hope this helps.
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Guys, I really appreciate the feedback here. I think I'm going to have B&H recall the tripod in route from the shipping company and step up on something more solid. The 2x counterbalance was something I overlooked when shopping, and took the recommendation of someone who shoots with an FS7 II using the Ace XL. I do plan on running the external battery and extension unit, along with bigger glass for certain scenes. I was hoping to run lean and mean, but no point in skimping out on longevity. Thank you again!
 
daniel.in.la said:
Guys, I really appreciate the feedback here. I think I'm going to have B&H recall the tripod in route from the shipping company and step up on something more solid. The 2x counterbalance was something I overlooked when shopping, and took the recommendation of someone who shoots with an FS7 II using the Ace XL. I do plan on running the external battery and extension unit, along with bigger glass for certain scenes. I was hoping to run lean and mean, but no point in skimping out on longevity. Thank you again!
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Good move in my opinion! If you're going to be running the extension unit, V-Lock batteries and some bigger glass, then you definitely are going to need a bigger head. I 100% believe you need to get into a 100mm bowl.
 
Joshua Milligan said:
Good move in my opinion! If you're going to be running the extension unit, V-Lock batteries and some bigger glass, then you definitely are going to need a bigger head. I 100% believe you need to get into a 100mm bowl.
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I just hate to have to switch out my lovely PMG CF sticks!! They've served me well so far. But, for the greater good of the camera and system, I may just buy another set altogether to make things easier. Appreciate the feedback!
 
Joshua Milligan said:
Good move in my opinion! If you're going to be running the extension unit, V-Lock batteries and some bigger glass, then you definitely are going to need a bigger head. I 100% believe you need to get into a 100mm bowl.
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So after researching my PMG TR424L sticks, I think I might have this figured out. I would need to buy both of these items:

https://www.promediagear.com/TRBU75-Pro-Stix-75mm-Half-Ball-Leveling-Head_p_308.html

https://www.promediagear.com/TRB75-...wl-Adapter-for-TR42-Series-Tripods_p_303.html

This opens up the options for a 100mm fluid head. I weighed my rig in it's current state with everything mounted and it sits at 10 lbs exactly. The extension pack and v-mount battery should be at least another 2-3 lbs? Your recommendation is the FSB 10? Saw the Benro BV10H 100mm as a decently priced option, but never used the brand. Thanks!
 
I'll say it. Generally Benro heads are barely one step up from Manfrotto. And Manfrottos, for professional use, are somewhat lacking. For cameras as nice and capable as the FX9, you should be looking to spend $3k to $5k on a 100mm head and legs. Do not cheap out on a tripod and head. Buy wisely
and buy quality. Miller, Sachtler, Cartoni, O'Connor. Don't buy Chinese knock offs, buy the real stuff. If you buy the good stuff, it should last you for most of the rest of your career. The current Sachtler head and Miller CF legs I am using I bought in 2005 and they are in great condition and I have shot
with them all over the world. If you cannot afford new, there are plenty of killer deals out there on used Sachtlers, I've seen good condition Video 18s and 20s for $2k for the heads that sold for $8k new.

It really comes down to are you a pro, taking money from clients for work for hire? If the answer is yes, you should be spending $5k on the set. If you can't afford it, you bought too expensive of a camera.
if you are a hobbyist having fun, then buy the Chinese knock off stuff or the Benro. A good set of 100mm Sachtler legs and a head will last you for many cameras past once you sell of the FX9.
 
puredrifting said:
I'll say it. Generally Benro heads are barely one step up from Manfrotto. And Manfrottos, for professional use, are somewhat lacking. For cameras as nice and capable as the FX9, you should be looking to spend $3k to $5k on a 100mm head and legs. Do not cheap out on a tripod and head. Buy wisely
and buy quality. Miller, Sachtler, Cartoni, O'Connor. Don't buy Chinese knock offs, buy the real stuff. If you buy the good stuff, it should last you for most of the rest of your career. The current Sachtler head and Miller CF legs I am using I bought in 2005 and they are in great condition and I have shot
with them all over the world. If you cannot afford new, there are plenty of killer deals out there on used Sachtlers, I've seen good condition Video 18s and 20s for $2k for the heads that sold for $8k new.

It really comes down to are you a pro, taking money from clients for work for hire? If the answer is yes, you should be spending $5k on the set. If you can't afford it, you bought too expensive of a camera.
if you are a hobbyist having fun, then buy the Chinese knock off stuff or the Benro. A good set of 100mm Sachtler legs and a head will last you for many cameras past once you sell of the FX9.
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Do you find the ProMediaGear sticks that I have (TR 424L) lacking as well? They're top tier sticks IMO, and I'm happy to pick up that 75 and 100mm bowl adapter and throw on a big boy head like the stuff you mentioned above. I'm already deep into my search for a Sachtler so I'm definitely putting up a big budget for the investment. Hoping it pays itself forward with a big up front solid purchase. Thank you!
 
Joshua Milligan said:
As such, I upgraded to a 100mm bowl and got a Sachtler FSB-10 with a set of Flowtech 100 sticks. I feel now like I'm exactly where I need to be for proper support for my camera..
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I also own a FSB-10 and Flowtech100 for use with my smaller cameras and there is no way I'd put my fully rigged FS7 on that head. No way. A tripod and head are nothing to skimp on and a good setup will last 20 years or more. Invest in something with specs that are 2x to 3x above what you think you can get away with and you will never regret it. Puredrifting is right on. it'd be as foolish as buying an FX9 and then dumbing it down by running it in Super35mm mode with a crappy f/4 18-110 lens. What is the point?? If you can't afford the right accessories then you can't afford the camera.
 
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Good gosh Doug. You are without a doubt the worst thing that’s ever happened to this forum. You are the most arrogant person I’ve ever seen. The FSB 10 is perfectly adequate for running a FS7. Heck, you’re picking on me but the person who commented above me is also using an FSB 10. Why don’t you pick on him too? And do you think I’m buying an FX9 to use specifically with the 18–110? No. I have a ton of full frame glass and use the 18-110 for doc shoots and like it for such. And don’t kid yourself, it’s a nice ($3,500) lens and plenty of people on this forum would (and have) agree. So yeah, I’m going to use it on the FX9 in Super35 mode as that’s one of the FX9’s strengths. Full frame when you want it, Super35 when you need it.

And don’t comment Doug about me not being able to afford the accessories. I’ve got a crap ton of money invested in video production. I choose to run the gear I have because it suits when I shoot, how I shoot and the clients I shoot for. Same goes with most anybody else. Stay off this forum if all you’re going to do is down talk people and scream out every time you post about how people are ignorant or how they can’t afford the right gear. Nobody has the time, patience or desire to deal with that. Where’s an admin when you need one?
 
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Don't skimp on a good head and legs. As Dan and Doug said, they'll last a LONG time. The cheap and "underpowered" stuff is just frustrating to use.

I have a client with some Sachtler Ace's. They are mediocre heads with only handycams on them, much less something bigger and heavier taxing them, like an FX9.

There's an old saying, "Buy once, cry once". And it applies aptly here. But if funds are tight or you just want to save some $$$, look at eBay for quality used heads. I saw a used Vinten Vision 100 with a ped the other week for next to nothing. Of course it's gone, now, because someone recognized the screaming deal. You can usually find good ones on there for between $1000-$2500+(sometimes sub $1K, just stay away from stuff from Russia and the middle east), usually with a set of legs, to boot. Remember, we're talking about a $6K+ head. These are the heads that you're probably going to see nine times out of 10 on the tripods for the ENG cameras on most broadcast sports trucks. I like them so much that I own three of them. My "A" set-up is a Vinten Vision 100 with Sachtler Flowtech 100 legs.

Hell, I wish eBay had had this level of stuff for these ridiculously low prices when I started shooting in the 90's. I could have saved a lot of money and had better gear.
 
Joshua Milligan said:
Good gosh Doug. You are without a doubt the worst thing that’s ever happened to this forum. You are the most arrogant person I’ve ever seen. The FSB 10 is perfectly adequate for running a FS7. Heck, you’re picking on me but the person who commented above me is also using an FSB 10. Why don’t you pick on him too? And do you think I’m buying an FX9 to use specifically with the 18–110? No. I have a ton of full frame glass and use the 18-110 for doc shoots and like it for such. And don’t kid yourself, it’s a nice ($3,500) lens and plenty of people on this forum would (and have) agree. So yeah, I’m going to use it on the FX9 in Super35 mode as that’s one of the FX9’s strengths. Full frame when you want it, Super35 when you need it. And don’t comment Doug about me not being able to afford the accessories. I’ve got a crap ton of money invested in video production. I choose to run the gear I have because it suits when I shoot, how I shoot and the clients I shoot for. Same goes with most anybody else. Stay off this forum if all you’re going to do is down talk people and scream out every time you post about how people are ignorant or how they can’t afford the right gear. Nobody has the time, patience or desire to deal with that. Where’s an admin when you need one?
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Your uncalled for personal attacks is what should be reported. Anytime you disagree with my opinion you take it personally. You've really got a problem, buddy. Grow up.
 
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Doug is pretty head strong so take that in consideration when he gives advice.

I've been running Sachtler heads, among others, for so long and although I really like the 20 and 18 heads the FSB8 or even FSB6 works fine, even with a prompter or eye direct mounted it doesn't feel bad. The reason why I don't use 20 or 20 heads today is because I don't want to haul more kilos than needed and then the combination of FSB8 and FT tripod works fine.

Then again this is just my cents and I don't overload and mess up any of my cameras with junk.
 
Doug Jensen said:
Your uncalled for personal attacks is what should be reported. Anytime you disagree with my opinion you take it personally. You've really got a problem, buddy. Grow up.
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You’ve got to be kidding, right? You can’t seriously believe that. I should screenshot every single nasty comment you post on this forum toward me or anyone else who disagrees with anything you post. You once again literally just described yourself.

You may have gotten away with being a jerk on this forum for years, but those days need to come to an end. People don’t deserve to be talked to the way you talk to them. Be friendly, quit the personal attacks and comment appropriately. Otherwise just keep your thoughts to yourself.
 
Joshua Milligan said:
You’ve got to be kidding, right? You can’t seriously believe that. I should screenshot every single nasty comment you post on this forum toward me or anyone else who disagrees with anything you post. You once again literally just described yourself. You may have gotten away with being a jerk on this forum for years, but those days need to come to an end. People don’t deserve to be talked to the way you talk to them. Be friendly, quit the personal attacks and comment appropriately. Otherwise just keep your thoughts to yourself.
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And the personal attacks just keep coming. You are out of line and it would get you banned at other forums. If you want to take my opinions about gear as a personal insult because you happen to disagree, that is your choice but you should really stop throwing these trantrums. You are only embarrassing yourself and I'm not going to take your bait and stoop to your level with comments about you or your personality.
 
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Doug, you need to stop being a jerk to me and to everyone else. I'm over it. I post and take part on these forums because I love my job and am passionate about video and I love chatting about it with others. You are ruining that by constantly calling people ignorant, saying people can't afford things, telling people how completley wrong they are etc., without ever taking the time to have a genuine conversation that's two way with give and take. You don't know everything, you are not the God of video production and you need to stop acting as such. I'm not going to sit here and take you being this way to everyone all the time anymore. Your attitude sucks, so just stop.

"If you want to take my opinions about gear as a personal insult because you happen to disagree, that is your choice but you should really stop throwing these trantrums." And once again, you literally just described yourself.
 
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just a note to the Sachtler FSB10:

it requires minimum payload of 4kgs / 8.8lbs . I you have a lighter setup like a stripped down FS7 or even a DSR you cannot balance it. I had it and I returned it as I could not balance my minimalistic setup of a EVA1. I went for the Video 15 instead which has minimum payload of 1kg. Video 18 S2 has 2kgs minimum.

I have the Video 15 with Flowtec 100 and that's a great piece of gear.


I also have the FSB8 with 75 carbon legs as the fit in a standard suitcase.
The head is very suitable but the weak point at 75mm bowls are mostly the light legs.
 
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