GH13 + Sachtler cinedslr or Sachtler Ace or Vinten Vision Blue?

[aursondigital]

Hi!

I'm using Panny GH13 and is extremely difficult to operate handheld. So, I need a tripod with good fluid head.

I'd like something versatile to use with GH13 (lighter cameras) but also with heavier cameras (payload in the XHA1 range).

I'm considering to buy FF+mattebox+rod support+shoulder rig but it's not a priority at the moment.

I'm looking at...

a) Vinten Vision Blue (first option)
b) Sachtler Cine DSLR
c) Sachtler Ace

I read a lot about all three but I don't have it clear... What do you think?

 

[arthurwoo]

I'm debating on what to upgrade myself. From my research, here's what I know:

1. Vinten: 4-11 lb payload. "perfect balance" meaning you have an infinite control on your counterbalance dial.

2. CineDSLR: 2-11 lb payload. It has a funky looking plate specifically made for dslrs. Not sure what the compatibility is to replace it w/ a different plate. Some users have noted a long plate can get in the way of accessorizing w/ a rig.

3. ACE: Not released yet. From the reviews online it seems to be of a cheaper build since it's only going to be around $500 US. Supports up to 8.8 lbs.

I think the biggest issue is if you are planning on building upward later to have a rig w/ all the accessories, it may be too heavy for these heads to counterbalance correctly. Adding a mattebox, rails, monitor, follow focus, etc adds up really fast. I've read a couple of reviews saying that getting close to the max limit starts to give issues for counterbalancing. The Vinten seems to have the highest/most positive reviews of the 3 that I could find (Keep in mind all the reviews on the ACE were prototypes)