Help: choose a tripod for AF100

For lightweight the Sachtler FSB8 is very nice- just be aware the sticks get a little wonky when you get big glass on there (300 f/2.8). The head is very smooth and great for the money. Maybe this head on Vinten sticks?

That situation wasn't alleviated until getting on to a Sachtler Studio II though, so a mid range (Video 18/20) isn't really going to make a huge difference.

As far as Manfrotto- the only Bogen/Manfrotto head I ever really liked was the old 505. The interchangable spring counterbalance sytem was a PITA, but man that head is smooth. Gitza made a nearly identical variant, and the old Vinten Vision 3 was also the same thing. I think only the Bogen came with the springs though. Mine leaks grease and looks like hell, but I pull it out whenever I need to shoot a smaller camera in situations where I dot want to risk the Sachtlers.
 
We have a pair of miller ds20's on solo legs. They are fantastic. We use the Arrow and compass heads often as well. They are all brilliant products. The ds20 is close to it's limit with a af102 rails mattebox glass and some other bit but it still does really well.
 
I found a Cartoni Focus - AL - 2 - F102 kit for $1300 used, is that the same head you guys talked about earlier (planning to use it on an AF100, with lens,top plate+rods, MB, FF, recorder, TV logic, espresso machine?), and do you think it is a good price. Look like it was discontinued....

Thanks!
 
I experienced some shaking when I set the focus, zoom or Iris on the AF100 with my tripod. It is a cheap tripod, actually made for still photography. Is it possible with the Cartoni Focus to get a quiet image, even when you fully zoom in with the LUMIX 14-140 and with the hands on the tripod or the camera? Another possibility would be to buy a focus/iris remote, but zooming would be still shaky.
 
Sam Scoggins said:
New Sachtler Cine DSLR Fluid Head (up to 11 lbs) might be interesting for lightweight setup: http://www.sachtler.com/us/latest-news/detailed-view/article/sachtler-shows-professional-camera-support-for-hdslr-cameras-at-nab-2011-in-las-vegas-3.html?tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=2954&cHash=88f8c3056412f5cd94a7404f99eb746c
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I recently got the Sachtler CineDSLR and paired it with Miller Solo DV 3 stage sticks. Absolutely love both items -- they make a great, great combo. Have had shoots where the Miller was fully extended and used a stepladder to reach it to where it was only 9" off the ground. This is my first Miller tripod and I can definitely see what all the raves are about. Build quality and design are top-notch. And, even though it has a maximum height of about 74", it folds to a mere 26" (32" with the Sachtler head)

And the Sachtler CineDSLR - certainly no disappointments there. It counterbalances a GH2 with the Lumix 7-14 just as well as it does an AF100 with a 5 lb. lens. Plus, it's everything you'd expect from a Sachtler.

Can highly recommend both of these items.
 
Is it the general consensus that the Sachtler Snap & Go sideload plate is a better choice (new design, greater range) than the Touch & Go plate?
 
I thought the Cartoni Focus was ok. I liked the two stage aluminum tripod itself -- very light and quick to set up. Then I got a Miller DS10/Solo CF for run and gun. Hands down, the Miller head smokes the Focus. I'm not thrilled with the camera plate locking knob on the right side and the drag setting knobs --they feel like they won't stay where you put them. They actually do, they just feel like they won't but given the fantastic fluid motion of the head, the knobs are not really an issue. If I ever get another head, it would be a Miller.
 
I have been really impressed with the tripod reviews on http://www.dvuser.co.uk/generalresults.php?CST=13 . Nigel's review of my Manfrotto 503/504 tripod confirmed my ergonomic failures with this tripod, and pointed out why I was experiencing them. He has nothing good to say about manfrotto, and gives five stars (the only time he has on a product reveiw) to the Lebec RS series. If I was needing a new tripod for an AF100, I'd likely start with the RS350 or 450. Read his reviews and I think you'll see why I say this. They are very thorough from a pro point of view. I have bought a Lebec based on this review, and I agree that the Manfrotto 503 and 504 locking plate lever is poorly positioned. I've also experienced the 'head creep' and 'drift back' he mentions, thought it was me, found out it was the tripod! I thought the tilt drag control wheel is like that on all pro tripods, wrong! And yes, locked off shots work fine. So do your homework, as you will find a great variety of quality in tripods out there! For me, it seems like Lebec is a great deal for the price. I've not worked with the Cartoni, but for under $1500, I'd look first at Lebec.
 
8string said:
I have been really impressed with the tripod reviews on http://www.dvuser.co.uk/generalresults.php?CST=13 . Nigel's review of my Manfrotto 503/504 tripod confirmed my ergonomic failures with this tripod, and pointed out why I was experiencing them. He has nothing good to say about manfrotto, and gives five stars (the only time he has on a product reveiw) to the Lebec RS series. If I was needing a new tripod for an AF100, I'd likely start with the RS350 or 450. Read his reviews and I think you'll see why I say this. They are very thorough from a pro point of view. I have bought a Lebec based on this review, and I agree that the Manfrotto 503 and 504 locking plate lever is poorly positioned. I've also experienced the 'head creep' and 'drift back' he mentions, thought it was me, found out it was the tripod! I thought the tilt drag control wheel is like that on all pro tripods, wrong! And yes, locked off shots work fine. So do your homework, as you will find a great variety of quality in tripods out there! For me, it seems like Lebec is a great deal for the price. I've not worked with the Cartoni, but for under $1500, I'd look first at Lebec.
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In addition to the Sachtler/Miller combo, I also have the Libec RS-250 system, which I purchased prior to the Sachtler. Nothing wrong with the Libec. In fact, I like it a lot. The only reason I went with a different system when I bought my second AF100 was because I'd read a lot of good stuff about the Sachtler CineDSLR and wanted a more versatile tripod. I agree the Libec is definitely a great deal for the price.
 
I've had Bogen/Manfrotto products in the past and I've had some issues. So, my HPX is supported by a Vinten 6. Love it.

I just bought my AF package, and couldnt find a tripod that I both could afford and was in stock, soni went with the new 504HD/546 Legs. I've had it for a couple weeks now and I'm really liking it. It's got some really great features that no other sticks in that price range has: easy-adjusting counterbalance, 3/8 ports on the head, ratcheting plate lock, illuminated level, and the friction actually gets plenty tight enough to use with rigs that are well over the 16lb suggested limit.

If ur on a budget, take a look at the 504HD.
 
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