Help me choose a tripod for my AF100

anatusa said:
its a very good sign that there are almost no used models for sale, to me it means that guys who got it dont want to give it away, but u can find a lot used manfroto tripods, probably means that people would prefer to buy something else.
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Not just here, but throughout the forum, I'd urge everyone to resist drawing any conclusions from what they see on the used equipment listings. In this case, the difference can probably be fully explained by Manfrotto having been in the tripod business a lot longer and having sold a hundred, or a thousand, tripods for every Libec in existence. Even if the same fraction of users were upgrading from each brand, you'd still see many more listings for Manfrottos simply because there are more of them out there, and many older ones, available for sale.

Not to praise or criticize either company; I just don't want anybody to be misled by this kind of "evidence."

- Greg
 
I would say be careful of Libecs, the cheaper models at least. I've had mine for 4 years, I think it was about $500 when I got it, but the pan and pan lock have gone caput. I can't get a smooth pan anymore and when I engage the lock the whole head noticeably shifts. Not good.

It was time for an upgrade anyway. Anyone use the Miller solo legs? I'm intrigued by their weight, but have heard mixed reviews on how steady they are.
 
The Miller carbon legs are very sturdy and light. I also find them very fast to set up and they can be set lower than any other legs I have ever used.

In very windy conditions I hang a sandbag from the head.

I was a little skeptical when I first saw the legs with no spreaders. But I have been using them now for almost a decade and I really love them. The foam wrap makes them very comfortable to carry around on your shoulder, and did I mention they are very light.

As with all equipment I would suggest you actually try them out before buying, everyone has different opinions. So buying you should really rely mostly on your own testing and opinion.
 
I also use the Miller DV20. light, strong, sturdy and reasonably priced. quick setup with a very flexible platform.
 
I personally own a Manfrotto 504HD head and use it with my HMC150 + Letus35 & rails, and I use it with a rented AF100 as well. For the price, it's hard to beat - high weight capacity, very smooth/fluid motion, built tough, relatively lightweight for transport. I bought the 504HD head used through the buy/sell board here, and then bought the B&H kit for the Manfrotto 546B legs + 501HDV head + shoulder bag, and I put the 501HDV head on my slider track. I spent about $750 total and got a solid, portable set of sticks and a heavy duty fluid head, and a spare tripod head for my slider - not a bad way to go, if I do say so myself!
 
Ok, now thinking about getting a set of Gitzo series 3 carbon legs, with a Sachtler head. A couple questions though about the Sachtler. I'm thinking about the FSB4. My kitted camera comes to about 6lbs, and I don't see it getting much bigger in the near future. Maybe 1-2lbs more with a heaver lens. The head can hold 8.8lbs, so would I still be ok? How close to the max rating can you get and still be good? Also, this may be a stupid question, but do the Sachtler heads come with pan handles, or do you have to get those separately? Looking at the BH page it's unclear, because they have the pan handle listed under accessories - at over $300 which is crazy by the way!
 
EidolonFilms said:
Ok, now thinking about getting a set of Gitzo series 3 carbon legs, with a Sachtler head. A couple questions though about the Sachtler. I'm thinking about the FSB4. My kitted camera comes to about 6lbs, and I don't see it getting much bigger in the near future. Maybe 1-2lbs more with a heaver lens. The head can hold 8.8lbs, so would I still be ok? How close to the max rating can you get and still be good? Also, this may be a stupid question, but do the Sachtler heads come with pan handles, or do you have to get those separately? Looking at the BH page it's unclear, because they have the pan handle listed under accessories - at over $300 which is crazy by the way!
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I still think the FSB4 is too light and you will end up wanting to upgrade soon. There are several Miller DS20s with legs on the bay right now for under $1K, I've used the DS10 and DS25 and they were both great and well made units, depending on the sellers return policy the DS20 might be worth considering. I'm coming from the standpoint of accomplishing smooth moves with a long lens in my recommendations here, thats the toughest test of any head.
 
Ok thanks for the info. I think the fsb8 is a bit out of my current budget. I could spring for the fsb6, but now I'm also looking at the vinten vision blue. Fsb6 or vision blue?
 
Just to update, I ended up going with a set of gitzo systematic cf legs and the vinten vision blue head. The two pair together perfectly in terms of one fitting into the other. I've only played with it a bit after unpacking, and so far the combination is amazing. Friday I will do an all day shoot that will really put it through its paces, but I think it will be an excellent performer for a moderately sized AF100 kit.
 
EidolonFilms said:
I would say be careful of Libecs, the cheaper models at least. I've had mine for 4 years, I think it was about $500 when I got it, but the pan and pan lock have gone caput. I can't get a smooth pan anymore and when I engage the lock the whole head noticeably shifts. Not good.

It was time for an upgrade anyway. Anyone use the Miller solo legs? I'm intrigued by their weight, but have heard mixed reviews on how steady they are.
Click to expand...

I had the same problem. You can take the head apart quite easily and I'll bet the four allen screws inside the head are loose. Tighten them up and the head will no long shift. I used Locktite on mine and they've remained tight and my head works smoothly.
 
My Sachtler Ace is finally being shipped. I am getting it to use for my Af100. By the specs it should support the weight of the Af100 with a modest amount of equipment. It seems to give you the benefits of the pricey tripods but on the cheap end. I will let you know how it works.
 
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