Lets Talk Tripods. Sachtler FSB-4 vs Sachtler Ace L vs Manfrotto 504HD

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Shenanigans

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So I run a HPX170 with Rode NTG-1 and a shock mount. Real light can't be more than 5.5lbs if that. I Have some crappy $200 Manfrotto right now and its just not cutting it so I'm ready to spend some $$ on a good tripod.

Sachtler FSB-4- All the reviews I've read have been really positive. I was looking at the FSB-6 but I figured I didn't need the extra weight capacity since the HPX170 is already so light. I would get the one with aluminum sticks just cause of $$.

Sachtler Ace L- Its there new "price point" model. Not to much in Reviews about it yet but what I have read is the the tilt/pan is just as good as their higher end models. This one comes with the CF sticks which I really like and is just under $1000.

Monfrotto 504HD- The cheapest of the 3. And with mixed reviews all over the inter web I don't know if I trust it...

So if you were to buy one of these which one would you buy and why? And if you have any previous use working with these please leave some feedback. Thanks
 
I'm in the same situation, trying to choose between the Ace L and the FSB 4. Stay clear of the Manfrotto. I hated the one I tried. Phillip Bloom does a review of the Ace System tripods at:
http://philipbloom.net/2011/09/09/ace/
and in the comments below the review says the Manny 504 isn’t good at all. For the money the Benro S6 head is better, though it still is unsatisfying. What really keeps the Benro from being a good, inexpensive head is the lack of durability and the lack of pan settings. This opinion comes from direct experience with the S6 over two months. Still, for the price, you can do some decent work with it.
The Ace L has more plastic than the FSB 4. For some that is a huge issue. I’m a product designer and have designed numerous products where plastic proved to be much better than metal. I also ride several carbon fiber bikes and know how much better those plastic bikes are compared to most of the dozens of metal bikes I’ve ever owned over 30 years of riding seriously, so I don’t harbor that prejudice. Glass filled resins can be extremely durable and less prone to thermal expansion issues. Glass filled resin can be much more impact resistant is most likely lighter in weight. Since I don’t know how these heads were engineered I realize I am speaking in generalizations.
The following I have gleaned from talking to sales people at various camera and video stores, who don’t seem to know anything. Apparently, the FSB 4 has 5 friction plates in it, as opposed to just 3 in the Ace L for the pan and tilt movements. This supposedly makes for a smoother action. The Ace L uses a QR plate system that is compatible with Manfrotto, while the FSB 4 is a thinner European style plate.

From the Sachtler Catalog:
FSB 4 Ace L
Payload range 0 to 8.8 lbs 0 to 13.2 lbs.
Counterbalance Steps 7 + 0 5 + 0
Horizontal Drag Settings 3 + 0 3 + 0
Vertical Drag Settings 3 + 0 3 + 0
Tilt Range (Degrees) +90 to -70 +90 to -75

I’m currently leaning toward the Ace L but trying to find out more info. If I do, I’ll post it here in the next day or two.
 
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