FS7: Lightweight Tripod for FS7? Benro, E-Image or something else?

Ben Scott

Ben Scott

Veteran
Hi all,

I still have my Manfrotto 509HD head and 536 Carbon legs that I used to use with my Scarlet but after my first FS7 shoot yesterday that involved a load of running from location to location I thought I could benefit from a lighter tripod.

Happy with the carbon Manfrotto legs which aren't too heavy but by hour 10, the head starts to feel a bit overkill considering the weight of the camera.

Wondered if there were any recommendations for a 75mm or lightweight 100mm bowl head that's not too pricey and will deal with smaller one-man-band scenarios.

Was looking at the E-Image 7063 head and the Benro H8 which are both under 2kg and rated for upward of 10kg payload, but I don't seem to be able to get the H8 here in the uk, which is a shame.

Anyone used these?
 
I'm seeing the FS7 displayed on Miller Air tripods down here. I'm thinking of getting one for my BM Pocket Camera - nice, solid little tripod with impressively smooth tilts and pans.
 
Ooh interesting. About £750 over here inc VAT for the head with CF legs. That 5kg max payload doesn't leave a ton of wiggle room but I guess I still have the Manfrotto 509HD for bigger gigs. Cheers.
 
Isn't the S8 basically the equivalent of a Manfrotto 502? Not sure how comfortable I'd feel with something as light as that.
 
Ben Scott said:
Isn't the S8 basically the equivalent of a Manfrotto 502? Not sure how comfortable I'd feel with something as light as that.
Click to expand...


Its similar to the 504 not the 502.
Its rated for 8KG and I don't have the FS7 + baseplate anywhere near that weight. Even with a 7" monitor onboard. I don't own any heavier cameras so anything bigger is just added weight to me. I haven't shot a lot on tripod with Fs7 but so far so good. I haven't found anything to complain about.
 
Benro gets a little confusing in their model names and what other tripods they mimic. The S8 head is their version of the 504 (same QR plate etc). The H8 is Benro's version of the Sachtler heads (same or similar QR system etc)

Both equaly as good I just had a lot of manfrotto style plates and personally find the legs without spreaders to be more flexible in low to the ground shots.
 
I use a FSB8 Sachtler head for my F5 along with the 536 legs as well. Im sure a FSB6 would be just fine for you as long as you dont put a big cine lens on it.
 
Not seeing too may great deals on the FSB6/8 so Miller Air seems to be winning the race the for super light setup. 5kg for head and CF legs is going to take some beating.
 
For my money, I don't think the Miller Air has a high enough payload. Typically a tripod should have a stated max payload of twice what you are going to actually use on it, that would mean only 2.5KG for the Miller Air.
 
It's a tricky one. I'll be keeping the 509HD/536 tripod combo tripod (total weight just under 10kg) for when it's needed, which is rated for around 13kg I believe, but I'm really after something lightweight and the Miller Air's 5kg weight including CF legs is a big draw, especially after all the running around I had to do yesterday. Is there anything around that can compete with that for the money?

Of course the other option is to get fitter/stronger but errr... let's keep that as a last resort :)
 
After a 12 day shoot carting around my FS7 with slider/tripod/lenses etc I've come to the opinion that an assistant is a better investment than a gym membership:-)
 
I had the 536 but it sucked big time because you can't lock the angle of the legs. Now I have a Sachtler ENG2 CF HD tripod which is just great and a thousand times better than any Manfrotto tripod. Millers might be a better option should one choose a tripod without spreader.
 
Osslund said:
I had the 536 but it sucked big time because you can't lock the angle of the legs. Now I have a Sachtler ENG2 CF HD tripod which is just great and a thousand times better than any Manfrotto tripod. Millers might be a better option should one choose a tripod without spreader.
Click to expand...

You can lock each leg on the 536 in 3 different angles. I have both the 536 legs and the Sachtler ENG2 CF legs; they are different tools, both are excellent in their own ways.
 
Totally agree with you Liam. I've had the 536 legs for 5 years and they're great under most conditions but under certain situations are a giant pain in the ass and I'll urn for some ENG legs with a spreader. I will say the lighter the camera package the better the 536 legs are, not because of capacity but with a very heavy load(20+ lbs) simply raising the height of the sticks without taking the camera off and without a assistant can be dicey.
 
I've ordered the Miller Air and will report back. I figure if its too light it will serve for my A7s and I can use the legs with something a little bigger.
 
I have the Benro carbon fiber tripod with S6 head and I like it. (I used it with my FS700, now sold). I'd still like to find a lighter travel tripod. In thinking about tripods, remember there are at least three weight classes you have to plan for: 1. Base camera. 2. Camera with back, V-mount battery, baseplate, and maybe an external monitor (Odyssey 7Q, etc.). 3. Same as two, but add a matte box and maybe a wireless follow focus, etc. Ideally, you'd like each of these to balance correctly.
 
My old 509HD/536 combo did me fine for a Red Scarlet with mattebox, monitor and v-mounts so will certainly be fine for anything fully loaded FS7-related.

I think the 5kg of the Miller Air is getting towards the lightest I'd like to put £6,000 worth of camera. Some of the E-Image heads are only about 1.9kg though so paired with some lightweight carbon legs you could have a super duper lightweight setup for run n gun or where it being knocked over isn't an issue.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top