Looking for a new fluid head for my FS700 + Odyssey 7Q combo

People seem to think tripod heads will last forever and are impervious to all forms of use and conditions. They are mechanical devices. After a number of years the grease or hydraulics dry out, bearings and actuators get worn out and other issues may befall them. A lower cost head is not worth the cost to have it overhauled. So while you have apparently had good luck with used tripods, I would caution that such a purchase can come with a great deal of unknowns, just like buying a used car.

From the two heads noted in the first post, I have to say that I like the Miller. I think it is a good value for the money.
 
I've probably bought more old tripods than anyone on the planet :laugh:and have had virtually no issues. What you say is correct Mitch, there can be problems and would cost a bit to repair - but generally not too much as it's usually likely to be a service rather than a repair. There are plenty of old Ronford F4 heads still going strong out there and they must be 30-40 years old now - but built to last, same with old Sachtler, O'Connor and Osakr Heiler kit. I'd go for an old Oskar Heiler or Ronford F4 over any of the lightweight flimsy things from Manfrotto etc. any day.
Steve
 
I really like the Cartoni Focus HD fluid head. I've got it paired with the Miller Sprinter carbon legs. Very nice setup and relatively light.
 
Still on the hunt for a new tripod. I disregarded the Manfrotto for now and am thinking between the Miller DS20 solo http://cvp.com/index.php?t=product/miller_1514 and Libec RS350. http://cvp.com/index.php?t=product/libec_rs-350rm

Anyone had any hands on time with these? Specs seem almost identical... The Miller is lighter, Libec has a few small advantages. So I guess it comes down to "feel" which unfortunately I can't get to test as I live in Finland and no one has these here.

My rig is about 6-8kg and I mostly shoot with 24mm - 135mm lenses so no extreme tele work.

Any hints? Ideas?
 
The Miller is better than the Manfrotto, however, the industry standard today is Sachtler. (I am not talking about the ACE series.) The average rental house in LA or NYC has most of their O'Connors sitting around these days compared to the Sachtlers. I disagree that the build quality is less good under the their Video 18 for example. The Sachtler FSB serises is absolutely on the same build level as the 18 or 20. Metal not plastic, same fluid/plate principles. Personally, I sense that you would be happier with an FSB6 or FSB8 head than the Millers for your particular setup. I think you need to feel these things to understand. Also one thing to be aware of the Miller Solo legs have great mnimum and maximum height capacity, but it will take you much longer every time you need to change the height of your tripod compared to a more classical set of sticks. How often do you change the height of your tripod or make an adjustment to it? Only maybe 50 times on a shoot, or more? Think about it. They also have a great deal of rotational tork when extended to max height and you must be careful to not overload them as compared to a two or three tube setup.

Test these things out before buying. You need to FEEL what it is that you are making an investment in. No other way around it.

PS: When it comes to buying used, personally I think you would do just fine with a Sachtler, O'Connor, Vinten or Miller HEAD as long as it is not entry level. (Sticks are another story, you need to really test them to see how well they have been maintained) In any case, most of these heads will last many times longer than any camera you will ever own. At the moment I have just bought an O'Connor which is beat to hell and at least 20 years old and it still works perfectly without leaks or impediments. The same is true for a Vinten Vision 100 and Fibertec legs which I picked up and which stopped being produced in 2003.
 
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Unfortunately both Sachtler and Vinten are out of my price range. I've decided to buy a new tripod, I've had bad experiences with used ones (broken Vinten legs, broken Sachtler head which I've rented). Where I live I don't have much options but to order online as we don't have shops or rental houses that carry these.
 
I have nothing but horror stories from my use of Manfrotto heads and sticks when I was starting out. I wouldn't recommend them to anyone. Millers on the other hand have never let me down.
 
Neither of the options fulfill your requirements (supporting rig that is 6-8kg) as they both max out at 7.5kg. You don't want to go to the maximum capacity. That means you have to move up a notch. Sachtler FSB8 would work for your use as it is 1-10kg.
 
Patryk_Rebisz said:
Neither of the options fulfill your requirements (supporting rig that is 6-8kg) as they both max out at 7.5kg. You don't want to go to the maximum capacity. That means you have to move up a notch. Sachtler FSB8 would work for your use as it is 1-10kg.
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I simply don't have money for the Sachtler unfortunately, it's almost twice the price of both Miller and Libec.

But I doubt I will have a problem with the weight. Just to make sure I weighed it at 6.8kg fully loaded and COG is at 100mm. Should be fine, I expect cameras to only get lighter during the coming years so future proof as well don't you think.

Miller: "Payload Range: 5 to 10 kg" http://www.millertripods.com/product_details.html?id=181
Libec: "Payload 9kg / 20.0lb" http://www.libecsales.com/products/rs/RH35R.html
 
Essami said:
I simply don't have money for the Sachtler unfortunately, it's almost twice the price of both Miller and Libec.

But I doubt I will have a problem with the weight. Just to make sure I weighed it at 6.8kg fully loaded and COG is at 100mm. Should be fine, I expect cameras to only get lighter during the coming years so future proof as well don't you think.

Miller: "Payload Range: 5 to 10 kg" http://www.millertripods.com/product_details.html?id=181
Libec: "Payload 9kg / 20.0lb" http://www.libecsales.com/products/rs/RH35R.html
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Around a year ago i upgraded my heads to Sachtler FSB6 ($1400) and FSB8 ($1850). I was thinking that i can save myself a penny by having the b-cam on FSB6 instead of 8. Was a wrong... Even FSB8 sometimes seems too flimsy for some set-ups unfortunately for me the next step up (DV10) is $2800... Bottom line: if you are just getting a head that is on threshold of what you are using now you will end up outgrowing the head in no time.
 
I also own a Libec, and have used a few different Libec models, and to be honest they feel plasticy compared to some other brands.

If it were me, I would pass on a 75mm head and move up to a 100mm head.

And given your budget, but still needing something higher end with smoothness, I would be searching places like ebay for a used Oconnor 1030, 515, or DVs that is in good shape.
 
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