C100: Miller Air vs Sachtler Ace

M

Matt Turner

Well-known member
Hi, I'm looking for a "B" cam tripod for a C100, around $1K budget.
Will mostly be used for secondary angle on interviews etc so doesn't need to be a heavyweight contender - but not el cheapo in case it gets more action.
I like the look of the Miller Air (and good to support local Aussie made!).
Does anyone have a better pick or opinions?
 
I've owned a Miller DS5 and now own only a DS20, a Sachtler Ace and O'Connor 1030. I plan to sell the DS20 too and will get a Sachtler FSB 8. I would warn you against Miller and suggest you to take a look at the Sachtler Ace.

Miller's international service support is poor, spare parts are eye-gougingly expensive. I had a particularly unpleasant experience when writing in to Miller themselves for help to replace a broken handle locking screw while on a shoot in Singapore. They said nice words but generally gave me the run around, one of their tech staff wrote a sarcastic internal email, which he accidentally copied me on, made me feel that if that's what they think of the customers, they must not think much of the people who pay for their livelihoods. It's been three weeks in the field now and still no resolution. Their best is that they cannot provide just the screw which snapped but that I need to either buy the whole handle for $250 or the side assembly for $850. So be warned.

As a test, I emailed Sachtler for help and they offered to link me up with their regional rep who offered to sell me a replacement screw for $25 shipped.

Your experience may differ, just sharing my own experience.
 
Not a fan of the ACE series. Build feels very flimsy.

I really don't understand the Air, as it's basically a DS10 without variable drag for only $200 less. Get a DS10 - pricing is very good here in Australia compared to Sachtler.
 
We were the first in the US to get the Ace M tripods..we ordered 100 and went through them in about 3 months or so. We had no returns (sold to DSLR & C100 owners) because of defects or performance. They were rated for 8.2 lbs but Sachtler tends to under rate so up to 10lbs is OK....."A Sachtler under $1000?, I'll take one".....that was the common exchange here.....

Jim Martin
Filmtools.com
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top