New Sachtler Sticks - Flowtech 75

I've been getting emails from Vinten and Sachtler for the past few weeks trying to build anticipation for this tripod release. I was hoping for something with a 100mm bowl meant for more weight. Something to compete with my O'Connor 35L. This looks great for DSLR shooters.
 
With them calling this the "75" it seems like they'll make a 100mm bowl version too.

cpreston said:
Something to compete with my O'Connor 35L.
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Vitec owns Vinten, Sachtler & O'Connor. I was really hoping that there were going to take some of the tech from the 35L tripod & put it into something new. This Flowtech has a lot of things going for it (magnets, speedlock, 3/8" threaded holes for accessories, both spreader & solo leg operation, etc.) but the single point lock / release on the 35L is amazing & going to be quicker than what was released today.

I used a 35L at the first two TV stations I worked at, so I thought it sold well, but maybe not enough since it has been discontinued for years now. Did it chop the fingers off someone? That's the only rumor / justification my head can think of to why the 35L got canned.
 
As a diehard Sachtler user, I watched the reveal and I'm sorta underwhelmed.

If that internal leg locking mechanism needs adjustment or repair (as happens as things age) you'll probably have to ship it back for service instead of ordering a simple part or tightening up a hex bolt like you can now. The adjustable locking spreader on the collar has been done well by Gitzo for decades, so nothing groundbreaking there. Lightweight is a good thing, but their current CF legs are already very light. The update to the removable feet are a nice touch.

If Sachtler wants to really break new ground in lightweight support, they need to tackle the hard part...their fluid heads. My Video 18 S1 head alone weighs nearly 12 pounds with handle and a quick release plate.

Pare that weight down by a significant amount without losing any functionality and I'll reach for my credit card...
 
In my mind, the reason that the Flowtech doesn't quite work for heavier 100mm or higher heads is that you stuck lifting the head with one hand on the leveling bolt/handle while trying to set the legs. It's not much different than current designs other than having the clasp at the bowl rather than one section down. The 35L allowed you to release all of the legs at once and lift with two hands. Every time I show an ENG style camera op the 35L, they get this big grin on their face.
 
JCummings said:
As a diehard Sachtler user, I watched the reveal and I'm sorta underwhelmed.

If that internal leg locking mechanism needs adjustment or repair (as happens as things age) you'll probably have to ship it back for service instead of ordering a simple part or tightening up a hex bolt like you can now. The adjustable locking spreader on the collar has been done well by Gitzo for decades, so nothing groundbreaking there. Lightweight is a good thing, but their current CF legs are already very light. The update to the removable feet are a nice touch.

If Sachtler wants to really break new ground in lightweight support, they need to tackle the hard part...their fluid heads. My Video 18 S1 head alone weighs nearly 12 pounds with handle and a quick release plate.

Pare that weight down by a significant amount without losing any functionality and I'll reach for my credit card...
Click to expand...

From the Vinten manual page it looks like you can do adjustments yourself w/o having to take it all apart: http://www.vinten.com/en/system/files/file/downloads/Vinten-Flowtech-Guide.pdf

But I agree, the internal parts of it make me worry about 1 more thing that can break, so make sure you register for the extended warranty & if anything does go bad, then you've got 3 years of free repairs.

I'm thinking that the internal locking is similar to the O'Connor 35L and there could be a possibility of Vitec using this as a base for making a 35L style "Release all legs at once" version that would be even faster.
 
I'm curious how easily it adjusts height DOWNWARD. Collapsing/skinnying up the legs can be a pain in certain situations. With the other speedlock systems I've used, you have to do that or the legs won't go down, or you have to sort of wiggle the whole thing in a circle to make it lower if you don't skinny it up.
 
I am trying to get a lightweight support and this fits the bill. Will also need to look for a 75mm head as my current fluid head is 100mm.
 
I think it looks super sexy. I don't 'need' another tripod....but......this release just might take a few extra sheckles out of my wallet yet! I bought an E-image 2 Stage Carbon Fiber set of sticks about 8 months ago because I wanted something where I only had one lock per leg, and I really enjoy that functionality. For anyone who has not used a single lock/leg system, it really does make a difference in ease of use and efficiency. The new Sachtler sticks seems to have the best single lock/leg solution that I have seen by a long shot. I really hope they tested it thoroughly in the field.

The only challenge I see is for people (ah-hem....ME) who attach things to their tri-pod legs. I usually use a field monitor which is attached to my sticks via super clamp and magic arm. When using a camcorder style camera I sometimes attach the Lanc controller to the sticks as well via another clamp.

Interested to hear real life feedback from the field on this product
 
I'm currently using an older set os Sachtler speed lock style legs and like 'em. Two big improvements with these for me: They go lower, which is great, and the magnets in the legs. If that actually works and holds the legs closed while your hiking around I won't have to keep the strip of velcro tied to the bottom of a leg. A small thing but nice.
 
Josh Bass said:
I'm curious how easily it adjusts height DOWNWARD. ... you have to sort of wiggle the whole thing in a circle to make it lower if you don't skinny it up.
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I think you have to do the same with these legs. Skinny them up, or do the wiggle dance.


True North said:
The only challenge I see is for people (ah-hem....ME) who attach things to their tri-pod legs.
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There are 3/8" threads near the bottom of the bowl (and you could use a 3/8" to 1/4" reducer if you needed). I'd think that is better than putting a clamp on a leg.


True North said:
I bought an E-image 2 Stage Carbon Fiber set of sticks about 8 months ago because I wanted something where I only had one lock per leg, and I really enjoy that functionality.
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How is the build quality? For $500 that is really cheap for CF legs and 1/2 the price of these. I didn't know E-image made things with a single clamp.
 
markoconnell said:
I'm currently using an older set os Sachtler speed lock style legs and like 'em. Two big improvements with these for me: They go lower, which is great, and the magnets in the legs. If that actually works and holds the legs closed while your hiking around I won't have to keep the strip of velcro tied to the bottom of a leg. A small thing but nice.
Click to expand...

Did something happen to the built-in, retracting leg retention cord system? All three pair of my Speedlocks have it.
 
zijital said:
There are 3/8" threads near the bottom of the bowl (and you could use a 3/8" to 1/4" reducer if you needed). I'd think that is better than putting a clamp on a leg.
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If I could get the exact same results by attaching to the threads VS clamping on to the legs then I would absolutely choose the thread option. Hard to explain, but for my needs, I can't do the same things using threads near the bowl.


zijital said:
How is the build quality? For $500 that is really cheap for CF legs and 1/2 the price of these. I didn't know E-image made things with a single clamp.
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I recognize that E-image is not exactly world renowned for sticks and aren't really a high end company....but....the sticks are pretty damn good. I use the E-Image legs quite a bit and they work great. The single clamp handles, to me, felt a little under built (plastic handles) when I first got the legs. In practice, I have not had one issue with the single clamp handles and they are under fairly regular use (2-3 times per week). The tripod is a little on the heavy side for CF legs but still lighter than Aluminum. I have no way to accurately measure torsional rigidity but the for the sporting applications that I use these sticks for, I am constantly panning and tilting, I have not experienced any issues. I would not hesitate to recommend the E-Image sticks.

Let me know if you have any other questions, I would be happy to answer. There wasn't a lot of information out there when I was looking
 
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