Sachtler fluid head + tripod below $1800? Is it realistic?

hasselblad

hasselblad

Well-known member
Is there a Sachtler fluid head + tripod below $1800? Is it realistic?
I would like to use it for wedding cinematography. The weight load would not exceed 10LB.
Thanks so much!
 
TheDingo said:
As an alternative, have you considered the Vinten Vision Blue tripods ?

Vinten VB-AP2M Vision Blue System with Mid Level Spreader : $1210

Vinten VB3-AP2M Vision blue3 System with Mid-Level Spreader (Black) : $1829

I own a Sachtler ACE-M, which is a nice low cost tripod, but the Vinten Vision Blue series is a lot closer to the Sachtler professional tripods in terms of performance.
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Thanks for the advice! I have looked at the Vinten Blue system however their weight load is only 11LB. The ACE L version has a max weight load of 13LB. I would prefer the 13LB. What do you think about the FSB 6?
 
hasselblad said:
I have looked at the Vinten Blue system however their weight load is only 11LB.
Click to expand...

The second link I posted is for the Vinten Vision Blue with the VB3 head that has a maxium weight load of 14.6 lbs. ( this is in the same price range as the Sachtler FSB 6 )

hasselblad said:
The ACE L version has a max weight load of 13LB. I would prefer the 13LB. What do you think about the FSB 6?
Click to expand...

Given the construction of the Sachtler ACE tripods ( functional but nowhere as good as the regular Sachtler pro gear ), I would focus on the Sachtler FSB 6 and the Vinten Vision Blue with the VB3 head. ( both of these are better built than the ACE )
 
I had a Sachtler FSB8 on Manfrottos 535. A sweet lightweight combination. You could go for a FSB6 if you use a DSLR. If you can get hold of a used Sachtler head the value is great.
 
A few things to keep in mind...

Good counter balance is amazing. Being able to tilt the head, let go & have the head stay exactly at that spot is so beautiful.

Note, if you're not familiar with COG & tripod weight ranges, look at some of the charts Vinten has on their site. Essentially it is simple physics. A camera with a low COG & higher weight needs the same counter balance as a camera with a high COG & lower weight. This is important to know when comparing different tripod heads as they often don't always list the weight limits with the same COG.

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Vinten has their "perfect balance" on all of their heads for sale today. Down side with Vinten is as you tighten the spring for heavier cameras you start to lose tilt range. No longer can you tilt the head +/- 90 degrees, maybe it is down to +/- 60 or less.

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The 504 only has 4 steps of counter balance: 0 lb (0 kg); 5.5 lb (2.5 kg); 11 lb (5.0 kg); 16.5 lb (7.5 kg). If your camera weighs exactly one of those, you're great. If it is half way in between two of those settings you're going to have to crank the tilt drag up a lot to prevent the head from falling down / tilting back to center.

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The Sachtler FSB6 has 10 steps of counter balance between 2.2 - 13lb, meaning you'll have a much easier time getting the balance right & you won't have to rely on the tilt drag as much. Also with the Sachtler you don't lose any tilt range like a Vinten when you go to a stronger spring setting.

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Each has their own selling points, find what is best for you.
 
TheDingo said:
The second link I posted is for the Vinten Vision Blue with the VB3 head that has a maxium weight load of 14.6 lbs. ( this is in the same price range as the Sachtler FSB 6 )



Given the construction of the Sachtler ACE tripods ( functional but nowhere as good as the regular Sachtler pro gear ), I would focus on the Sachtler FSB 6 and the Vinten Vision Blue with the VB3 head. ( both of these are better built than the ACE )
Click to expand...

Thanks so much! You have helped a lot!
 
zijital said:
A few things to keep in mind...

Good counter balance is amazing. Being able to tilt the head, let go & have the head stay exactly at that spot is so beautiful.

Note, if you're not familiar with COG & tripod weight ranges, look at some of the charts Vinten has on their site. Essentially it is simple physics. A camera with a low COG & higher weight needs the same counter balance as a camera with a high COG & lower weight. This is important to know when comparing different tripod heads as they often don't always list the weight limits with the same COG.

---

Vinten has their "perfect balance" on all of their heads for sale today. Down side with Vinten is as you tighten the spring for heavier cameras you start to lose tilt range. No longer can you tilt the head +/- 90 degrees, maybe it is down to +/- 60 or less.

---

The 504 only has 4 steps of counter balance: 0 lb (0 kg); 5.5 lb (2.5 kg); 11 lb (5.0 kg); 16.5 lb (7.5 kg). If your camera weighs exactly one of those, you're great. If it is half way in between two of those settings you're going to have to crank the tilt drag up a lot to prevent the head from falling down / tilting back to center.

---

The Sachtler FSB6 has 10 steps of counter balance between 2.2 - 13lb, meaning you'll have a much easier time getting the balance right & you won't have to rely on the tilt drag as much. Also with the Sachtler you don't lose any tilt range like a Vinten when you go to a stronger spring setting.

---

Each has their own selling points, find what is best for you.
Click to expand...

My head is spinning.... but I love it!
 
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