Sachtler fsb6 counterbalance question.

[Robert Ruffo]

VGurcu

I have not heard about the Libec 38 before. It looks OK, but I know nothing about the brand. Reading reviews on B&H people complained about the legs coming apart, and pinching their fingers when closing. Also the Miller legs are 10" higher, and can go in odd or low positions. I don't want legs with a spreader. The Libec 38 head may be cool, but I don't know. You usually get what you pay for.

Our Libec 38 legs have been to many countries, and have carried a Red, an Ex1 with adapter, etc. with no issue. They are excellent legs, and are very light to carry. The head that comes with it is mediocre as drag cannot be adjusted, but it is serviceable for B-cam etc.

Libec has a new lien of deluxe fluid heads that look interesting. Not sure if they are better-worse than Sachler "8

 

[Robert Ruffo]

I have a set of Gitzo carbon fiber legs that I love, but they don't have the top plate that allows a bowl-type fluid head to be mounted. I might have to look into the legs like you are getting. One thing I couldn't tell from their description of the tripod legs you are getting was that it had a 100mm bowl opening. Was that in their spec page and I just missed it?

B&H sells an adapter for less than $100

 

[VGurcu]

Yes VG I'm done with manfrotto. Well, I'll use my manfrotto for EX1 #2. If the LS38 had a leg option with no spreader I might consider them. Report back what you see in Vancouver!

Well, after 3 months of delay I finally checked the Libec 38, and I gotta say it is not upto what I expected. (I played with a really abused rental floor model, so keep that in mind)
Head pan& tilt is not superb smooth (with a Sony Z7 at extreme telephoto) and have no meaningful friction adjustment.
As for the legs, they are not sturdier than Manfrotto 525 mvb, and they do wind-up after all.
My conclusion is that Libec 38 is not a step up from Bogen 501/503. Infact, I'd put them in the same category.
However they just released a new model(RS-350), which seems worth a look, specs are excellent.
On the floor there were also Sachtler FSB6 and Miller DS20, and as expected they both are superior, one touch and you can feel the day/night difference. (Legs are just fine though, nothing impressive)
So I think your decision to invest in a Sachtler will pay well in the long run...

 

[Robert Ruffo]

Libec Ls38 legs we find great - it's a great weight to solidity trade-off. The head that comes with it could be considered a back-up head. It's OK - not great. We will soon be testing the RS-400 (450?) I'll let you guys know...