Sachtler, Manfrotto CF tirpod debacle

J

Jon Neely

Well-known member
Hey gang, I am asking on the forum this question because there is limited to no info on the net on how good these tripod systems are. I currently am using a LS55 Libec with mid spreaders and have been using it successfully for the last 4 years. I have gotten accustomed to the quality (pretty good, not top notch tho) and would like to keep it near there. I am currently shooting a show called Motion, it is an outdoor show where we the crew are expected to hike and kayak and climb anywhere the guests and host go. My current sticks are to bulky and heavy for this so I have been using the shows sticks which are just aluminum moanfrottos (still sticks with middle pillar) with 501 heads. After been spoiled with leveling heads I have to get one again. I am looking to see if anyone here has used or owns any of the fallowing I have listed. I currently shoot the show with an AF100 and a nikon dslr, looking into the BMC. It is common to be using 300mm lenses so they have to be sturdy. I have only used the lower end manfrottos so I have no Idea how their higher end compares. For the Sachtler I have used the head but not the legs and from my research can not find any info on those legs. I am open to other brands in the price range also.

Any help is awesome!


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...VK502C_Mvh502A_Head_535_Cf_Tripod_Padded.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/735035-REG/Manfrotto_Manfrotto_504HD_Video_Fluid.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/767481-REG/Sachtler_0377_Telescopic_Tripod_TT_75_2.html
 
...I've used many different Manfrotto tripods/heads over the past 10 years, and I generally like their sticks but hate their heads. In your price / weight range, here are the tripods I would be looking at. Both the Libec and Vinten heads feature continuously adjustable counter balance weight, so you can get perfect balance with just about any camera rig as long as you are within the weight range the head is designed for. I would also consider Manfrotto carbon fiber sticks with a Vinten head.

Sachtler Ace Tripod : $535

Sachtler FSB-4 Tripod : $861

Libec RS-250M Tripod : $769

Vinten Vision Blue Tripod : $1165

Manfrotto 535 Carbon Fiber Tripod : $550

Vinten Vision Blue Pan and Tilt Head : $771
 
I use a combination of a Vinten Vision Blue head with Miller Solo DV carbon fiber legs for my lightweight "field" tripod. The Miller sticks are great for use outside -- they're lightweight, can go very high and very, very low, and work especially well on rough terrain. You do have to keep them clean, though, to avoid getting grit in the twist locks -- hosing them down thoroughly after a trip out in the wilds is not a bad idea.

I wouldn't recommend the Vinten head with a payload over about 8 pounds or so, but within its range, it is outstanding for smoothness, ease of use and general build quality.

- Greg
 
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