Sachtler or Vinten?

I have purchased quite a few heads and tripods, but never those two brands. One thing I look at is the cost of accessories like extra plates and pan-handles. If cost is an issue, take a look at, and compare options pricing.

Grant
 
Both are excellent, well engineered and smooth professional-grade heads. Either one would probably work fine for you. I own a Sachtler system myself -- in my case, the now-discontinued DV6SB head, which is a couple of steps up from the FSB4 in the kit you mentioned. The legs are exactly the same as in the FSB4 kit, I think.

I am in love with the head but am so-so about the legs. They're kinda heavy, don't go very low, and are something of a pain to set up. No problem with rigidity or stability, though -- just not as convenient as I'd like. I've decided to replace them ASAP with the Miller DV Solo carbon-fiber spreaderless legs, which based on several reviews I've read, are a better deal for field work particularly. If I shot exclusively indoors or always had assistants to help carry and set up stuff, I could probably be happy keeping the Sachtlers.

The load capacity of the Vinten head is greater than the Sachtler's (11 versus 8.8 pounds). Your camera is about five pounds "dry," but if you add batteries, perhaps a monitor, maybe rails and a mattebox someday, it could easily gain weight. The Vinten would give you a bit more headroom for future expansion (or a different camera later).

Yet another advantage to the Vinten head is that it offers continuously variable pan and tilt drag. The low-end Sachtler only has two usable click-stop settings, plus off.

So even though I'm a Sachtler owner, my ideal recommendation would be the combination of the Vinten Vision Blue head plus the Miller Solo DV legs. The combo would be about $1375 at B&H -- admittedly a little more than either one you listed. If I had to go with one of those sets as-is, I'd probably still favor the Vinten. I haven't seen their legs in person, but they look very similar to the Sachtlers.

- Greg
 
Going back a few years I had a Sachtler stolen. I needed a quick replacement and a friend had a vinten vision 10 that was about 5 years old at the time. I grabbed it thinking Id probably use it as a stop gap and I could replace it in the short term. Five years on Im still using it. Either of these brands produce quality tripods.
 
Vinten Vision Blue with either kit legs or Miller Solo.

Vinten...continuous variable settings on everything & can adjust on the fly. Sachtler feels old compared to Vinten. Sachtler limited settings & cant adjust on the fly.

more than anything...Vinten=FEEL!

david
 
Greg Smith said:
Both are excellent, well engineered and smooth professional-grade heads. Either one would probably work fine for you. I own a Sachtler system myself -- in my case, the now-discontinued DV6SB head, which is a couple of steps up from the FSB4 in the kit you mentioned. The legs are exactly the same as in the FSB4 kit, I think.

I am in love with the head but am so-so about the legs. They're kinda heavy, don't go very low, and are something of a pain to set up. No problem with rigidity or stability, though -- just not as convenient as I'd like. I've decided to replace them ASAP with the Miller DV Solo carbon-fiber spreaderless legs, which based on several reviews I've read, are a better deal for field work particularly. If I shot exclusively indoors or always had assistants to help carry and set up stuff, I could probably be happy keeping the Sachtlers.

The load capacity of the Vinten head is greater than the Sachtler's (11 versus 8.8 pounds). Your camera is about five pounds "dry," but if you add batteries, perhaps a monitor, maybe rails and a mattebox someday, it could easily gain weight. The Vinten would give you a bit more headroom for future expansion (or a different camera later).

Yet another advantage to the Vinten head is that it offers continuously variable pan and tilt drag. The low-end Sachtler only has two usable click-stop settings, plus off.

So even though I'm a Sachtler owner, my ideal recommendation would be the combination of the Vinten Vision Blue head plus the Miller Solo DV legs. The combo would be about $1375 at B&H -- admittedly a little more than either one you listed. If I had to go with one of those sets as-is, I'd probably still favor the Vinten. I haven't seen their legs in person, but they look very similar to the Sachtlers.

- Greg
Click to expand...

the Vinten legs that come in the kit are very solid. the kit with the mid level spreader is...
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/734609-REG/Vinten_VB_AP2M_VB_AP2M_Camera_Support_System.html

im a fan of the Miller legs also but the Vinten kit is a great deal if the OP wants to stick to his targeted budget.

david
 
I'm loving the discussion. I feel either would be OK. To be honest, budget is a big deal. Times are tough! Income is down! However, they are in the same ballpark cost-wise.

I did start out thinking I'd be fine in the $300 to $500 range, but I've been 'talked up'. You all are great salesmen!
 
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