Sacthler Ace M or Libec RS-250

S

sharry

Well-known member
Hey all. I was wondering which tripod to go for. I really like what I see and hear about the Sachtler Ace M. However, it's legs are always criticized. I also looked at Libec RS-250. I did found some reviews but they were always comparing it to the expensive Sachtlers (FSB6) and Vinten Visions (Blue). It does not fall in that category. RS250 has a payload of 13 lbs (probably that is why it was being compared by those tripods) while Ace M has 8 lbs. The libec seems stronger than Sachtler but Sachtler is... Sachtler. What would you guys say? Which one is better? Approximately my rig would weigh 4 - 5.5 lbs with a prime lens and 6 - 7 lbs with a zoom lens.

P.S: I am going to buy with a mid spreader.
 
Honestly, I would recommend eating Ramen Noodles for six months and getting a Sachtler FSB with speed lock legs. It's worth it, IMHO. I realize this is probably not what you want to hear. And I wish I could tell you between the Ace and the Libec. But I've tested the Ace and never used that particular Libec, so I really can't tell which is better. But I can tell you that the FSB is superior to the Ace, mostly because of, like you pointed out, the better legs. The Ace head is nice. Best of luck to you and Pakistan!!
 
Keep in mind - if at all possible, you don't always need to buy a head and legs "set". For instance, the Manfrotto legs that shipped with heads like the 503 are pretty good (I regularly put an 8' kessler on 'em) and they show up on eBay a lot (even with a used manrotto head, which you can always use on a slider or rig). I don't know if you can buy the Ace head without the sticks, but it's been well reviewed.
 
I never loved my Libec 250 with the mid-level, and sold it for the Sachtler Ace. Don't regret it for a minute. I'm primarily a run & gunner, and find the Ace to be perfect - lightweight, durable in the field, and very very smooth. My Libec did not hold up in the field, didn't love the build of the legs, which had to go in for warranty repairs twice, and the rubber soles on the feet were constantly coming off.
 
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Big fan of the Sachtler Ace, but never used that Libec so it's hard to compare.
The head on the Ace is the real draw, but the legs aren't as bad as people complain about. Sure you could get heavier ones, but then you have to lug them around all the time. You could get speed locks, but then you're not paying $500 for a real fluid head tripod kit. For the money it's a hard combo to beat. Not only that but it's a freaking Sachtler so you get that cache of showing up with a pro brand name if that's important to you.
 
The Sachtler is on sale this week at B&H - $499 w/free standard shipping instead of $557 if you use SHOPEB50 promo code.
 
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I have a Manfrotto 028B that goes to 89 inches, with the geared center column extended. It weighs about 10 pounds. The rated capacity is 26 lbs.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554068-REG/Manfrotto_028B_028B_Studio_Pro_Triman.html

Some people have complained about it being difficult to deploy the spreader - no problem at all if you turn the tripod upside down and gently pull on two of the legs at once. The same procedure works fine for closing up.

I cannot count the number of public events I have gone to where I spend 1/2 hour picking out a choice spot only to have group of TV station folks arrive 5 mins before the event to do their set up two feet in front of me. Fortunately I have a step stool that lets me crank the column and tower over them.

I added a telescopic pan bar (not available with the 028B) and moved the fixed length par bar to the left side - this has a huge impact on being able to do smooth pans/tilts

I don't think I would buy ever buy a shorter tripod or one that does not have a spreader or geared center column.
 
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Although this is an old thread, I thought I'd chime in just to add my experience.

I bought a Sachtler Ace M knowing the bad reviews for the legs, and took really good care of it while traveling and setting up. Even so, after less than a year of infrequent use, they've started falling apart.

However, the head is awesome, and the price is good. So for anyone buying this set, keep in mind that you'll most likely have to replace the legs at some point in the not so distant future after your purchase.
 
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