Schatler or Manfrotto Tripod & Legs?

S

Speedster159

Active member
Right now I'm looking for a tripod system that would last me... forever! But problem is I'm not sure which one would be the better choice. If there's two things I'm sure of is that I want a Mid-Spreader and to not spend more than my examples.

Tripod would be used for usual ENG stuff, travel, and events so that would mean flat surfaces for Press conferences to possibly treks? Systems I'm looking at;
  • Manfrotto 504HD w/ 546BB
  • Schatler Ace M system
  • Benro?
I'm confused with the Benro naming system so I couldn't really choose one. Recommendations on other brands and/or models is fine.

I'm just putting on a HC-X1000 loaded with the usual stuff so say 3Kg - 4Kg max? Maybe even 2.5Kg.
 
None of those will last you forever, because there is a lot of plastic on them.
The Sachtler will be smoother than the other two.
However if you really want to invest in a tripod with ENG in mind, these are not it.
You would need something with a broader weight range and higher possible payloads.
 
Agreed w/ above comment. It's like saying you want to buy a Canon DSLR lens that will last you forever but you want one in the $100 price range.

If you want a Canon lens to last forever, get one of their L series starting around $1,000.

If you want a tripod that will last forever, look in the $1,000 + range. Vinten Vision Blue or Sachtler FSB 6 are two really nicely built tripod heads that will last years & years & years.

If you have to stick with your list, get a Sachtler Ace & baby it.

Stay away from Manfrotto, they are the Big Mac of tripod heads. A Big Mac is a fine hamburger if you've never been to a local brew pub that makes a real hamburger. Sachtler FSB & Vinten Vision Blue are the bottom of the list of real tripod heads & it just goes up from there.
 
Okay toss the lasting forever idea and let's just say last long enough or be good enough to let my equipment come crashing to the ground. I can't really put more money into the Tripod system.

Also! The 504HD seems tad bit large? For the HC-X1000 so let's substitute that with the 502HD. And Benro with say the S8, BV6, or BV8.

Which one would you recommend from the revised list? I'd gladly accept recommendations to other brands and/or models as long as it's not more than $875 and preferably cheaper.
 
You might want to consider Libec Rt30B tripod @ $189 with RH25R head @ $399. You will want a mid-level spreader @ $49. That gives a total of $633

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/688731-REG/Libec_RT30B_RT30B_2_Stage_Aluminum_Tripod.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/861097-REG/Libec_RH25R_RH25R_Pan_and_Tilt.html

I use this for my AG AC160A which is a little heavier than your unit. I would specifically ask the sales guys at B&H whether the counterbalance range (4-11 lb) is OK for your cam. Your cam weighs 3.41 lb , mine 5.3 lb, so the two are approx in the same range.

The range of gadgets that people seem to want to put on tripods is increasing, (Light, Shotgun mic, Zoom F8 in my case), so a head that can handle 13 lb is not overkill.

I have bought several tripods over the past 40 years including a very solid Manfrotto 028B with center crank, rated for industrial/studio use (no need to join an exercise club if you carry one of these around). but the Libec has by far been the "best" of these for easy transport/setup for interview/stage/outdoor work.

Hope this helps . . .
 
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