Time to buy a new Tripod. Sachtler Ace? Manfrotto 502/504HD Head?

Kit Hannah

Kit Hannah

Veteran
I need to buy a new tripod ASAP and I'm looking for some reviews on the new Sachtler Ace and if anybody has used it. I have also been seeing a lot of good reviews on the new Manfrotto 502 and 504HD systems and would potentially pair them with a set of Carbon Fiber Sticks. I have had multiple tripods in the past from low to high end, including multiple Manfrotto tripods, the use of many higher end Vinten and Sachtler Tripods, etc.

The weight going on it is pretty minimal at this point, probably 3-5 pounds, but I am contemplating a slider as well. For the mean time though, let's say no slider, 5 pounds, do I go Sachtler Ace or something like a little 502HD setup?
 
Really? Nobody? People were talking like the Ace was supposed to be fantastic, the new Indie standard, wedding guy's dream. And a lot of people have said some good things about the 502 and 504 Manfrottos. I guess if I don't hear anything, I will just try out the 502HD and see if I like it.
 
I have tried a few tripods, from mid-high level Manfrotto's and low-med grade Sachtler's. I can't claim to be a professional tripod expert, but after testing tripod heads at Samy's and a few other stores I decided to purchase the 504 head and 2-stage carbon figer sticks. I love it and it works perfectly for me. I'm sure a Sachtler would be great too, but I have no regrets with what I have now, especially for its price point.
 
When I decided to get serious about video production I spent a couple of months looking at different tripods including the entire Manfrotto line. My budget was $500 - $600 or so. I then happened to be able to spend an hour with a Sachtler sales manager who was a highly experienced video producer in his own right. His insights and suggestions led me to buy a Sachtler FSB 6 shortly thereafter for $1432 for what was then my primary camera, a Panasonic HMC150.

It was, and remains, one of the very best decisions I have ever made regarding video equipment. As I my skills have developed, I am all the more pleased with the decision to buy really good equipment. There are certainly other manufacturers of outstanding tripods and heads besides Sachtler but Manfrotto is not among them.

I now own five different tripods. Each has it own virtues and limitations but when anything but a lock down shot is required, I always turn to the Sachtler.
 
Last edited:
Hey,
I just stumbled upon your question, so I wanted to let you know about my experience.
I work with the Sachtler ACE for around five months now and I really like it!! My rig has aprox. the same weight as yours (sometimes less and sometimes more) and it has never been a problem. The fluid head worked with all kinds of setups. Even unhandy or bulky rigs could be used easily with the counterbalance system.
If you want to use a slider in the future, I don't think this will be a problem. I used my Glidetrack in combination with the tripod and it worked quite well.

In comparison to the Manfrotto tripods in general I'd say that the Ace has a higher build quality and a much smoother fluid-head. Sachtler is also known in the industry for their high quality.

In your position I'd buy the Ace. You won't regret it :)
Please let me know if you have any more questions about it!
 
Hey there Kit,

Just saw this thread too.
I am using the ACE too and from what i can tell you, its the best option for a low budget tripod..
Its a great system and its very light but there is no compromise in stability at all.
In general, the Sachtlers tend to be a little better built than the Manfrottos. They are more expensive but you will have your tripod for a long time and trust me, fluidity will not decrease. Had the ACE for about 5 months now and its incredible how well it withstands the bashing it got from me in that time.

The ACE is cheaper than most sachtlers as it doesnt use the same materials on the outside. But the head is a real sachtler head. As fluid as you want it to be. It uses a completely different, more advanced system in the head, as opposed to the Manfrottos, to maintin perfect fluidity.

Id say, go for the ACE. Very good unit for the price.

Regards,
Phil
 
Last edited:
djmfoxtrot said:
I now own five different tripods. Each has it own virtues and limitations but when anything but a lock down shot is required, I always turn to the Sachtler.
Click to expand...

Do you still use the FSB-6 or have you upgraded to a higher-end Sachtler? If your Sachtler preference is so strong, why have so many others? And what are the other four?
 
Anyone know if the Ace head can be bought separately? It would be good to pair it with CF sticks for an ultra-light combo
 
J Davis said:
Anyone know if the Ace head can be bought separately? It would be good to pair it with CF sticks for an ultra-light combo
Click to expand...

I too was looking into that option. But I was just a little worried because of the "low" price point that Schatler has put on the Ace. Most of the time, something has to be sacraficed to get prices down that low or there would be no reason to buy a higher end tripod. I have owned many Manfrottos and have always been fairly satisfied with them, I just wasn't sure about the 502 and 504's specifically. Some say they're awesome, some say they're garbage, but I think they're ok and most people purchasing them are not expecting the world of them.

Thanks for the feedback folks. I was gettin a little worried there... haha
 
The thing that makes the Price on the ACE is the materials used in the head! It's not the high end metals from a higher end Sachtler, its rather some kind of nylon fibre/ABS mixture. Really solid, no worries there.

The outstanding thing is, that the fluid head is as good as other Sachtlers!
 
What I don't like about the Ace + legs combo is the weight, b&h lists it as 9.7 lbs

I would love to see a sachtler pro version of the ace head with CF sticks for $1000 weighing in at 5.5 lbs
 
I just bought the Vinten Vison Blue based on a rec from a fellow forum member. I had done a lot of research and was about to make the purchase on a Manfrotto. The Vinten's balance compensator is really good! The two stage, mid-level spreader makes the tripod super stable. No twisting by the legs even when extended to its max. It also extends to one of the tallest tripods I've used. I couldn't be happier. Comes with a really nice carry bag as well. Got mine at BH when I bought my AC160. Nothing like new gear to put a smile on your face! Check here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/734609-REG/Vinten_VB_AP2M_VB_AP2M_Camera_Support_System.html
 
Last edited:
I recently bought a 504 HD. Its crap. as soon and the weather warms up the drag disappears. then you end up tightening it up part the highest setting and it starts felling terrible, sticks at first the suddenly gives. If you like a super light drag then i'm sure it'll be fine, but i like to have max drag at all times and even the old 504 i think it was ( the one where the locks never worked) was way better than this one. I think i'm going to buy and ace. What are the chances that the base plates are the same? holding thumbs. Heavily invested in all my gear being compatible.
 
I currently shoot with a 503 Manfrotto that I've had since the DAWN OF TIME. It does an okay job, but I've been researching my next tripod, and planning to spend anywhere from $1200-$2000 on it. I'm looking at the Vinten Vision Blue primarily, but the Ace is interesting, and even that 509HD looks interesting.
 
I went from Manfrotto 503 to Vision Blue - difference is night and day, so long as you're not going to overload it the perfect balance works beautifully, no fighting the tripod anymore, and no 2nd takes
 
My primary head is a Satchler FSB-8 "Side-Load", but have various Manfrotto heads (701, 502, 503, 504) for use on sliders, monopods, etc.

A great feature of the "Side-Load" is it shares the same plate as the Manfrottos mentioned above, so the camera can be reconfigured quickly. The Ace also uses the same plate.

Of all the fluid heads I ever used, including the high end professional OCONs, & such, only the 502 has the tilt mechanism on the right-hand side, which I find very frustrating. And while the 504 seemed OK at first, it eventually lost quite a bit of strength in it's tilt mechanism.

@ J Davis, the Ace head is not available separately.
 
Last edited:
The Manfrotto 504 head is kinda junky. We have four of them here and they've all developed hitches in their pan/tilt movement. The tripods they came with are overly complex as well.

I personally have a Libec RS450 and LOOOOOOVE it. It's a big head, but they have the RS350 and RS250 as well. They're head and shoulders above the Manfrottos. I've had some limited time with the ACE and I'd say it's between the Manfrotto and RS250 in terms of "niceness".
 
I want to report about the Sachtler Ace, I received it today.

From the short test I was able to make, everything seems fine, except one actually pretty big problem. The fluid head always gives a slight kickback at the end of the pan movement. It's the moment I let my hand off the handle. I tried all the drag and counterbalance settings, but still there is a slight kickback.

I have little experience with fluid heads, maybe it is normal to have just a bit of kickback? Or maybe my setup was too light, like 1-1.5kg ?
Or maybe the fluid head needs more usage in order for the fluids to fluctuate properly?

I am in the dark here, because I cannot believe, that Sachtler would made such a mistake.
 
Last edited:
Does nobody use any serious tripods on here? I have had a Sachtler DV6 for over 4 years and love it. It has worked like gangbusters. Problem is, my rig has become too heavy for it. I am currently looking to make a dramatic jump to a more solid platform.

Rule #1: Never skimp on your sticks. Think about it, your entire expensive camera sits on it. If it's a crappy platform, your asking for trouble.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top