Tripod HELP!!!

Right now I think Miller makes the best bang for the buck. I own a Arrow 25 system which I know is probably out of your range (2500 for head) but the head out performs other heads costing twice as much. It really depends on your payload on what kind of precision you need.

I do a lot of shots especially for clients who want a very specific move. They don't have time or tolerance for multiple takes or sloppiness. Often times I'll have to tilt or pan off one thing and come to an exact stop on another (product or subject). The slightest bit of extraneous movement or bad timing, the'll want another take. After three takes, they want another DP.

So if you doing alot high pressure and precision stuff shell out for a great tripod system that has no backlash, play and great counterbalance. Otherwise, there are good lower cost options. I personally have a disdain for anything Manfrotto as I find the movement is friction masquerading as fluid. Put on your longest lens and try a delicate diagonal move and see if comes to a nice rest. Good luck.

Libec is actually a real fluid head with stripped down options at a good cost. The movement on Libecs are remarkably dampened and smooth. Alot of low cost heads resistance are really friction heads advertised as fluid (All of Bogen, Vinten, and Lower cost Cartoni's). Open up Bogen, Vinten and Gitzo and you won't see fluid modules but instead two greasy plastic discs that press against eachother for resistance. That's what they call fluid. It's pretty bogus. Also many of these heads are overrated in payload. Don't think of putting 22lbs on a Vinten 3 or Cartoni Focus. In fact I wouldn't go above 14lbs with either one. If you got a fifteen pound rig get something that's honestly rated or go up to 30lbs payload.

Libec, Miller, Sachtler, higher end Cartoni's and O'Connors use true fluid module resistance. The difference compared to friction is dramatic and it effects your work immediately.
 
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Essami said:
EX1, Letus Extreme, Cinevate carbon rails and a 20mm canon lens weigh 5.15kg (11.35lbs).
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Have u tried that with one of the heavy weight lenses like the 24-70, 70-200 or 180 macro? Was using it recently with the 180 and man, how i wish i had carbon fibre tripod, rails, EX1.......
 
davidcheok said:
Have u tried that with one of the heavy weight lenses like the 24-70, 70-200 or 180 macro? Was using it recently with the 180 and man, how i wish i had carbon fibre tripod, rails, EX1.......
Click to expand...

the heaviest lenses I have are 135mm and 85mm which both weight about 700grams. Other lenses including the 20mm weigh about 200grams. I have a manfrotto tripod and its big and bulky. There's really no way to go hiking with it.
 
Tweekme:

what did abel charge ya if you don't mind me asking?

I just purchased the same exact setup so just wondering.
 
Ok quick question. Which is the better tripod of the two?

Sachtler Video 10, or Viten Pro 5?

Need a second tripod. Got the choice of these two.
Thanks
 
I'm going to be getting the Miller DS20 Carbon tripod too. Can I use this in combination with a lightweight jib, such as the Microdolly jib?
 
Has anyone compared the DS20 to an Arrow 25 with a fairly heavy 35mm adapter set-up e.g.: LEX + Nikon 80-200 + Sony Ex-1 + mattebox at the long end of the lens especially?

I'm wondering if the DS20 has enough beef or I need an Arrow 25.

Lenny Levy
 
how come no one's talking about the Sachtler heads, ie: DV6SB & DV8SB ??? i know they're a little more expensive then the Miller DS20 and Cartoni Focus systems, but isn't Sachtler the best and most durable?

i need to find a tripod ASAP. tripod needs to be able to handle the camera, mattebox with rails, 35mm lens adaptor, etc. 20lbs max.
 
Thanks Dxmetal. i'm currently deciding between the DV6SB, DV8SB, Miller DS20, Cartoni Focus, Laser systems. My gut tells me to go with one of the Sachtlers. i just need to find a camera house here in LA that has all of my options to choose from. that would make it a lot easier.

-if anyone knows of a camera house or a retailer who has all of these or some of these tripiods, please let me know.

thanks to all.
 
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