Varizoom new head

[Backlot Rebels]

Does anyone even know about this product? I'm looking for a tripod and head system, and I know most people prefer a Sachtler DV6 with Miller legs, but it might be a little out of my price range. Not to mention the shipping and duty costs into Canada is going to add a good chunk of change as well.

The Zero Gravity is the cheapest I've seen that can hold 22 lbs, and it comes with legs as a package for around 700 bucks. I'm skeptical though, because all the other heads are floating around the 2 grand area, and this one is more than half that cost.

The rig I'll be using is a DVX with the Brevis flip, mattebox, and rails. Total weight is about 11 or 12 lbs, but would like to get a bit more in the tripod for when I upgrade to the HVX or another camera some day.

I'm also curious about the Bogen/ Manfrotto 519 head. I know the 501 and 503 heads are pretty much panned on here, but people have said good things about the 519, and then others have said "all Manfrottos are crap!" so I'm curious to know if the 519 falls into that same category.

Here's the link for the Varizoom head. http://www.varizoom.com/products/tripods/zerogravity.html

 

[Huy Vu]

I don't know about the 519, but I have the Bogen 516 and I would say that it's the minimum acceptable fluid head for professional performance; that is to say, it's quite good. I use an A1 with Letus EX and rail + follow focuses and the 516 handles it very well, although I'm sure that it's no $1500 Sachtler head; the 519 should be as good or better than the 516.

"All Manfrottos are crap!" is misleading. Manfrottos gears aren't made for the high end crowds; the 516, 519 and 526 heads aren't designed to compete with Sachtler, Miller or O'Connor heads that costs several thousands. They're made for the budget conscious prosumer who can't afford to spend that much just on tripod heads, but would like something that does the job. You do get what you pay for, but sometimes you don't need a Ferrari when a Civic will get you to your destination just as well. I think a lot of people who look down on Manfrotto forgets this. With that said there are a minimum amount that you need to spend to get good performance, or might as well not buy at all. The 501 and 503 in my experience certainly falls below this line.