What tripod/head will you use with your AF100?

Terry_Lasater

Terry_Lasater

All about the Caption
I have an old Gitzo 1380 with aluminum legs. It's a decent head but the counterbalance cannot be adjusted; it is what it is.

I'm considering a Sachtler FSB-8T system because of a) Sachtler's quality and b) a 10 step counterbalance adjustment that allows payloads ranging from 2-20 lbs. That would allow me to use it with a bare bones 7D setup to a decently kitted AF100 setup.
 
I have a Manfrotto 516,545BK. Best tripod I've owned to date. I hear Sachtlers are great, but have never had an opportunity to use one. I had a Cartoni Focus I sold a couple years ago (F102 I believe) because I didn't like it much.
 
I've got a O'connor 2065 on order w/ ronford medium duty legs.... I'm gonna need something strong to hold up my af100 w/ that beautiful Cooke 18-100 T3 Zoom I've got on order.... ;)
 
You cannot go wrong with the Sachtler. I have a 7 year old Sachtler DV8 system on the newer legs and it all works great. Very solid for kitted EX-1/adapter sized camera rigs, so fine for the AF-100 with accessories, and I use it with my 7D too. If you want to go cheaper, I got a Manfrotto 504HD system as a second tripod and it's pretty nice.
 
Thanks for taking the time to post those reviews, Steve. Although I've only owned one decent tripod/head myself, I've had experience with all the major brands over the years I've done production work. I'm adamant about wanting a head with very good adjustable counterbalance system and a tripod without a floor spreader. I've used several Sachtlers and that has a bearing on my decision.

I wish I could afford a $10,000 OConnor like Timur. Or, for that matter, the $11,000 Cooke zoom lens he mentioned with a wink.

I am curious, however, to hear from others as to what they will use.
 
I have a Sactler FSB6 and it is by far the best tripod in its class! I did an EXHAUSTIVE amount of research at the time. I really wanted to find something that would hold up. To go higher, it's double the price of my FSB8. But, you'll get a 100mm ball head. Which will fit a lot of other things like jibs, dollies..etc.

75mm heads are more light weight and portable. 100mm heads are more heavy duty and are an industry standard. If I could do it all over again, i might have jumped up to the System10.

The FSB6 however is an OUTSTANDING tripod. I even put an HPX370 on it and it held it like a champ! And that's a step up in the weight category.

You really, REALLY don't want to cheepen out on your tripod system. Everyone who knew what they were talking about told me this. And after owning a Sachtler, I realize why. I personally LOATH Mantrotto tripods! I've never used one that was decent.
 
i just picked up my manfrotto 350 legs. for my price i really like the build. still on a 501 head, manfrotto is releasing a 509HD early 2011 so most likely that will be on top.
 
Jon Furtado said:
I have a Sactler FSB6 and it is by far the best tripod in its class! I did an EXHAUSTIVE amount of research at the time. I really wanted to find something that would hold up. To go higher, it's double the price of my FSB8. But, you'll get a 100mm ball head. Which will fit a lot of other things like jibs, dollies..etc.

75mm heads are more light weight and portable. 100mm heads are more heavy duty and are an industry standard. If I could do it all over again, i might have jumped up to the System10.

The FSB6 however is an OUTSTANDING tripod. I even put an HPX370 on it and it held it like a champ! And that's a step up in the weight category.

You really, REALLY don't want to cheepen out on your tripod system. Everyone who knew what they were talking about told me this. And after owning a Sachtler, I realize why. I personally LOATH Mantrotto tripods! I've never used one that was decent.
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Jon, do you have a link for the Sachtler head you own? The FSB-6 I've seen on B&H lists it as having a 75mm ball and a payload range from 2 to 13.2 lbs.
 
Terry_Lasater said:
I wish I could afford a $10,000 OConnor like Timur. Or, for that matter, the $11,000 Cooke zoom lens he mentioned with a wink.

I am curious, however, to hear from others as to what they will use.
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Granted its expensive, but an Oconnor is an heirloom item. I could probably hand that thing down to my (future) childen. Its an investment in my future as a DP. :) Good tools to last a lifetime.

That being said the Miller line is exquisite. The best fluid motion short of an Oconnor.
 
Picked up a used O'Connor 50D from the marketplace, just hunting for some sticks. Any recommendations just for sticks?
 
I've been using a Sachtler FSB6 head with Manfrotto 535 carbon fibre legs for the past year with my EX1 and love the combo. I shoot in lots of rugged terrain and the Manfrotto legs allow me to get real low and independently adjust the legs as needed. Looking back I wouldnt of minded getting the FSB8 head but the 6 has never limited me what so ever. I strongly considered the Miller but it's drag setting seemed very "on/off" to me.
 
My .02

I just finished my research for a tripod system to meet my needs and decided/purchased the Vinten Vision Blue with the Manfrotto 535 Carbon Legs.
The Vision Blue 75mm Ball "Perfect Balance" system totally balances (at any angle the) 5lb+ DSLR I have had on it. A fairly new release from Vinten and positioned at the DSLR and smaller video camera market like the AF100 market. I like the light Manfrotto 535 75mm tripod however if I knew about the Manfrotto 536 (same price) I would of picked that one up instead only because it can accommodate both 75mm and 100mm heads. I like versatility :o)

fyi- the last piece I purchased to complete my system was the Philip Bloom Pocket Dolly Kit... My Af100 should arrive tomorrow or the next day... so I think I am ready to rock n roll..

Good luck in your selection..
 
Sticking with my Cartoni Focus. Used it with the HVX200/RedrockM2 (barely functional when fully rigged with brick batteries and Marshall monitor!!), had much better results with the 7D and a lighter Lilliput monitor. Expect it to be pretty near perfect for the AF100 as long as I avoid using my brick batteries mounted on the rails as a power source (kills the tilt ability on the Focus head).
 
I have a new Manfrotto 504 head & 546 sticks. It feels nice and smooth. Much better than the older 503 head. I also have a smaller 701 head & 745 sticks when just using the camera without rods and such as alight weight tripod.
 
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