What tripod should I get?

Jarred Land said:
does anyone here own a panther head?
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You woke up some memories here, if it is the same brand I use to know twelve years ago while I worked as crew in film-comercial productions.
Does anyone know their website to check them out ?
 
Cees Mutsaers said:
I looked at the sachtler.de site but isn't the DV-6 just only the fluid head and not the tripod?????? What tripod + fluid head combination of sachtler should be enough for the HVX200+external mic?
which head size suits the HVX best 75, 100 or 150 mm???
which one does include lanc for focus, zoom AND iris??
edit : I forgot to mention a 12" G4 powerbook for ofloading the P2 cards
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The DV6 is the head, but sometimes used to refer to the whole kit with sticks.

You can use a DV4 or DV6 (DV6 far superior with drag controls) with any manufacturer's sticks that fit the ball of the head. I personally prefer Miller legs with just about any head, since they have the lowest priced tubular CF sticks. But the choices are open, pick the sticks that fit the application and budget.

75mm is fine for most apps, 100mm is more solid, and better for heavier duty uses. I don't see 150mm much in video, maybe the HDCAM cameras with heavily burdened head need that, when you tack on all the accessories, 3' lens, and mattebox.

I would buy a separate unit for zoom/focus, not attached to the tripod. Varizoom is shipping the new one for the HVX, that has both zoom and focus, but it is not on their site yet. I tried it at DVexpo, and it was pretty responsive.
 
yes.. i just got the rock for the HVX and i will be able to test it out tuesday.. its a solid unit, just as expected.
 
Varizoom rock

Varizoom rock

That's good news Jarred.
Give us a little review as soon as you've used it a bit

I want to get one myself to attach to the DVRig Pro stabilizer.
 
Varizoom

Varizoom

Watch out on the Varizoom site, the Rock and Stealth links are mis-assigned. The Rock leads you to the Stealth and vice versa
 
Crossed links

Crossed links

Thanks for pointing out the crossed links.

Tom


Terence Lehane said:
Watch out on the Varizoom site, the Rock and Stealth links are mis-assigned. The Rock leads you to the Stealth and vice versa
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Opcode said:
Good point. Let's take a look at a few options:

Sachtler DV6 ( $1750 ) Load : 13.2lb
Sachtler DV8 ( $2400 ) Load : 17.6lb
Vinten Vision 3 ($2250) Load : 22.b
Cartoni Focus 2-Stage ($1550) Load: 22lb

Given that the HVX is about 5lb, add on a Vocus Matte Box (1.5 lb empty), ND filter, Polarizer, Chroziel Follow Focus, and a Marshall Field Montor (3.2lb) along with assortment of rods and fixtures. This would be pushing close to the rated load for the DV6 but sounds doable.

If I wanted to add lens and adapter, we would obviously need to go up. But it looks like the DV8 only adds another 4.4 lb capacity which I think would be exceeded by a lens and adapter.

The Vinten seems very promising given is large lattitude of 2-22 lb because it allows the flexibility of changing springs. So i would seem that if you wanted a loudout with lens adapter you would need to go to the next Sachtler up (big bucks!) or go with the Vinten Vision 3.

The cartoni seems to give the best value while holding up the higher loads, but I haven't heard much about how it handles. Can anyone fill us in?

Notice the price difference between the V6 - V8 and the load addition. Seems kinda outrageous. Does anyone know if the V8 is indeed lighter than the v6, the specs seem to indicate that it's 5lb lighter, which is very significant I think.

Hmmmm....decisions... Would be a sweet setup though eh?
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You might want to check your specs again on the DV8. I belive it's total capasity is 26lbs
 
Hi Mike,
That tripod is pretty cool, because the legs allow you to lock them in 2 different positions without the use of a spreader; or you can attach the spreader and release the legs, allowing the spreader to give you infinite adjustment positions. Each leg is inidividually height adjustable, so you can work on stairs, with two legs on one step, and one leg on another. That is the benefit of the midlevel spreader. Even if you break the spreader, you can still use the legs by themselves. Also Abel is a great store; their rep Jerrod is always on here.
 
I ordered the DV6SB with the Speedlock 75CF sticks. I believe I saw a pic of Barry and company doing some tests using the exact same kit (the pic that looks like the camera is missing a leg). I was told that the newer SB heads are backordered and I would need to wait some weeks. I wonder if anyone else has gotten them in. Even with the wait, I bet I still end up with a set of sticks without a camera to put on top. Oh well.
 
I've been partial to the feel of the Miller SOLO head since NAB 2005 when I was hands on everything I could get access to. I'm considering upgrading to this (only with the DV20 head... strange, I don't see the DV20 kit on EVS anymore...)

http://www.evsonline.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=1511MILLER

Anyone own one of these? How is the reliablilty over time?

Yes, just 75mm ball, but with the carbon sticks is VERY light and that counts for me.

Regards,

Jim Arthurs
 
Hi Jim, do you mean the 1514?

http://www.evsonline.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=1514

Those have excellent longevity, as the rest of the Miller line. I was just telling someone earlier in a PM, Millers have a very long life, are well made, and smooth for light cameras.

I have even had some customers put the Focus 100mm head on the 3-stage 100mm Miller ENG CF legs:

http://www.miller.com.au/products.cfm?sectid=20&subsec=2020&productID=188

A bit pricey, but they don't need spreaders, and the final cost was still under $1800 with bag.
 
Hi Rush, yes, the 1514 was what I meant! Just couldn't fumble finger the right page up at the EVS site.

Humm, I like your second suggestion as well... 100mm would be more flexible with other uses as well... I just haven't had hands on the Cartoni Focus head and these things, past a certain degree of universal usability, are personal taste... decisions, decisions... I HATE going to a local dealer and fiddling with their stock if I don't intend to buy from them... that's why NAB is great.

Thanks Rush! This gives me something to think about while I wait for my HVX to come in...

Jim "number 43 and waiting" Arthurs
 
I appreciate the good info. on the various tripod setups.

What are the pros and cons of something like Miller's solo DV2 legs (no mid-level spreader) versus Sachtlers Speed Lock 75CF two-stage tripod with mid-level spreaders. I perfer the locks on a two stage tripod versus the twist to open and tighten locks of a tripod without a spreader. This might be because I have only used crappy twist locks - anyone that can comment on the quality of the solo legs might persuade me to think otherwise.

I think the weight difference is minimal, but would be interested in what other people have to say about the benefits of each.

For the purpose of this question I am kind of comparing the
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DS20 Solo DV Carbon Fibre System to the Sachtler DV-6SB SL Carbon Fiber Tripod. I know the heads will have a different feel and am mainly trying
to figure out what kind of tripod I want to go with.




 
We just got a Cartoni Focus 2-Stage from rush this week. I have shoot with bigger Cartoni's before using studio camera's and this smaller version is one of the best tripods I have ever used. Cartoni just makes damn fine tripod heads and the legs are stiff with no twist. And if you have never used a head with a 100mm bowl or any kind of bowl mount then you are missing out. It makes leveling the shot so mush easer since you don't have to dink with the legs. This tripod is worth every penny of the 1559 price tag. Call rushes and get one.
 
Jarred Land said:
does anyone here own a panther head?
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While in town for a screening last week I went to Abel Cine and tried out several heads. The Panther X15 was impressive. Has anyone bought one of these yet? I would be very interested in your comments.

Since the Panther line of fluid heads doesn't seem to have the reputation of Sachtler, Miller, Cartoni, Vinten etc. would the ability to have it serviced if needed be a problem? Would it retain its value like a Sachtler?

Thanks,

Steve
 
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