GH4 What's the ABSOLUTE BEST VIDEO TRIPOD for a GH4?

Jaime Valles

Jaime Valles

Veteran
Hi, folks.

I need a better video tripod. Right now I'm using a Manfrotto MVH500A head and MVT502AM legs with my GH4 setup for shooting multi-camera event videography. I like the size and weight of the whole package, but it's just not smooth enough when I pan and tilt the camera. I need something that's BUTTERY SMOOTH, that I don't have to worry about touching the tripod handle because it will make the camera shake.

So, what's the absolute best tripod for a GH4 + still lenses? I'm not planning on using very heavy camera setups on this (no Alexa or F65 type cameras for me). The biggest setup would be a Canon J16ax8B 8-128mm B4 lens with rails on a GH4 (roughly 8 pounds total).

Here's the thing: I'm willing to spend good money on the best tripod. I know the brands O'Connor, Miller & Sachtler, but I don't really know where to start looking. This is an investment that should last me many, many years, so I'm OK spending a few thousand dollars to get the tripod head and legs that will do the job.

Thanks in advance! :thumbsup:
 
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After going through a whole bunch of Manfrottos over the years ( and hating every one of them ), I finally broke down and bought a Sachtler, which was the best money I've spent to date on a video tripod.

The Sachtler FSB-4 head should be sufficient for your needs, but bigger is always better if you can afford it. ( the larger Sachtler heads have the same minimum weight characteristics as the smaller heads do, so they work just as well with light weight camera packages )
 
You should also look at the Miller Compass series - you'd probably want the Compass 20. Excellent carbon fibre legs, and they have a mechanism that lets you get the camera virtually on the ground.
 
I agree with Mr Bill and think you should look at the Miller Compass series, or maybe try and hire some, to try before you buy. I too had to look at updating my MVT 502am sticks and head because I use a long lens a lot these days. I settled on some older second hand Miller Solo 1630, 2 stage (aluminium) sticks, and DS5 head. I wouldn't recommend the DS5 head as it has built in friction control (its good but not on a long lens). I got lucky and had an old smallish Miller head from the 70's given to me and its much better than the Manfrotto 502am. I wish I had bought the Miller DS10. But hiring first is the way to go I reckon.
 
I bought a Cartoni Gamma about 15 years ago. Some of the best money I have ever spent. It has been solid as a rock. Back then I had a BetaCam SP and a 35mm. Since then I have used it with DVX100, HVX200, RED One, RED Epic and GH4. Its adjustability made it perfect for all of them. Whatever you decide on, get a good one and you won't have to replace it anytime soon.
 
Thinking about selling my Vinten Vision 3 with Miller Solo DV Legs (not CF). Nice set-up I used with my Canon C100. I'm switching to a motorcycle friendly set-up for a travel series.
 
I've bought several used Sachtlers and they were great steals. If I were you I'd size up to to a video 18 or 20 and you'll have the smoothness you're after. The smaller heads work well up to the point you start loading longer lenses and on-boards onto them. I've had a V18 for five years (used long before that) and it always plays on Epic/Alexa shoots still as a B/C cam setup. You won't be sorry if you go for that range. Also, my V18 supports my GH4 on a cineslider very well (that's right, the slider on the head -- much smoother that way with that class of slider) so you have lots of options.
 
This is all fantastic advice.

This Sachtler FSB-8 system for $1800 seems like a good balance between price & performance, from a company many trust:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/610885-REG/Sachtler_0742_0742_FSB_8T_Tripod_System.html
It handles up to 20 pounds and only weighs 12 pounds. Seems about right for my current needs, and all the reviews I've found online give it nothing but praise. I think it may be winning for me right now.

The Benro is certainly interesting for the price:
http://www.amazon.com/Benro-C373FBS...=UTF8&qid=1426624509&sr=8-3&keywords=benro+s8
How good is it compared to a Sachtler or Miller? I haven't used any of them, so I'm relying on you folks to compare and contrast them for me. If I'm after super-smooth pans & tilts, would this do the trick? It's tempting at only $625, but only if it's as good as the more expensive ones. I'm not trying to skimp out here; I'd rather buy once and have it last me for many years.

The Miller Compass 20 look fantastic as well:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/644516-REG/Miller_1844_1844_Compass20_Solo_2_Stage.html
It's heavier (16.5 pounds) and more expensive than the Sachtler FSB-8 at $2677, but if it's significantly better than the FSB-8 in performance I might be able to spring for it. Maybe.

That Sachtler Video 18 looks amazing! But at $5500 for the head alone, that beast is just too much for my budget right now:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/706499-REG/Sachtler_1810_Video_18_S1_Fluid.html

Same goes for the Cartoni Gamma G100 head at $3681:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/200860-REG/Cartoni_G100_G100_Gamma_ENG_Fluid.html

Is the Vinten Vision 3 discontinued? Has it been replaced by the Vinten Vision Blue? This one:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/734609-REG/Vinten_VB_AP2M_VB_AP2M_Camera_Support_System.html
Looks really good, and less expensive than the Sachtler FSB-8 at $1427, but the minimum weight is 4.6 pounds, which is a bit too high for my GH4 and Lumix lenses.

Anyway, thanks so much for the suggestions. I'm still weighing all my options, so please keep the comments coming! :cheesy:
 
I didn't want to spend the money, but went for it. I got the least expensive Sachtler I could afford, the FSB-4, and I don't regret it. It has been great both indoors and out.

The head has been steady, smooth and as adjustable as I've ever needed.

I'm sure there are other high quality tripods that might be as good or better, but I think you'll be satisfied with Sachtler.

Best wishes with whatever you choose.
 
nyvideo said:
I didn't want to spend the money, but went for it. I got the least expensive Sachtler I could afford, the FSB-4, and I don't regret it. It has been great both indoors and out.

The head has been steady, smooth and as adjustable as I've ever needed.

I'm sure there are other high quality tripods that might be as good or better, but I think you'll be satisfied with Sachtler.

Best wishes with whatever you choose.
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Thanks for the insight! I've been looking at the FSB-4, as the price here is really attractive:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/767481-REG/Sachtler_0377_Telescopic_Tripod_TT_75_2.html

It does look like it's everything I need, but I do worry slightly about the maximum payload of 8.8 pounds. Right now that should work for my GH4 + lenses, but if I start to add a monitor, cage, rails, follow focus, etc., I fear I may hit that limit too easily.

Of course, I could always go for it, and if I need a heavier payload later on then I'd just sell the FSB-4 and buy a bigger one. Hmm...
 
There are fluid heads with better counterbalance but the FSB side-load series uses the same camera plates as your Manfrottos, which is valuable if you plan to incorporate both into a system.

If you have the budget consider the FSB-8. I've brutalized mine & it's never failed.
 
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