I'm so pleased with this pod. The pictures and write up available on this pod simply don't do it justice. I was a bit hesitant to go with the Solo instead of the aluminum legs and spreader. There's no place to check it out in person up here in northern Minnesota. But... there's no buyer's remorse here. Of course it helps when you get a deal on it too... which I did. (Every little bit helps).

Any other Solo users out there?

Kent

Hey, glad to hear you received it and that you're pleased with it! I'm sure it will serve you very well for many years, Kent.

I'm sure the fiber legs are terrific. However, since I was stretching my budget already I opted for the aluminum legs on my DS-5. I am also without remorse :-) IIRC, the weight difference between the fiber and aluminum versions was not all that great.

You're right about the weight difference. The Solo goes pretty compact though and you can set 8 or 9 inches off the ground for some very smooth low angle shots. That opens up some creative possibilities... or at least makes them easier.

I understand the budget thing. Somewhere else will be leaner because of my tripod purchase. I considered DS-5 system/head that you got too (along with the DS-10 and alum. legs). It was a tough call which way to go (more money for the solo). I appreciate Ken's advice and encouragement about these tripods. It really is an investment that will outlive our present cameras. I agree, neither of us are disapointed.

Kent

This is my first experience using a real tripod and head and man am I impressed. For so long I've had a $3000+ camera (XL1s) on a $50 tripod which is pathetic. I just started trying out the DS10 a couple of days ago and what a difference it makes! I love it! I'm certain there are many more good tripods out there, but I just took a chance on the Miller as there aren't many places to try out gear in D/FW (that I know of). This is my work gear, but from what I've learned from this tripod, I hope to by the DS5 for my own GL2. They're not cheap, but well worth the money. Just wanted to chime in and say this is cool!

Quite an upgrade, huh? :-) I have a DS-5 which I love and I'm sure you won't be disappointed with it. And my frame of reference is not in comparison to a $50 tripod, but to a $300 Manfrotto. The Miller is in an entirely different league. The difference becomes quite dramatic when you try shooting things at max telephoto.

$300 Manfrotto, huh? I considered one of those for myself, too. But after your comments, I think I might have a hard time going from the Miller to the Manfrotto, despite the differences in cameras. Obviously the price is a pretty large jump, but I'm sure the quality is too. The Miller is definitely treating me well.

Next to cameras, no accessory tends to occupy as much research energy as tripods and heads.

Miller makes very good equipment. I have a DS-10 and like it very much. Despite my subsequent purchase of a Sachtler and Vinten I can't bring myself to put my Miller up for sale. It's that kind of equipment.

Yes, when you make the jump from the Bogen/Manfrotto gear the trip can seem very steep, financially. But console yourself in the realization that a really good tripod and head will probably long outlive your current camera...and probably its next two successors.

Ken, if you do decide to sell the Miller, contact me. I'm local so it would be a good transaction for us both. No shipping. I've been thinking about a new tripod but haven't gotten myself to pull the trigger yet.

I plan to purchase a Miller DS10 head soon; however, I'm unsure which tripod is the best fit for me. I shoot mostly home video (including the usual assortment of kids sporting events, school activities, etc.). Miller offers 1-Stage and 2-Stage tripods - does the 2-Stage version offer benefits I'm likely to use for the extra $300 investment? Are there better alternatives to the Miller tripod in the same price range?

tia

Steve

Bobby,

Did you go with the 1-Stage, 2-Stage or Carbon Fiber Miller tripod with your DS10 head? Any regrets?

Steve

Everywhere I look and everyone I speak to is recommending the Miller
DS-10 Tripod and head to me for my Canon XL2. Everywhere I look, to buy one brand new is beyond my budget. (I know it's worth the investment)

Does anyone have any ideas of good used equipment stores in LA or some good resources (other than here) for used equipment on the net. I'm watch ing the classifieds on here, but none for sale.

Thanks.

Evan

There's a place in glendale called BCS that might be something to check out. I believ ethey sell and rent old studio equipment maybe they have something for you.

Have you tried Transylvania Film / TV? They are located at:
121 N. Victory Blvd., Burbank
Phone (818)295-6972
Web Site: http://www.transfilm.com/

Hope this helps...

Allen

Thanks for your help.

I have a choice between getting a used Miller DS-10 Solo or a used Vinten Pro 6. I have read much positive feedback here on the Miller DS-10 and I think the Solo version (carbon fiber legs) makes it all the more attractive.

However, this review (http://www.digitalvideoediting.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=28460) did not like the Miller head nor did this review (http://dv.com/news/news_item.jhtml;jsessionid=HXSOK2GOICE5UQSNDBGCKHSCJUMEKJVN?LookupId=/xml/review/johnson0304rvw&_requestid=663544), while both liked the Miller legs. The latter reviewer liked the Miller legs over the Vinten legs (http://dv.com/news/news_item.jhtml;jsessionid=5UUPHS5ZV2VR4QSNDBGCKHSCJUMEKJVN?LookupId=/xml/review/johnson0405_rev&_requestid=657359).

I spoke to someone at Miller and he did grant a little stickiness.

Should I go for the better head/inferior legs (Vinten) or the inferior head/better legs (Miller)? No, I can't get the Miller legs and Vinten head.

I don't believe the Pro 6 head is superior. At least most of the Vinten Pro gear is rebadged Manfrotto so you want to check out which Manfrotto head the Pro 6 is most like. If it is one of the 'good' manfrott's, the it will be nice.

I've decided on getting a DS-10 for my new FX1. But, I really want to get a two stage tripod and B&H is out. They say 7 days, but I could use it directly. I've looked elsewhere but have been unable to find this combo. Anyone know of anywhere else? Also, am I correct that this is the right head? I thought of a DS-5, but I want something I can use my 13lb. Bolex EL on as well, so I thought I oughta go with something sturdier than the DS-5.

Thanks very much!
Max

I have a DS-5 which I've been using with a VX-2000 and PDX-10. I'm thinking of upgrading to an HVR-Z1, and if I do I'll probably have to continue using the DS-5 for financial reasons alone!

But for the FX-1 I agree the DS-10 would be a bit better. Just from looking at the photos I think there are two main differences from the DS-5. First, it looks like the mounting plate slides further for balancing. This is a limitation of the DS-5 which doesn't give you much play there. The other major difference is the drag adjustment knobs for pan and tilt which the DS-5 doesn't have.

I don't think there are any "sturdiness" issues, just those balance and drag features. You can get whichever legs you want with either model. FWIW,this is what I have: http://www.miller.com.au/products.cfm?sectid=20&subsec=2020&productID=74#. Seems pretty sturdy to me, certainly more solid than my Manfrotto 3221.

I need a tripod for my VX2000 and later a Z1.

I'm pretty much decided on the Miller Solo legs after trying them and reading the praise on these forums. They will suit my style of work.

I'm thinking of the DS10 head which I have tried briefly but I'm a bit concerned with some of the negative views I've read on the forums and reviews.

What alternative heads should I be looking at in a similar price range or cheaper? It seems many like the Vinten Vision 6 but I can't really justify an extra $300.

If there is nothing better than the DS10 for the price then I'll go for that, especially as I am comfortable with the dealer here in Thailand, but I want to check and get it right before taking the plunge.

Thanks!

Nick

Hey guys...I have a Sony Z1U and am looking for a decent tripod with a good fluid head. I checked B&H and there are 4 different ones...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=293493&is=REG&addedTroughType=search - $1299.95

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=407385&is=REG&addedTroughType=search - $1099.95

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=284154&is=REG&addedTroughType=search - $1199.95

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=274103&is=REG&addedTroughType=search - $999.95

Which one is which? Why would I choose one over the other? Stage 1 vs. Stage 2. Carbon vs. Aluminum.

OR....is there something else I should look at in this price range...higher...lower?

I mainly am stationary filming the sermons at my church. We sometimes do go outside to other locations, but mainly inside in the sanctuary. I am using a $79 Slik right now and it just can't handle the weight/mass too well.

Any help would be great.

Any ideas guys. I am looking to make the purchase soon. The church videos are getting kinda shaky. :)

If you're staying inside I would go for the 2 stage aluminum. Carbon fiber is lightweight for packing around. I personally use the Solo sticks and love them for their fast set-up. It's nice having the neoprene wrapped legs for the cold weather - but in TX, I don't think it'll matter. So if you'll ever be going out in the field and carrying the setup for an extended period of time go CF. The solo sticks can also drop down to a low 14" if you lift the concentric locks and move each leg to position 2. I thought I'd use the "baby" feature down low more often, but honesty it's pretty rare.

On the head, the DS-10 has very smooth starts and stops. It's a little tighter than the Cartoni Focus, but not "sticky." Although I do dig the Cartoni's light up bubble leveler :)

A fully loaded Z1U will perform nicely on the DS-10 at counter balance position 1 and you have position 2 for a heavier camera if you go that route later. It's cool having the 2 inches of slide on the camera plate too. That way if you're using a wide angle or heavier batteries you can still slide to balance the camera back out by finding the center of gravity. Let me know if I can help out with getting you any of the Millers. We're a dealer and a DVinfo sponsor. Check out http://dvcreators.net/miller-tripods Use coupon code "dvinfo" for 5% off

Thanks for the reply. I did A LOT of reading and ended up ordering the Cartoni Focus system with the stage 1 sticks. Thought about the stage 2, but the church budget was already streched with the $1299 price of the Focus. I looked on your site and did not see that you guys carried the Cartoni Focus, so I had to go with B&H.

Thanks again for your reply. Lot of good info.

It's all good. You'll dig the Focus. Silky smooth at a nice price.

Hi All,

I am looking at getting a new tripod for my Z7. I have a Libec 950 at the moment which I had been using with my Z1 (which I have kept so now need 2 tripods).

I have been looking at the DS10 with the 2 stage legs (the 832 system).

What do you guys think?

Thanks
Andrew

I have a DS10 and love it. I've had mine for about three years... It's rugged, the legs extend and retract quickly, it has a leveling ball in the (fluid) head, and delivers silky smooth pans.